St Aloysius' College Welcome to S1 Booklet 2023-24

WELCOME TO ST ALOYSIUS’ COLLEGE

S1 WELCOME GUIDE

I would like to welcome you to the Senior School at St Aloysius’ College as your child begins their ‘Green Blazer Story’. These promise to be exciting times for your child. Our mission as a Jesuit, Catholic school is to work with you to ensure that each student fulfils his or her Godgiven potential in every aspect of their lives. This needs a strong partnership between home and school. We want your sons and daughters to share the Jesuit vision of ‘finding God in all things’ – in their studies, on the sports field, in drama and music, in their friendships, and in all aspects of their lives. We will cherish your child as an individual and we want them to be happy, kind, confident and successful in whichever direction their talents take them.

There are many people here to help your child meet the challenges ahead and to support them – and you. Your first point of contact is Mrs Hartshorne as Head of S1 and you can also try the Year Office On occasion, you may want to speak to someone else and Mr Ferrie, Assistant Head (Pastoral), oversees the Pastoral well-being of all children in the school.

Our school is built on strong, positive relationships and we are always happy to see parents. We know that while raising children can occasionally be tricky, things go best for them when they hear the same message from you and us. Please keep in touch and support us as we support you, especially if you have an idea of how we might improve or you would like some help. Do say ‘hello’ when we meet and introduce yourself: I can usually be found welcoming students to College every morning at our Hill Street entrance, and I will also be cheering on our sports teams on Saturday mornings! Come and join in!

I am delighted that you and your child are becoming part of our community. I hope that it will be a happy and fulfilling journey that enables your child to flourish.

AMDG

MrPatrickDoyle HeadofStAloysius'College

SECTION TWO

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SECTION

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SECTION FOUR STARTING SENIOR SCHOOL

PAGE 29

ONE SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD

MAKING THE TRANSITION

Taking the step from Primary 7 into S1 is an exciting and significant step in the life of every child. It is an important milestone which marks a change in the expectations of teachers and parents as pupils are given more responsibility for their own learning through independent working and self-organisation.

On entering the Senior School, pupils are expected to embrace a variety of new experiences, many of which demand skills and abilities they have not yet faced during their school careers. These skills have to be taught, and the pupils are supported in developing as they move through the Senior School.

PREPARING FOR SENIOR SCHOOL

It is only natural for your son or daughter to feel anxious ahead of their first day in the Senior School. Although many current Primary 7 pupils will be familiar with the Senior School building, all pupils will experience a change in approach to their education - particularly increased independence. Please do advise your child that they will not be the only one feeling nervous about the transition, and that the pastoral team are always on hand to help.

Parents help their children develop independence, so it is best to encourage your son or daughter to establish good work habits from their first day. The good habits and routines that children develop will stay with them throughout Senior School and beyond, through university and in their working lives.

SECTION ONE: SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD

THE S1 PASTORAL TEAM

INTRODUCING THE LOWER SCHOOL OFFICE

NOTEFROMMRSHARTSHORNE

Welcome to St Aloysius’ College. As Head of First Year, my role will be to oversee your child’s wellbeing and academic development during this very important stage of their education.

I know that the children will have the challenge of coping with timetables, getting to know different teachers and classrooms for every subject, carrying books around, and worrying about getting lost. In addition to this they will have the added task of making new friends. It is an exciting time and some children will take this new experience in their stride, but it is only natural for children and parents to have some anxiety about the transition from primary to secondary. It is for this reason that we aim to make this transition as smooth and as trouble free as possible. I am very much looking forward to getting to know your child and I promise to do everything possible to welcome and support your child throughout First Year.

CURAPERSONALIS

Cura personalis’ (care for the whole person) is a basic characteristic of Jesuit Education. Our curriculum is centred on the person, rather than the material to be covered and it is our role to support each child in fulfilling their potential and developing at a pace suited to their individual ability and personality. Our pastoral staff will take time to get to know each young person, as an individual, and, working in partnership with parents, will provide support and encouragement throughout their time at the College.

MRS HARTSHORNE HEAD OF S1

The Lower School Office is located on the ground floor of the Clavius Building.

MRSTRACHE LOWERSCHOOL PASTORALSECRETARY

MSLAMARRA ASSISTANTHEADOFS1

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

At St Aloysius’ College the Additional Support Team works closely with the Pastoral Team to ensure that every pupil is included and supported in their learning. Preparation begins well in advance of S1 for pupils with additional support needs in order to plan and provide appropriate support.

