PROSPECTUS
TEACHING STAFF . Headteacher: M. James School Development, Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Appraiser, Performance Management, Socrates, ESGC.
PREPARATION PLANNING ASSESSMENT ( PPA) COVER K. Croall KS2 G. Allan STF1 M. Thomas STF2 J. Dawson Reception ASSOCIATE STAFF - NNEB
Deputy Headteacher: D. Phillips Y5 Mentor, Team Leader, Art and Display, Assessment and Reports. Y6 TLR 2: J. Thomas Senior Mentor, R.E., Music, Cwricwlwm Cymraeg, Performance Management Team leader. Y4 D. Rezabek English, Literacy, Library. Y3 N. Whitehouse Welsh, European Links, P.E. Y2 J. Parvin Mentor, Numeracy, History C. Lewis Design and Technology. G. Calcutt Y1 R. Shackley Rec C. Johns Early Years, Home School Links. Nursery M. Griffiths School Council,
D. Crocker J. Dawson G. Allan M. Thomas
Mainstream, SEN Nursery, Reception KS1 STF KS2 STF
LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANTS M. Cross S. Allard E. Symons V. Stote
KS1 KS1 KS2 KS1/2
L.S.A. INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT S. Morgan, S. Thomas, K. Fletcher, E. Buchanan, V. Cooze, G. Lawrence, S. Allard, H. Clatworthy, J. Ewing, J. Matthias DINNER/PLAY SUPERVISOR Senior Supervisor: Supervisors:
S. Morgan J. Ewing, J. Matthias G. Lawrence.
SPECIALIST TEACHING FACILITY KS1 G. Petherbridge SENCO, EAL, Quality Mark. KS2 S. Evans Science, Eco-Schools. Outdoor Development, TEACHING SUPPORT G. Morris ICT, I.E.Ps, Dyslexia, Early Intervention Teacher.
WRAPAROUND S. Nuzum. AFTER SCHOOL CLUB A.M. Graham. BREAKFAST CLUB M. Cross, E. Buchanan. CARETAKER:
S. Totterdell
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM M. James, D. Phillips, J. Thomas, G. Petherbridge. Monitor and evaluate whole school issues.
SECRETARY:
C. Green
THE GOVERNING BODY The Governing Body of Whitestone Primary is made up of parents, teachers, support staff at the school, local council representatives, community representatives and co-opted members from the local community. All make a valuable contribution to the governing of the school and believe in adopting a pro-active approach to their work. The Governing Body has legal duties, powers and responsibilities and are appointed to help decide what is taught within the school, to monitor its performance, decide how the budget is spent, interview and select staff and set codes of behaviour and discipline. They normally meet twice a term as the full Governing Body. Smaller subcommittees meet more regularly and report findings and recommendations to the main Body. Any one wishing to contact any governor can do so at any time. All will be happy and willing to help. Clerk to governors: G Goodhead, 01792 403842 gwyneth.goodhead@swansea.gov.uk MEMBERS Mr G Ford
Chair of Governors Co-opted Governor 14/10/2008-13/10/2012 CC D Thomas LEA Representative 1/9/2008-31/8/2012 CC P Jones Community Council 21/4/2009 – 20/4/2013 Mrs J James Parent Governor 9/12/2006-8/12/2010 Mr W James Co-opted Governor 14/10/2008-13/10/2012 Mr P Mellor LEA Representative 30/11/2006-29/11/2010 Mrs F Funnell Parent Governor 20/5/2008–19/5/2012 Mrs S Dando Parent Governor 23/10/2008 – 22/10/2012 Mr G Lawrence Non-Teaching Rep 15/02/2009-14/02/2013 Mrs J Thomas Teacher Governor 12/9/2007-11/9/2011 Mrs M James Head Teacher Whitestone.Primaryschool@swanseaedunet.gov.uk Mrs D Phillips Deputy Head Teacher
OFFICERS AND FORMATION OF SUBCOMMITTEES Finance: Mrs J James, Mrs M James, Cllr D Thomas, Mr G Ford, Mrs F Funnell. Curriculum: Mr W James, Mrs J Thomas, Mrs F Funnell, Mrs M James. Premises/Health and Safety Mr G Ford, Mrs M James, Mr P Mellor, Cllr D Thomas SEN: Mrs S Dando, Mr G Lawrence, Mr G Ford. Appointments: Mrs M James, Mr G Ford, Cllr D Thomas, Mrs J James. Pay and Performance: Mrs M James, Mr G Ford, Mrs J James, Cllr D Thomas. Appeals: Mr P Mellor, Mrs J Thomas, Mr W James, Mrs S Dando. Clerk to Governors: Mrs Gwyneth Goodhead 6 Rushwind Close, West Cross, SA3 5RF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Each year the Governors prepare a 'Report to Parents' which summarises the activities and matters discussed during the previous year by each committee, a Head's Report and a `Comparative Assessment Table' of SATs at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The meeting is not only informative but an excellent opportunity to meet your Governors. PUPIL & GOVERNOR UNIT COUNTY HALL 01792 636551 Gives advice to Governors and parents and also formulates a training programme for new and serving Governors to support the work taking place in the school.
