Welcome from the Head Teacher

 

Dear Parents

 

I am delighted to welcome you and your child to Drumbrae Primary School.

 

This handbook provides important information that I hope you find helpful.  Of course it's only by visiting that you will get a true impression of the school and its facilities.  Please feel free to arrange a visit.  I'll be pleased to show you around and answer your questions.

 

Ours is a happy school that is very much at the heart of the community, as you will learn from reading the section "Parents and the Community".  You can be assured that we will do everything possible to make your child's time here and your time as a Drumbrae parent, a worthwhile and rewarding experience.

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

REACH FOR THE STARS

 

                                                              

H healthy, happy and honest

 

C creative citizens in collaboration with our community

 

A aspirational, active learners, achieving high standards of attainment

 

E effective and enterprising contributors in an encouraging, eco-friendly 

            environment

 

R responsible and respectful

 

 

Our Values

At Drumbrae Primary School we value

  *   the right to learn

  *   respect for everyone

  *   good behaviour

  *   ourselves, our talents and our abilities

  *   taking responsibility for our own actions

  *   creative and enterprising individuals

  *   healthy living

  *   trying hard to succeed

  *   working together

  *   our community

  *   honesty, fairness and justice

  *   fun

  *   a safe and caring environment

 

 

                        DRUMBRAE CHILDREN'S ANTI -- BULLYING CHARTER

 

 

 

What is bullying? Bullying can be when any of these happen often: . name-calling . teasing . pushing or pulling . hurting others . having belongings taken or thrown away . spreading lies or rumours . ignoring others and leaving people out . nasty looks . picking fights . being forced to hand over money or belongings . threatening others . ganging up . prank calls or notes   WHAT ARE OUR RIGHTS?   . to feel good about ourselves .  to feel safe and happy in school              .  to be taught how to cope with    difficult situations . to ask for and get help . to be different

What to do if you are being bullied . say "No" to the bully . tell an adult you trust or ask a friend to do it for you . tell yourself that it is not your fault . talk to your friends and let them support you . use the Friendship Bench if you feel left out . don't try to get your own back

 

                                                                                                                                                    

 

GET HELP FROM AN ADULT

IF YOU SEE SOMEONE ELSE BEING BULLIED

CHILDLINE 0800 1111

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Drumbrae Primary School was opened in 1959.  It is a non- denominational school.

At present the roll is 120 plus 40 part-time nursery places.

 

The school building faces south overlooking its own playing field.

The school has a nursery class and five classes covering the stages P1- P7.

We have GP rooms on both the ground and upper floors, a Computer Suite, a

Music room, Library and a large Assembly Hall with a stage.  The stage area is a

flexible space and is widely used by both the school and local community.  The school

also has a large well-equipped Gym.  There is a separate Dining Hall and large cooking area where meals are prepared for our own and other schools.  Community Education activities also take place.

 

Drumbrae School is an associate feeder primary of Craigmount High School.

 

The school offices are situated in the administration corridor which can be accessed

from the main entrance foyer and the Early Years entrance.

 

Parents are always welcome at Drumbrae.

 

 

ORGANISATION

 

A Principal Teacher and Business Manager assist the Headteacher in the management of the school.  There are eight class teachers who make up the staffing compliment.  A full-time School Administrator and a full-time Service Support Officer also support the school.  Support for Learning Assistants and one Lunch Time Supervisor make up the team.  We all strive to make your child's educational experience a happy and productive one.

 

 

THE STAFF

 

Headteacher:                                                  Mrs Caroline Sanderson

Principal Teacher:                                           Miss Jacqui Gardner                 

 

Business Manager:                                           Mrs Christine McColl

School Administrator:                        Mrs Karen Murdoch

Service Support Officer:                                Mr Alan Brown

      

Learning Assistants: Mrs Margaret Pye, Mrs Carlynn Watt, Mrs Denise Thomson,

Mrs Margaret Peach, Mrs Aoham Al Khamis

 

Teaching Staff:                 Mrs Caroline Young / Mrs Karen Tynan         (Nursery)

                                          Mrs Alison Kennedy                                      (P1/2)

                                          Miss Nicola Whyte                                        (P3/4)

                                          Miss Shirley Brennan / Miss Jacqui Gardner (P4/5)

                                          Mr Stuart Lithgow                                        (P6)

                                          Mrs Karen Sinclair                                        (P7)

Support for Learning:        Mrs Sue Haugen

Nursery Nurses:                 Mrs Rena Swinton

P.E. Specialist:                  Mr Uzi Knani

Brass Instructor:               Mr Tony Clarke

Dining Room Manager:        to be appointed 
Playground Supervisor:       Mrs Susan Anderson

Senior Cleaner:                  Mr Alex Lockhart
Crossing Guide:                  Mr Albert Lindsay

 

 

 

Nursery a.m.  Mon - Fri       8:50 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

Nursery p.m.  Mon - Fri      12: 20 p.m. - 2:55 p.m.

