Organisation of the school day

For all classes, both Primary and Secondary, the school day starts at 9a.m. with morning prayers. All pupils are encouraged to be in class by 8.55am in order to be prepared for the first class.

Primary morning break 10.50-11.10a.m.
Secondary morning break 10.55-11.10a.m.

Primary Lunchtime 12.30-1.30p.m.
Secondary Lunchtime 12.55-1.40p.m.

With the exception of Primary 1 and 2, there is no interval in the afternoon for classes.  Pupils are not permitted to leave the grounds at break or at lunch-time.

The Secondary Day is divided into 6 periods of 55 minutes each. Registration is from 9.00-9.05a.m. and takes place in the Form Room. There are two periods before the morning break, two before lunch and two in the afternoon.
School ends at 3.30 p.m.

Punctuality and Attendance

Punctuality and attendance are essential for progress and parents must undertake to see that their children arrive at school in good time and that absences are kept to a minimum. Holidays should not be taken during term time. Parents receive a holiday list for their information at the start of the School year.

Pupils returning to School after absence must present a note of explanation signed by a Parent or guardian.

If any pupil cannot attend School due to illness or other, Parents must telephone to notify the School of the pupil’s absence.

In the case of prolonged absence the Form teacher will arrange for work to be sent home to ensure that the pupil does not fall too far behind with work.

Late Arrival/ Early Dismissal

If a pupil arrives late this is noted by the Class or Form teacher. In the case of a pupil in the Secondary Department who arrives too late for Registration she must go to the School Office and sign the Attendance Record, confirming her arrival.

If a parent wishes to collect a Primary or Secondary Pupil before 3.30p.m. he/she should come to the School Office and the Secretary will notify the class teacher concerned. Parents of Primary children must sign the Register kept in the Office. The only exception to this is in the case of Primary 1 where the Parent should go directly to the classroom. This rule applies at all times during the School day, including the breaks.

Secondary pupils who leave in the course of the day for an appointment must go to the School Office and sign the Attendance Record, confirming and giving a reason for their departure.

Teachers supervise the dismissal of all pupils in the evening. Parents are asked to co-operate with respect to rules regarding dismissal in the evening. The pitch can be a busy area at this time. The safety of our children is of paramount concern to us all.

Security Arrangements

Visitors to the school, including parents, must report firstly to the Main Office where, if necessary, they will be asked to sign in. If a parent requires further access to the school, he/she will be issued with a Visitor’s Badge and asked to return this badge to the Office on departure.

Parents are not allowed to visit any other part of the school, unannounced. Staff are asked to challenge strangers seen within the school premises.

Children are not allowed to stand on the pitch while awaiting the arrival of a Parent during the course of the school day. Parents should collect their child from the School Office.

Gates to the garden areas remain locked for the most part during the School day. They can be opened at break or lunch, weather permitting, to allow the children access to the gardens.

When leave of absence is known to be required in the future, written notification should be provided in advance to the Head Teacher.