New Staff Induction Booklet (2)

Induction for New Colleagues

Catholic Social Teaching

Human dignity - (HD)

We believe that every person is created in God’s image and that all human life is sacred. We believe the dignity of each person is protected through the understanding of our rights and responsibilities

Solidarity (S)

We believe we are one human family and have a responsibility to help each person achieve their full potential

Participation and Subsidiarity (the dignity of work) (P&S)

We believe that every person can be the architect of change in their own life and as a right to participate in decisions that affect their own lives.

Preferential option for the poor (PP)

We believe in prioritising the women, men and children most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice.

Care for creation (CC)

We believe that care for our common home is vital for the common good of all people. We believe that a true ecological approach is a social approach. We are to be the protectors of creation and of one another.

The common good (CG)

We believe in working towards the common good and looking beyond our personal interests

Peace (P)

We believe that peace is the ultimate goal between all communities and that this is achieved by forgiveness, reconciliation and understanding.

I am delighted to welcome you to The Holy Cross School - I am so pleased that you are joining our team. Our school is a thriving Catholic community in which Christian values and Catholic Social Teaching underpin our strong community spirit and every decision that we make. We are committed to the preferential option for the poor and marginalised. That ethos has ensured that all of our staff work towards our students achieving their full potential no matter what their circumstances or starting point. We are incredibly proud of our Romero Developer Award (Catholic Social Teaching) and our DEIB work, and proudly hold the GOLD Race Charter Mark Award. We have a track record of being in the top 1% nationally for progress at GCSE and our popular and vibrant co-ed Sixth Form continues to flourish with excellent Year 11 retention and new external students joining our community.

We are the children of God and, in the spirit of St Francis and Mother Bernarda, we aim to create a happy family environment in which all may grow: In faith, hope and love for God, in love and respect for one another and the world around us, in learning and wisdom, So that we may live life to the full and joyfully share this life with others, especially those who are in any way disadvantaged.

(Solidarity, care for creation, preferential option for the poor)

Leadership Team

Deputy Headteacher

Leadership Team

Assistant Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher

Leadership Team

Assistant Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher

Safeguarding Team

DSL: Designated Safeguarding Lead

DDSL: Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Our link Governors for Safeguarding are: Shereen Tadros Ed Holloway

Chair of Governors: Piers North

If you are worried about a young person please ask to speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team.

Catholic Life at Holy Cross

Holy Cross is a Catholic school community inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and committed to the flourishing of every young person. Our mission, Learn Joyfully, Live Fully, reflects our belief that education is about far more than academic success. We seek to develop the whole person spiritually, intellectually, morally, socially and emotionally so that each student can recognise their God-given gifts and use them to make a positive contribution to the world.

As a Catholic school, our faith informs the way we learn, work and live together. We are a distinctive community, but also an inclusive one, welcoming students, staff and families from a wide range of backgrounds, faith traditions and cultures. The values of dignity, compassion, respect, service and justice underpin all aspects of school life. Every member of our community is valued and encouraged to play a full part in our shared mission.

Our school was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, whose vision for education continues to inspire us today. Guided by the example of Blessed Basil Moreau and Mother Bernarda Heimgartner, the Sisters dedicated themselves to educating girls with faith, courage and hope. Their charism emphasises the formation of the whole person, trust in God's providence, a commitment to excellence, and a particular concern for those disadvantaged in any way.

Although the Sisters are no longer directly involved in the day-to-day leadership of the school, we are proud custodians of their legacy and remain committed to carrying forward the Holy Cross mission in contemporary ways.

Catholic Life at Holy Cross

Catholic Social Teaching lies at the heart of our identity and provides a framework through which we live out our faith in practical action every single day. The principles of human dignity, solidarity, the common good, stewardship of creation, participation, subsidiarity and a preferential option for the poor are woven throughout the life of the school at every level. We are proud champions of Catholic Social Teaching, and both our students and staff demonstrate a strong commitment to serving others and promoting social justice. Through charitable fundraising, advocacy, environmental initiatives, partnerships with local and international communities, and countless acts of service, our community seeks to put faith into action every day. This commitment is not an additional aspect of school life; it is an integral part of our culture and a defining characteristic of what it means to be a member of Holy Cross.