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THE CURRICULUM IN THE EARLY YEARS The Nursery and Reception Classes are a celebration of children's early years and the curriculum is organised to reflect this through the seven desirable outcomes. • Personal and Social Development. • Well being and, Cultural Diversity . • Language, Literacy and • Communication skills. • Mathematical Development. • Knowledge and Understanding of the World. • Physical Development. • Creative Development. • Welsh Language Development. The importance of creative, structured play is acknowledged and children will be given active involvement in an environment rich with possibilities. From 2008 the Foundation phase will be rolled up through the school with its emphasis on first hand experiences, the greater use of our outdoors for learning experiences and to support this there will be trained additional associate staff. THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM IN WALES There are common requirements for all pupils. Access for all and opportunities where appropriate, in all National Curriculum subjects for pupils to develop and apply common requirements related to communication, mathematics, information technology, problem solving and creative skills and to the curriculum cymraeg and personal and social education. Core subjects. Mathematics, English, Science, Foundation Welsh as a second language, Design and Technology, Information Technology, History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, Personal and Social Education. At Key Stage 1 - 4 - 7 year old At this stage the main building blocks of learning experiences are laid. The emphasis will be on developing essential skills of communication, literacy and numeracy. By providing a broad rich curriculum using an integrated approach, we aim to develop the children's interests whilst also recognizing their level of maturity. These are important years where children learn how to observe, listen, respond and develop not only as individuals, but also as caring members of our community.
At Key Sage 2 - 8-11 year old The essential skills of communication, literacy and numeracy will still be the central focus of our curriculum. But, as their understanding of the different disciplines increases, more time will be given to science and the foundation subjects. The curriculum will take place within an integrated theme where it is meaningful and relevant. Children will be encouraged to develop self confidence, independence in learning and higher order skills In a range of situations. We are currently updating our schemes of work to reflect the new curriculum and its emphasis on the Key skills TRANSITION In line with Welsh Assembly guidance we have regular meetings to share many aspects of curriculum to ensure continuity and progress with our link school Bishop Gore. We are currently using the TASC wheel to aid children in their research skills and to help them become more independent learners. ASSESSMENT In the first term of Reception your child will participate in Baseline Assessment and the results of this are used to inform the next teaching and learning steps for your child. Then as your child progresses through each academic year, teachers will make a variety of assessments of your child's achievements both informal and more formally through commercially produced materials. These will be used for diagnostic purposes and results will form the basis for future learning opportunities. At the age of 7 your child will be tested by the teacher using national standard assessment tasks as guidance. At the age of 11 your child will take formal assessment tests, SATs. These are published in the annual reports and a comparative table of national results will inform you of your child's progress against local and national averages. On an informal level - there will be constant assessment of your children's work occurring. This will take the form of comments in class, comments when marking work, informal feedback as well as the setting of individual targets written in the 'Home School Link Book'. We value you and your child's involvement in this process and welcome comments and self-review targets. All these assessments are aimed at improving the quality of your child's education.
