Prospectus

The School
Here at St. Augustine’s Catholic Primary School children are loved and taught to become responsible, successful and happy. They learn to work independently and as part of a team to share and respect each other’s needs. They are nurtured throughout their years here with the Gospel values of love, faith, justice, peace and hope. We aim to instill in our children the importance of community so they are respectful and appreciative of those around them. Our Parish Priest, Father Sam Ofia, is a much welcomed visitor to the School and the pupils regularly attend Mass in Church.

The School was established in 1928 to provide an education for the children of Catholic families in the local area.  We now have provision for children from three to eleven years of age; Nursery to Year Six.  As a one form entry school there are places for 210 children in the main school and we also offer both 15 hours and 30 hours in Nursery.

At St Augustine’s we have an open and friendly atmosphere within the School and parents are encouraged to become active in the life of the School through being a member of the PTA, a volunteer helper or just a familiar face to greet each day.

We are part of the Aspire London Federation with Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Catford. Our Governing body oversees both Schools and works tirelessly to ensure all our children receive the very best education possible. The Executive Headteacher works on a strategic level across both Schools and there is a Head of School in each School to focus on the daily organisation.

Parents and Carers
We are very proud of the relationship we have with the parents and carers in our School. We are a strong group and benefit from mutual respect, trust and understanding. The good of the children is at the centre of every decision we make and all the work we do. We like to work together with parents and carers to ensure that children fulfill their true potential.

We encourage parents and carers to come and see staff if they have any concerns or worries about their child or if there is something we should know about; a change in family circumstance, news that may impact on the child. We have an open door policy and parents are welcome to come and see teachers before or after School and either speak then or arrange a convenient appointment.

Each term the teachers formally report to parents on the progress of children. This is during Parents’ Evening in the Autumn Term, Academic Review Day in the Spring Term and a written report in the Summer Term. During the year all children will take part in class assemblies, Masses and concerts which parents are invited and encouraged to attend.

There are several ways in which parents and carers can support their child:

• Sharing books and listening to your child read.
• Supporting any homework set by the class teacher.
• Talking to your child about general things helps to improve communication and vocabulary.
• Accompanying children on class outings.

If you have any time to spare and would like to help us in any way we would be delighted to welcome you into the School.

The Governing Body
Our Governing Body consists of a number of volunteers who are tasked with overseeing both our Federation Schools. The Bishop appoints Foundation Governors who act to protect the distinctive nature of this Catholic school. The Local Authority and staff have representatives and other governors are elected by parents. The Executive Headteacher and Heads of Schools report to the governing body regularly. The Governors help to appoint staff, decide on policies for the Schools, deal with admissions and appeals as well as a multitude of other important functions. The Governors work closely with the Executive Headteacher and Head of School offering support and advice.

Nursery
Our School has a wonderful Nursery that offers part time (15 hour) places in either morning or afternoon sessions as well as full time (30 hour) places to those who qualify for this provision. The School Office is happy to assist parents and carers with any enquiries.

Please note that children who attend our Nursery do not automatically gain a place in our School, the usual application process must be undertaken although the School is very happy to assist you with this.

The School Day
Key Stage 1:
Morning session 8.55am – 12 noon
Afternoon session 1.00 pm -3.15pm

Key Stage 2: 
Morning session 8.55am – 12.30pm
Afternoon session 1.30pm – 3.15pm

The playground is supervised by a member of staff from 8.30 am. Pupils are not allowed on school premises before this time.  Children and parents gather on the playground along with staff until the bell is rung at 8:55am when School begins.  Children then line up and walk to their classrooms with their teacher. Children arriving after 9am must go through the School Office.

It is important that children are collected promptly at 3:15pm. They can become very anxious when they are not met and this is unsettling for them. The School understands that sometimes emergencies and unexpected delays do occur. In these circumstances, parents or carers should telephone the school immediately to keep us and your child informed.

Curriculum
We offer pupils a creative curriculum which interests and inspires them. Pupils and staff are challenged to achieve their potential, intellectually, socially and spiritually. We provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum that meets the needs of each individual child. We encourage children to work independently, to develop skills and establish concepts in order to enhance learning. We build upon the children’s own experiences so that they grow in confidence, self esteem and respect for others.

School Dinners
We are a healthy School. Delicious School lunches are provided by our dedicated team of chefs and kitchen staff at a cost of £2.60 per day payable through Parent Pay. Children may bring a packed lunch from home. All children drink water with their lunch and School lunches also offer milk. We have a policy of no nuts due to allergies. Currently all children in Reception and Key Stage 1 receive free school meals but if you believe your child may be entitled to free school meals according to the government set criteria please enquire at the School Office as there are further benefits for this group of people.

