Kyabram Free Press Education Week 2023

Dear Parents and Friends,

I wish to extend an invitation to you to visit our college where you will have the opportunity to see children learning in a variety of classroom settings.

Our college is strongly committed to its aim of being a welcoming, caring and safe place to educate children, with quality teaching and learning in evidence across all levels from Prep to Year 12. The progress and wellbeing of each individual student guides the operation of our college, the decisions we make and the processes we follow. Our values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Doing Your Best and Community are central to our college culture and we ensure that these values are upheld in our college community.

At Kyabram P-12 College we have the privilege of teaching students from the start of their schooling life through to their future pathway, be it an apprenticeship, TAFE, university and/ or the workforce. All staff members are actively involved in ensuring that the programs we offer are stimulating and inspiring and in line with best practices and new initiatives.

We look forward to meeting with you and proudly showing you around our college.

Yours sincerely,

Marina Walsh College Principal

2024 Senior School Certificate Information Session

Monday 15th May 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: W.A. Kuhne Assembly Hall

2024 Prep Information Session

Tuesday 16th May 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: Prep - 2 Learning Community

2024 Year 7 Information Evening

Thursday 18th May, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: W.A. Kuhne Assembly Hall

Excellence Through Opportunity

At Kyabram P-12 College we offer the following:

• A focus on literacy, numeracy and student wellbeing

• Catering for every child’s learning needs

• A wellbeing team to assist students and families with wellbeing needs.

• An after-school care program which caters for primary aged students and operates each school day from 3:20pm to 5:45pm.

A range of extra-curricular programs offered at Kyabram P-12 College include the following:

• Performing Arts, which includes an Instrumental Music program, and musical productions

• Visual Arts, which offers students opportunities to develop creative attitudes, skills, and knowledge of self-expression through a personal development journey

• Student Enrichment, which empowers students to thrive academically through activities such as debating, leadership opportunities and public speaking.

• Participation in individual and team sports competitions

• A camps and excursions program which provides exciting opportunities for students to experience visits to support their learning.

• Opportunities for parent participation (classroom, excursion and sport helpers, College Council, Parents’ Club, canteen)

Kyabram P-12 College also offer a range of courses and subjects, leading to post-school pathways. At the Senior level we offer:

• The Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM)

• The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)

• Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the VCE program combines general VCE studies with vocational training and experience in the workplace

• Year 10 Applied Learning course tailored to improve student work readiness.

• A range of pathways to cater for diverse student needs

We go above and beyond as a Registered Training Organisation, we offer specialised technology classes in Building and Construction, Engineering, Automotive, Agriculture and Firefighting Operations. We also offer a wide range of VET subjects in partnership with GOTAFE.

OPEN DAY WHOLE COLLEGE

Friday May 19th Tours run all day or to book a tour with the Principal please phone 5851 2100

EDUCATION WEEK 2023

EDUCATION WEEK 2023

Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate

This year, Education Week runs from Sunday 14 to Saturday 20 May.

The theme ‘Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate’ celebrates the many ways students learn, through physical activity, hands on learning and student voice.

Education Week is an opportunity for our school to celebrate and share with you how we encourage our students to be active learners.

Kyabram P-12 College will celebrate Education Week with a series of engaging learning activities that encourage community involvement and celebrate active learners. Students will participate in interactive workshops, hands-on learning experiences, and collaborative projects that showcase their skills and achievements. The week's festivities will culminate in a community showcase event where students, teachers, and families can come together to celebrate the power of education and learning.

School focuses on sustainability

Tongala Primary School’s connection with its community is about to be stepped up through a sustainability project that has revived the once “wasteland”, which started out as a school environmental project.

A whole-of-school commitment to the development of half a dozen projects in the expansive fenced-off space that is at the heart of the student-led umbrella project will eventually see an Indigenous garden, a compost and recycling space, a mud kitchen, hot houses and combat course opened to the wider community.

When principal Rob Hogan arrived at the school more than five years ago the space had been through two incarnations — the first as the Nestle Environmental Learning Centre and the second as the Barry Cooke Environmental Block.