STAGED REFERRAL, SUPERVISED BY HEADTEACHER AND S.E.N.C.O We plan to meet the needs of all pupils with SEN, whether mild or severe, through the staged referral system. We have a `Graduated Response' in pine with the Code of Practice for Wales. This recognises that there is a continuum of need and where necessary, increasing specialist expertise should be brought to support the child experiencing difficulties. The needs of many children are met by the normal differentiation that takes place in class. School Action: If your child experiences difficulty with any aspect of school, then you will be informed and the class teacher will try to resolve the problem by giving your child extra attention/work. Often the support teacher is involved and an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) with specific strategies will be set, School Action Plus: At this stage the child will have detailed Individual Education Plan (IEP) with specific strategies and targets and often outside agencies will be involved. Many of these children receive Support Teaching in small groups. The outside professionals may include the Speech Therapist, Educational Psychologist, Occupational and Physiotherapist, Challenging Behaviour Team etc. They may work with the child or their advice will be used in writing the new IEP. STATEMENT Whether to make a formal Statement of Educational Needs is decided at this stage. This is a legal document outlining their needs and describing how these needs will be met. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES It is our policy to ensure that every child is given equal access to all aspects of school life whatever their race, sex, class or disability. ABLE & TALENTED We assess the ongoing development of all our children and aim through our diverse and varied curriculum to meet the needs of all our children but also to give opportunities for our children to find their particular talent or preferred learning style. These are also explored through our Crystal Classes where children are given opportunities to engage in a range of activities for an extended period of time so that the most able may be stretched and challenged.
SPECIAL NEEDS Whitestone is also designated for pupils with physical disabilities and is specially adapted for these children. It also has Infant and Junior Specialist Teaching Facilities (STFs), which cater for children with a range of needs. It is the school's aim that all our children should reach their potential and it tries to ensure that the children with SEN are provided with the support, the teaching and the equipment they need to achieve this. All our pupils are very much part of the school and the presence of pupils with SEN benefits the whole school community by giving our children a positive view of disability. Whitestone is very proud of its integration and inclusion of pupils with SEN and all the staff are committed to this policy. There are several statemented pupils in the mainstream classes (some with support) and each of the pupils in the STFs has an integration programme. PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES Our school has excellent grounds and we have a large pitch and a hard court. There is a wide range of sports activities undertaken during the year where children represent the school. These include swimming, rugby, football, cricket, netball, short tennis, rounders, gymnastics, athletics, cross-country and chess. Any child taking part represents the school and this is recognised as a privilege equal to academic and artistic achievement. It also fosters team spirit and the development of skills. We aim to give children of all abilities the opportunity to participate in competitive events. In Physical Education children are expected to wear shorts, t-shirt and gym shoes (not heavy trainers). Swimming lessons are generally given to KS2 pupils and they will need a swimming costume and towel. Our children regularly participate in the county's swimming galas -where we often have our fair share of success.
