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Class of 2025 G D

Alone we can do so little together we can do so much Helen Keller Mrs Murphy Principal Mr Johnston Vice Principal 2

WELCOME FROM THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL YOU are now officially part of our school family at KJHS and we are delighted to welcome you as you begin your journey into post primary education High School This booklet has been designed to help you make a smooth and confident transition from primary school to Year 8 Our school vision is Working together for excellence in a caring community As Principal it is my sincere hope that each of you will show kindness to others demonstrate excellent manners and aim high in all you do At our school we are committed to providing you a high quality education within a caring and respectful environment My staff and I are here to support you every step of the way We have high expectations and we believe every pupil has the potential to succeed when they are supported and encouraged We ask that you work with us by aiming for excellence in all aspects of school life This means giving your best even when things feel challenging Excellence isn t just about results it s about your attitude your behaviour and your willingness to grow and learn Whether in the classroom on the sports field or in your friendships every part of your school experience matters It was a pleasure to welcome many of you during our May visits and we look forward to seeing you again during the induction events planned for late August These Year 8 only sessions will give you time to settle in and get to know your new routines You will meet your form teacher make new friends and be supported by our fantastic Year 10 Buddy Mentors who are ready to share helpful advice and make you feel welcome Further information will be included in your summer pack posted to you and your parents Please take time to read through everything carefully This First Days booklet is very useful as too is a visit to our website and you can also follow our public Facebook page no account needed for updates as well In your induction pack you will also find a competition and some forms that will help your form teacher learn more about you Please complete these carefully to help us get to know you better We are excited to begin this journey with you and look forward to seeing all that you will achieve Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer Mrs Murphy Principal 3

MEET YOUR YEAR HEADS Dear Year 8 Pupil that s nearly you Welcome to Killicomaine Junior High School You are nearly Year 8 and we hope you are looking ahead to your next big adventure We look forward to what the new academic year has in store for you You may be feeling a mix of emotions now but we hope you will settle in quickly in September You may be worried about a bigger school new teachers new subjects new challenges and making new friends We trust the following pages will help you with any concerns you may have We are sure you are looking forward to experiencing all aspects of school life at Killicomaine This means more than just the classwork and homework There are such a variety of after school clubs and activities to be a part of from sporty to musical to creative Starting early in new clubs and activities helps you make new friends and feel part of our school Our friendly and approachable staff will encourage you to do your best and show you what you can achieve Our hope is that you will make lasting positive memories over the next few years at Killicomaine As a school we expect very high standards from our pupils Work hard get involved be kind and amazing things will happen We wish you well as you embark on your first year at Killicomaine Mrs Percy Mr Chambers Year 8 Year Heads 4

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YOUR YEAR HEADS Mrs Percy Year Head Mr Chambers Year Head FORM TEACHERS Mrs Percy and Mr Chambers are the Year Heads in charge of all the pupils in Year 8 They will be with you through to Year 10 They lead a Year Assembly once a month You may be asked to take part read a prayer or highlight an important issue Your Year Heads will help you feel part of class of 2025 You will also have a Form Teacher who will look after you do your registration each morning set targets with you and help develop a bond with you and your other form class members Make sure you tell your parents the name of your Form Teacher School assembly starts at 9am on Monday Wednesday and Friday On Tuesday morning there is no assembly instead you will have extended registration with your form teacher Registration Your Form Teacher will take the register at 9 10am and update you with daily news On Thursday and Friday mornings registration takes place during period 1 Subject classes begin at 9 20 am Monday to Friday You will study these subjects in Year 8 English History P E Maths Art R E Science Drama Music French Library I C T Geography L L W T D SUBJECTS Top tip A cardboard or plastic folder is needed for each subject to keep notebooks and booklets safe Teachers Details of all Killicomaine staff can be found on our website 6