Mr Hogan expects the third attempt to create a long-lasting legacy that the school can share with its community to stand the test of time, but is in no hurry to complete the project.

“Our plan is to keep creating projects and, hopefully, never totally finish the area,” Mr Hogan said.

While the area is fenced off now, the long-term goal is to share a community garden and allow the community to use the imaginative combat course, take in the history of the Indigenous sensory garden and enjoy the other projects the school is developing.

Environmentally minded: Sustainability projects involve fauna and flora and junior primary student Vivian Snelling was enjoying the part she played in looking after nature.

The space, which was once home to a few cows, will have much more to offer all involved in the not-too-distant future. The project has been mostly self funded by the school, although a Junior Landcare Grant of $5000 was a welcome injection for the securing of essential products.

Seating for the Indigenous sensory garden is in place, some through naturally tree stumps and plans for a dry creek bed to run through the environmental area are being developed.

The garden and its expansion are being designed in consultation with the Koorie community, through Njernda.

A father of three former students,

also a Koorie education officer in the area, Wayne Cowley is assisting and renowned Indigenous artist Neva Atkinson will work with students to paint Totem at the entrance to the garden.

An official opening is planned for later in the year.

Tongala primary’s Eco Warriors, a student leadership group, has rebuilt the greenhouse and started to plant seedlings. Garden beds alongside the hot houses have been re-designed to enable better irrigation and a three-bay compost system accompanies them and continues the sustainability theme.

“We have a big recycling focus to fit

BELIEVE,

ACHIEVE & GROW

Tongala PS will provide high quality education in a safe, supportive, and engaging learning community that leads to all students achieving their potential.

WE OFFER OUR STUDENTS.

An extensive educational experience with ourEnvironmental Garden, Song Room, Wellbeing Dog, Occupational Therapist .02, Community Programs, Hands on Learning program, Drumbeat Program, Full Time Wellbeing Of cer, Breakfast Program, School Wide Positive Behaviours, Real School Partnership, After School Care and Tongala Community Fitness Hub.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Framework

Tongala Community Fitness Hub

Specialist Classes we offer are - Art, Environmental Science, Indonesian and P.E.

Miller Street, Tongala (03) 5859 0551

tongala.ps@education.vic.gov.au

with the sustainability program,” Mr Hogan said. “We have been lucky to work with different groups, including the Campaspe Shire to develop the concepts now in place.”

The school has been recognised for its ingenuity, having made the final of a Shire of Campaspe Sustainability program for effective use of space.

Mr Hogan said the school was lucky to have Brett Radley, a school support officer, who did much of the hands-on work with yers 5 and 6 students.

There are 16 students who have been split up into groups of four and will share a term each to work closely in further developing the site with Mr Radley.

“Brett runs the hands-on learning, does our school maintenance with the kids, along with Drumbeat program and looks after our school mascot, Ronny the Turtle,” Mr Hogan said. He said staff were also involved in the CUST program (Community Understanding and Safety Training), which provided more information about the role teachers played in educating students about Indigenous culture.

The expansive grounds of Tongala Primary School allow for a potential expansion of the area to continue future environmental study projects.

“I’ve never seen a school this big for this many students. Our aim is to make the most of the space,” Mr Hogan said.

“The grand plan is that the fences will come down and it will become a community space. Echuca

Neighbourhood House is a great example of what can be achieved.”

Mr Hogan envisages partnerships with the wider community occurring through the neighbouring aged-care facility, kindergarten and community groups.

For the more physically minded individuals, along with the fitness course, which is already on the school grounds, a 12-obstacle combat course has been established with the leadership of Kyabram P-12’s VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) team.

“Lots of of senior students didn’t necessarily know VCAL was available,” Mr Hogan said.

“It is a program that allows kids with different learning needs to take a different path. The course they have built is amazing and just needs to be bordered up and have soft fall placed underneath.”

It was installed at the end of last year, designed by students from both schools and will soon be available for use.

“Like everything else in this area it is a great use of the space and something both schools can be proud of,” Mr Hogan said.