MUSIC Music plays an important part in the everyday life of the school. Music education begins in the Nursery and continues throughout the Infant years with opportunities for creative music, Percussion playing, singing and a variety of presentations From Y2 onwards all children are taught to play the descant recorder. In the Juniors there are also opportunities for children to play the violin, cello, flute, clarinet and trumpet. The tuition is provided by the City and County of Swansea Peripatetic Service. There is an after school orchestra club and children play regularly in whole school assemblies. The school choir complements our instrumental playing. Musical achievement is always celebrated at Whitestone and is a strong feature of school life, every opportunity is given for all children to perform. In addition to the concerts given in school, we have participated in numerous other activities such as concerts for N.A.P.E., the Primary Proms at Bishop Gore, the Evening Post Festival for Youth Music and most recently composing with the Welsh National Opera and drumming, dancing and performing for Mumbles community on St David's Day. DANCE/DRAMA Children regularly perform in class assemblies and whole school production and these provide many opportunities for both creative improvisation and the challenges of learning script. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION We follow guidelines laid down by the LEA and religious education follows a broadly Christian tradition whilst taking into account and celebrating traditions of other cultures and religions. The school participates in a daily act of collective worship, which in its various forms provides a focus for the school as a community. SEX EDUCATION The school's programme of sex education as agreed by the Governing Body, forms part of the Personal and Social Education Framework of the National Curriculum. Sexual education, within P.S.E. framework, is mainly taught in an integrated way with other subjects and will focus on those aspects related to the skills, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and values, needed over both Key Stages. The
main emphasis is upon pupil's growing awareness of themselves both physically and emotionally in the context of their relationships with friends and family, Parents may view the policy and discuss the teaching materials used. Parents have the right to withdraw their children, should hey so wish, for sex education. (Education Act 1993). SCHOOL VISITS Children enjoy visiting places and learn much from firsthand experiences. We have an extensive programme of educational visits linked to different areas of the curriculum. We ask for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of each visit which is spread across the year and collected at the beginning of each term. Costs vary according to the class and they increase as the children tend to go further afield higher up the school. We try to keep costs manageable but anyone experiencing difficulty meeting the costs, are always welcome to approach the Head. We organise one residential visit a year in Year 6. This is an excellent opportunity for studies of areas of contrast. if you are in receipt of Income Support you may be entitled to financial assistance. THE EUROPEAN EDUCATIONAL PROJECT We have well established links with primary schools in Europe and received an all Wales award for 'Excellence in our International Work' by the British Council. This extra dimension has greatly increased our children's awareness of their place in Europe and also given them real life opportunities in which to share their Welsh identity. This has also enabled the pupils to communicate via various means, including email, and to use the Internet widely although we still enjoy the excitement of opening a box of `goodies' from our partner schools. We are currently in the third year of our Comenius 'Eurokids' project with schools from Poland, Italy, Spain, Romania and Bulgaria.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT& GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP We are increasing our pupils' understanding of the world through our work on the Eco committee, Fruitopia, our Healthy schools 째:n i and many aspects of our Science, Geography and PSE curriculum. This year we hope to develop our first links with a school in China and hope to develop links with other schools across the world as the opportunity arises. These connections to pupils in other countries will give real meaning to our global dimension in the curriculum. Having achieved phase and II as a 'Healthy School' we are working toward further phase initiatives and seeking to become a 'Fairtrade School'. WELSH LANGUAGE Under the National Curriculum, Welsh is taught as a second language at Whitestone. We have supportive and regular links with advisory staff to keep abreast with the current developments in language teaching. All staff have received training in teaching Welsh and we aim to build the use of the Welsh language into the everyday life of the school. This development begins in the Nursery with games, rhymes and songs and continues through the Key Stages through discussions, paired and group activities, videos and regular use of everyday words and phrases. HOMEWORK All children are expected to read at home in the evening on a regular basis. Our `Home School Link Book' provides opportunities for both parents and staff to make constructive comments on your child's progress in reading. Older children are given spelling exercises, tables and projects, which are an extension of the class themes. If there is any concern about the range or quantity of homework please contact the class teacher to discuss any issues. It is always possible to provide extension work or to modify work given. Opportunities to engage in independent research are seen as a useful preparation for Secondary School. SCHOOLS COUNCIL We value the contribution that children make to the life of the school and through their council, pupils have been involved in improving our teaching and learning policy, our playtimes, school grounds and were involved in the appointment of Crystal Classes where children are given opportunities to engage in a range of