WEARING THE KJHS CREST WITH PRIDE You are required to always wear correct and full uniform This includes on the way to and from school At KJHS we expect high standards of school uniform and appearance WHY It helps all our pupils by promoting a shared identity being part of our KJHS community It shows loyalty to our school vision of excellence It facilitates integration and enables pupils of all races and backgrounds to feel welcome It protects our pupils from social pressures to dress in a particular way High standards of school uniform and appearance are linked to better pupil outcomes in class FACT High standards of uniform are regarded as an indicator of positive behaviour FACT To prepare our pupils for the world of work Many employees have a dress and appearance Code All pupils are expected to align to our uniform regulations Infringement of these will result in the issue of a sanction in line with the Positive Behaviour Policy and the School Rules booklet Consequences include detention not being able to take part in representative school sports activities and suspension if there are persistent breaches of school rules 7

Girls Uniform White blouse Regulation school blazer KJHS Black tunic not a skirt KJHS School tie Black knee socks or black tights Black plain low heeled shoes made from a sturdy polishable material eg leather or similar Black trainers canvas shoes sports style shoes or boots are not permitted to be worn Coat own School scarf optional School hat optional on sale in PE Head scarves must be plain black Boys Uniform White shirt Regulation school blazer Charcoal grey trousers KJHS School tie Black ankle socks no trainer socks Black plain shoes made from a sturdy polishable material eg leather or similar Black trainers canvas shoes sports style shoes or boots are not permitted to be worn Coat own School scarf optional School hat optional on sale in PE SERVIRE HONORE our latin motto 8

PE KIT Boys PE Kit Girls PE Kit KJHS Yellow PE Top compulsory KJHS Black skort compulsory Skort can be worn with plain black leggings NEW KJHS zip top compulsory KJHS Games socks black with yellow K Sports trainers Shin Pads compulsory Gum Shield highly recommended KJHS Black PE Top compulsory KJHS Black shorts compulsory NEW KJHS zip top compulsory KJHS Games socks black with yellow K Football boots rugby boots Sports trainers Shin Pads compulsory Gum Shield highly recommended School tracksuit bottoms optional but compulsory for teams School tracksuit bottoms optional but compulsory for teams KJHS Hoodie being phased out Rugby top will be required but only for team players after selection at Halloween Ensure All Items Of Clothing Are Named Ensure All Items Of Clothing Are Named Girls PE Kit Penny and Daniel Penny and Daniel School Uniform and PE kits are available from Ivan Jameson and Robert Davidson in Portadown 9

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ATTENDANCE EVERY SCHOOL DAY MATTERS Attendance is crucial and we expect that all of our pupils will be enthusiastic about coming to school want to be here every day have a thirst for knowledge and are excited to learn Always come into school unless you feel so unwell Book medical dentist and hospital appointments outside school times If an appointment is unavoidable come into school before or after it Holidays in term time are not permitted Unexplained or unaccounted for lateness to school will result in detention 11

THE SCHOOL DAY School opens from 8 40am Monday Wednesday and Friday Delayed start on Thursday school opens 9 00am 12

SCHOOL MAP Finding your way around Killicomaine is a big place compared to your primary school so it will take you a little while to find your way around the building When you start on your first day your form teacher will give you lots of information You will be surprised just how quickly you will find your way around the school Subjects are located in specific areas and this makes it easier to find your way around Take a look at the maps to see the different subject zones VIRTUAL TOUR Check out our school website to view our virtual tour and get a feel for what it is like to walk down the corridors in Killicomaine Junior High School https www killicomaine co uk virtual tour 13