He said community members wanting to get a closer look at the projects under construction, or nearing completion, should keep an eye on school newsletters and the Facebook site for launch dates and more information.

— Rohan Aldous

OUR SCHOOL VALUES –RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE AND RESILIENT

Eco Warriors: Students from the school are developing several projects in the environmental area, including new garden beds and hot houses.

Building strong relationships

Kyabram P-12 College is an exciting Prep to Year 12 college that offers children a seamless journey from the start of their schooling experience through to the completion of their secondary education.

Acting principal Marina Walsh said through commitment and collaboration from parents, students and staff they strive to achieve a successful future for all their students.

“All staff are actively involved in ensuring that the programs we offer are stimulating and that we are up to date with current practices and new initiatives in terms of learning experiences and opportunities we provide,” Mrs Walsh said.

“Education Week will not only focus on our college values of respect, responsibility, resilience, doing your best, and community, but the themed words for Education Week, that are ‘move, make and motivate’ and we have quite a bit planned.”

The college will kick-start the week with the staff dressing up in outfits that resemble the themed Education Week words and will then put on a parade for students. Monday will also see some mindfulness sessions take place across the college.

From creative arts, productions, outdoor reading, an excursion to

the Kyabram Fauna Park, music performances and maths games, the college is set to have an immersive week.

Focusing on global education issues, the Year 9 students will also be completing a Global Citizenship Workshop which is fitting for the week.

Mrs Walsh said their Friday events would focus on celebrating different cultures and diversity, and that they were going to end their week with a whole-college picnic that also tied in with the diversity and inclusion day.

“Friday is going to be really fun for the whole college,” Mrs Walsh said.

“It will be like a gala festival on school grounds.

“We have a variety of food vans coming in to the school that celebrate all types of cultural food, plus performances and other stalls.

“Students will be able to choose what they would like to eat and then we are going to have a whole-college picnic on the oval while viewing performances, listening to music and enjoying the company of each other.”

Open days, sessions and information evenings will be held throughout the college over Education Week, for parents and the local community.

▯ For more information, phone the college on 5851 2100.

Fun learning environment: Hands-on learning is enjoyed by the students at Kyabram P-12 College.

Big week ahead: Kyabram P-12 College Prep students.

Ready for Education Week: Kyabram P-12 College acting principal Marina Walsh.

Fun activities: Kyabram P-12 College.

Learning skills: The Kyabram P-12 College applied learning students visited the Mandalay Resource’s mine site at Costerfield. They were able to explore a variety of different professions that are on offer in the industry and broaden their horizons for the future.

Come and see learning in action at St Augustine’s College

Come along, meet our staff and students, tour our facilities and experience what learning is like at St Augustine’s College.

St Augustine’s is a co-educational Catholic college proudly providing student-centred learning experiences from Foundation to Year 12. Our vibrant faith community is a place where all people are welcome. Formed by our belief in the dignity

of each person, we commit to working actively as a community to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all students.

College connected to its community

Catholic schools have long been recognised for their commitment to academic excellence and faith formation, and this is particularly evident at St Augustine’s College.

Catering for students from Foundation to Year 12, the college provides a dynamic education that nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional development of each student throughout their learning journey.

St Augustine’s is guided by the teachings and traditions of the Augustinian and Brigidine charisms and are committed to creating a learning environment that is grounded in values of community, partnerships, faithfulness, learning for life and human flourishing.

One of the defining features of St Augustine’s College is its Catholic identity.

The college is committed to leading students, together with their families to integrate faith, life, and culture in a manner true to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

This is achieved through Catholic social teachings, liturgical and sacramental life and religious education within a faith-filled community.

“Our vision at St Augustine’s College is to educate the whole person as a contributing member of the human community in Christ,” principal Jay Sutton said.

“To achieve this, our mission is to work collaboratively with our school community to provide all our students the opportunity to succeed and to be filled with hope for the future.”

At St Augustine’s, academic

excellence is also a top priority.

The college’s learning and teaching framework is designed to challenge and inspire students at every stage of their learning journey, from Foundation to Year 12.

A key component of the St Augustine’s pedagogy is know the learner.

