Who do I contact if I have a concern?
The first person to contact is your child's homeroom teacher. They are in contact with all of your child's subject teachers and will deal with your concerns. Their email address is on this website.
Do year 6 students automatically move into secondary school?
Most would do so, although students do sit an Admissions Assessment prior to entering Secondary (usually in February). This, together with achievement records from primary would be checked to see that secondary was a suitable placement. If there are doubts then parents will be contacted at the beginning of the second semester.
Do students automatically move into the next year in secondary school?
Most would do so, although if it is considered that a student would benefit from staying in the same year then parents would be consulted. This is unlikely to happen in High School because of the programmes of study followed
Is school uniform compulsory?
Yes. Students not in the correct school uniform will be asked to correct it. If they cannot do so, they will be sent home to correct it and return to school after they have done so.
What sanctions does the school use?
Students who misbehave repeatedly or struggle academically through lack of effort may be placed on report to their homeroom teacher. This report is taken home daily so parents are fully informed. This can be extended to the Pastoral Coordinator/Academic Coordinator if the situation does not improve.
What do you do if you want to change your child's guardian or where he/she lives?
You must inform Mrs Holmes to get a change of guardian form. The new guardian must be approved by the school. If you change your address you must inform your homeroom teacher.
What do you do if you think your child is being bullied?
You should inform your child's homeroom teacher who will address the situation and keep you informed.
Is homework compulsory?
Yes, your child will be given a homework timetable. Normally, 3 subjects will be set each night (approx 30 min per subject). Parents/guardians should check homework is completed and sign the student's planner.
What are merits?
Students earn 'merits,' awarded at the teachers discretion for good work or good behavior. They are recorded at the back of their planners. They then go to the totals for that student's house. Certificates are awarded for individual merit accumulations.
How do I find out how my child is doing?
Reports are issued in November. Parent teacher consultations are every semester after reports are issued. You can always contact your child/ward's homeroom teacher.
What services does the counselor provide?
The counselor is Mrs. Holmes
You may refer your child/ward to her if you feel that they need help with an emotional, social, behavioral, educational or careers issue. Please send her an e-mail with a brief reason for referral and she will contact you accordingly.
What is a "school-authorised absence"?
All absences from school are likely to have a detrimental effect on your child's progress in Secondary school, and should be avoided as much as possible. Students are expected to attend school regularly, however, there may be times when your child is unwell. If it is necessary to keep your child off school, a medical certificate (MC) is required and should be sent to your child's homeroom teacher as soon as possible. This means that such an absence is recorded as "school-authorised" and does not count against the attendance record.
What is a "non school-authorised absence"?
If your child is missing from school and no note arrives on their return to school this is recorded as a "non school-authorised absence" and counts against the attendance record.
If you take your child out of school, e.g. for a wedding, tournament or similar reason deemed necessary by you, this is also an absence as far as the school is concerned and, although "athorised" by the parents, does count against the attendance record.
Are absences recorded on reports?
School reports indicate all absences from school. Too many absences may lead to a child failing the assessment procedures throughout the semester and also the examinations at the end.
Please note: High School Diploma students need 90% attendance (this usually means no more than 9 days "school-authorised absence" in a semester) to obtain credits towards their diploma.