New members of staff can expect prayer, worship and spiritual reflection to be a natural and valued part of school life. Assemblies, liturgies, retreats, feast day celebrations, opportunities for service and the observance of the Church's liturgical year all contribute to the rhythm of our community. Staff are encouraged to participate fully in these experiences and to support the Catholic ethos of the school through their words, actions and relationships. Regardless of personal faith background, all staff play a vital role in supporting the Catholic ethos of the school and helping our students grow into compassionate, courageous and principled young people.

At Holy Cross, we aspire to be a community where every person is known and loved, where learning is joyful and purposeful, and where faith inspires us to live fully in service of God and others. Together, we continue the mission entrusted to us by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, ensuring that their vision remains alive in the hearts and actions of future generations.

Catholic Life at Holy Cross

What New Staff Should Expect

As a member of staff at Holy Cross, you are joining a community where faith, learning and service to others are closely connected. Regardless of your own faith background, we ask all colleagues to support and contribute positively to the Catholic ethos of the school.

You can expect to:

Participate in and support daily acts of prayer and reflection.

Attend and support school Masses, liturgies, assemblies and other faithbased celebrations throughout the year.

Promote the values of respect, dignity, compassion, justice and service in your interactions with students, colleagues and families.

Help students understand how faith and values can inform their choices, relationships and responsibilities.

Support our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching through curriculum opportunities, enrichment activities and charitable initiatives.

Encourage students to engage with opportunities for service, leadership and social action.

Contribute to a culture where every individual is known, valued and supported to flourish.

Respect and uphold the distinctive Catholic character of the school in both professional conduct and daily practice.

Engage with professional development opportunities that deepen understanding of Catholic education, the Holy Cross tradition and our shared mission.

Catholic Life at Holy Cross

What You Will Find at Holy Cross

Students who are passionate about social justice and committed to making a difference in their communities.

A staff body that embraces service, generosity and a strong sense of vocation.

Opportunities for reflection, prayer and spiritual growth for staff as well as students.

A community inspired by the charism of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and committed to carrying their mission forward.

A culture where faith is not confined to religious education lessons or liturgical events, but is expressed through relationships, service, compassion and a commitment to the common good.

At Holy Cross, Catholic life is not an additional aspect of school life it is the foundation upon which our community is built and the lens through which we seek to educate, serve and grow together.

What Makes Holy Cross Staff Exceptional?

AtHolyCross,ourstaffareunited byasharedmoralpurpose:to serve,protectandeducateevery childentrustedtous Guidedby ourCatholicethosand professionalintegrity,wework togethertoensurethatevery studentissafe,known,valuedand abletoflourish

��Safeguardingatthe Core

Safeguardingiseveryone’s responsibilityatHolyCross.

Wecreateacultureofvigilance, careandcuriosity

Weactpromptlyand professionallyonconcerns

Weworkcloselywithfamiliesand externalagencies

Weunderstandsafeguardingas bothprotectiveandrelational

Studentsknowtheyaresafebecause adultsareconsistent,attentiveand trustworthy

��WorldClassTeaching andLearning

AsaWorldClassSchool,HolyCrossstaff are:

Subjectexpertswithstrong disciplinaryknowledge

Reflectivepractitionerscommitted tocontinualimprovement

Passionateabouttheirsubjectsand aboutlearningitself

Skilledinadaptiveteachingtomeet variedneeds

Weshareourloveforlearningand inspirecuriosity,aspirationand resilienceinourstudents

✝RootedinCatholic SocialTeaching

OurworkasstaffisgroundedinCatholic SocialTeachingandlivedoutthrough dailypractice:

HumanDignity–Werecogniseand upholdtheGod-givenworthofevery studentandadult,treatingallwith respect,compassionandfairness. Solidarity–Westandtogetherasa professionalcommunity,supporting oneanotherandworking collaborativelyforthebenefitofall students.

Peace–Wemodelcalm,respectful andrestorativeapproaches,creating classroomsandspaceswhere studentsfeelemotionallyand physicallysafe

PreferentialOptionforthePoor–Weremainvigilanttodisadvantage, removingbarrierstolearningand advocatingforourmostvulnerable students

CareforCreation–Wepromote stewardship,sustainabilityand responsibilityinourcurriculumand dailypractice

TheCommonGood–Wemake decisionsinthebestinterestsofthe wholecommunity,balancing individualneedswithcollective wellbeing

ParticipationandSubsidiarity–We valueprofessionalvoice,shared leadershipandcollective responsibilityateverylevelofthe school