After School Clubs and Activities
The School runs a number of after school clubs. These vary from year to year and can include: football, netball, arts & crafts, computing, cooking and construction.

Behaviour
Our Behaviour Policy is simple, children are expected to be Ready, Respectful and Responsible at all times. This language is frequently used in School to ensure high standards of behaviour. There is a strong emphasis on self discipline and respect for all members of the School community. Children learn that School is a place where they live alongside many other people and this means sharing equipment, books and teachers’ attention. Children are expected to always do their best. We teach children to be kind and thoughtful and not to hurt or abuse other children by word or action.  Expectations of behaviour are high and these are met. Our behaviour management system ‘It’s Good To Be Green’ works across the School and provides clear guidelines for children.

School Uniform
All pupils from Reception to Y6 wear a navy v-neck jumper or cardigan. Children should wear sensible, warm and plain coloured coats.

Winter uniform:
Grey trousers, skirt or pinafore, pale blue shirt and school tie
Navy blue v-neck jumper or cardigan
Navy blue or grey tights or socks

Summer uniform:
Grey tailored shorts or trousers, pale blue shirt and school tie
Light blue gingham dress
Navy blue v-neck jumper or cardigan
Navy blue, grey or white socks

Nursery (optional)
Navy blue track suit and pale blue polo shirt
Navy blue shorts and pale blue T shirt for the summer

School ties may be bought from the School Office for £4 each. Footwear must be black or navy, strong and sensible in style, no boots allowed. Trainers should only be worn for games or during lunchtime in the playground. Open toed sandals must not be worn in School. Coats can be any colour but denim jackets or tracksuit tops are not suitable. All clothing must be marked with the child’s name so that lost clothing may be traced and returned quickly. Hairstyle is to be conventional in style, length and colour. Hair which is shoulder length or longer must be tied back and hair accessories must be small, simple and red or navy blue in colour.

Jewellery is not permitted though watches may be worn. Children who walk to School without an adult are allowed to bring a mobile phone to School, these must be handed in to the School Office at the start of the day.

For PE all children are expected to wear a plain white T-shirt, plain navy shorts and plain navy tracksuit bottoms for outdoor games in the winter. All children need plimsolls or trainers for outdoor games. These should be kept in a drawstring bag in School. In warm weather children may wear a cap and a pair of sun glasses. Sun cream must be applied before coming to School during hot weather.

Parent and Staff Association (PSA)
We have a very active and enthusiastic PSA. All parents automatically become a member of the PSA as their child starts at St Augustine’s. We encourage you all to support the wide range of events which are organised. These all raise money to support projects within School and they also help us to maintain the strong community spirit we so enjoy here.

Medical
If children have slight accidents in School they are treated by a trained first aider. If an accident appears to be serious parents will be notified should hospital treatment be necessary. Parents may be notified by phone if a child has a bump to the head. All accidents are recorded in the accident book.

If your child becomes unwell we will let you know and ask you to come to School if necessary. It is therefore very important that the School has a telephone number where parents or carers may be contacted during school hours. If this changes we must be notified immediately.

Only medicine prescribed by a doctor will be given at school. Parents must complete a medical permission form, available in the school office. The medicine must be delivered by an adult to the school office with the following written information:

• child’s name, name and address of GP
• name of medicine, reason for medication, dosage

If your child has a serious health problem, please make sure that the school has full details. Asthma suffers should ensure a clearly labelled pump is in school.

Attendance
We are proud of our excellent attendance record at St Augustine’s. It shows children want to come to School and parents trust that the staff will care for the children and contact them if it is deemed necessary. Children are expected to be in School every day except on an occasion when poor health prevents this. If your child is absent from school please telephone us by 9:30am. If your child has an appointment during the day a known adult will need to collect them and sign them out at the office. Holidays are not allowed during term time. A child will only be allowed time off from school in exceptional circumstances. Research shows a direct link between good attendance and school achievement.

Parking
Parking is very limited at either end of Dunfield Road.   Please keep the zig-zag area free to allow children a safe passage into school.  Please take special care not to obstruct the school gates.  We encourage parents and children to walk to School whenever possible. Children who choose to cycle or scoot to School can store their bikes and scooters in the special racks in the playground.

Our Mission Statement

In the words of St. Augustine
“God provides the wind
but we must raise the sail”