All character fonts used in this Prospectus were created by SPW students.
Choosing the right primary school for your child may be the most important decision you will ever make. At St Peter's Woodlands your child will discover the joy and enlightenment that a well rounded education provides. Our drive to nurture a passion for learning in a caring and supportive environment
has created a vibrant and growing school community whose philosophy and programs are underpinned by the values and traditions of the Anglican Church. We invite you to discover through this Prospectus what it is that makes St Peter's Woodlands a better choice.
St Peter's Woodlands offers our students a diverse and stimulating curriculum encompassing English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education, German, Japanese, Studies of Society & Environment, Design & Technology, Health & Physical Education and the Arts. Literacy and Numeracy skills are emphasised at all year levels, with Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) integrated across all areas of learning. Students are able to access computers in the Computer Laboratories and the classroom, with supervised Internet and email access. Interactive whiteboard technology is being introduced across the school. Classrooms are air-conditioned, light and spacious, providing a comfortable environment that facilitates greater interaction between teachers and students.
Our belief is that each child is unique, so whether they need extra help or accelerated learning opportunities, we provide Special Education staff through our BOOST Program. BOOST teachers work with class teachers to provide an inclusive curriculum designed to meet the abilities and needs of each child. School entry and ongoing assessment strategies ensure early identification and intervention for children needing further support. Our Buddy Class Program is a very important and much valued part of our learning program. In keeping with our mission to encourage service and build a sense of community, older classes 'buddy up' with a younger one to share learning and fun activities. They play games together, share stories, practise their sports skills, do craft activities, go on an excursion together, look out for each other in the playground or enjoy a shared lunch.
“i believe the buddy class program enhances the spirit of a good and genuine community.� Pete, Glenelg
Listen to the wind whistling through the Norfolk Pines. Smell the fresh sea breeze. Delight in the sound of happy children at play. Immerse yourself in the history of our beautiful school. St Peter's Woodlands began in 1863 as the Parish Day School of St Peter’s Glenelg. Catering mainly for local children in the Glenelg area for more than a century, St Peter's Glenelg Anglican Grammar School, as it was then known, remained small. The closure of Woodlands Girls School in 1998 enabled St Peter's Glenelg to acquire the Partridge Street site and move the growing school community to this much larger campus.
In 1999, St Peter's Woodlands Grammar School opened its doors for the first time, blending a rich shared history with foresight and commitment to the new school. The current campus offers a beautiful beachside setting offering modern facilities for the education of our students, including: • A large, well resourced library • Dedicated computer laboratories • A well equipped general science laboratory
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An architecturally designed chapel A modern, multi-purpose hall Enviable sporting facilities: two playing fields, netball, tennis and basketball courts A multi-space art centre A music suite Canteen and adjoining home economic facilities Extensive shaded, modern play areas and equipment Secure, fully fenced grounds
It is our rare privilege to be able to educate children in such an environment, ensuring that both our glorious heritage buildings are maintained, and that modern facilities are made available to our students well into the future.
“i see the beautiful gardens, grounds and buildings and happy, friendly faces and feel that my children are very privileged to be a part of such an environment.� Jane, Glenelg
We believe it is vital to provide our students with a range of activities beyond the classroom that develop each child’s intellectual, physical, spiritual and social potential. The following activities are an integral part of planned teaching and learning programs: Sporting activities • School based SAPSASA and local Primary School sporting competitions • Annual Sports Day • Athletics • Cricket • Dance • Football • Gymnastics • Netball • Rugby • Swimming • Soccer • Tennis • Volleyball
Musical activities • School choirs • Private musical tuition in a wide variety of instruments and voice • School Band • Instrument Ensembles • Musical Productions • Wakakirri School activities • Excursions to museums, zoo, theatre and other places of educational significance • Visiting speaker presentations • Inter-school Debating • Tournament of Minds • National English, Writing, Spelling, Maths and Science competitions • Years 6 & 7 Leadership Training • School camps • Annual Graduation Celebrations: outstanding achievements of students are recognised with prizes and scholarships • Arts Week
The St Peter's Woodlands community welcomes all parents and caregivers, openly encouraging you to develop a strong and active interest in our School’s programs and activities. As a parent/caregiver, you are the most important influence in your child’s life, so we aim to facilitate the best possible collaboration between parent/caregiver, child and teacher. The commitment of our wonderful staff and the support of our parent community enables St Peter's Woodlands to offer a wide range of extra and co-curricular activities in which parents can be actively involved. Parents and family members are encouraged to assist in areas such as the canteen, library, class reading programs, art & craft activities, drama, excursions, camps, child support and sports programs. The Parents and Friends Association is an active body that organises fundraising and social activities to promote parent friendship. Long and lasting friendships have been forged as a result of parents’ involvement with the School. St Peter’s Woodlands students are encouraged to become active, socially responsible members of the wider community through activities such as visits to local Aged Care Centres. Being able to interact with the elderly helps students build empathy for people of all ages – the smiles on the faces of both the residents and students are a positive indicator of the benefits this kind of community activity provides.
