St Mary s Greek School ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ

Transcription

1 St Mary s Greek School ΑΝΕΞΑΡΤΗΤΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ THE HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL Brunswick Park Primary School Osidge Lane, London, N14 5DU Telephone: Mrs Evi Ioannou Member of A.E.S.A 1/10

2 Welcome This information pack provides you with all the information you need to know about St Mary s Greek School. It includes guidelines for behaviour, general information and term dates. You should read this information carefully and look after it, so you can refer to it again. CONTENTS Page No. Organisation, Aims & Objectives 3 Curriculum 3 Place and hours of Study 4 Social Events 4 Syllabus 5 School Guidelines 6 Classroom Code 7 School Terms & Holidays Fees 8 Correspondence 9 The Annual General Meeting 10 The Future 10 2/10

3 Organisation St Mary s Independent Greek School (formerly known as Woodhouse) is a charity registered under the name The Hellenic Educational Establishment (Charity Registration Number ). The school provides education in the Greek language and is independent in the sense that the church does not maintain it or the school is not affiliated to any political organisation. It is run by a Board of Trustees made up from parents of children who attend the School. The Board is elected yearly and co-operates closely with the Head teacher and teachers in the smooth and successful running of the school. St Mary s Independent Greek School is a member of the Independent Greek Schools of England (AESA) through which it participates in EFEBE (United Forum of Greek Community Education). Aims and Objectives The School aims not only to teach children the Greek language but also to educate them in the Greek Orthodox religion, history and culture of the Hellenes. This includes traditional costumes, dance and music, celebrations of popular events, folk plays. It aims to cultivate and promote in them the knowledge and realisation that they are Greek. We aim to pass on enduring values of our Greek heritage and at the same time display respect and appreciation of different beliefs and cultures. We also aim to achieve high standards in education and preparation for GCSE, A/S and A Level. Curriculum From nursery class to A Level, the Greek language forms the foundation upon which all aspects of the curriculum are based. History, geography, religious education, music and folk dancing are also taught both in their own respective merits and also as a means of reinforcing the Greek language and culture. In the nursery and reception classes children are taught Greek through listening to stories and songs and by making simple conversation in class. As the pupils approach examination level a more structured GCSE and A-level curriculum is followed. The School produces excellent results, year after year. Dance Lessons Both music and dance are part of the school curriculum. The teachers are responsible for their pupils' supervision during the dance sessions. They should also ensure that the children proceed from and return to their classes in an orderly manner without disturbing the other lessons. 3/10

4 The teachers should be present at the dance area and are responsible for their class behaviour during the dance lessons. SCHOOL BREAK There are two breaks the first at 3.30pm 3.45pm when the tuck shop is open; fresh food and drink is available. It is recommended children bring between 1-2 to spend. The second is at 5.00pm 5.15pm, which is a free fruit break; the children are provided with pieces of fresh fruit and raw vegetables i.e. carrot and celery to ensure they stay healthy and keep them alert for the last part of the day. Pupils must not go into any area, which is out of bounds during break. Fighting amongst pupils, the bullying of pupils by other pupils, and the use of bad language will not be tolerated at school. Parents of children involved in such conduct will be spoken to by the Head Teacher who may at their discretion suspend or exclude such pupils, depending on the severity of the issue. Place and hours of work The school operates during the three terms, Autumn, Spring and Summer. Classes are held once a week for all classes at; Brunswick Park Primary School, Osidge Lane, London, N14 5DU on Saturdays 2.00pm pm. Social Events All children and parents are expected to attend social events. Each year there are various fundraising activities, from cake sales to BBQs, which are organised by the School Committee and the parents these have proved to be very popular. As the School is entirely self funded a series of fundraising events are organised each year to supplement the school fees. The main annual event is the yiorti in May at which all the students participate in a magnificent display of folk dancing. Raffle tickets are sold on the day, with many wonderful prizes on offer. The school also organises regular concerts and plays to mark important religious and historical anniversaries. A great deal of work goes into the organisation of these functions and it is greatly appreciated if parents could actively support them. Christmas Concert This is usually held in the last week of the autumn term, where children and teachers work together to put on a performance incorporating song and dance as well as costumes, which are prepared by parents and teachers. 4/10

5 Syllabus Nursery Saturday 2.00 pm 6.00pm. This class incorporates 4-5 years activities to improve children s fine motor skills, including Greek songs, poems, stories and conversation. Reception Saturday 2.00 pm 6.00 pm. This class works on six topics: 1. Myself 2. Home 3. Family 4. Clothing (winter and summer) 5. Surrounding world, including topics on animals, nature colours 6. Weather and seasons In each topic children learn basic vocabulary and language structures. Years 1 6 Saturday 2.00pm 6.00pm 1. Introduction to formal reading and writing of the Greek language. 2. Greek music and dance 3. Knowledge of homeland including elements of history, religion, geography and Greek culture. GCSE Saturday 2.00pm 6.00pm Two year course. The Edexcel GCSE syllabus is followed. The course aims to develop the students linguistic skills in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. The main emphasis is on developing the students communicative competence in the four skills. The essential components of the course are: a. Listening and understanding spoken Greek. b. Using the language in a variety of functional situations. c. Reading and understanding authentic material (Greek newspapers and magazines). It is expected that pupils in our School will have reached a satisfactory standard in the four language skills before being allowed to embark on the GCSE course. 5/10