This may include the following:

• Working collaboratively with class teachers to provide individual learning profiles and support strategies

• In-class support provided by support assistants

• Monitoring for assessment arrangements

• Extra literacy classes provided by specialist staff

• Curricular adaptations, where appropriate

• Referral system, in-school screening and specialist testing

• Liaison with parents/carers and external agencies

• Use of technology and assistive software

FORMCLASSES

FORMCLASSES

When your child joins the Senior School, they will join a form class with an assigned Form Tutor.

The Form Tutor meets with the class for 15 minutes at the beginning of each school day.

In addition to registration and announcements, these classes are designed to establish close relationships between form tutors and pupils in their care.

S1 is split into three form classes, named after a combination of Scottish saints and the most recent Jesuit saint.

CLASS1B:SAINTBLANE

Saint Blane was a Bishop and Confessor in Scotland. He became a monk and was eventually bishop among the Picts.

CLASS1H:SAINTALBERTOHURTADOCRUCHAGA

Padre Hurtado was a Chilean Jesuit priest, lawyer, social worker and writer, founder of the Hogar de Cristo movement.

CLASS1K:SAINTKENTIGERN(MUNGO)

Saint Kentigern, more commonly known as Saint Mungo, is the patron saint of the city of Glasgow and was the founder of the city.

PARENTALPARTNERSHIP

PARTNERSHIP

Successful education is based on a supportive and co-operative partnership between home and school. It is important that parents take an active interest in their child’s school life and are seen to promote attitudes of hard work, involvement in the life of the school, and a commitment to their studies and co-curricular activities.

REPORTING

The College will keep you updated on your child’s progress through gradebooks, reports and parents’ evenings. If you have any queries about your child’s progress, please contact Mrs Hartshorne.

HOMEWORK

All homework will be set by teachers via the ‘Schoology’ app, which can be accessed by parents as well as pupils. Parents can sign up to Schoology and monitor homework either through the app or at www.schoology.com.

Please, encourage your child to set aside an hour and a half each night for homework and revision. Any time remaining should be used for consolidation.

LUNCHANDSNACKS

Our refectory operates a cashless system whereby pupils will be given an electronic swipe card. These cards will be given to pupils on the first day and can be topped up online using the www.parentpay.com secure system (for which a user ID and password will be issued by the College).

Payments can be made securely online at any time, day or night, and will be credited to the pupil’s card within a few minutes. The Parentpay website also allows parents to monitor the balance remaining on their child’s card and to set up automated alerts when the balance falls below a specified level, thus ensur-ing that cards can be kept in the necessary credit.

Pupils are welcome to bring a packed lunch.

S1 have a dedicated social space (Clavius forum) and playground for interval and lunch time.

SECTIONONE:SUPPORTINGYOURCHILD

PARENTALPARTNERSHIP

HOMEROUTINES

Establish a daily routine as early as possible, with clear times and conditions for homework both during the week and at weekends. Books, equipment and kit for the next day should be prepared the night before. It is helpful for parents to take a copy of their child’s timetable and exam schedules, particularly for Games and PE days.

APLACEFORSTUDY

It is helpful for pupils if there is a study space at home, including a desk space, stationery supplies and computing equipment. Routines minimising distractions are also helpful for pupils.

PARENTALPARTNERSHIP

COMPUTERSANDIPADS

It is essential for pupils to have a device with internet access at home. The College has developed web-based resources for learning and, as a result, class notes and homework assignments are increasingly given to pupils via Schoology.

We advise parents/carers to monitor computer use during homework time, particularly for gaming and social networking. Parents/carers will be sent guidance on how to set up parental controls on iPads to help with this. You can also access how-to videos via the QR code below:

USEOFIPADS

Pupils will carry an iPad from class to class. Where appropriate, pupils will use their iPads to enhance their learning in the classroom. Pupils have a responsibility to decide when and how to use them at home.

Pupils should read carefully the acceptable use policy for IT equipment in school, which they have to agree to prior to use. Pupils are expected to use their iPads responsibly and should not use social media or messaging services during school time.

