‘Your School ’, May, 2020—Page 29
2020
R U YO L O O H SC
chools s ’s n o i g e r me of the o s t u o b a to know d e e n u o y Everything
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Page 30—‘Your School ’, May, 2020
Internet connectivity & laptop assistance for students
Term 2 will present many challenges and opportunities with students in our region learning from home. To assist, the State Government is offering a program that will supply internet access via sim cards and dongles along with laptops to eligible state school students.
The State Government has announced an extra 21,000 internet dongles will be available for families who do not have access to the internet at home. This is in addition to the 5,000 SIM cards and dongles already announced. These will be free of charge and will be provided for the next six months. If you do not have internet access at home, for example, if you live in an area without 4G reception, talk to your school about how your child may receive materials that do not require online access. These can be mailed to your child, or you could collect them. Completed tasks can be returned in the same way.
If you have not already done so, contact your school to see if you qualify for the program. Further information can be found on the State Government website. For easy access, open your camera, hover your phone over the app code and press the link. For the latest State Government advice head to ronavirus www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Keeping Shepparton rton n proudly independent ind dependent
Suzanna Sheed MP
INDEPENDENT MEMBER FOR SHEPPARTON DISTRICT
Phone: (03) 5831 6944 www.suzannasheed.com.au
@SheedSuzanna
@SuzannaSheed
Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications budget. Authorised by: Suzanna Sheed, 5 Vaughan St, Shepparton VIC 3630.
Kialla WestIndoor Primary Major League Sports
Principal: Wes Teague Address: 7370 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla West Phone: 5823 1333 Email: kialla.west.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
An open learning environment Kialla West Primary School is a dynamic learning community with a warm, friendly atmosphere Principal Wes Teague said families, children and teachers were encouraged to be actively involved in the school community and work together to help students develop and grow, while the school values of pride, excellence and resilience, underpin everything it does. “Kialla West is a really caring learning environment, the teachers really do look after the kids,” Mr Teague said. “We have really strong academic outcomes and our social emotional learning is all around building that independence and pride.”
Kialla West uses the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop teaching model and has maintained an inquiry-based learning model, through investigations and community learning. Mr Teague said investigations, community learning and inquiry challenged students to become confident, independent and creative learners. “Students also learn social and emotional skills through our Bounce Back program,” he said. “This empowers them to become resourceful, resilient, caring and creative.” In addition to classroom lessons, students participate in specialist programs in physical education, Italian, art and music.
Kialla West provides a range of opportunities for children to develop responsibility, independence and leadership skills. All senior students attain a leadership role and the Buddy Program is a special opportunity for students in Year 4 to support younger students. The school offers open learning spaces, including a new state-of-the-art building that was completed in 2019. Consisting of four classrooms, Mr Teague said the project had created a warm environment for learning and complemented the multipurpose building with a communal learning area, art room and canteen. The school maintains spacious and
Website: www.kiallawestps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 236 students
attractive grounds featuring playground equipment, a large oval and smaller playing areas while a covered synthetic basketball/ netball court is currently being constructed. While opportunities to physically tour the facilities may be impacted by social distancing restrictions, Mr Teague said a virtual tour was available on the school’s website. Kialla West also offers a range of sporting activities including cross-country running, swimming, athletics and fun run plus school sporting teams including netball, Auskick, football, soccer and basketball. There is also an after-school care program with bookings available on a casual or permanent basis from 3.30pm to 6pm.
‘Your School ’, May, 2020—Page 31
Ardmona Major LeaguePrimary Indoor Sports
Personalised approach Ardmona Primary School focuses on the individual. Years 4-6 teacher Jacob Tunks said the school’s impressive staff-to-student ratio allowed for one-on-one support in all areas of learning. “All the students have individualised learning plans,” Mr Tunks said. “We can cater for all their needs, in all areas of their learning and I think it just makes the kids feel more comfortable, that they’re not being left out and that someone’s there to care for them. “We can go around to each kid and really check in on how they got on with their learning, and how they’re going with their social and emotional well-being as well.” Ardmona offers two classes, Prep-3 and Years 4-6, and Mr Tunks said the school’s flexible learning program allowed students to develop their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. “We’ve organised all the kids into groups based on their learning abilities, and they can transition across the two classes depending on the area,” he said. “For example a Grade 4 student who needs more support in literacy — they could go across and learn with the Grade 3s. “Then on the flip side, if there’s a Grade 2 or 3 student that’s really excelling, they can do some higher work. “The kids are fine with that; they know it’s to benefit their learning.”