activities for an extended period of time so that the most able may be stretched and challenged. regularly and their news and views are shared with pupils, staff and governors. PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE CURRICULUM_ In the Autumn Term meetings will be held at the beginning of each academic year in each class so that the class teacher is able to explain the work that you child will be covering in each area of the curriculum. In the Spring Term there will be meetings to discuss the individual pupil's progress In the Summer at the end of each academic year there will be school reports sent home and we welcome your comments on the sheet provided. Parents of children who have I.E.P's will have opportunities during the school year to review their needs. Children in the unit have yearly Reviews You will be invited to a meeting where all involved will submit updated advice so that future targets can be set. Children with a Statement in their final year of infant or junior school are reviewed in the Autumn Term of that Academic year. The recommendations of that meeting will be sent to the LEA for consideration by a Panel. Confirmation of a placement for the next academic year should be given by the end of the Spring Term. At any time of year parents are welcome to make an appointment to discuss their child's progress. NEWSLETTERS Letters are sent home regularly to inform parents of special events or school policy. The PTA produce a letter called `Common Ground' which gives a diary of events or requests for material, support etc. REPORTS The Governing Body produces an `Annual Report' of all the issues dealt with over each academic year for discussion at their Annual General Meeting. The parent teacher association (PTA) also holds their Annual General Meeting on the same evening to summarise all their activities during the year.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE The arrangements allow for three levels at which a complaint could be considered. These are informal, the formal complaint to the Governing Body of the school and the formal Complaint to the Local Education Authority. Informal Complaint Many complaints or potential complaints can best be resolved locally in discussion with the class teacher and the Headteacher. This is where the process of resolving issues should start. Often matters that arise can be dealt with at this stage. Formal Complaint to the Governing Body. If attempts to settle the complaint informally have failed, the Headteacher will supply the complainant with the name of the Chief Education Officer and copies of relevant documents explaining the arrangements for considering complaints. The complainant should set out their complaint in writing and may submit it either to the Clerk of the Governing Body, whose address is available SCHOOL INSPECTION There is a full or summary report available on request which can also be accessed on the Welsh Assembly site. Our last Inspection was in September 2009 and we were considered a very good school achieving high standards as a result of providing a very good quality of education. We continue to monitor and evaluate all that we do and have recently acquired the LEA Bronze Award for self evaluation and our third Quality mark for Basic skills. THE OPEN DOOR We do all we can to run this school in an open and welcoming fashion. 'We are willing to provide all the information that parents need to support their child's progress and welfare. If there is anything however trivial, or seemingly unimportant that you would like to know about the school, please do not hesitate to ask. CHARGING AND REMISSIONS In compliance with the Education Reform Act and the Local Education Authority's policy, the Governors of Whitestone Primary School have adopted their policy on charging and remissions. This means that the school may from time to time invite voluntary contributions from parents to enable a particular activity to take place. A form outlining each activity and detailing costs will be sent on each occasion.
Payments should be returned with the reply slip in an envelope with your child's name and class at the school or the Chief Education Officer at County Hall. ABSENCE FROM, SCHOOL Parents are asked to notify the school on the first morning of any absence whenever possible, either by personal call, by telephone message or sending a note in with another child. Please do not wait until the child is ready to return to school as we would be concerned and would have to make enquiries ourselves in order to guard against the possibility of truancy. Schools now have to publish attendance figures. Please supply a letter explaining the reason for your child's absence on their return. Should you need to take a holiday during the school term please complete a holiday form and return it to the school well in advance. It is important that children do not miss vital lessons. PUNCTUALITY The school day begins at 8.50am. Please ensure your child is always punctual. Lateness is a bad habit as it interferes with their education and can disrupt the work of the class. Children should not arrive too early. The school takes legal responsibility from 8.40am and no later than 3.40pm. Should you be delayed please contact the school. Late arrivals need to ring the bell at the Junior entrance. COLLECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL
Please phone the school if someone else is collecting your children. Parents are asked to inform the school if their child is to be absent in normal school hours. If collecting your child at any playtime, please inform the teacher on duty. CHANGE OF HOME ADDRESS, TELEPHONE, PLACE OF WORK With the constant change of parents and their support network from one mobile company or network to another, we often find that when you are needed to be contacted our records are often out of date. It is essential that all our records are kept up to date. Please ensure that we maintain accurate records of your home and work numbers and addresses. It is also helpful to have details of a relative, friend or neighbour who could be contacted in an emergency. T ha form that is filled on your child's entry to school is in their R.O.P.A and on the school's database and should be updated on open evenings or whenever there are important changes.