Pupils can use their own office software (e.g. Pages, Keynote) and the school will provide access to web-based versions of Office 365. The school will set the pupil username to be the same, or similiar, for all systems it controls but pupil passwords are not controlled by the College.

Teachers use Apple Classroom as a tool to monitor activity and to manage the use of iPads in their class. Pupils are expected to join the Apple Classroom classes when asked, and to accept the requirements to share screen. This is only for the duration of the class and teachers have no way of monitoring iPad activity away from the College.

If pupils forget their iPad or it is out of action for repair, there will be a small stock in the year office that may be borrowed.

If there are any other problems, please contact Mr Graeme Smith, Head of Digital Learning, at GSmith@staloysius.org

CO-CURRICULARACTIVITIES

As a school, we encourage personal excellence and a delight in learning. We look to form men and women for others in a way that encourages all of their God-given talents – which is why we offer a wide-ranging programme of co-curricular activities.

Our Music department is thriving with several outstanding choirs, including the auditioned Schola Programme, as well as an array of instrumental tuition. Our Outdoor Education Programme, meanwhile, is embedded into the life of the school, as we develop pupils’ appreciation of open-air pursuits from S1, with kayaking and climbing opportunities providing children the chance to prepare for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Of course, there are competitive fixtures in our main sports – Rugby and Hockey – but young people also have the opportunity to represent the College in a range of other sports including Football, Athletics, Basketball, and Swimming.

Our annual productions showcase the talent of the Drama Club – just one of many clubs and activities offered throughout the week, before school, at lunch and after school; from Strength & Conditioning to opera group and basketball club. Many of these groups and others, offer trips in the UK and abroad; from the Lake District to countries such as France and Iceland.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION

We offer a Christian formation in the Jesuit tradition which encourages our young people to grow in the virtues seen on the Jesuit Pupil Profile (see back page). This tradition places great trust in the individual child in their journey to seek the truth. In practice this involves a teaching style and a presentation of Christianity that encourages a questioning mentality and regular self-reflection.

We hope that each young person entrusted to our care leaves as an adult who is open to growth, intellectually competent, loving and committed to doing justice, and who has considered the importance of faith and belief in the context of a secular society.

We offer each of our young people the opportunity to begin or develop their relationship with Jesus Christ. Pupils may do this through daily prayer, daily voluntary Mass in the Chapel and whole school Mass and assembly.

The College has an extensive retreat programme, providing opportunities in each year for time away from the daily routine to explore themes in Christian Spirituality, get to know themselves, their peers and God better, and to have fun.

MASSOFDEDICATION

The First Year Mass of Dedication will be held in the first term. The Mass will be in the St Aloysius’ Church and will be followed by a reception. This is such an important event in the school calendar as it is an opportunity for us to come together to pray for a successful year for our new First Year pupils. We expect all young people (and hopefully their parents) to attend.

SECTION

TWO GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS

Pupils come to school to learn, to make the most of their gifts and talents, and to contribute to the life of the school.

As a member of the St Aloysius’ College community, pupils are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour and to have a positive and purposeful attitude to school life.

SECTIONTWO:GUIDELINESANDEXPECTATIONS EXPECTATIONSOFPUPILS

The school expects pupils to:

HAVE RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES BY:

• Taking responsibility for your own development (including setting clear goals for your own academic, social, creative, spiritual and physical formation and taking the necessary steps to realise their goals)

• Developing the habit of reflection on your daily life, in and out of school

• Building up self-discipline (acting responsibly in your words and actions)

•Behaving in a safe way (including respecting boundaries, following safety instructions, using equipment and resources properly, not bringing forbidden items to school, and refraining from fooling around)

• Making healthy choices and being “fit for school” (including eating well, getting enough sleep, balancing your school and out-of-school commitments, and having good attendance)

• Developing and maintaining a strong personal integrity

•Being smart and tidy in your appearance and uniform

HAVE RESPECT FOR THEIR STUDIES BY:

• Arriving punctually for lessons and with the books and equipment you will need

• Participating in the lesson in a positive way, getting the most out of it for yourself and others in the class

• Doing nothing to impede the teacher teaching or pupils learning

• Doing homework, revision and independent study

• Keeping a record of grades and taking steps to improve

SECTION TWO: GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS EXPECTATIONS OF PUPILS

HAVE RESPECT FOR THEIR SCHOOL COMMUNITY BY:

•Being committed to the aims and values of the school (including building a Christian community, high academic standards, care for each individual, excellence in all we do)

•Being compassionate towards others and considerate of the feelings and needs of your fellow pupils

•Having respect for all staff (both teachers and support staff)

• Being attentive to school rules and actively following teacher instructions

• Being an ambassador for the College, both in and out of school

• Taking pride in and care of your school environment (including treating buildings, furniture and resources with respect and maintaining a litter free environment

•Using your talents to become actively involved in the life and activities of the school (including worship and retreats, social events, sport, co-curricular activities, and House competitions) and honouring the commitments you make

• Being men and women for others by participating in the outreach, service and charity activities which are central to the Christian life of the school

EXPECTATIONS OF PUPILS

IN THE CLASSROOM:

1. Arrive prepared with the correct books, jotters, charged iPads, pens and any other equipment needed.

2. Be punctual – arrive on time for every lesson and settle down ready to learn at your allocated desk.

3. Be courteous – show good manners at all times.

4. Listen and follow your teacher’s instructions.

5. Ask if you do not understand or are not sure about something.

6. Participate with a positive attitude to learning.

7. Respect the contributions, work, effort and points of view of your fellow pupils.

8. Present work to the highest standards, beginning every piece of work with AMDG at the top of the page.

9.Make sure that homework and other assignments are given your best effort and handed in on time.

10. Look after the environment keep your classroom and school tidy, free of litter and graffiti; take care of books, iPads, furniture & resources.

11. Remember that energy drinks and chewing gum are not permitted in school.

12. Remember for safety there should be no food containing any form of nuts brought into school.

13. Be smart and tidy in your appearance and wear your uniform well.

SECTION TWO: GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS EXPECTATIONS OF STAFF

At St Aloysius’ College, we expect the highest standard from the whole Aloysian community. We view a child’s education as a partnership between staff, parents and pupils in collaboration. In return for adhering to the school guidlines and expectations, parents and pupils can expect the following from College staff:

• Excellent teaching

•Fairness, equality and respect

• Compassionate pastoral support, advice and a personal interest in your progress and school life (through your Form Tutor and Head of Year)

• A wide range of fulfilling and challenging co-curricular activities

•A safe environment in which you can flourish

SECTION TWO: GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS UNIFORM

UNIFORMANDAPPEARANCERULES

The correct wearing of uniform and the general appearance of pupils are very important matters. The pupils of St Aloysius’ College take the reputation of the school with them wherever they go in uniform and it is therefore vital that our uniform is always worn appropriately and with dignity.

School uniform serves to shelter children and young people from the everchanging demands of fashion by ensuring a level of uniformity, equality and belonging. It promotes a positive learning environment and high expectations. It also means there is less of a socioeconomic distinction that can be made between pupils.

These principles are the rationale behind the following standards which we expect from all pupils.

• Blazers are to be worn to assembly, church, when moving from class to class and travelling to and from school.

• Shirts are to be tucked in; collars and ties are to be done up. Revere collar shirts are an acceptable option.

• Socks are to be plain mid-grey. Tights are to be black.

• Trousers are to be mid-grey and tailored (not dark grey, charcoal or black). Skirts are to be mid-grey 8-box pleated and at least knee length.

• Shoes are to be black, plain, formal and polished; boots are not permitted except when there is: snow or icy conditions but a change of shoes should be worn indoors; NB black trainers-style shoes are not acceptable as College Uniform.

• If a scarf is worn it is to be the approved school scarf available from the school outfitters, or black, green, grey.

• Any other items of clothing (coats, hats, gloves, hair accessories) are to conform in colour (dark green, grey, black) and style so as to be compatible with and not detract from the school uniform.

• Bags should be plain and of dark colour. S1-S3 pupils must have the College kit bag for games.

• Jewellery is not to be worn (including wrist bands, bracelets and rings), plain stud in the lobe of each ear is permitted

• Hair should be tidy and of natural colour. Extremely short cropped hair is not acceptable (#1 and #2 cuts are not acceptable). Long hair should be tied back in practical subjects or for health & safety reasons. Facial hair should be neatly trimmed.

• Make-up is not to be worn at all in S1-S3. In S4-S6 make-up may be worn provided it is natural and minimal. Eye makeup, fake tan and nail polish are not permitted for S1 to S6.