Mother of three Rachel Matthews has two sons at the school and said no words could ever describe the impact Ardmona’s approach had had on their education. “My middle son was having a lot of trouble at school and he basically didn’t go to school for two-and-a-half years,” Mrs Matthews said. “We had decided to take him out of school and do home-schooling but then someone recommended Ardmona.” Mrs Matthews said the school had changed their lives. “It’s such a welcoming school and the teachers really care about the students, I’ve never seen that before and they just gave him a go,” she said. “He’s really clever, they adapt for him, when he is strong in something, they can give him work that can resonate with him. “They have built their (students’) confidence; they teach them as a whole person, not just the academics.” The school has also recently undergone a $600 000 refurbishment with work to open and freshen up a more than century-old building completed in July last year. Facilities include a kids’ kitchen where the students develop life skills. “We follow a program where the kids cook once a week, sometimes it’s once a fortnight,” Mr Tunks said. “They learn about basic hygiene in the kitchen, developing all the skills related
to cooking, safe use of equipment. “When we have events on, like information evenings, we encourage kids to do the catering for that and they love doing that.” Mr Tunks said the school was looking forward to unveiling a new outdoor learning space. “The theme of that is to link with indigenous culture because we’ve got a lot of indigenous students out here,” he said. “It will provide them an alternative setting for learning outside, which most kids love, being outdoors.” Complementing an extensive PE program, music classes including African drumming, Italian language via video conference, visits from the MARC and MACC vans providing library and art, Ardmona offers a technology program with laptops and iPads for every student. “There’s no shortage of opportunities for these kids,” Mr Tunks said. “We’re starting off with the STEM program with Lego robotics, which is called Lego Mindstorms. “It’s basic programming and coding and constructing a Lego robot, and then giving them commands. “We’ve also got basic video game programming tools called Bloxels. “The kids create the characters by hand, and they take a photo of it and then actually program it in the game and get it to move and jump.”
ARDMONA
PRIMARY SCHOOL Principal: Jean Varty Address: 580 Turnbull Rd, Ardmona Phone: 5829 0273 Email: ardmona.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.ardmonaps.vic.edu.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/ardmonaps Enrolments, P-6: 24 students
Page 32—‘Your School ’, May, 2020
Bourchier Primary Major League Street Indoor Sports
Learners today, leaders tomorrow Bourchier Street Primary School is a learning community promoting: • High expectations for all students; • A safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment; • High level literacy and numeracy skills; • A focus on student-centred learning where student agency is valued; • Inquiry learning across the curriculum; • The development of character citizenship, curiosity, creativity and collaboration; • The development of passions, talents, and skills;
• Access to a wide range of technology; • An interest in physical education, the arts and the Italian language; • A sustainable environment through a kitchen garden program; • The importance of engagement and wellbeing; • An open-door policy where families are welcome; • Before-school and after-school care; • Sporting clubs including netball, football, soccer and basketball; • Fit, happy, healthy children; • Bourchier Street Primary School’s values are respect, learning and contribution.