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME ON MY FIRST FULL DAY Friday 29th August Induction days 26 28th August see letter for details of when you are being invited in 29th August YEAR 8 ONLY day SCHOOL SUPPLIES Books You will be given textbooks and exercise books in your classes Label books and be careful not to lose them as you may be charged for their replacement Label stationery too where possible Pencil case with stationery see list below A snack for break if required or money for cafeteria A packed lunch or money for cafeteria 3 for homework planner Stationery list Folders for each subject Red green and purple biro Blue or black writing pen Pencils 2B and 4B pencil for art 2H pencil for TD Coloured pencils File paper Rubber Ruler Sharpener Glue stick Scissors Maths protractor kit ruler compass Calculator Tissues Hand sanitiser Replenish supplies as needed Top tips ol bag the night Pack scho before lazer p in your b 0 5 p e e to K e you have s a c in t e k poc hool phone e c s e th e s u mobil ur parents ep it in Write yo wn and ke o d r e b m u n r pocket your blaze Subject Charges for whole year Technology Design Home Economics Art English 15 20 5 10 School fund 35 You need to store your notebooks and textbooks in a box or shelf You cannot carry all your books every day So you need to PLAN Each night before you go to bed check if you have your school planner for the classes you have the next day the notebooks textbooks for each lesson ready to put into your bag any homework to hand in and pack it in your bag P E the next day so you can have all your kit packed any extra curricular activities the next day your lunch money or packed lunch if you prefer 14

EQUIPMENT Below are some subjects you will be doing in Year 8 Think about some equipment that you may need for these lessons and write what you will need to bring with you to school English Lesson Maths Lesson PE Lesson Art Lesson Home Economics Lesson Be equipped and ready to learn 15

YOUR FIRST DAY Friday 29th August Your first day at secondary school will be one that you will always remember Follow these steps to make it a success THE NIGHT BEFORE Have your bag packed including your pencil case Have your uniform laid out and ready Have you practiced tying your tie Give it a go Check that you know how you are getting to school and who you are travelling with Set your alarm and allow yourself plenty of time to get up and ready 16

LUNCHTIME There are two lunch sittings each 35 minutes long Early Lunch Late Lunch 12 25 until 1 00 1 00 until 1 35 Your form teacher will tell you which lunch to go on each day You can opt to bring a packed lunch with you or you may prefer to use the school cafeteria Our school cafeteria has a range of snacks that can be purchased at break time these include toast fruit salads and sausage rolls etc At lunchtime they offer a wide range of foods including a soup of the day paninis filled baguettes sandwiches as well as hot meals like chicken tikka masala and boiled rice lasagne chicken pie homemade breaded goujons and pizzas Biscuits jelly and fruit salad are also available to purchase PLEASE DO NOT BRING NUTS INTO SCHOOL ENERGY DRINKS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT KJHS AND WILL BE CONFISCATED SAMPLE MENU PRICES 2025 26 BREAK Toast Pain au chocolat Cinnamon swrils Scone with butter Sausage rolls Traybakes cookies Muffin LUNCH Sandwiches Chicken burgers Baked potato filling Panini Pizza slice Soup Chips Tues Friday only 30p 1 1 60p 1 80p 80p 2 50 2 00 1 50 2 50 1 30 1 00 1 40 MAIN MEAL DEAL 2 80 includes a meal small drink fruit or cake DRINKS Flavoured milk Sml water Lg water Flavoured water 55p 60p 1 00 1 00 Example of main meal of the day menu 17

Killicomaine JHS Week A Gammon potatoes veg and gravy Chicken crumble potatoes and veg Braising steak potatoes and veg And And And Roast turkey potatoes roast mash veg and gravy Peppered chicken potatoes or rice And And Chicken curry and rice Pizza Burgers Selection of traybakes Sausages Pasta bolognese Sausages Chicken goujons Hot dogs Paninis Chips Selection of traybakes Pizza Burgers Chicken burger Chips Selection of traybakes Selection of traybakes Selection of traybakes Peri Peri Roasted

Food Allergy Advice from Home Economics KJHS Eat Well Feel Well Be Well We receive some allergy information from our feeder primaries but it is vital that parents carers let us know as soon as possible too They often provide more detailed information The Home Economics Department recognise that a number of pupils may suffer from potentially life threatening allergies or intolerances to certain foods In Home Economics we strive to be inclusive to all children and aim to meet the needs of every child As a KJHS pupil you should speak directly to your HE teacher This means we can best support you in practicals The common causes of allergies relevant are the 14 major food allergens below 19