Students respond best when their learning is tailored to their individual needs and interests in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Small class sizes and individualised attention from teachers ensure that each student receives the support needed to reach their full potential.

Encompassing the learning and teaching philosophy is the wellbeing framework.

St Augustine’s acknowledges that for students to flourish in a positive school environment, it is essential to feel safe and supported within their learning community.

The SOLE Framework (Self, Others, Learning and the Environment) is the Foundation to Year 12 school-wide

Tillie’s head start for the future

If Tillie Fleming was an Olympic sprinter she would have exploded out of the blocks and be several metres in front of the field — that is a simplified analogy of how her St Augustine’s College Year 11 results have given her a “head start” on future career plans.

Tillie is the college’s first recipient of a Latrobe University Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry scholarship, which carries with it financial support of up to $20,000 for her tertiary education.

And she is not done yet, planning to make a further application to the Aspire Community Contribution program to ensure more doors are open to her in the future.

The VCE student, who won’t be 18 until July, took it on herself to research the conditional entry program, which offers high school students an opportunity to lock in their future by securing a guaranteed spot in their dream course at the Bendigo university.

Tillie has her sights set on being a physiotherapist and while that course was not offered through her initial application, she had already

plotted a pathway by securing a place in the exercise science area that would allow her to move across to physiotherapy given success in the initial 12 months of her university study.

The financial study package is spread across four years, which Tillie said would represent about half of the cost to complete her physio studies.

“It will definitely be an enormous benefit to my living expenses,” she said.

Tillie was required to email her Year 11 results to the university and accompanied it with a letter from St Augustine’s staff, Catherine Anderson and Sharon Darling, who assisted in the application process.

Before Tillie fully completes her study plans, she needs to successfully complete her VCE studies and tick the boxes in relation to standards in English, maths and biology.

That appears a formality as Tillie’s academic prowess was last year recognised at Year 11 level with an Academic Excellence Award.

This is the first year Latrobe University has offered the Aspire Program to year 11 students.

Its Aspire Community Contribution Scholarship also offers $20,000 in support and Tillie is planning to submit her application for the program that rewards involvement in community, leadership and volunteering.

She is doing so in her role as a House Captain at the college.

Applications for the Aspire Community Contribution program opened two weeks ago and Tillie will write a pair of 100-word statements about her leadership role in a bid to secure a second scholarship.

Tillie was informed via email of her successful application and said she was “a bit shocked’’.

It took four months from the initial application before she received an answer, having submitted the application late last year.

The pressure is somewhat released from her 2023 ATAR result, but she has her sights set firmly on an 80-plus ranking.

St Augustine’s students have been regular recipients of Aspire scholarships since the program started in 2014 and about 10

students are expected to apply for the program before the September close of applications.

She will be able to gain further insight into the Aspire program at that event, with a seminar being staged by Latrobe at the expo.

College VCE students will be busy investigating their options before the universities stage their open days in August.

Tillie has had her heart set on Bendigo for some time, being as it was “close to home’’.

A handful of St Augustine’s Year 12 students from 2022 received early offers, but none based solely on their Year 11 results.

Tillie has set the bar high for her Year 10 brothers, who she said was more sport-oriented.

She and her family have lived on a small farm just outside Kyabram since 2018 after she finished primary school at Shepparton East and spent Year 7 at Notre Dame.

Her mother is a Foundation teacher at the college and her father works in the banking sector.

— Rohan Aldous

Supportive environment: Positive relationships are at the core of the college curriculum and involves students from Foundation to Year 12.

positive relationships and interactions. The college challenges students to be the best they can be, to be aware of their impact on the learning of others, to strive for success and to leave no negative trace on the environment. Education at St Augustine’s is not limited to the classroom.

The college also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including camps, sports teams, music programs, and social justice initiatives, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop their talents.

For many families in Kyabram, St Augustine’s F-12 Catholic School offers the perfect balance of academic excellence, faith formation, and community engagement.

By providing a holistic education that addresses the needs of the whole person, St Augustine’s is preparing its students to be leaders in the world, guided by Catholic values and a commitment to service and believes the college is big enough for students to thrive, and small enough for them to belong.