��AttachmentAware &RelationalPractice

AsanAttachmentAwareSchool,we understandthatlearninghappens bestwhenstudentsfeelsecure. Weprioritiseconnectionbefore correction

Weviewbehaviouras communication

Wesupportemotional regulationandco-regulation

Webuildstrong,trusting relationshipsovertime

Thisrelationalapproachunderpins behaviour,attendance,inclusion andachievement

��Diversity,Equity, Inclusionand Belonging

HolyCrossisacommunitywhere everyonebelongs

Wemeetthediverseneedsofour studentsthroughadaptiveteaching, SENDprovisionandtargeted support

Wechampionequity,diversityand inclusioninpolicyandpractice

Weactivelychallengediscrimination andprejudice

Wecreatespaceswherestudents feelseen,heardandrepresented

OurRACECharterMark–GoldAward reflectssustained,whole-school commitmenttoanti-racism,inclusion andbelonging

AsanOscarRomeroAwardSchool,we: Educatestudentstobecourageousadvocatesforjustice Modelintegrity,moralcourageandcompassion Encouragecriticalthinking,ethicalactionandservice WeliveouttheGospelcalltostandwiththemarginalisedandtospeakupfor whatisright

Cross staff

Cross staff are:

As a Holy Cross student, you are encouraged to be: Faith-filled and values-driven Kind, inclusive and respectful

Resilient and emotionally aware

Socially conscious and globally minded Empowered to lead and serve

08.25

Mondays and Thursdays - STAFF BRIEFING

Tuesday - Pastoral briefing

Wednesdays - Department briefing

Friday - Staff Prayers in the Chapel

08.40 Morning Registration in tutor groups. Year Assemblies.

09.00 Period 1

10.00 Period 2

11.00 BREAK

11.25 Period 3 (bell rings at 11.20 to signal movement time)

Tutor Groups

General Information

All students are placed into a Tutor Group which is part of a House and these are mixed ability. The tutor has an essential role in providing pastoral support for the students. Students are registered, attend assemblies and are taught PSHE in these groups.

We have five Houses:

Teaching Groups

General Information

All year 7 students complete CATs tests before starting at Holy Cross and they are grouped according to ability for most subjects based on these results, together with KS2 data. At KS3 the groups are named A, J, M, B, T. These are based on the saints Anne, Joan, Margaret, Bernadette and Teresa. Each year the ability groups and names rotate (so A could be set 3 one year and set 4 the next).

Google Classroom

This is our virtual learning platform. This is where we post work and students can submit work. You can easily access this from your Gmail account or from the toolbar on your laptop. We also have access to all of the Google Workspace apps for education, and there are CPD sessions to support you with getting started on using these.

Where to find useful information at The Holy Cross School

1.Compass - MIS - this includes class registers, student information, parental contacts, SEND data, reports data, attendance, reward points etc etc

2.Google Drive - we use Google Drive to store many of our resources. You will have your own personal “My Drive”, but you will find the “Shared Drives” very useful and the “Shared with me” drive.

3.Staff Resource site - this is accessed through the school website https://sites.google.com/hxsgmail.com/resources and this contains many useful forms, procedures/protocols, policies and much much more.

4.We also use CPOMS (safeguarding), Bluesky (appraisal, observations), The National College (CPD) and Unifrog (careers education and UCAS).

At Holy Cross, we take pride in our excellent SEND provision and our whole school approach to SEND and inclusion. One key area you'll notice is St.Theresa’s, the hub for SEND and the LSAs. This is where you’ll find the offices of our SENDCo, Charlie Cappalonga, our Inclusion Coordinator, Sharon Ede, and our Assistant Headteacher, Kristin Santoo.

In St.Theresa’s, some of our pupils work in small intervention groups and 1:1 with LSAs. It also serves as a safe haven for those needing extra emotional support. Additionally, students on Call Out are kept here for a fixed period of time.

All key SEND information, including our SEND Register, Learner Profiles and SEND Teaching Strategies can be found via the shared area online.

Attachment Aware School

The Holy Cross School is an Attachment Aware School

At The Holy Cross School, we are proud to be an Attachment Aware community. We recognise that strong, trusting relationships are the foundation for learning and wellbeing. Many young people especially those who have experienced adversity or loss—thrive when adults provide consistent, compassionate, and predictable interactions. As part of our whole school approach, we are committed to fostering a culture of connection, safety, and belonging for every student.