 

Primary 1/2    Mon - Thurs  8:50 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

                                          1:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

                        Friday        8:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.

 

Primary 3-7    Mon - Thurs  8:50 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

                                          1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

                        Friday        8:50 a.m. -12:25 p.m.

 

 

ENROLMENT

 

Anyone wishing to enrol a child at Drumbrae should contact the office on 0131 339 5071 for guidance.  An annual enrolment for Primary One is towards the end of November and is advertised locally.  In order to ensure accuracy of our records, parents are asked to bring their child's birth certificate and proof of residency when the child is enrolled at school.  During the summer term an open afternoon is held to welcome children and parents.  Staff visit the associated nurseries and records of the children are transferred to the school.

 

 

PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR 

 

There is a strong sense of belonging and community spirit in Drumbrae Primary School. The children work hard and play sociably with each other.  They are motivated and challenged to have high expectations of themselves and others.

 

At the start of each session you will be sent a copy of your child's classroom behaviour plan. This sets out :

. a few simple but important rules which have been negotiated with the children.

. an indication of the positive steps that the teacher will be taking to recognise good conduct, e.g. praise, certificates, stickers, notes home etc.

. consequences for unacceptable behaviour.  Such consequences encourage children to think about their actions and what they could have done differently.

 

A variety of strategies and activities such as Privilege Time and Circle Time take place regularly within the classroom.  The purpose of such activities is to reward children for good behaviour and encourage children to develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others.  Privilege Time is a set half hour per week where the children "sign up" for an activity of their choice, e.g. baking, cooking, helping in an early years class, playing special games etc.

 

Circle Time is a series of events and games that allows the children opportunites for thoughtful discussion. The aim of Circle Time is to increase self-esteem.  Children who feel good about themselves progress well and achieve.  At Drumbrae we aim to develop high self-esteem in all our children.

 

Drumbrae Stars: Each class has a bronze, silver and gold target sheet displayed prominently in the classroom.  Children earn points on an individual basis and are rewarded with bronze, silver and gold certificates.  Children can earn more then one gold certificate and these are presented at assembly by the Headteacher and Principal Teacher.  Anyone earning 3 gold certificates in a year is presented with a Drumbrae Star badge at the final assembly.

 

Class of the Week: Each class works hard to maintain the school values in order to gain points.  The class with the most points each week is awarded a 'Class of the Week' star at assembly and gains an extra playtime as a reward.  Any member of staff may award points.  The charts are displayed on the children's noticeboard.

 

Class of the Year: The stars are collected and counted at the end of the year. The class with the most stars is the winner and is rewarded with a trip or visit etc.

 

Assemblies: These are an important time in the weekly diary. They are a time for celebrating, sharing, thinking and problem-solving.  The "Special Mentions" book allows us to share in everyone's achievements.  Each class will have the opportunity to present an assembly to family, pupils and staff.

 

 

                                                            ATTENDANCE

 

Drumbrae children have a good record of attendance which we hope will continue.  If a child is unavoidably absent the parents should inform the school before 9 :15 a.m. of the reason why.  This should be done every day a child is absent to avoid the school having to contact home.  A note should be sent to school on his/her return explaining the reason for absence.  If after three days no notification has been received, an official enquiry letter will be sent home.  If the reason for absence or irregular attendance is unsatisfactory the Educational Welfare Officer will visit the home.  If unsatisfactory attendance persists, the Headteacher, following discussions with other agencies, will decide whether the case should be referred to the Local Area Attendance Advisory Group.

 

Parents are responsible for ensuring that their child attends school regularly and punctually. However, if your child is unwell do keep him/her at home until they have fully recovered.

 

From time to time your child may have to leave school during the day for a hospital or dental appointment.  We must be notified of this in advance in writing and your child must be collected by yourself or a responsible named adult.  Under no circumstances can children be allowed to leave school unaccompanied.

 

If for any reason your child is unable to return in the afternoon it is vital that you let us know to avoid anxiety.

 

While family holidays are wonderful opportunities for any child, term time should be avoided except in extreme circumstances!  Any absence in the school year puts your child and other children at a disadvantage.  Should you wish to keep your child off school for a special reason, please put this in writing to the Headteacher first.

 

 

                                     SCHOOL MEALS & MILK

 

We are fortunate at Drumbrae in having our own kitchen where meals are prepared.

Dinner money is collected on the first day of the week only, unless a child is absent on that day.

 

Parents will be provided with a copy of the school meals menu.  A copy will also be placed on the Children's Notice Board.

 

Children bringing packed lunches may eat these in the school or outdoors if the weather is fine.

 

Children are not allowed to leave the school grounds during the lunch break unless parents have informed the school.