6 SCHOOL GUIDELINES In order for the School to run smoothly in a safe and organised way, we expect everyone to follow these guidelines. 1 IMPORTANT: ALL parents must drop off and collect their children from within the school hall. The School does not accept responsibility for your child s safety if they are off the premises, outside the school hours. 2 Please ensure your child arrives at school early in order to start their lessons on time. Punctuality is of the utmost importance. Lateness is disruptive for pupils and their teachers. 3 All children and parents should meet in the school on time in order for the Head Teacher to pass on important information and to ensure that teachers can take the children to their classrooms. Children are not allowed in classrooms without adult supervision. 4 Pupils must NOT under any circumstances tamper with the property of Brunswick Park Primary School. All classrooms are to be left clean and tidy. Action will be taken against any pupil found damaging school property. 5 All pupils must remain in the School at all times. Pupils will not be allowed outside the School grounds during school times. 6 No dangerous objects i.e. penknives, sharp toys etc., are allowed. The use of mobile telephones and ipods/mp3 player are not permitted in the classroom. Mobile phones must not be kept on during lesson time and to be switched off as this causes disruption for the students as well as the teacher. 7 We should be grateful if pupils would inform their teachers of any absence and it would be helpful if parents advise the School if a child cannot attend for any reason. Contact numbers are listed on the front of this information pack. 8 A School tuck Shop operates during break time. The children are supervised at break times as well as during class times. They are also able to bring food and drink with them, but these must only be consumed during break times. Finally, we should like to emphasise that our objective is to create an atmosphere in which pupils, teachers and parents can work together for the well being of the children and the School. We welcome parental involvement, both educationally and socially. Please support your School and School Committee. 6/10

7 Classroom Code PREPARATION FOR ACHIEVEMENT ALWAYS HAVE RESPECT FOR OTHERS BE KIND AND POLITE (Never be rude, aggressive or use swear words) 1 Always arrive on time and wait quietly. Listen carefully and follow the teacher s instructions. Always ask if you are not sure. The teacher or a Committee Member will help you. 2 Come equipped with pen, pencil, ruler and books in a suitable bag. Do not borrow without asking. 3 Never chew, eat or drink in class. 4 Always keep the classroom and hallways free of litter. Look after you school and place all litter in the bin. 5 Put outdoor wear and bags aside as directed by your teacher. 6 WORK HARD AND TRY TO ENJOY LEARNING 7 Allow others to work. 8 Homework is obligatory and NOT voluntary, Record your homework and bring completed back on time. SMOKING Smoking amongst pupils is "absolutely" forbidden nor are teachers or parents allowed to smoke inside the school building or within the grounds. 7/10

8 Autumn Term 2016 Starts Ends First Half Sat 10 th September 2016 Sat 22 nd October 2016 Half Term No School Sat 29 th October 2016 Second Half Sat 5 th November 2016 Sat 17 th December 2016 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS Spring Term 2017 Starts Ends First Half Sat 7 th January 2017 Sat 11 th February 2017 Half Term No School Sat 18 th February 2017 Second Half Sat 25 th February 2017 Sat 8 th April 2017 EASTER HOLIDAYS Summer Term 2017 Starts Ends First Half Sat 29 th April 2017 Sat 27 th May 2017 Half Term No School Sat 3 rd June 2017 Second Half Sat 10 th June 2017 Sat 8 th July 2017 Fees for School Fees (PAYABLE IN ADVANCE) Classes Days Annual Fee Half Yearly ( x 3 terms) Nursery Sat Reception Sat Years 1 to 6 Sat GCSE 1 & 2 Sat A/S & A Level Sat Discounts available: 2 children 10% off second child s fees 3 children 15% off second & 20% off third child s fees Fees Enrolment fee (per family) 15 - We would be very grateful if fees could be paid promptly at the commencement of each term. Fees can also be paid annually in September, in one instalment or half yearly in two instalments, or at the beginning of each term in three instalments. The committee is available to accept fees in the main hall. 8/10

9 Correspondence All correspondence to: Mrs Evi Ioannou Chairperson St Mary s Greek School C/O Brunswick Park Primary School Osidge Lane London N14 5DU Tel: All cheques made payable to: St Mary s Greek School Funding The object of fundraising activities is to raise income to supplement the school fees, which only covers part of the School s expenses. The School receives no direct external financial assistance. The School Committee The day to day management of the school is undertaken by a committee, all of whom are volunteers and elected each year by the parents at the Annual General Meeting. Comprising of up to 12 members; the committee meets regularly during the year. Their duties include: Administering affairs of the school Liasing between Greek & Cypriot Embassies, parents and staff of the school Running the Tuck Shop Arranging the various fundraising and social events Providing a secure, welcoming and happy environment for staff, pupils and their families. Regular newsletters are sent to all families with information on forthcoming events and important news. 9/10

10 Annual General Meeting (AGM) The AGM is held each year at the school, in order to elect the new members of the Committee. Parents are informed at the meeting how well the school is performing and to see how improvements can be made within the school. The financial affairs are also available at the meeting and any future plans of the school are also discussed. The Future St Mary s Independent Greek School has worked extremely hard over the years to maintain and improve academic standards and the spirit of the Greek school amongst the Hellenic community in England. It is our intention, with your help, to continue this tradition and build on it. 10/10