“i love the sense of belonging to the school community, and that the school values input from families.” Annie, Glengowrie
A well rounded education is the best preparation your child can be given for their future development. Recognition of the individual needs and the uniqueness of each child is the cornerstone of St Peter's Woodlands Early Learning Program. We provide a happy and safe environment where each child can explore, experiment, play and grow. 'The Pines' Early Learning and Care Centre offers a comprehensive education and care program for young children from 2 years of age until formal schooling begins in Reception at 5 years of age. We aim to provide the best foundation for learning by confidently preparing children for the next big step in their education at St Peter's Woodlands Grammar School. Our Playgroup Program caters to children from the age of 2 years to attend with their parents. As very young children absorb information from their direct environment, this program includes both individual and group activities designed to develop selfconfidence and to familiarise children with the classroom environment and teacher. Our Toddler Program caters to children from the age of 3 years. This program focuses on all areas of development, inviting children to explore and make choices from a variety of activities that support their developmental interests and needs. Children are encouraged to respect both each other and the environment, developing self-confident, creative and independent thinkers and learners.
Our Preschool Program is offered to children from 4–5 years of age who generally will be attending Reception in the following year. Encouraging the development of social skills and fostering creativity, the program increases children’s awareness of the world around them. Through activity based learning centres, we guide children to discover, experience and understand the world with a focus on the Eight Foundation Areas of Learning. 1. Arts & Creativity 2. Communication & Language 3. Design, Technology & Critical Thinking 4. Diversity 5. RAVE (Religious & Values Education) 6. Health & Physical Development 7. Quantity & Spatial Exploration 8. Self & Social Development and Understanding our World.
Children are required to attend two days of Preschool each week in order to be prepared to move into Reception. Our Preparatory Class follows the Preschool curriculum. It has been introduced specifically for children who turn 5 soon after the 30th June (and who meet specific enrolment criteria), or for whom delaying a Reception start is considered appropriate.
In preparation for Secondary School, Year 7 students and their parents receive support with the transition from primary to secondary schooling. Students traditionally move on to a wide range of secondary schools. Individual family circumstances such as location, finances, religious affiliation, curriculum or preference for single sex/co-education all factor in their choice of school.
1 SPW students will be considered for priority placement according to criteria set by each school’s governing body
Secondary School Alliances have been established with two Anglican, co-educational, independent secondary schools: Pulteney Grammar School in Adelaide and St John’s Grammar School at Belair. These alliances offer: • Preferred placement for students 1 • Sibling discount 2 • Scholarships 3 • Relationship Building 4
2 For children attending each school concurrently (this applies only when siblings enter either of the above schools at Year 8 directly from SPW)
Our alliances have also benefited each school through the appointment of a ‘shared’ Chaplain. The Chaplain spends an equal amount of time at all three schools during the course of a week, providing a spiritual constant in the transition to secondary schooling.
3 Specific scholarships are offered by both schools for SPW students 4 Through inter-school activities
“spw is special to me because i know each day when i drop my children off they are happy and they love coming to school here.” Melanie, Hallett Cove
5 Places are offered according to criteria established by the School Council.
St Peter's Woodlands is an affordable, co-educational Anglican primary school. We recognise that changing work patterns place considerable demands on parents, so we provide quality Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) in a safe and secure on-campus environment. An experienced team leader supervises the OSHC program, which is available both before and after school, with exciting Vacation Care Programs also offered. Our inclusive enrolment program follows these guidelines: • Must be approximately 2 years of age to start Playgroup • Must be approximately 3 years of age to start Toddler Program • Must be approximately 4 years of age to start in Preschool • Must turn 5 years of age by 30th June to start in Reception at the beginning of the year
6 Further information about enrolment and scholarships is available from the Admissions Officer.
We are always happy to welcome all new families to the St Peter's Woodlands community. As a popular and growing school, we recommend that you apply early for enrolment. Vacancies at year levels other than Reception occur from time to time, and a number of scholarships5 are offered, both internally and externally, each year. To be considered for a place, including the Early Learning and Care Centre, parents or caregivers must complete an Application for Enrolment form and return it to the Admissions Officer6 along with the appropriate payment. If you’re interested in being a part of our wonderful school community, please refer to the Starter Pack for further information.
St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School Inc. A Co-educational Anglican Primary School ABN 93 863 669 897
39 Partridge Street, Glenelg SA 5045 administration@spw.sa.edu.au www.spw.sa.edu.au
Telephone (08) 8295 4317 Facsimile (08) 8295 2820