BEST ALWAYS
Principal: Denise Howley Assistant principals: Gary D’arma and Jenni Anderson Address: Cnr Bourchier St and Balaclava Rd, Shepparton Phone: 5821 3488 Email: bourchier.street.ps.shepparton@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.bourchierps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 650 students
‘Your School ’, May, 2020—Page 33
Gowrie Street Primary
Dreaming big
Gowrie Street Primary School takes great strength from its students and its community — their histories, cultures and diversity
opportunities available to them, the school place curriculum and learning opportunities provides a range of additional supports. that will meet students’ needs and then propel them to improved outcomes,” he said. “We always work with families on this and start from the strengths of the students and “During this time of remote learning our teachers have continued to use the Reader’s family members,” Mr Warwick said. “We then have a range of wonderful supports and Writer’s Workshop model. we can put in place. “This has allowed families to see the
The school supports its students to seize all the different opportunities they have and to overcome any challenges that might get in “We have an outstanding and large learning strengths of this model of teaching.” the way. intervention and wellbeing team, as well as Mr Warwick said he was proud of the Principal Tim Warwick said this was what an amazing paediatric clinic and play therapy learning atmosphere Gowrie Street offered. Dreaming Big (Nurratj Dungudja in Yorta program.” Yorta) is all about. “We know that our students require a “This is the second year of this program and it productive and positive learning environment Finally, part of seeing the strength in its students and community is recognising to complete their learning in,” he said. has continued to grow,” Mr Warwick said. Gowrie Street’s long history with the local Central to this are school-wide positive “The students develop Hopes and Dreams Aboriginal community and the rich cultures behaviour supports. Plans, featuring their hopes for the future and stories this brings with it. and some really clear, associated goals for “Our values of determination, excellence, their learning this year. “We are extremely proud to be one of only a empathy and pride are critical to our handful of Victorian schools who teach their “We hold special student-led conferences on expected behaviour across the school,” local indigenous language as their LOTE,” community days in March and August where Mr Warwick said. Mr Warwick said. they share these plans with their families. “We then set about explicitly teaching these “All of our students learn Yorta Yorta, and it is “It’s always a huge success — students, behaviours to our students, with a strong heart-warming to watch their knowledge of families and staff all love it.” focus on acknowledging the positive Mr Warwick said fundamental to students behaviours we see through tokens and other the language grow and their pronunciation improve.” seizing life’s opportunities was exceptional rewards.” teaching and learning. For students and families who face some School tours are now available via challenges when it comes to pursuing the “Our teachers are working tirelessly to put in appointment.
Principal: Tim Warwick Assistant principals: Eron Chapman and Ben Balmer Address: 1–19 Gowrie St, Shepparton Phone: 5821 3100 Email: Gowrie.street.ps.shepparton@ education.vic.gov.au Website: www.gowriestps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 240 students
Page 34—‘Your School ’, May, 2020
Guthrie Street Major League IndoorPrimary Sports
Engaging students in their learning
Guthrie Street Primary School is dedicated to developing students’ literacy and numeracy skills with a strong focus on their social and emotional needs. The belief at Guthrie Street Primary School is that students need to be emotionally intelligent and engaged in their learning so they can succeed academically. Young people at Guthrie Street are nurtured and challenged to achieve their personal best. Their unique talents and gifts are valued and supported; creativity and imagination are encouraged and celebrated. At Guthrie Street, learning is personal and social. Learning connects students and teachers not just to knowledge but to each other. Principal Brendan Bicknell said Guthrie Street was passionate about providing a holistic education for students. He said the school challenged students to actively pursue opportunities that life at school offered. Students are encouraged to have high expectations of themselves while actively participating in their learning. Literacy development is a priority, with successful learning evident in readers’ and writers’ workshops. Mr Bicknell said the development of emotional and social competencies enabled Guthrie Street students to foster positive connections and to be valued and productive members of the community. The students at Guthrie Street are
provided with excellent facilities that suit the needs of 21st century learners. There is a modern, multipurpose centre and contemporary learning spaces throughout the school, which encourage a positive educational environment. Within the classrooms the advantages of modern technology including iPads and laptops are utilised by the students as they engage in purposeful learning activities. Personal learning: • Core development of literacy and numeracy skills. • Emotional Intelligence Program/G.E.M. (Gratitude. Empathy. Mindfulness.). • Use of technology − laptops and iPads (BYOD program Years 3 to 6). • Specialist programs − the arts, physical education, science and library. • Student performances in music/drama. Supportive programs: • Kinder to Foundation transition, term four. • Student leadership. • Student Voice Team. • One-on-one tutoring support in literacy and numeracy. • Koori and EAL support programs. • Speech and occupational therapy support. • After-school and weekend sports programs. • Music lessons – singing, guitar, piano and keyboard (fee paying). • Camps, excursions and cultural performances. • Outside school hours care. • Expansive areas of TigerTurf for ball games. • Modern administration spaces.