 

Children can choose to have school milk at a cost of 11p per day.  Milk is paid for in advance for a period or can be paid annually.  You will receive a note home informing you of the payment date.  There will be no refunds in cases of absence.  Milk is provided free to all nursery children.

 

Families in receipt of Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance or support under Part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 are eligible to free meals and milk. Please ask the office for the appropriate forms. Forms can also be obtained from the Free Meals and Clothing Grant Section at Children & Families Department, Business Centre 3/2, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG.  Asylum Seekers will be provided with a letter from ASRU or Scottish Refugee Couuncil which can be attached to Free School Meals forms as proof of Asylum Seeker status.

 

 

CLOTHING

 

Children should dress comfortably but look smart and tidy at all times.  At Drumbrae we encourage the children to wear the school uniform as it fosters a sense of pride in our school. The uniform consists of grey or black trousers, a skirt or pinafore dress with a yellow or white polo shirt and school sweatshirt.  A range of school tops are available through the school.

 

The Authority operates a scheme of provision to ensure that a pupil is sufficiently and suitably clad to take full advantage of the education provided. Families in receipt of Income Support or income-based Jobseekeers Allowance, will automatically qualify for such a scheme.

 

Other cases will be determined according to personal circumstances of the family. Parents who wish to apply for the scheme should complete an application form which is available from the school or the Children & Families Department, Business Centre, 3/2, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG.

 

                                                              

TUCK SHOP

 

Our Primary 6 class runs the tuck shop which provides healthy snacks, water and a selection of fresh fruit. Children in Primary 1 and 2 receive free fruit.

 

 

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

 

 

 

 

Tuesday               School Football    6:00 - 8:00

 

Wednesday          Badminton Club    3:15 - 4:30

                            Rainbows              6:00 - 7:00

                            Brownies              6:00 - 7:30

                            Guides                 7:30 - 9:00

                            Women's Guild     7:00 - 9:30

 

Friday                  Girls Football        1:30 - 3:00

 

Saturday              School Football     am

                            Judo                   10:00 - 12:00

 

Sunday                 Football Club        am    

 

As you can see from the above, a number of community groups and organisations use school accomodation in the evenings and at weekends. Such lets have to be booked through the Letting Department, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG and not through the school.

 

Adult Community Education Groups have use of the school facilities for the following activities: one part time session per week of yoga in the Gym Hall.  A timetable of activities is on the Parents' Notice Board in the main foyer.

 

An adult ICT class meets on Mondays from 1:30 - 3:15.

It is hoped to run a Parent and Toddler Group in the near future.

 

 

 

A CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE 

 

THE CURRICULUM

 

“A Curriculum for Excellence” (ACE) is a Scottish Initiative which is set to change and make improvements to what your child learns in school.  This is beginning to be implemented in schools.

 

However it has always been the aim of Drumbrae Primary to create and establish a motivating, interesting, robust and progressive curriculum which meets the needs of the pupils.  We believe that all pupils should have the opportunity to become:-

 

 

* confident individuals

 

* successful learners

 

* responsible citizens

 

* effective contributors

 

 

When planning activities and experiences for children, teachers ensure the following principles are applied:-

 

>     Challenge and Enjoyment

     

        >     Breadth

 

>      Progression

 

 >    Depth

 

 >     Personalisation and Choice

 

         >     Coherence

 

 >     Relevance

 

 

Curriculum for Excellence covers the eight main curriculum areas of:

·         Languages 

·         Numeracy 

·         Social Subjects 

·         Science 

·         Health and Wellbeing 

·         Technologies 

·         Expressive Arts 

.     Religious & Moral Education and Citizenship

 

In addition there are guidelines on Assessment and Reporting to parents.

The curriculum is constantly developing and changing.  We are committed to keeping parents informed and up to date by providing opportunities for discussion and parent workshops as appropriate.

 

PLANNING FOR LEARNING

When teachers are planning for learning, account is taken of each child’s needs and stage of development in each curricular area.  This will vary from child to child.

Your child will learn through a variety of different methods.  He or she will learn as part of a class, group or as an individual.  Group and individual methods will form the basis of the teaching in order that the curriculum can be tailored as far as possible to fit the needs of each child.  There will be opportunities to investigate, solve problems, to collaborate in groups and to work independently on tasks set by the teacher.  Our aim is that whilst your child is progressing, they are also taking an increasing responsibility for their own learning.

 

Much of your child’s learning will be more meaningful through planned themes which link the curricular areas.

  

SUCCESSFUL LEARNERS

At Drumbrae we strive to foster literacy skills which are further developed through our Environmental Studies and Expressive Arts Programme.

 

LANGUAGE

The Language curriculum consists of four inter-related areas:

 

 LISTENING AND TALKING

Children learn to develop their language skills and thinking processes through listening and talking.  We help them to improve these skills through a variety of collaborative activities, eg stories, drama, discussions and media studies.