“In the areas inspected the quality of education provided by this school is outstanding; the quality of pastoral care is also outstanding. The school has demonstrated its capacity for sustained self-improvement.” ETI Report of last Inspection.
At Holy Cross Boys’ Primary School, we aim to create a calm and caring community where teachers teach and children learn.
Each child will be encouraged to fulfil his intellectual, spiritual, physical, social aesthetic and emotional potential. Central to the creation of this environment is a commitment to Christian values, the recognition of the worth and value of each child and the cultivation of self-respect so that the child may accept his appropriate responsibilities and show respect for others. The welfare of the child is uppermost.
At Holy Cross Boys we aim to establish a community where pupils, teachers, parents and support staff enjoy a sense of belonging and have an important part to play.
We in Holy Cross Boys’ Primary School have a responsibility for the care, welfare and safety of the pupils in our charge. Through our Pastoral Care Policy, we aim to:
- Create a secure and caring environment for all personnel in the school
- Promote the worth and dignity of all members of the school community
- Promote positive and supportive relationships throughout the school community so that effective teaching and learning can take place
- Help children accept responsibility for and consequences of their actions
- Develop children’s social and life skills
- Anticipate and obviate problems which individual children might experience in school.
Pastoral care permeates all aspects of school life. It reflects the values, attitudes, beliefs and practices of our Catholic faith and involves all members of our school community- children, parents, and all other adults who contribute to the well-being of each child.
We continue to promote an ethos of positive reinforcement for good behaviour through our Philosophy House System where P1-7 pupil of the week winners (29 pupils) are rewarded with certificates. Reading (30 pupils) and Attendance prizes (30 pupils) are rewarded at the end of each term and mid-term in each class. A H.C.B Philosopher, Reader, Mathematician and Musician of the week are also chosen and receive certificates.
We reward 16 pupils (from P4-7) every week for their outstanding efforts with their behaviour and attitude by going to Solitude for a coaching session on the pitch with our two staff members and local football stars Tony Kane (Dundela FC) and Joe Gormley (Cliftonville FC).
Every Sunday evening, we send out a Weekly Bulletin on our School Jotter App, which highlights individual and group achievements. We also celebrate these achievements on our Social Media Platforms.
Pupils are encouraged to show self-discipline, care, consideration and courtesy for others. Pupils play an active role within the school through our Anti-Bullying Ambassador Initiative (P7), House System Captain and Vice Captains (P6 & &), Student Council (P4-7), Eco Council and Maths Buddies (P1 and P7).
The pastoral care of pupils will be developed and enhanced through a wide range of activities and opportunities which compliment curricular provision including:
- Assemblies
- Whole school and class liturgical events
- Recognition of achievements in and out of school
- The celebration of children’s work and efforts
- Class duties
- The involvement of pupils in charities
- Children supporting the wider community
- World Book Day
- Extra-curricular activities
- Sport and instrumental programmes
- Educational visits
- Events during the year which reinforce important pastoral information e.g. anti-bullying week
- Catholic Schools Week
- School and Eco Councils