Early offer: Tillie Fleming is the first St Augustine’s College student to earn an Aspire Latrobe University scholarship based on her Year 11 results. She has received an offer to attend the Bendigo campus in 2024, once she has completed her Year 12 studies.

Learning is fun: St Augustine’s Learning and Teaching Framework is designed to challenge and inspire students at every year level.

Musically minded: extracurricular activities, including camps, sports teams, music programs, and social justice initiatives are an important part of the college program.

Unique learning opportunities

This year’s Education Week theme of “Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate”, has St Mary’s Primary School in Rushworth motivated for the school year ahead.

Specific to Education Week, various cross-age activities within classrooms will take place, from arts and crafts to music and drama, with a few outdoor activities on the cards also.

However, principal Catherine Fraser said the students and faculty were most excited for the school’s Open Day on Friday, May 19, to conclude Education Week.

“We’re offering current and prospective families, friends and grandparents the opportunity to tour the school grounds and enter classrooms,” Ms Fraser said.

“From 11.35am to 1.35pm, we’re cooking up a sausage sizzle as well.”

Ms Fraser said she was proud of the school’s approach to learning and education, featured

in a variety of offerings and initiatives beyond Education Week.

“I’m particularly proud of our school incorporating the Respectful Relationships initiatives, the Resilience Project themes and Auslan into our curriculum,” Ms Fraser said.

“Throughout the school year, we have so much going on that continually reflects all three ‘move, make and motivate’ theme components.

“To support our student learning, we have small classes, camps and excursions, playbased learning, a biannual school production, student leadership, and so much more.

“I’m particularly proud of our school incorporating the Respectful Relationships initiative and The Resilience Project into our curriculum.”

Respectful Relationships promotes and models respect and equality, as well as supporting educators to teach children how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.

The Resilience Project teaches positive mental health strategies to help students become happier and more resilient beings.

Ms Fraser said the entire St Mary’s school community was excited to engage in these unique learning opportunities.

“Auslan is the language of the deaf community and at St Mary’s we are supported by teachers as co-learners where our students and teachers develop new Auslan skills together in a fun and meaningful way.”

— Taylah Baker

Caring for the Whole Child

On the move: St Mary’s Primary School Rushworth students are active learners year-round.

“Throughout the school year, we have so much going on that continually reflects all three ‘move, make and motivate’ theme components.”

— Catherine Fraser

ST PATRICK’S PRIMARY SCHOOL TONGALA

At St Patrick’s...

Everyone matters at St Patrick’s. Our small school is committed to welcoming all and embracing diversity.

The learning environment at St Patrick’s supports the academic and social emotional growth of all our students. Our school offers many specialist areas, including The Arts, Languages, Science, Technologies and Health & Physical Education. Our school grounds are spacious and allow the children to play freely.

Little Paddy’s

Our Little Paddy’s Transition Program is designed to allow students a flying start to primary school. Little Paddy’s is held once a week from 9am-11am, during Term 4 and is for all children who are planning to attend school at St Patrick’s the following year. Children are prepared for a smooth transition to school by sharing in a variety of learning experiences facilitated by the Foundation teacher.

Mini Paddy’s Play-cation

Mini Paddy’s Play-cation is a pre-transition program for children ages 1-4. Held once a week from 9am-10am. Children engage in a 3 week program with activities involving ‘Come and Create’ (Fine Motor Skills), ‘Come and Explore’(Sensory Play) and ‘Come and Play’ (Gross Motor Skills).

Teaching and Learning

St Patrick’s is a learning community where we work together to create an environment that encourages us to play, explore, wonder, discover, dream, grow, question and learn. The learning at St Patrick’s builds on the knowledge your child has attained to date and strives to improve and develop learning.

At the core of our learning and teaching we use:

• ‘Source of Life’, our Religious Education Curriculum

• The Victorian Curriculum F-10 based on the Australian Curriculum and • reflects Victorian Standards and priorities

• Inquiry Based Learning

ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN FOR 2024

Catholic Identity

St Patrick’s Primary School offers families a strong curriculum with a full range of subjects and pathways for all students; with Catholic Identity at the heart of all educational endeavours and the broader life of the school.