THE LIBRARY KJHS Our library is a place for quiet study reading and research It is open to everyone every day and there is always someone available to help you find the reading book or piece of information you need whether that is for schoolwork or personal interest As well as timetabled library classes you will be able to access the space before school and during lunch You can use the library s computers to complete Accelerated Reader quizzes research or to print coursework or homework If you are always on the go our online library system allows you to browse the books at home and decide what you want to read before arriving at the library We offer two bookclubs and a weekly session for those who love playing chess Keep an eye out for details when the school year begins Throughout the year we will run competitions and details will be shared with you in your library lessons There are always prizes to be won We welcome all students to come along and share our enthusiasm for reading knowledge and ultimately books A little bit about Accelerated Reader Home Connect During the school year all pupils will be signed up to use Accelerated Reader during their library periods It is a computer based program that we use so that the pupils can track their reading progress and so that the teachers can monitor pupils individual reading practice Your child children will choose books for themselves under the guidance of their class teacher and our librarian It should be a book that is appropriate to their ZPD By signing up to HomeConnect you will be able to view your child s A R quiz results see the number of books read and the number of words read browse a virtual bookshelf that contains books read by your child sign up to receive updates on your child s most recent quiz results by email We looking forward to meeting you in September 20

HOMEWORK Successful pupils make progress when they embrace extended study This helps them become independent learners When you start your new school you will be asked to buy a Student Planner from your form teacher You are expected to write down your homework in this book It will help you to plan your work There is a place for your parent guardian and Form Teacher to sign each week to check that you are recording and doing all your homework and also a space for your parents and teachers to communicate with each other Your planner also has places to record your timetable test results and targets You must bring your planner to school every day The planner also has lots of useful information e g maps grammar tips and KJHS information Do check all parts of the planner Cost 3 EXAMS All pupils sit exams in mid November and again in mid May Don t worry You will be given revision guides and your teachers will help you prepare In P D Personal Development and Form Teacher sessions you will find out study strategies that will help you succeed in exams and cope with exam pressure The exam results are used to review class placements and ensure that pupils are in the most appropriate band 21

SCHOOL RULES You will be issued with a School Rules and Responsibilities Booklet which is included in your planner The School Rules ensure everyone knows what is expected and will help you be a successful student at KJHS Here are a sample of the main ones 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Students must behave responsibly sensibly politely and with common sense at all times Students must always try their best Disruptive behaviour during lessons will not be tolerated Take pride in yourself and your school by acting in a manner which brings credit to yourself and enhances the reputation of the school Any form of bullying will not be tolerated Arrive to school on time Be on time to lessons bring all necessary equipment and make it as easy as possible for teachers to teach and students to learn Wear your uniform correctly at all times and with pride Students must adhere to school uniform regulations This includes bringing a school bag every day Walk on the Left Never run Line up in single file outside each room Do not enter until the teacher gives you permission Nobody in corridors at lunch time except to go to Library All cloakrooms are out of bounds at lunch time unless the weather is very extreme Break time no pupils upstairs Dining Hall Proper orderly queues Clear table after use and pick up anything which may have fallen on the floor Exit by side doors only Absolutely no food or drinks to be taken out of the Dining Hall Water should not be consumed in the classroom Valuables should be left at home Put litter in bin School entrance and exit front gates only Never leave school without the permission of a member of the Senior Leadership Team SLT Out of Bounds Areas All grass areas to front of school plus all wooded areas Staff Car Parking areas Bicycle Sheds except when leaving or collecting a bicycle Chewing gum and energy drinks are totally forbidden The possession of large items of confectionary and the selling of items to other students will incur serious sanctions Mobile phones are not allowed It is the responsibility of the pupils to catch up on work missed up to one week and the teacher will assist the pupil to catch up on the work if the absence is more than one week 22

GENERAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS 1 2 3 4 5 6 If pupil absence is less than one week it is the 7 responsibility of the pupils to catch up on work missed 8 For longer absences the teacher will assist the pupil to catch up on the work if the absence is more 9 than one week 10 Arrive at your class on time Come to lessons with homework completed Come to class properly equipped with books and utensils Do not eat in class Put up your hand before answering or speaking Listen carefully to your teacher and follow instructions the first time they are given Treat others their work and equipment with respect Show respect at all times to your teacher Treat school property with respect Bad rude language must not be used FIRE DRILL EVACUATION OF THE SCHOOL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Any pupil discovering an outbreak of fire should inform the nearest member of staff or if no member of staff is available break the glass in one of the fire alarm points using something solid e g the heel of a shoe An intermittent ringing of the bell will sound This is the signal to leave the building Leave all your belongings and follow your teacher or if unaccompanied make your own way to the nearest available exit Walk quickly but do not run and quietly so that you can hear instructions If you find your exit route blocked then make your way to the nearest exit Do not panic Once outside make your way to the playground beside the Tennis Courts and line up there in forms 8th years nearest the grass pitches A roll call will then be taken by your form teacher No one may return to the building for any reason until instructed to do so by a member of staff 23

MERIT SYSTEM In Killicomaine Junior High School we operate a Merit System each term This is a way of keeping a record of all the good work our pupils do and also of any unacceptable behaviour At the end of a set period usually a few weeks all the achievement merit marks and behaviour demerit marks are totalled for each pupil There are prizes and certificates for the winning class in each year group and also for the best pupil in each class Most of our pupils then see an afternoon film shown in the Assembly Hall The small number of pupils who have too many demerit marks spend that afternoon doing extra work They also meet with their Year Heads where time is allocated to reflect and plan targets for improvement in the next Merit System Sometimes it is necessary for a pupil to carry a report card as a way of monitoring and helping a pupil improve YEAR 8 MERIT WINNERS TERM 2 BUDDY MENTORS Each form class will be assigned up to 3 Year 10 Buddy Mentors These pupils have applied for the role They want to help you settle into Killicomaine You will meet them during form time at the beginning of the school year Buddy Mentors to welcome the new Year 8 pupils during August Induction Days 24

Hot chocolate with the principal happens once a term and some very lucky pupils are chosen for upholding our school VISION and contributing to our school ethos Mrs Murphy enjoys meeting pupils from across the school and having time to have a chat 26

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CLUBS ACTIVITIES Extra curricular activities help you to develop in lots of ways and they are fun too Find your passion at KJHS There is something here for you Always listen to the announcements in registration class and assembly Clubs and Activities are a great way of meeting people who are not in your class but have similar interests to you If a practice is cancelled you may use the office payphone to inform your parents 50p to use the phone Please make sure you have a contact number in your blazer Mobile phones are not allowed in school A payphone is available at the school office Sports coaches often wait until lunchtime before making a decision to cancel a practice due to adverse weather They help you to work as part of a team take responsibility show initiative be reliable keep fit and healthy improve your skills show leadership qualities The same high standards of behavior are expected at all after school activities 28

HOUSE SYSTEM At Killicomaine Junior High School each pupil is assigned to one of our 4 houses Each pupil can earn points for their house Points can be earned by participating in Sporting events for example Sports Day and House sport competitions Reading competitions Other special events throughout the year Numeracy quizzes BLACKER WALKER JACKSON SCHOMBERG 29

WHAT TO I have to leave school for an appointment dentist doctor a music exam etc If you must leave during the school day for any reason your parent MUST fill in a jot form on our school app If it is not filled in we do not have permission to release you When it is time to leave excuse yourself from class and go to the office to sign out and wait for a parent guardian to collect you Your child will be required to add their name to the sign out ipad I feel unwell If you are in a classroom tell the teacher If your teacher is sending you to the Medical Room he she will give you a note for the Secretary If this happens during break or lunch tell the School Secretary I lose something Retrace your steps Having thoroughly checked then report the loss to your Form Teacher If you lose your dinner ticket pass report the loss to Mrs Forbes in the school office and she will arrange for you to have school dinner If you find something such as a purse or pencil case you should hand this into the office An after school activity has been cancelled There is a payphone available in the school office so that you can phone home and make arrangements Keep 50p in your blazer and a contact number You should not attempt to contact parents directly mobile phones are not permitted I have been absent and am returning to school You must fill out a form explaining why your child was absent This form can be filled in by a parent on the school app I m late Report immediately to the school office for registration Bring a note of explanation I have any other problems Talk to your form teacher 30