Why Attachment Awareness Matters

Attachment theory helps us understand the importance of secure relationships in promoting resilience, emotional regulation, and positive learning behaviours. By being an Attachment Aware school, we aim to meet students’ relational needs and provide a stable, supportive environment where all learners feel valued and connected

Everyday Strategies to Build Connection

Creating a sense of belonging doesn't require grand gestures—it's built in small, consistent ways every day. Here are some core strategies we encourage all staff to adopt:

✅ Greet Students by Name

Welcome students individually as they arrive for lessons or tutor time.

Use eye contact and a warm tone this simple act fosters visibility and trust.

✅ Casual Check-Ins During Lessons

As you walk around the room, take a moment to ask individual students how they are doing. These informal interactions show genuine interest and help students feel seen.

Attachment Aware School

✅ Be Present and Predictable

Establish calm, consistent routines.

Use a regulated tone of voice, even in moments of challenge. Follow through on what you say predictability builds safety.

✅ Notice and Name the Positives

Offer specific, positive feedback to reinforce engagement, effort, and kindness.

Acknowledge improvements and acts of responsibility—no matter how small.

✅ Create Opportunities for Voice and Choice

Give students some say in how they complete tasks or contribute to the classroom.

Encourage reflection and open-ended questions to nurture connection and self-expression.

✅ Model Empathy and Curiosity

When a student is struggling, ask “What might be going on for them?” rather than “What’s wrong with them?”

Show that you care through tone, posture, and presence.

✅ Use Emotion Coaching

Help students recognise, name, and regulate their emotions. When students are dysregulated, validate their feelings (e.g. “It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated”) and guide them toward appropriate responses Emotion coaching builds emotional literacy and trust over time.

Belonging is Everyone’s Business

Connection is not just a pastoral concern it’s the bedrock of learning. Every interaction with a student is a chance to build trust, promote self-worth, and create a school where everyone feels they belong Welcome to The Holy Cross family. Your presence matters.

Staff Benefits

Membership of a Pension Scheme

All staff joining the school are automatically enrolled into a pension scheme. For Teachers, this is the Teachers’ Pensions Scheme and for Support Staff the Local Government Pension Scheme. Each month, the school contributes towards these funds for all staff that are members of the schemes. The current rates of the Employers’ contributions of an individual’s pensionable pay is 28.68% for Teachers and 20.80% for Support Staff. A member of staff may opt out of a scheme at any time by providing a written request to do so (please inform Mary Andersen-Couraud).

Employee Assistance Programme

‘Health Assured/Wisdom' is a confidential, independent provider of support services, which offers a suite of confidential services and information/guidance on a wide range of topics including (but not limited to) health, fitness, sleep, stress reduction, recipes and more. All Holy Cross staff will have access to this free service which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and is accessible by phone, email, online and via instant messaging. Please find details on our google Shared Drive/Staff Shared/EAP.

Eye Care

Staff are entitled to claim up to £20 towards the cost of an eye test, as part of their role, if they regularly use a computer, laptop or other display screen equipment (DSE). You can claim up to £50 towards the cost of glasses if you are diagnosed by the optician as requiring either glasses for sole use with DSE or those for general use incorporating a special prescription specifically for use with DSE.

Free Lunch

Free lunch is available for staff who run an extra-curricular club.

Protocol

Staff Email Protocol

The use of email in the school improves the ability for us to communicate with each other and there is no doubt that this helps improve the organisation of the school. Working in schools, while being extremely rewarding, is very demanding both in terms of effort and time and for everyone involved often requires considerable amounts of work outside the school day. However, it is important that we are able to have clear periods of rest and relaxation away not only from our actual work, but also from our thoughts and ideas about students, lessons, departments and the school in general.

Staff should consider very carefully if an email needs to be sent after 7.00pm on Friday and before 700am on Monday If it is essential for information to be conveyed then the staff member should consider making a phone call first. The use of email during this time should be the exception.

However, if you become unwell or are unable to attend school on Monday then as per the staff absence procedure, you should contact the “Staff Sickness” email address staffsickness@holycross kingston sch uk and copy in your line manager before 7.30am on Monday morning.

Staff should consider carefully if it is necessary to send emails after 7.00pm on a work day and during the holiday period. If emails are sent during this period, staff should be mindful of the impact of the email on the rest and relaxation of their colleagues.

Emails are very convenient, but it is also very easy to send emails when perhaps a conversation with a colleague might be the best method of communication. The aim of this protocol is to try and support staff, so that they are able to work efficiently and also have an appropriate work life balance.