EDUCATIONAL WELFARE OFFICER Mr John Austin This is a person who works with parents, children and schools to offer support and encouragement throughout your child's school life. Sometimes problems are best solved through the support of your Headteacher and Welfare Officer. To contact the E.W.O. phone: Bishop Gore School on 01792 411400. MEDICINES AT SCHOOL If it is at all possible parents should arrange for their children to take their medication outside school hours. However, if it is essential that your child takes a prescribed medicine during the school day, then the school will need written permission. There is a form for details of the treatment kept by the Headteacher and this must be filled in before the medicine can be administered. The medicine should be in the original container with your child's name and the dosage on the label, and it should be given to the class teacher so that it can be stored in a safe place. Children who need medication on a regular basis will need to have a health plan drawn up. The school and parents will plan together how the medicine will be administered and what procedures will be followed if the child becomes unwell. VISITING THE SCHOOL Parents are welcome to visit the school. Appointments to see teachers are best made outside school hours, as an impromptu visit may disrupt a class lesson. For security reasons all visitors during the school day are requested to report to the office. PROSPECTIVE PARENTS Prospective parents are invited to contact the school to arrange a visit during school hours, not only to see the Head and staff, but also to sample the working atmosphere of the school. We also have an excellent ten minute video or CD Rom of the different aspects of school life, that can be borrowed or bought. NURSERY Children aged 3+ are admitted to our Nursery in the September of the academic year that they attain the age of four. Children commence school in small groups over a few days. We hope that by joining our nursery in these formative years we lay good educational foundations.
Our `Welcome to Nursery' leaflet explains how we build upon your child's home experiences and what is covered during their stay. Welcoming coffee mornings and afternoons are held for new as well as current parents. We keep a waiting list of children and we encourage parents to place their child's name on this list after their second birthday as this helps with forward planning. Younger children or Nursery pupils who wish to extend their day may apply to Wraparound (see below) RECEPTION The LEA is the admitting authority for all children in the City and County of Swansea. Each child about to commence full time education will be offered a place in a school maintained by the LEA. Children in our Nursery Class who live in the catchment area are guaranteed a place at out school until the new maximum capacity of 25 from 2008 is reached. Admission for older classes can be arranged at any time and parents are asked to consult the Headteacher. *All children outside the catchment will need to fill in a preferred placement form which can be collected from the secretary. PREFERRED PLACEMENT Preferred placement will be granted when places are available. Where admission requests exceed the number of places available, applications will be referred to the LEA who will, assess using County admission criteria the entry of your child into school. Where an application is unsuccessful, parents have the right of appeal. The appeal should be forwarded to: The Director of Education, County Hall, Swansea to be considered by an Appeals Committee.
GENERAL INFORMATION The care of children, discipline and rules. Children should look forward to their day at Whitestone School with its friendly learning environment. The main responsibility for general care lies with the class teacher, who initially deals with all matters affecting a child's happiness and success at school. Matters needing further attention are then referred to the Headteacher. Parents will always be consulted if problems occur at school, and we ask parents to contact us if they become aware of difficulties of any sort. Discipline is firm but fair. We expect high standards of behaviour. Our aim is to encourage children to develop self-discipline. Praise, encouragement and recognition for efforts made are given high profile. It is expected that Whitestone children will behave with consideration to their peers, everyone connected with our school and the wider community. The focus on rewarding positive behaviour and attitudes is reinforced by our weekly `Achievement Assembly'. This allows the class teachers to reward positive behaviour with the use of house points, certificates and various award schemes. We aim to reward good behaviour rather than punish bad behaviour. In line with national and LEA guidelines we have written a policy statement on `Achievement, Discipline and Behaviour' which is available for inspection. The school secretary has an up to date list of all school uniform requirements and a list of current prices is available from the office. Our supplier is d & S Products in Tycoch, Swansea. Our school Logo is printed on a range of navy blue jumpers and white polo shirts, There are matching navy blue skirts and jogging trousers. Whilst, uniform is not compulsory, we prefer children to wear the uniform, as it enhances the feeling of identity and avoids unsuitable fashion clothing. SECURITY For reasons of security the gate at the end of West Cross Lane will be closed from 9.15am until 11.50am. When children have been collected from Nursery, the gate will be closed until 3pm for collection of children at the end of the school day. Late arrivals should use the school entrance off Southlands Drive for access. All visitors are requested to report to the secretary.