Technology Program

St Patrick’s Primary School has a 1:1 Technology program that ensures that students have access to the latest technology in order to enhance teaching and learning.

Wellbeing

Student wellbeing is at the centre of academic success. Developing strong and positive relationships with students, and knowing how they learn best is a core value of St Patrick’s Primary School. St Patrick’s offer mindfulness practices, meditation, academic intervention and opportunity for growth which enhances Students wellbeing and attitude at school.

AT ST PATRICK’S WE VALUE...

Open Day & Information Night

Monday 15th May, 2023

Information Night starts at 7pm.

Open Day tours: 9:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm

Building upon beliefs

To mark this year’s Education Week, St Patrick’s Primary School in Tongala is looking at how to improve and build on the wonderful things done at the school.

Not only that, principal Jackie Stockdale said it was about the students’ willingness to take on and be involved in the opportunities provided.

“During the week, we are running multi-age activities for students and sharing a lunch together as a whole school,” Ms Stockdale said.

Education Week has also been capitalised on with an Open Day and Information Night on Monday, May 15.

“The school will be open multiple times during the day for parents to tour and see all the amazing things we’re doing,” she said.

Ms Stockdale believes the students’ learning had greatly benefited in recent times from the school’s latest additions and improvements.

“Over the past three years we have refurbished all of our school facilities — this includes our classrooms, administration area, staffroom and student toilets,” she said.

The recently completed refurbishment of the school was developed based on the St Patrick’s vision and beliefs, including the power of

collaboration, transformative learning, that individual differences should be valued and celebrated, and that learning needs to be purposeful.

“We have created inviting, engaging learning spaces that provide a variety of options for our individual learners and cater for individual student needs,” Ms Stockdale said.

St Patrick’s Primary School’s revitalisation stretches beyond the buildings into the outdoor learning environments.

“Heads Up Irrigation has worked hard to create attractive, welcoming outdoor learning spaces that encourage students to investigate

the world around them,” Ms Stockdale said.

This includes a reshaped oval surrounded by a running track, and a yard complete with basketball court, playground, chook yard, veggie patch, downball courts and a quiet space to play with Lego.

“All of these facilities are enjoyed by all of the students as they play across every aspect of the school yard,” she said.

“The students play with peers of all ages from all the different classes and engage in imaginative, creative, independent and physical play.”

— Taylah Baker

LASTS A LIFETIME

Song and dance: Shine Bright has two locations in Kyabram and will open its doors on Tuesday, May 16, for parents to further investigate what is available to their children.

Best friends forever: Relationships are a vital component of Shine Bright’s Early Years Managment model, between the children, staff, the parents and wider community.

Shine Bright throws opens its doors

Shine Bright EYM Kyabram provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.

At Shine Bright, we understand that early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping your child’s future.

That’s why we offer a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on building strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development.

Our experienced and qualified educators are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education for your child.

We believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported.

We have two locations in Kyabram.

Our Fenaughty St kindergarten offers spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, while our Unwin St kindergarten boasts a large, natural playground with a range of equipment to encourage exploration and physical development.

At Shine Bright, we believe in learning through play.

Our classrooms are equipped with a wide range of educational

resources and toys that encourage exploration and creativity.

We also offer a range of activities, such as music, movement, and art to help your child discover their passions and develop their skills.

Don't miss out on our upcoming open day on Tuesday, May 16, from 9am to 11.30am, where you can tour our facilities, meet our friendly educators, and learn more about our curriculum.

It’s the perfect opportunity to see first-hand how Shine Bright EYM Kindergartens in Kyabram can help your child shine.