Dervla McConn-Finch Headteacher

(Participation and the rights of workers, the common good)

Health and Safety

The Holy Cross School is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, students, visitors and other stakeholders. As with Safeguarding and Data Protection, Health & Safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you see anything which concerns you please immediately raise your concerns directly with the site team or inform the school office to do so on your behalf so the hazard can be managed. If you have an accident in school which requires medical attention please go to the school office for treatment and to report it. If a student reports feeling unwell in school and symptoms include dizziness, breathing difficulties (e.g. asthma) or possible allergic reaction symptoms, please allow a responsible classmate to accompany them to the school office to receive first aid. Please familiarise yourself with the school’s Health & Safety policy on Shared Drive/Staff Shared/Health & Safety Policy (please note that this is a contractual responsibility).

Fire Procedures

There is a fire evacuation procedure shared in each classroom (and on Shared Drive/Staff Shared/Health & Safety/Fire Evacuation Procedures) notifying you of the route to use in case of a fire alarm (whether drill or otherwise). Make sure you are aware of the evacuation routes for each of the rooms you teach in and any office you use. There is a fire drill every term to ensure we practise this on a regular basis. All students line up on the field in their year groups, all form tutors register their form groups, and all support staff gather on the netball courts to be registered as well.

Registration Protocol for school

● Registration is mandatory and a key professional responsibility of the Tutor. It is a legal document.

●Form time registers must be completed by 8.45am

● All lesson registers throughout the day must be taken accurately at the beginning of each lesson

Data Protection in schools

Data Protection in Schools

DPO - Data Protection Officer is the point of contact for the ICO. At Holy Cross our DPO is Mary Andersen-Couraud.

DP has huge implications for the school and for both students and staff and we take our responsibilities in this area very seriously.

Definition of personal data: it encompasses any information which can directly or indirectly identify a living person by reference to a name, ID no., online identifier, location data.

As with Safeguarding, adhering to data protection regulations is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of your role. Data Protection is closely linked to Safeguarding and keeping all personal information safe & sharing it responsibly needs to be on everyone’s radar. We understand that highly sensitive information relating to mental health, trauma, abuse etc. needs to be strictly safeguarded. Please extend that very respectful approach to all personal data that is held and familiarise yourself with our DP policy by going to Shared Drive/Staff Shared/Data Protection Policy (please note this is a contractual responsibility).

Teachers - make sure your register is not projected onto the whiteboard! It contains a lot of personal information.

The principle of Data Minimisation is central to Data Protection Think in terms of sharing the least amount of personal information as possible with as few people as possible, storing responsibly and securely in as few places as possible for the least amount of time necessary. You should not have more personal data than you need to achieve your purpose. Data should be shared on a need to know basis.

ICT Acceptable Usage

We all need to be very aware of the information we share and think through the process.

Third parties -

What information are they requesting? Is it reasonable? How will they store the information? What will the information be used for? Is there the option to delete or opt out at a later date? Do you have permission?

Internal sharingAccountability

Where will the information end up?

Sharing with other schools Permission is required.

Use of email.

Think before you send -

Does the email contain a chain of other emails from previous conversations? Check that the email is only being sent to those you intend to receive it. Have you used people’s names in the email? If so, would you be happy for them to read what you have written?

Do not use student names - if you need to refer to a student just use initials. Remember once it has been sent, it is out there and you cannot get it back. It is permanent

Keep your account clean and remove anything you do not need.Think about attachments you are sending. Are they appropriate? Do they contain identifiable personal data of any sort? Also think about attachments that you open. They may contain viruses and cause a data breach. Never open an attachment from an unidentified source.

Good practice:

ICT Acceptable Usage

Lock your computer when you leave your desk (ctrl, alt, delete).

Make sure any other digital devices are locked (ipads, phones, laptops). Put away any documents containing information that identifies people. No USB sticks or external hard drives - please use our school Google Drive.

Take your planner with you or lock it away. Never store passwords or even usernames on your desk or on a notice board.

Subject Access Request:

Employees, former employees, students and parents have the right to access all of the information which the school holds on them.

A Subject Access Request can be made verbally or in writing. A SAR is time sensitive so if in doubt share questions or concerns immediately with the DP team via:

Mary Andersen-Couraud dpo@holycross.kingston.sch.uk

Video about GDPR in schools: ICO video

Link to the ‘Staff Code of Conduct Policy’