SCHOOL DINNERS All dinners are cooked in our own kitchen and are very popular with staff and children. Money is collected once a week on a Monday by the school secretary. Please ensure that: • The correct amount of money is placed in a sealed envelope. • That the name of your child/children and their class/es is clearly written. • The days that dinners are wanted is recorded. • Cheques should be made payable to `City and County of Swansea' This helps the secretary keep her records up to date and the cook is able to prepare the correct amount of dinners. If you are in receipt of Income Support you may be able to claim free dinner s, please see the secretary to get a form. PACKED LUNCHES If your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, please ensure that it is in a box labelled with their name, class (as many get left in school). All drinks should be in unbreakable containers. DINNER SUPERVISORS Available to help your child in the dining hall and out in the school playground. THE WHITESTONE NEWSPAPER Termly, the KS2 children are involved in producing a newspaper which shares their news and views and celebrates their successes. WHITESTONE WRAPAROUND CARE. Parents who wish their nursery children to stay for the afternoon are welcome to pick up a leaflet outlining our quality care for preschool children or contact the school 01792 404113.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB: Parents who wish their children to attend this excellent club held at the end of each school day and during some holidays are welcome to contact the school on 01792 404113. CLUBS Various clubs are held after school and your class teacher can give you more information on the following activities: Rugby, Football, Cricket, Rounders, Netball. Choir, Orchestra, Environment., European Club. COMMUNITY LINKS The school is always keen to extend its links into the community and at present we visit several supermarkets, link with the local tourist industry and Welsh Water. We have also used the building industry to support our development of the school grounds. If you can help us extend these links please contact the school. We are developing School allotments this year and welcome any `green fingered' support. THE PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION Our school's P.T.A. is very well supported by parents and staff, with a great deal of involvement from the children. We raise extra funding for the school through social events and fun activities for parents and children. These include BBQs, shopping trips, fairs, dances, quizzes and cake days. Meetings are held twice a term, and are very relaxed and informal. They are very well attended and are open to all Mums, Dads and Carers, who can contribute a couple of hours a term and have some fun on the way. We then release a news letter called `Common Ground' listing events, requests for help, items for sale and general P.T.A. information for that term. Parents, teachers and children all put in a lot of time and effort and this is rewarded by the many extras we are able to buy for the school. So if you are willing to have some fun while raising money at the same time, come and join us. CHILDREN'S UNIVERSITY All our children can now gain credits for each out of school hours activity that they attend at school. Not only can they build up to bronze, silver and gold awards but it has been found
that the engagement in sports and clubs encourages children to... Believe that learning is a life long process • Become more confident and independent learners • Have many interests • Develop skills and knowledge in a wide variety of learning activities. N.B. Children may also attend clubs outside of school which if registered will give credits.
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WHITESTONE PRIMARY MISSION STATEMENT We at Whitestone Primary School aim to: • Open the doors of learning for all our children. • Provide quality learning experiences through quality teaching. • Learn together in a caring well disciplined environment. • Create well motivated, independent learning activities for our children to allow them to each fulfil their own potential. • Provide challenging opportunities. We have gained: • The Quality Mark 3 in 2006 for Numeracy and Literacy • Teaching Awards 2000 for Excellence in Special Educational Needs. • Celebrating Excellence in International Work 2006 • Bronze Award for Self Evaluation 2006