• Games and PE kit are to be worn as indicated in the uniform lists; pupils are strictly forbidden to wear items of clothing in the colours and style of any professional football team, at any time.

• House ties are to be worn. School badges, Colours and Awards are part of school uniform.

• All school clothing is to be clearly marked with the owner’s name.

UNIFORMSUPPLY

To ensure consistency of uniform quality, colour and style, the College uniform is provided by online supplier, Schoolblazer, www.schoolblazer.com.

Further information for purchasing uniform is included in your new parents’ pack.

SENIORSCHOOLUNIFORM

•College blazer

•House tie

•White shirt (optional revere collar)

•College v-neck jumper (optional green jumper for S6)

•Mid-grey trousers or mid-grey, 8-box pleated skirt

•Grey socks (with school colours) or black tights

•Formal black shoes

PE KIT

• College PE shirt (round or V-neck)

• College PE training top (optional)

• College PE shorts

• Plain black Lycra leggings (optional)

• White sports socks

• Trainers (non-marking soles)

GAMESKIT

RUGBYKIT

• College Rugby shirt

• College rugby shorts

• College games socks

• College base layer (optional)

• Boots (studs or moulded studs)

• College Mid layer

• College tracksuit or black College training pant

• Gumshield

• College games bag

• Head guard (optional)

HOCKEYKIT

• College games shirt (V-neck) or College PE shirt (round-neck)

• College hockey skort or shorts

• College games socks

• College base layer (optional)

• Astroturf shoes

• College tracksuit or black College training pant

• College mid-layer

• Plain black Lycra leggings

• Gumshield

• College games bag

• Hockey stick

• Shin guards

WHERE POSSIBLE, PLEASE MARK ITEMS WITH PUPIL NAME

SECTIONTHREE COMMUNICATION

In dealing with enquiries, letters, concerns or complaints from parents, College staff will endeavour to:

•Reply promptly (usually within 48-hours)

•Be friendly, courteous and supportive

•Be professional

• Work in partnership with families to achieve positive outcomes

SECTIONTHREE:COMMUNICATION WHOTOCONTACT

For matters to be dealt with effectively, it is important that they are directed to the most appropriate person. Your first point of contact for all concerns, academic or pastoral, is:

KEYSENIORSCHOOLCONTACTS

Senior School

All concerns academic or pastoral

Attendance or timekeeping matters

S1 Mrs Hartshorne GHartshorne@staloysius.org

S2 Mr Meechan DMeechan@staloysius.org

S3 Mrs Piggot RPiggot@staloysius.org

S4 Mrs Freer RFreer@staloysius.org

S5 Mrs Conroy JConroy@staloysius.org

S6 Miss Lawrie ELawrie@staloysius.org

Mrs Trache S1-S3 (Lower School Office): 0141 331 9250

Mrs Ross S4-S6 (Upper School Office): 0141 331 9230

OTHERKEYCONTACTS

NAME/TITLE

Main Reception

Mr Doyle, Head Teacher

CONTACT DETAILS

0141 332 3190

PDoyle@staloysius.org 0141 332 3190

Mrs Harper (PA to Head Teacher) MHarper@staloysius.org

0141 331 9204

Mrs Erskine, Senior Depute IErskine@staloysius.org

Ms Catani (PA to Senior Depute and Safeguarding Administrator)

Mr Cluckie Academic Depute

Mr Ferrie Assistant Head, Pastoral

0141 332 3190

GCatani@staloysius.org

JCluckie@staloysius.org

0141 332 3190

RFerrie@staloysius.org

0141 332 3190

0141 331 9278 School Nurses

medical@staloysius.org

0141 331 9208

In the first instance, parents are asked not to contact individual subject teachers directly. If you are dissatisfied with the response you have received or with the resolution of a matter, please write directly to the Head Teacher. The College Complaints Policy is available in the Policies section of the Colleg website.

SAFEGUARDINGANDCHILDPROTECTION

Our Commitment to Safeguarding:

St Aloysius’ College is committed to promoting and safeguarding the wellbeing and protection of children and young people. The College believes it is everyone’s collaborative responsibility to keep children and young people safe. The College upholds every child’s right to the care and protection that promotes their human growth and sense of personal worth and dignity.