DO IF I travel home by bus Your form teacher will tell you where to queue up on the first morning I am not participating in P E You must bring an excuse note from an adult in your home outlining the reason This form can be filled in by a parent on the school app I am sent to the Staff Room on a message Knock the door and wait outside for a teacher to answer The Principal enters my classroom Pupils are expected to stand up as a matter of courtesy and respect I am worried about something Whether inside or outside school speak to someone you trust It can be your Form Teacher or Year Head or Buddy Mentor Or you can complete a referral for the School Counsellor Mrs Gardiner is the Designated Child Protection Teacher Deputy Designated Teachers are Mrs Murphy Mrs Maxwell and Mr Whitehead I have forgotten my lunch or money for the canteen Don t panic You can phone home to arrange money or lunch to be brought in I am finding work difficult Let your class teacher know It might be very easily fixed so don t let the issue build up The things we work hardest for are often the most satisfying when we achieve success I am being bullied or I see someone else being bullied Let your Form Teacher know They will ask you to fill in a KJHS Bullying Concern Form Or if you speak to your Buddy Mentor they will speak to your Form Teacher with you or on your behalf Bullying behaviour will not be tolerated at Killicomaine We also encourage pupils to look out for one another SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING 31

PUPIL ADVICE YEAR 8 Don t be nervous because all of the staff are really friendly Don t mess around and do what you are told Join as many afterschools as you can so you can meet so many new friends Have fun Pack your bag the night before so you are not in a rush in the morning Try everything

HEAD GIRL 24 25 INTERVIEW Bocombra Primary School FAVOURITE Caleb History Colour red blue red Chips Subject Best thing about Killicomaine SU Drama The friends I ve made and the teachers What would you change to make KJHS better Advice After School Activity Food in the Canteen Maths and Physics Worst thing about Killicomaine Review some of the rules Get to know your teachers and talk to people to help make new friends 33

HEAD BOY 24 25 INTERVIEW Moyallon Primary School FAVOURITE Caleb P E Colour Panini Subject Best thing about Killicomaine Rugby Getting involved in after school activities What would you change to make KJHS better Advice After School Activity red red Food in the Canteen Revising before Exam Week Worst thing about Killicomaine More practical work Get involved it s the easiest way to make new friends 34

STUDENT SUPPORT School Counsellor Helen Woods is our own school counsellor Helen is with us all day Monday and Wednesday from September to June What happens in counselling Counselling gives you the opportunity to talk in private about anything which is worrying you The counsellor will not take sides or tell you what to do or how to live your life but will help you to look at choices and encourage you to make your own decisions Helen Woods School Counsellor Where does counselling take place Counselling takes place in our counselling room in the foyer This room is a safe space where no one will be able to listen in to what you are telling the counsellor When is counselling available The counsellor will be in school each week and will arrange a suitable time to meet up with you How can I organise to see the counsellor If you want to see the counsellor you can talk to any teacher speak to Mrs Gardiner or ask a parent or carer to arrange an appointment by contacting school Who is counselling for It is open to any pupil in school You might have worries or concerns to do with school family personal matters or other issues These can be discussed during counselling It is a chance to talk about anything that may be worrying you Is counselling confidential What you say is not repeated to others without your permission with certain limited exceptions These exceptions will be explained to you by the counsellor in person Links Counsellor We also have Rachel Tate a counsellor from Links Links is a service provided to all schools by DENI Rachel is with us on a Thursday from period 1 to period 6 Rachel Tate Links Counsellor https www linkscounselling com 35

RETAIN THIS BOOKLET FOR USE IN FORM CLASS AND LLW NOTES 36

Pupil voice Jot down ideas to help us improve this booklet for next year 37

KILLICOMAINE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Working together for excellence in a caring community Visit our school website www killicomaine co uk Follow us on Facebook KillicomaineJHS KJHSsportsNews Killicomaine JHS Upper Church Lane Portadown BT63 5JE 38