* School wide positive behaviour support

* Systematic/Synthetic Phonics & decodable readers

* Specialist Maths/Literacy teachers

* Small class sizes

* Sand play therapy/Smiling Minds

* Structured sporting & swimming program

* Excursions, Camps & Family nights

* Spacious grounds/bikes

* Free bus daily to & from Kyabram

* Before & after school program

3620

Principal – Mrs Trish Perry

P: (03) 5855 2560

E: lancaster.ps@education.vic.gov.au

W: www.lancasterps.vic.edu.au

Celebrating school values

Set in the small township of Merrigum with spacious grounds for students to run and play, Merrigum Primary School offers an active and stimulating learning space for all students.

Merrigum Primary School principal Tony Shannon said it was a vibrant educational partnership and experience between parents, teachers and the school community.

“Our students have begun to learn AUSLAN this year and they have taken to it very well, already learning the alphabet, colours and animals,” Mr Shannon said.

“Students also have sessions in music, drama, science and gardening, and we have enough laptops and iPads for every student.”

With teachers trained in the Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching phonics, students will get the opportunity to engage in activities to increase their numeracy and literacy skills during Education Week at the school.

“We have some fun sessions planned for the students in Education Week,” Mr Shannon said.

“Our Grade 3-6 students will be attending a camp to the Valley Homestead for part of the week.

“Our staff are always committed to making sure all of our students achieve

their best and have success, and Education Week is a celebration for not only our school but our values, respect, honesty, kindness, trust and teamwork.”

With low student-to-teacher ratios, caring and professional staff Merrigum Primary School strive to provide every child with a range of opportunities that make the school a happy place to learn. The school will be having an open day on Thursday, May 18.

▯ For more information, phone 5855 2275.

MERRIGUM PRIMARY SCHOOL

SMALL SCHOOL, BIG VOICE - GROWING FOR THE FUTURE

Merrigum Primary School is in a delightful setting with beautifully maintained grounds and gardens. Our school consists of a main building with 3 classrooms and a mod 5 with a library resource room and a multi-purpose room. Our staff are dedicated, caring and committed.

Merrigum Primary School offers many things to support your child’s development including:

• Small class sizes

• Focus on Literacy and Numeracy

• Daily Physical activity

• Well resourced classrooms

Merrigum Primary School’s play ground encompasses:

• Slide

• Monkey bars

• Fireman’s pole

• Climbing frame

• Shaded sandpit

• Football and cricket oval

• Native garden

• Vegetable garden beds

Students at Merrigum Primary School are encouraged to have a voice and develop their leadership skills. We also have a very active School Council and parents and grandparents are always welcome to come into the classrooms.

• Camps and swimming program

• Class sets of Laptops and iPads

• Breakfast Club

MERRIGUM

Judd Avenue, Merrigum Phone 5855 2275

E: merrigum.ps@education.vic.gov.au www.merrigumps.weebly.com

Open day

THURSDAY 18TH MAY 2023

Information Afternoon

TUESDAY 23RD MAY 2023

All smiles (left): Merrigum Primary School students are Kaylib Leeson and Luca Horder are excited to go on school camp through Education Week.

New equipment (above): Merrigum Primary School has just installed a new shade sail over its playground, which students enjoy playing under.

“Our staff are always committed to making sure all of our students achieve their best and have success, and Education Week is a celebration for not only our school but our values, respect, honesty, kindness, trust and teamwork.”

— Tony Shannon

Every Child Matters

Education is a basic right for every child, but every child needs the right education. At River City Christian College, we endeavor, through relational teaching, to help each student identify their God-given potential and purpose.

Tucked away on the banks of the Campaspe River, our beautifully manicured and expansive grounds lead up to modern well-equipped buildings and classrooms. Throughout the day, guided by their teachers, students learn, grow, and explore. We offer a robust Victorian curriculum and extend students through a variety of additional programs and electives, all designed to assist your child to grow in con dence and ability all while developing a personal Christian worldview.

Underpinned by our values of Wisdom, Integrity and Compassion we hold onto the truth that ‘every child matters’. Students matter enough to be heard and understood, they matter enough to be held accountable, they matter enough to be extended emotionally, academically, and spiritually.

We welcome you to contact the college to arrange a tour with our current Principal, Mr. Kevin Sourgen, who would love to share his passion and vision for your child’s education.

29 Rose St, Echuca, VIC, 3564