Principal: Brendan Bicknell Assistant principal: Michael Donovan Address: Guthrie St, Shepparton Phone: 5821 1944 Email: guthrie.street.ps.shepparton@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.guthriestps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, Foundation-6: 503 students
‘Your School ’, May, 2020—Page 35
Mooroopna NorthSports Primary Major League Indoor
Teaching the individual Mooroopna North Primary School values student voice – students having the power to influence change, and agency – students having the power to direct and take responsibility for learning This year at Mooroopna North, students have been offered opportunities to have their voices heard. The students have designed, projectmanaged and worked with community members towards the establishment of feature areas in the school that they have identified as meeting their needs. Work is planned for an indigenous sensory garden incorporating a Rainbow Serpent pathway, a yarning area with mock campfire and tepee construction zone, and a riverbed garden. The school recognises that all families
are unique and bring culture, values and experiences that can build and support the education of all students. A strong emphasis is placed on partnering with families in school life through community fun nights, movie nights, participation in class events and school-based activities. The students are supported to achieve their learning goals both inside and outside the classroom. The school’s values of respect, responsibility and resilience were developed in partnership with the students and families and align with the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Program (SWPBSP) to create a nurturing and supportive environment. The curriculum offers a range of learning experiences to enhance students’ engagement and enrich their participation
in education. A meaningful numeracy program based on best practice and current research supports students to become accurate, efficient and flexible problem solvers. A dedicated daily two-hour literacy block provides time for students to embed their reading and writing skills. A student-led inquiry approach to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) incorporating a thinking curriculum develops their critical thinking skills while they are involved in projects which they are passionate about. All students at Moopoopna North Primary School also participate in weekly AUSLAN sessions delivered via the polycom. The MARC library van and MACC art van visit the school each week.
Principal: Michelle Duke Address: 835 Ardmona Rd, Mooroopna North Phone: 5829 0141 Email: mooroopna.north.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.mnps1612.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 39 students
Tatura Primary School Major League Indoor Sports
A CARE-ing approach to education Tatura Primary School prides itself on its values. With a holistic approach to education, principal Susanne Gill said the school supported the development of the whole child. “We CARE at Tatura Primary,” Mrs Gill said. “It’s about preparing our children for the future.” CARE – community, achieving, respect and environment – are the values that underpin everything the school does. Situated in the heart of Tatura, Mrs Gill said the close-knit community extended from families, friends, classroom and school, to town. “Community connection is paramount in the teaching and learning,” she said.
“It gives students an appreciation of their place in the world and understanding of the importance of education.” With dedicated staff, Mrs Gill said the school had a history of supporting its children to achieve. “We want students to always strive to do their best,” she said. Performance in all areas is maximised through focused teaching and learning activities while instilling in students that success comes through effort. Mrs Gill said there was an emphasis on showing respect by each person treating others the way they would like to be treated. “We encourage and teach our students to show respect at all levels and take pride in our school,” she said.
From creating a calm and orderly learning environment in the classroom to promoting sustainability, the environment is an important focus for the school. Tatura Primary won a state-wide Resource Smart School award in 2017 and Mrs Gill said the school had committed to a significant reduction in waste. “We are a rubbish-free school and have a team of Enviro Kids that meets weekly to discuss ways to keep the message and learning strong,” she said. The front door of the new school building on Service St is always open to visitors and enquiries are welcome for new enrolments. Check out the Tatura Primary School website and Facebook page soon for the upcoming virtual tour.
Principal: Susanne Gill Assistant Principal: Tracey Ritchie Address: Cnr Service and Albert Sts, Tatura Phone: 5824 1684 Email: tatura.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.taturaps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 222 students
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‘Your School ’, May, 2020—Page 37
Now taking Year 7 enro o olments for 2021 until 29 May
Questions? GSSC is hosting a series of virtual open nights with the first one set for 7pm on Tuesday, May 12.
Why choose GSSC?
Parents can join us on “Teams” at live.gssc.vic.edu.au
Subject choice
House model
We’re getting the fundamentals right – Year 7 curriculum has a dedicated focus on Literacy and Numeracy with additional sessions in English and Mathematics, while also offering Humanities, Science, Languages, Physical Education, Arts and Technology subjects.
We’re a “school within a school” - a student’s House at GSSC is their home base through secondary school. It provides a sense of belonging, stability and a place to foster friendships while ensuring wrap-around support for individual students.
Learning mentors We’re about the individual - your child will have a dedicated Learning Mentor to focus on their wellbeing, ensure consistency in their learning and be a first point of contact for parents. Year 7 Learning Mentors focus on the organisation and study skills so important to success in secondary school.
