MR SÉAMUS SCORGIE Principal
WELCOME TO ST ALOYSIUS’ COLLEGE
The beginning of a new academic year is an important and energising moment for our students and their families and we are pleased to welcome you as the year ahead begins.
At St Aloysius’ College, we are committed to the formation of each young person in all aspects of their development. Every student is known, supported and encouraged to grow academically, personally, and in character. As we move into a new year together, we recognise that there may be both excitement and challenge, and we remain committed to accompanying you throughout your journey.
As students return to life in the green blazer, they will continue to build on their experiences, deepen friendships and embrace new opportunities for growth, leadership and service within a vibrant and caring community.
This booklet is intended to support students and families as they begin the new academic year, helping you to feel informed, prepared and confident for the months ahead.
We are very pleased to continue this journey with you as part of our community and we look forward to all that the year will bring.
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD
PASTORAL TEAM
The College takes pride in its pastoral care. It seeks to develop a partnership where pupils, parents and teachers work together to provide a secure and supportive environment in which each child can flourish.
Your child’s first point of contact will be their Head of Learning and Progress. They will look after all your child’s pastoral needs. Your child’s Form Tutor meets with his/her class for 15 minutes at the start of the school day. They will carry out administrative tasks such as registers, announcements and begin the day with a prayer. Their key aim is to establish close relationships with the pupils in their care and help them to develop good relations with others in the form class.
FIRST DAY OF TERM
New pupils should report to reception, where they will be taken to meet their Head of Learning and Progress. From then on they should follow the normal school day.
The school day begins with Form Time at 8.55am and pupils should be in school before the warning bell at 8.50am and proceed directly to their form class. An arrival after 8.55am is considered late. The normal school day ends at 3.35pm.
LUNCH AND SNACKS
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 ensuring that cards can be kept in the necessary credit.
Pupils can also add credit to their own cards using the coin-operated revaluer points in the College, larger sums of money and cheques may be deposited at Senior School Reception. Pupils are welcome to bring a packed lunch.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
At St Aloysius’ College our Additional Support Team works closely with our Pastoral Team to ensure that every pupil is included and supported in their learning.
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
PARENTAL PARTNERSHIP
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 your Head of Learning and Progress (see contact list on page ??).
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 Schoology can also be used by parents to contact teachers.
HOME ROUTINES
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 have a copy of their child’s timetable and examination schedules, particularly for Games and PE days.
A PLACE FOR STUDY
It is helpful for pupils if they have a study space at home, including a desk space, stationery supplies and computing equipment. Routines minimising distractions are also helpful for pupils.
COMPUTERS AND IPADS
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 HERE
USE OF IPADS
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 the College’s acceptable use policy for IT equipment, 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 College will provide access to web-based versions of Office 365. The College will set the pupil username to
be the same, or similar, for all systems it controls however, 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 classes Apple Classroom 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 being repaired, there is a small stock in the year office that may be borrowed.
If you have any other problems with technology, please contact Mr Graeme Smith, Head of Digital Learning, at GSmith@ staloysius.org
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
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 Godgiven 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, is embedded throughout 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, offer trips in the UK and abroad; from the Lake District to France and Iceland.
JESUIT CHRISTIAN FORMATION
We offer a Christian formation in the Jesuit tradition which encourages our young people to grow in the virtues seen on the 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, weekly voluntary Mass in the Chapel and whole College’s 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. We
have pioneered the Kairos Retreat in the United Kingdom and this is a highlight of the year for many in S5.
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 College.
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.
EXPECTATIONS OF PUPILS
The College expects pupils to:
HAVE RESPECT FOR THEMSELVES BY:
Taking responsibility for their own development (including setting clear goals for their own academic, social, creative, spiritual and physical formation and taking the necessary steps to realise their goals)
Developing the habit of reflection on their daily life, in and out of school
Building up self-discipline (acting responsibly in their 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 misbehaving)
Making healthy choices and being “fit for school” (including eating well, getting enough sleep, balancing their school and out-of-school commitments, and having good attendance)
Developing and maintaining a strong personal integrity
Being smart and tidy in their appearance and uniform
HAVE
RESPECT FOR THEIR STUDIES BY:
Arriving punctually for lessons and with the books and equipment they will need
Participating in the lesson in a positive way, getting the most out of it for themselves and others in the class
Doing nothing to impede the teacher teaching or pupils learning
Completing homework, revision and independent study
Keeping a record of grades and taking steps to improve
HAVE RESPECT FOR THEIR COLLEGE
COMMUNITY BY:
Being committed to the aims and values of the College (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 their 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 their school environment (including treating buildings, furniture and resources with respect and maintaining a litter free environment.
Using their talents to become actively involved in the life and activities of the College (including worship and retreats, social events, sport, co-curricular activities, and House competitions) and honouring the commitments they 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 College
IN THE CLASSROOM:
Arrive prepared with the correct books, jotters, charged iPads, pens and any other equipment needed.
Be punctual – arrive on time for every lesson and settle down ready to learn at their allocated desk.
Be courteous – show good manners at all times.
Listen and follow their teacher’s instructions.
Ask if their do not understand or are not sure about something.
Participate with a positive attitude to learning.
Respect the contributions, work, effort and points of view of their fellow pupils.
Present work to the highest standards, beginning every piece of work with AMDG at the top of the page.
Make sure that homework and other assignments are given their best effort and handed in on time.
Look after the environment keep their classroom and school tidy, free of litter and graffiti; take care of books, iPads, furniture and resources.
Remember that energy drinks and chewing gum are not permitted in school.
Remember for safety there should be no food containing any form of nuts brought into school.
Be smart and tidy in their appearance and wear their uniform well.
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 guidelines 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 Learning and Progress)
A wide range of fulfilling and challenging co-curricular activities
A safe environment in which you can flourish
UNIFORM
UNIFORM AND APPEARANCE RULES
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.
College 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 midgrey and tailored (not dark grey, charcoal or black).
Skirts are to be midgrey 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 College 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 College 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), a 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 College uniform.
All school clothing is to be clearly marked with the owner’s name.
SENIOR SCHOOL UNIFORM
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)
UNIFORM SUPPLY
To ensure consistency of uniform quality, colour and style, the College uniform is provided by online supplier, Schoolblazer.
Further information for purchasing uniform is included in your new parents’ pack.
WHERE POSSIBLE, PLEASE MARK ITEMS WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME
GAMES KIT - RUGBY KIT
College Rugby shirt
College Rugby shorts
College games socks
College base layer
Boots (studs or moulded studs)
College mid layer
College tracksuit or black College training pant
Gumshield
College games bag
Head guard (optional)
GAMES KIT - HOCKEY KIT
College games shirt (V-neck) or
College PE shirt (round-neck)
College Hockey skort or shorts
College games socks
College base layer
Astroturf shoes
College tracksuit or black College training pant
College mid-layer
Plain black lycra leggings
Gumshield
College games bag
Hockey stick
Shin guards