THESAFEGUARDINGTEAM

The Safeguarding Team are responsible for all safeguarding work across the College (3-18). This work includes:

• Creating and implementing safeguarding policies and procedures

• All staff training and development

• Addressing all child protection concerns

• Reporting, storing and retaining child protection records

• Promoting an ethos of safeguarding throughout the College

• Liaising with external agencies and appropriate authorities

Isabelle Erskine – Senior Depute & College

Safeguarding Lead

Overall responsibility for safeguarding in the College across Kindergarten, Junior School and Senior School.

Ryan Ferrie – Assistant Head (Pastoral) and Assistant

Safeguarding Lead

Oversees Pastoral Care within the Senior School, supporting the work of the Heads of Year and is a key member of the Safeguarding Team.

Emma Doherty – Junior School Depute (Pastoral) and Assistant Safeguarding Lead

Oversees Pastoral Care within the Junior School and is a key member of the Safeguarding Team.

Tina Campbell – Safeguarding Governor

Tina Campbell is the safeguarding governor and member of the safeguarding commission.

Gilda Catani – PA to Senior Depute and Safeguarding Administrator

Gilda Catani is a member of the Safeguarding Team and provides administrative support for the Safeguarding Team, Committee and Commission.

IErskine@staloysius.org

0141 332 3190 RFerrie@staloysius.org

0141 332 3190

EDoherty@staloysius.org

0141 332 3190

0141 332 3190

GCatani@staloysius.org

0141 331 9278

ABSENCEPROCEDURES

ABSENCEDUETOILLNESS

When a pupil is absent due to illness or for some other reason, parents are asked to phone the relevant year office with this information on the first day and give regular updates thereafter until the child returns to school.

ABSENCEFORAPPOINTMENTS

Where a parent/carer knows in advance that their child will need time off school for an appointment, the parent/carer should contact the school. The Head of Year will then issue a permission slip, allowing the pupil to leave class at the necessary time.

LATEARRIVALTOSCHOOL

We ask that parents/carers telephone the appropriate Year Office if your child is going to be late for school. If your child does arrive late, they should report to the Year Office to sign in.

OFFGAMESPROCEDURE

On receipt of written permission from a parent requesting a pupil to be excused from games, pupils will be asked to join the rest of the children at the sports ground. All requests for absence at games should be submitted to the Director of Sport. Pupils who are off games should still bring the College tracksuit and change out of uniform.

MEDICALPROVISION

We have two qualified nurses on site to care for all the children in the school. Should your child require any medication or treatment during the school day, please inform the nurse in writing.

CONTACTINGLOWERSCHOOLOFFICEBYTELEPHONE

If you wish to report an absence, medical/dental appointment or late arrival, please telephone Mrs Anna Trache, Pastoral Secretary, on 0141 331 9250.

PARENTALEMAIL

The College uses My School Portal (see Online Tools section) and Email as the principal means of contacting parents with information or to arrange appointments. It would be helpful if you could check your junk or spam folders regularly to ensure all email from the College is marked as safe.

Doing this will ensure you receive all of our messages and letters. Please ensure we have your most up-to-date email address and check your inbox regularly.

SECTION THREE: COMMUNICATION

ONLINE TOOLS

WEBSITE

The school website can be accessed at www.staloysius.org

Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the information in the ‘Our Story’ section, which lays out our aspirations for Aloysian pupils and explains the unique nature of a Jesuit education.

For parents, the key section is ‘Parent Information’ in ‘Aloysian Life’. It is a good idea to save this as a bookmark or favourite on your smartphone, computer or tablet. In this section, you can find up to date information such as news, notices, music rotas, co-curricular timetables and refectory menus. Key contacts and calendar events are also available in this section.

Saturday sports fixture information is also a key resource accessed via the website. Please save www.staloysius.org/sportsfixtures as a bookmark or favourite. The status of sports fixtures (i.e. on, off) and the venue/date information is updated live on-site for your convenience.

SHARE YOUR STORIES

Should you have any stories to share about your child, or success stories, please do let us know by contacting:

Marketing and Communications Department

Tel: 0141 332 3190 | Email communications@staloysius.org

SOCIALMEDIA

College social media is an effective way for parents to enjoy a snapshot of life at St Aloysius’ College and also to interact with other College parents as part of our community. It is also a key way in which we promote our community to the wider world.

We try to share as many aspects of College life as possible, although this can sometimes be difficult as there are so many events happening every day! It is important to remember that the social media pages are not used for basic information sharing, please refer to the website for this.