…and more We’re on a journey – our students are the focus of unprecedented investment in public education in Greater Shepparton. Many of the benefits are being delivered now with more subject choice, more wellbeing support and more education pathways. Our Middle School students are destined to inherit a new school to pursue their aspirations – delivering them modern and contemporary facilities for the first time in decades.
Applying for Year 7 enrolments: Your primary school will send you a Transition Pack and application form. Contact your primary school for advice on the application process. For more information about the college, its curriculum and programs, email us at enrolments@gssc.vic.edu.au or call us on (03) 5858 9891.
www.greatersheppartoncollege.vic.edu.au
GREATER SHEPPARTON SECONDARY COLLEGE
Page 38—‘Your School ’, May, 2020
Mooroopna Primary Major League Indoor Sports
Encouraging respectful and responsible behaviour
Mooroopna Primary School is an inclusive school that is committed to providing a safe, happy and welcoming environment for students and families. Mooroopna Primary School: • Adheres to Child Safe Standards, which includes proactively teaching students how to be respectful and responsible members of today’s society. • Encourages family members’ involvement in their child’s learning. • Provides an after-school care program and a daily breakfast club. • Works with the wider community to
collaborate with students to build career aspirations and wellbeing support. • Has a strong commitment to arts education, which includes a school band. • Provides a technology-rich environment to enhance student learning and school engagement. • Provides excellent facilities that provide a wide range of learning environments. Children at the school are encouraged to: • Develop proficiency in literacy and numeracy skills in an integrated, engaging curriculum.
• Be active in determining their learning goals. • Acquire decision-making, problemsolving and critical thinking skills. • Communicate freely and co-operatively with others. • Develop a commitment to complete their work to their maximum potential. • Improve their skills and fitness levels through a well-balanced physical education and sport program. • Develop their technological skills and cybersafe behaviours to be effective and responsible users of technology.
Principal: Steve Rogers Assistant principal: Carla May Address: 16–18 O’Brien St, Mooroopna Phone: 5825 2060 Email: mooroopna.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.mooroopna.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 250 students
‘Your School ’, May, 2020—Page 39
Orrvale Primary
A safe space for learning The Orrvale Primary School community has excitedly unveiled the result of a $1.768 million Victorian Government capital works grant The project, which commenced late in 2018, has seen the construction of a new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) building, upgraded administration wing and two new playground areas, including an impressive undercover junior play zone. Principal Adam Brennan said the new STEAM building was currently used as a space for visual and performance arts, cooking and the daily breakfast club as well as the school’s computer, coding and robotics curriculum. “Before-school and after-school care, earmarked for commencement in semester two, will also be housed in the new building,” Mr Brennan said. “The new learning and play areas will support the school’s focus on developing the literacy, numeracy and emotional intelligence skills of students.” Orrvale Primary School is the only Victorian Government school trained in Yale University’s RULER approach, which encourages children to identify, regulate and manage their emotions so they’re able
to be more effective inside and outside the classroom. “In educating the whole child, we place equal importance on developing both the academic and social/emotional capacity of our students,” Mr Brennan said. “This equips them with the skills needed to lead successful lives and develop healthy relationships.” The whole school reading and writing workshops, which were implemented in 2018, have been so successful they have continued to be a key teaching and learning focus of the school. The school’s 2019 NAPLAN results reflect this commitment. Mr Brennan and assistant principal Kirsten Dickins spend the first hour of each school day in various classrooms supporting teachers with the literacy program and assisting students to reach their learning goals. Academic success is also reflected in the school’s mathematics program. Two staff are trained as maths specialists, part of a two-year primary mathematics and science specialist program. These teachers share their new-found knowledge with other teachers, building their capacity to teach and challenge students’ mathematical thinking.
The school’s emphasis on promoting inquiring minds helps students reach their potential through self-motivation and by stimulating the children’s curiosity. By giving children greater empowerment in their own learning and identifying their interests, teachers are able to align the learning program with those interests, so students remain engaged and motivated. Extension activities engage talented students, and interactive tasks such as woodworking and cooking accommodate children who work better with hands-on learning. With technology being an essential part of future careers, several students have been elected as information and communication technology leaders and an iPad program operates in every year level. At Orrvale Primary School, parents, carers and extended families are encouraged to support the students’ learning and engagement with the school through regular parent workshops and casual family picnics. “Parents are often unsure of how they can support their children’s education at home, and we aim to empower them to do that. Each family has a term calendar with information about what is being learnt in the classroom each week,” Mr Brennan said.
