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St Gabriel’s

St Gabriel’s

FAQs

What time does the school day start?

The Junior School day starts with registration at 8.30am.

Pupils from Year 3 upwards can be left on the Junior School playground from 8.15am, where they are supervised by a member of staff.

Pupils in Reception – Year 2 must be supervised on the playground by a parent or guardian until 8.30am, when they may be dropped off in their classroom.

If a child arrives before 8:15 am, they should attend Breakfast Club.

What time does the school day end?

The school day ends at 4.00pm.  Parents should notify the class teacher, through their child’s diary or Home Link Book, if they are going home by bus, attending the After School Club or taking part in another club or activity at the end of the school day.

How do I book the Breakfast Club or After School Club?

All before and after school care for the Junior School is available on a regular or ad hoc basis. 

Breakfast Club costs £4.00 a day and runs from 7.30am – 8.15am in Gabbies.  Cereal, porridge, toast, yogurts and sausage or bacon rolls are offered and charged at point of sale.

The After School Club runs from 4.00pm – 6.30pm.  Children who book tea are given sandwiches, fresh fruit and cake at around 5.00pm.  Currently, there is no charge for the After School Club.

Pupils book in to the After School Club during morning registration.  Parents should contact the School Office if they wish to make a booking during the school day.

Will my child do homework at school

Children attending the After School Club will complete their homework before taking part in any other activities.

How do I book the school bus?

For all school transport enquiries and costs, please contact our transport coordinator by email  transport@stgabriels.co.uk.

Who is my first point of contact at the school?

Your first point of contact should always be your child’s Form Teacher regarding academic or pastoral issues. 

In Reception – Year 2, pupils are provided with a Home Link Book to enable teachers and parents to maintain a regular dialogue about school matters. 

Children in Year 3 – Year 6 have a school diary in which they keep their timetable and homework schedule.  It is also used for communication between parents and class teachers.

For an appointment with the Principal or Head of the Junior School, please contact the School Office.

For medical matters contact:  medical@stgabriels.co.uk

For any other questions contact the school office on 01635 555680 or email schoolsecretary@stgabriels.co.uk

How do I access the parent portal?

When your child joins the school you will be given login details for the parent portal, where you will find the school calendar, team lists and menus as well as your child’s timetable and reports.  The majority of the school's communication with parents is via the parent portal.

How often do pupils sit exams?

In the Autumn Term pupils are assessed in Reading and Spelling, using standardised tests. This information is used to ascertain reading levels and spelling groups, as well as identifying any intervention that may be required. In the Summer Term, pupils sit standardised tests in English and Mathematics. These progress tests provide teachers with invaluable information on individual pupil progress and help staff plan for pupils' next steps in learning. In Year 5 pupils complete the CAT4 tests. 

How do I email members of staff?

Staff email addresses can be found in the Junior School Parent Handbook.  If you have any problems emailing a member of staff, please contact the school office.

Who should I contact if my child is ill?

Please contact the school office by telephone on the first morning of absence and then daily thereafter.  On a child’s return to school please email the school office giving the reason for absence.

Any request for absence other than for illness should be put in writing to the Head of the Junior School.

How do I notify the school of any allergies or should my child need to take any medication?

To update the school on any medical matters or should your child need to take any mediation while in school, please complete the relevant forms on the parent portal and send to the school nurse medical@stgabriels.co.uk.

Does the school cater for special diets?

The school’s catering is run by Holroyd Howe, who prepare and cook all main meals in our kitchens using the freshest ingredients.  Our caterers can tailor lunches to accommodate most food allergies, intolerances and special diets.

In Year 3 – Year 6, children have four main course menu choices, a hot non-vegetarian or vegetarian option, the specialty bar or the salad bar.  There is also a selection of deserts to choose from as well as a variety of fruit.

Can my child bring a snack in to school?

Junior School pupils may bring in a healthy snack of fruit, raw vegetables or cheese for the morning and afternoon breaks together with a drink of water in a water bottle with a sports top.

We are a nut-free school.

Can Junior School children use Gabbies?

Gabbies, the school's café, is a high street-style café open to Year 11, the Sixth Form, staff and parents.  It offers a wide selection of breakfast items, hot snacks, tea, coffee and cold drinks. 

Junior School children may only use Gabbies when accompanied by an adult.

What sports do the children play?

Our major sports are football, tag rugby, netball and hockey with tennis, rounders, swimming, athletics and cricket in the summer.

How do I know if my child is taking part in a match?

An email will be sent to you via the parent portal to inform you if your child is representing the school in a match.

How do I apply for music or LAMDA lessons?

Please contact the Admissions Office or the School Office for an application form.

Instrumental and vocal trial lessons are available on request.

How does my child find out about clubs and extra-curricular activities?

There is a varied and extensive selection of extra-curricular activities on offer in the Junior School.  We are proud of the rounded education that we offer and pupils are encouraged by their form teacher to have a full and varied extra-curricular life.

Clubs take place either before school, during lunch breaks or after school.  The activities available each term can be found here.  Details are sent out to parents along with any associated costs before the start of term.

Which uniform should my child wear when returning to school in September?

Depending on the weather, children may start the school year in either winter or summer uniform.

How can parents get involved with the school community?

The Parent Teacher Association organises a number of events for the school community across the year, including a Bonfire Night Firework Display, a Christmas Fair, Quiz Nights and an Annual Ball. 

The PTA are always seeking new volunteers either to join the committee or to assist with its social and fundraising activities.