St Mary's Primary School, Lochee

- General -

Here you will find lots of general information about St Mary's.

From details of our School Aims and placing request procedure, to our uniform policy and school curriculum, there is a wealth of information all about our school. We even have a handy copy of our School Lunchtime Menu that you can download and print by clicking here.

Further detailed information about St Mary's is available in our School Handbook, you can download a copy by clicking on the Handbook page and selecting the Handbook you require.

Just click on the topics below and you'll be taken straight to that section:

• Our School Aims
• New Entrants and Placing Requests
• Parental Partnership
• Homework Policy
• School Uniform
• School Curriculum

Our School Aims
Aims relating to children

• We aim to hold in high regard the dignity of all pupils, to respect their worth and individuality through Christian values evident in the personal example of staff in their interaction with pupils and with each other.
• We aim to have a welcoming, encouraging atmosphere which provides conditions and experiences promoting the spiritual, moral, physical, social and intellectual development of each pupil.
• We aim to provide a well managed curriculum which will enable children to achieve their full potential.
• We aim for an effective partnership amongst home, school and parish which both reflects and sustains a discipline policy based on consistency, forgiveness and reconciliation.
• We aim to build a sense of Catholic Christian community, based on gospel values where prayer and worship are important and distinctive features.

Aims relating to Staff

• To value the individuality of each child.
• To enter partnership with parents.
• To continue their own professional development.
• To encourage independence and an ability to pose questions.
• To have high expectations of all pupils.
• To plan appropriately learning and teaching experiences for all pupils.
• To be committed to teamwork and the sharing process.

- Back to top -

Arrangements for new entrants and placing requests
The school welcomes visits from prospective parents, who wish to see round and enquire about the educational opportunities provided.

During the months of December and January, time is allocated to allow parents of pupils residing in the catchment area, to call at the school to enrol their child in Primary 1. Parents should bring proof of residency and Birth Certificate. An Open Day is arranged for parents and children to visit the school, in June. Should that arranged date be unsuitable, those parents may make a separate appointment.

Parents wishing to make a Placing Request for St Mary’s should complete a Placing Request Form. This should be handed in to the Education Department, Floor 8, Tayside House, 28 Crichton Street, Dundee DD1 3RJ before 4 February, along with the child’s Birth Certificate, proof of Residency (eg Council Tax Book, Child Benefit Book etc) and proof of Baptism, if this is appropriate. Parents will be notified, by letter, of the Council’s decision by 30 April.

Parents wishing to transfer their child to St Mary’s from another Primary School, should also make a Placing Request to the Education Department. Parents are welcome to visit the school and discuss enrolment.

- Back to top -

Parental Partnership
Working Together - our aims include:
1) Meeting the educational needs of young people, parents, users of our services and the wider community.
2) Providing equal access to educational opportunity and service, regardless of gender, creed, race, social status or disability.
3) Continuing to develop the quality of education in Dundee.

Our Commitment to You:

• to value you as an individual and support your contribution to your son/daughter’s education
• to provide you with an effective and suitable education as a user of our services
• to provide you with the necessary information at all times and to consult you on major issues and policies
• to respect your views and beliefs
• to welcome you into any of our educational establishments
• to provide access at times which are mutually suitable
• to provide a safe and caring environment for learning
• to keep personal information confidential wherever possible
• to provide you with access to the information you require
• to reply to your enquiries as soon as possible and certainly within 10 working days
• to welcome your comments and criticism and to respond positively to you
• to help you resolve any difficulties within an easily understood complaints procedure

Your Commitment to Us:

• to respect our Staff, treat them fairly and support their work
• to provide support for learning at home
• to keep us informed about matters which may affect your child’s learning
• to meet with us when required in support of your child’s education
• to make any criticisms or complaints in a constructive way
• to help us resolve any difficulties, if necessary, through our complaints procedure
• to be realistic in your expectations of us.

- Back to top -

Homework Policy
The school has reviewed its Policy on Homework and has put in place an agreed Policy which provides pupils with regular homework which is aimed at supporting and strengthening work in class.
In upper primary homework is normally given to pupils on Monday and returned to class on Thursday. Homework can be investigative work, research or work supporting classroom studies ie environmental studies, class talk etc.
Parents’ support in ensuring homework is done is much appreciated. Details of work at home can be found in our LTiD diaries.

- Back to top -

School Uniform
At the request of parents many years ago, a school uniform was designed, which is as follows:-

Boys: Dark Trousers Navy pullover
Blue Shirt/Polo Shirt
School Tie
Black school shoes

Girls: Navy Skirt/Trousers
Navy pullover/cardigan
Blue Blouse/Polo Shirt
School Tie
White socks
Summer dress: light blue check
- available from local stockists
Black school shoes

Gym:Cotton T-Shirt (not football top)/Shorts/Gym shoes

Stocks of school uniform are held by suppliers within the city at competitive prices. School Polo Shirts/Sweatshirts are available throughout the school year by contacting the school Office.
All clothes, including shoes, should be clearly marked with your child’s name. It is difficult for a teacher to identify a pullover by giving the size and make, since many children in class have similar articles made by the same manufacturer. The school would be grateful for your support in ensuring clear identification of clothing.

- Back to top -

School Curriculum
Through use of 5 - 14 guidelines, the school seeks to provide a balanced, progressive programme of work in each of the following curricular areas.

Language: As Language is at the heart of children’s learning the school attaches a high priority to ensuring that pupils have a knowledge about Language, listen attentively, read with understanding, talk meaningfully, write fluently, legibly and with accurate spelling and punctuation. To achieve these aims, the school uses a variety or resources, including listening centres and well structured programmes in reading, writing, talking and listening.

Mathematics: As Mathematics plays such an important role in our daily lives, the school provides a mathematical programme which helps pupils to:

a) understand the nature and purpose of mathematics
b) acquire skills in mathematical thinking
c) develop confidence in using and applying mathematics and to learn to enjoy its challenges.

Environmental Studies: Environmental Studies is the term used to describe pupils’ work in science, history, geography and technology.
Using the 5 - 14 guidelines, the school is developing a programme of studies which will help pupils achieve knowledge and understanding of the environment through active, investigative learning.

Expressive Arts: Art & Design, Drama, Music and Physical Education make up this subject area and provide opportunities not only to learn and develop appropriate skills, but for personal enrichment and the development of interests which may give lifelong satisfaction and enjoyment.
The Expressive Arts curriculum also provides pupils with insight into their heritage and understanding of their own and other people’s culture.
Guidance and support in Expressive Arts are given by visiting specialist Staff and, where possible, activities are related to the Environment Studies topics.

The above is just a small extract from our curriculum. Further detailed information is available in our School Handbook. You can download a copy by clicking on the School Handbook page.