Opportunities are offered for students to represent their school in various sporting pursuits including football, Auskick, netball, soccer and basketball, and families are engaged with community and support organisations such as Meals on Wheels. Situated among orchards, Orrvale Primary School is 5km east of Shepparton and with a student population of 390 offers the resources of a large school with the caring community feel of a small school environment. Principal: Adam Brennan Assistant principal: Kirsten Dickins Address: 300 Channel Rd, Orrvale Phone: 5829 2490 Fax: 5829 2717 Email: orrvale.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Enrolments, P-6: 390 students
‘Your School ’, May, 2020—Page 41
Shepparton EastSports Primary Major League Indoor
Best of both worlds
With the resources of a large school yet the close-knit community of a small school, Shepparton East Primary School embraces the individual. Just a few minutes’ drive from Shepparton with wide open spaces, the school community is one big happy family. Principal Trent McCrae said Shepparton East was a welcoming place with an emphasis on parent involvement. “We have a great country feel, you walk around our school and people are happy and friendly,” Mr McCrae said. “We have a really strong school community; we actively encourage parent involvement by running a Parent Education Program where parents are trained to be helpers in the classrooms.” The school has a comprehensive literacy and numeracy program complemented by inquiry-based learning programs, and Mr McCrae said this allowed students to learn at their own pace and develop their strengths and interests. “It’s about preparing them for the future to be well-rounded individuals,” he said. “The school strives to meet the individual needs of students, catering for those who
require assistance as well as fostering talents.” In addition, Shepparton East offers art, performing arts, library, sport, a perceptual motor program and science. “As a primary science specialist school, we offer great opportunities and increased science outcomes for all our students from Prep through to Year 6,” Mr McCrae said. Teachers have been upskilled in the teaching of science technology, engineering and mathematics, including two teachers who specialise in science. Mr McCrae said the students’ inquirybased programs tied into student interests. “It promotes student engagement, develops oral language and has direct links into our formal literacy and numeracy lessons.” The school is continually adding new resources and opening further learning opportunities, including the addition of a robotics program in the Years 5/6 area. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as camps and excursions, weekend sporting teams, swimming, choir, and guitar, piano and singing lessons. Mr McCrae said it was all about developing the whole child.
The school uses a buddy program to support students and has also received recognition for its behaviour management and positive acknowledgement systems. “The culture of our school really sits under that framework of caring for yourself, caring for others, caring for your learning and caring for your school,” Mr McCrae said. “To do that we explicitly teach what those values are and what those behaviours and actions look like, so students know how to care for their learning in a reading session, or out on an excursion.” A school chaplain is also employed, providing support for families, working in classrooms and running the breakfast program with parent and staff helpers. Before-school and after-school care is provided each day during school terms. Mr McCrae said being an eSmart school meant there was a high standard of information communication technology and cyber safety processes. “All classes have their own interactive whiteboards, netbook computers and digital cameras, and our Years 3 to 6 students have their own iPads.”
Principal: Trent McCrae Assistant principal: Stacey Willaton Address: Benalla Rd, Shepparton East Phone: 5829 2426 Fax: 5829 2683 Email: shepparton.east.ps@edumail.vic. gov.au Website: www.shepeastps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 266 students
Page 42—‘Your School ’, May, 2020
St Georges Road Primary
A whole child approach to education St Georges Road Primary School lives its values of respect, responsibility, pride and excellence every day. Principal Kerrianne ‘Dougie’ Souter said these values were interwoven into all aspects of the school, creating a safe and stimulating environment for students and their families. “Our school stands out as a place of learning, where there are high expectations and students are encouraged to be a little bit better than their best,” Ms Souter said. St Georges Road Primary School is a one-stop shop that connects families to the school even before the children start their formal education. The Foundation transition program begins with open days, followed by a five-week program in term four that builds confidence, school readiness and strong relationships with children and families. The holistic wrap-around approach is enhanced by a paediatric clinic where families work closely with teachers, the paediatrician and therapists to ensure positive learning and school experiences for all children. Student engagement is strengthened by an array of enrichment activities such as lunchtime music and craft groups, beforeschool and after-school sports, homework clubs and a kitchen garden.