Keep your eyes peeled for fun photographs and news from Hill Street by following our Facebook page www.facebook.com/stalsglasgow, Twitter feed www.twitter.com/stalsglasgow and Instagram page www.instagram.com/staloysiusglasgow

SCHOOLOGY

Schoology is a protected, social media website which allows teachers, pupils and parents to collaborate in education, creating, managing and sharing content. Teachers can use the site to post discussion questions, homework, files, links, and other information.

Students are able to access all class information, participate in class discussions, stay organised with a school calendar, download and print files from home, and much more. Parents are able to observe their student’s assignments and calendars while staying involved in their education. www.schoology.com

MYSCHOOLPORTAL

My School Portal is your main communication source as a parent or carer. When you login to the portal, you will be able to access your child's timetable, attendance records, reports as well as a range of school information. This is where the majority of school emails will be sent through. You will receive an email notification and all emails will be stored in the portal. You will still email the school via your child's Head of Year for any individual contact of an academic or pastoral nature, however, whole school or group emails will be sent via the portal. You can access the portal via the College website.

The portal is a new software and will launch at the beginning of the new term. More information on this will follow separately.

SECTIONTHREE:COMMUNICATION REPORTING

PARENTS’EVENINGS

Parents’ evenings are held once a year. Parents/Carers’ are encouraged to attend this evening with their son or daughter. The date will be advised at the start of the new academic year. They are an opportunity to discuss progress with individual subject teachers. Appointments with each teacher last around 5 minutes.

REPORTS

Reports from subject teachers and from the Head of Year will be published twice a year. Parents’/Carers’ are encouraged to discuss the report with their child.

DEALINGWITHCONCERNS

Parents should contact their child’s Head of Year if they have any questions or concerns. If a teacher has a concern about your child you may be contacted by the Head of Year or by a Head of Department via telephone or email.

SECTION THREE:

COMMUNICATION

RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT

The College recognises and rewards achievement in all areas of the curriculum and in co-curricular exploits through its awards system.

MERIT CERTIFICATES

Merit Certificates are awarded throughout the school for achievement or effort worthy of particular recognition, in studies, service to the school or community, sport or co-curricular activities. Staff will award Merit Certificates at the end of each term.

PRIZES

Prizes for academic achievement and effort, sport, arts and other activities are awarded each year at Prize Giving.

ACADEMIC DISTINCTION

Academic Distinctions are awarded to the top performing pupils in each subject, usually in the Summer term.

AWARDS BADGES

Awards badges are issued in years S1 - S3 for commitment and personal achievement in sports and co-curricular activities.

STARTINGSENIORSCHOOL

KEYDATES

16th August, 2023 (9am-11am) Induction Morning Start of Term

17th August, 2023

September, 2023

Term 1

Term 2

Spring Term

TBC

May, 2024

June, 2024

Mass of Dedication

S1 Pantomime

S1 Social

S1 Parents' Evening Outdoor Ed Trip

S1 Exams

S1 Retreat

Exact dates will be confirmed and sent to you as soon as possible.

USING SCHOOLOGY EFFECTIVELY

• Understand how Schoology works - you will be given training, but ask if there is anything you are unsure about.

• Know the homework timetable – what homework you tend to receive on which days.

• Your teacher will record your homework in Schoology

• They will also record when the homework has to be done for.

• If you are unsure what the homework task means, ask the teacher, either in person or via Schoology.

• Check Schoology when you get home to remind you of what you have to do.

• Try to work by yourself to complete the tasks, spending the correct amount of time.

• Do the homework on the night it is set, rather than the night before it is due in. Beware of letting homework build up so that you end up with lots to do on one night.

• Take the completed homework to school on the correct day.

BOOKS AND EQUIPMENT

•Use an organised system for keeping books and equipment – have a folder for each subject.

•Use the timetable to check what lessons are on each day and to help organise what needs to be brought to school.

•Remember special equipment like calculator, protractor and ruler for Maths.

• Always bring your iPad to school.

THANK YOU

We at St Aloysius’ College very much want to help your child to have a successful and happy education at the College and will do all in our power to achieve this.

We are very grateful to you for entrusting us with this very important task, and value your help and support in this crucial partnership between school and home.

MrsIsabelleErskine SeniorDepute