Welcome to St. Matthew's Primary School

School Aims

We aim to foster the Catholic ethos of the school by prompting Gospel values.

All members of our school community are, by right, valued equally and are encouraged to excel in different ways.  All, regardless of gender, race and creed are offered the same opportunities to participate in the life of the school.

In order to enable the children to function successfully, now and in the future, in their local community or further afield, the staff of St. Matthew's Primary School aim to:-

1. provide a curriculum that accommodates and enhances each child's potential for learning
2. encourage excellence and strive to attain the highest possible levels of achievement
3. employ a range of teaching strategies which take account of different learning styles
4. support and encourage children by providing, as far as is possible, educational programmes suited to their individual needs and abilities
5. provide a happy, secure and welcoming environment where staff work in close partnership with parents, community and outside agencies for the good of the children
6. use all available resources to support the work of the school
7. be an effective staff team whose collective strengths and expertise are used to provide high quality education

Uniform

Royal Blue Sweat Shirt with printed school badge, Sky Blue Polo Shirt with embroidered school badge have been introduced as alternatives to school shirt, sweater and tie.  There is an option to purchase royal blue fleece jackets, rainjackets and knitted hats, all embroidered with the school badge.
During summer term and in warm weather, girls may wear suitable dresses in school colours i.e. pale blue or lemon.  Boys can wear short sleeved shirts in pale blue.  During winter term, girls may wear grey tailored trousers.  It is important that all items of clothing are labelled.  Pupils are not allowed to wear clothing that bear the names or logos of manufacturers or organisations other than St Matthew’s School.  Trainers are not allowed to be worn with the exception of during sports eg athletics, netball and soccer.  Indoor shoes should be black plimsolls and these should be worn during PE and should be labelled. It is the policy of the Education and Cultural Services Committee to encourage pupils to wear an acceptable form of school dress as determined by Head Teachers, school boards and parents.

In encouraging the wearing of school dress, account must be taken of any proposals to prevent any direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race or gender.  Any proposal will be the subject of widespread consultation with parents and pupils.

There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing which:-

• potentially, encourage factions (such as football colours)
• could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)
• could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing, dangling earrings (please note there is a requirement that all jewellery is removed prior to undertaking physical education activities)
• are made from flammable material for example shell suits in practical classes;
• could cause damage to flooring
• carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco
• could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so.
  

School Meals

There is a school cafeteria where main meals and snacks can be purchased.  Cost of the dish of the day plus pudding is presently £1.50.  Special diets are available on application to the school.

Children taking packed lunches are accommodated in their classroom, however for safety reasons parents are asked to ensure that the children do not carry glass containers, cans, or very hot liquids to school.

Children of parents receiving income support or income based job seekers allowance are entitled to a free midday meal.  Children of parents who are in receipt of child tax credit may also be eligible.  Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools, the education office and area registration services offices.

Only those children whose parents receive income support or income based job seekers allowance (and child tax credit where qualifying income criteria have been met) will be entitled to free milk.  Milk may however be available for purchase in the school during the lunch period.

We do not allow our children to go to the local shops at lunchtime.

The Education Committee normally reviews cafeteria costs at the start of the financial year in April and any changes in prices will be sent to you by letter.

Pupil Council

The Pupil Council is an important forum for all children in the school to use as a means to state their constructive views about school life.

Each class from P4-P7 has their own representative and these representatives meet regularly with members of the senior management team in order to discuss issues that have been identified by all children in the school.

The information in this section will give you details of the Pupil Council and provide you with up to date information about the current activities that the Pupil Council is involved in.