“Programs such as these develop student leadership, collaboration, social development and a sense of community, and weekend sports teams are supported by teachers, parents and volunteers,” Ms Souter said. Small flexible groups cater for individual students’ needs in literacy and numeracy, while specialist programs include visual arts, health and physical education, Italian and performing arts where students can engage with the school band, recorder and ukulele groups. The school celebrates cultural diversity through its various specialist programs. “Students are encouraged to have input into performance items, ensuring high motivation and confidence,” Ms Souter said. “There are high levels of parent involvement in our vibrant cultural celebrations. “The school’s community hub builds a sense of belonging and connectedness to St Georges Road Primary School.” Outdoor activity is a priority and a beautiful kitchen garden, large open spaces, passive play areas and weekend sports teams translate into a happy and inclusive environment. Part of the curriculum is devoted to the development of social competencies. “Developing citizenship, leadership and
aspiration is high on the agenda at St Georges Road Primary School, with achievement acknowledgement awards available to students across all year levels,” Ms Souter said. The school’s second language campus, Shepparton English Language Centre, provides intensive English instruction for newly arrived and refugee students, and family liaison officers strengthen the homeschool partnership and inclusive culture. Arthur Mawson Children’s Centre provides an on-site kindergarten with play and fun groups for pre-schoolers, complementing the school’s early years initiative. An extensive camps program and extracurricular excursions and events complement the curriculum. Teachers and students make use of a broad range of technological tools in all learning programs. “We prepare our students for 21st century learning with the use of interactive whiteboards, podcasting and a netbook leasing program,” Ms Souter said. “Students have access to digital resources such as cameras, iPads and iPods integrated into all learning programs. “Whilst the curriculum develops the talents of all students, literacy, numeracy and social competencies remain at the forefront for building a strong foundation for success.”
Principal: Kerrianne ‘Dougie’ Souter Assistant principals: Luke Simpson and Adam Burbidge Address: 120 St Georges Rd, Shepparton Phone: 5821 3383 Fax: 5822 2481 Email: souter.kerri.a@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.stgeorges.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 450 students
‘Your School ’, May, 2020—Page 43
Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura and District Primary Schools
FOUNDATION ENROLMENTS FOR 2021 The following Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura and district schools are currently accepting enrolments for the 2021 school year. Ardmona Primary .................................. 5829 0273
Lemnos Primary ..................................... 5829 9287
Tatura Primary ........................................ 5824 1684
Bourchier St Primary ............................... 5821 3488
Merrigum Primary .................................. 5855 2275
Toolamba Primary .................................. 5826 5212
Congupna Primary ................................ 5829 9286
Mooroopna North Primary ......................5829 0141
Tungamah Primary ..................................5748 5627
Currawa Primary .................................... 5828 6581
Mooroopna Park Primary ...................... 5825 3856
Undera Primary ........................................5826 0211
Dhurringile Primary ............................... 5826 6222
Mooroopna Primary . ............................. 5825 2060
Verney Rd School .....................................5821 8185
Dookie Primary ...................................... 5828 6585
Murchison Primary ................................. 5826 2391
Waaia Yalca South Primary ..................... 5864 1283
Gowrie St Primary .................................. 5821 3346
Numurkah Primary ................................. 5862 1426
Wilmot Rd Primary ................................. 5821 4953
Grahamvale Primary ................................5821 4219
Orrvale Primary ..................................... 5829 2490
Zeerust Primary ...................................... 5829 8282
Guthrie St Primary ...................................5821 1944
Shepparton East Primary ...................... 5829 2426
Harston Primary ..................................... 5854 8317
St Georges Rd Primary ........................... 5821 3383
Katamatite Primary ................................ 5865 1242
Tallygaroopna Primary .......................... 5829 8264
Katandra West Primary ......................... 5828 3350 Katunga Primary ................................... 5864 6365 Katunga South Primary .......................... 5864 6212 Kialla West Primary ................................ 5823 1333
Page 44—‘Your School ’, May, 2020