2015
R U YO L O O H SC
schools s ’ n o i g e r e h ome of t s t u o b a w to kno d e e n u o y g Everythin
Page 2—‘Your School’, June, 2015
NEWS Major League Indoor Sports Investigations propel lessons
Schools want to engage communities By Sharon Wright Engaging the wider community to improve educational outcomes for all students was a key resolution of a principals’ conference held in Melbourne in late May. The Shepparton Central Network of schools met in Spring St for a two-day event that involved a variety of speakers presenting a diverse range of topics. Mooroopna Primary School principal and network executive chair Steve Rogers said 66 delegates from the 47 member schools attended. The network extends from Cobram to Murchison and includes state primary, secondary and special schools with student populations ranging from 20 to more than 1000. “This is the second year we have held this conference in Melbourne,
we are a short walk to education department headquarters so we have access to department staff and high quality speakers,” Mr Rogers said. Department of Education and Training north-east Victoria regional director Peter Greenwell officially opened the conference. Mr Rogers said executive coach Trevor Eddy, who has a background in banking, was the keynote speaker; other presenters covered topics including conduct and ethics, legalities and health and wellbeing. He said the dominant theme was principals continuing to take the lead in improving lifelong learning. “Victoria is working towards being the education state and we recognise that education is the most important tool to promote positive outcomes for our young people,” Mr Rogers said.
He said the two clear messages that came from the conference was the principals’ commitment to ensuring outcomes for students continued to improve and the importance of schools working more closely with their communities. Mr Rogers cited the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Children’s Projects as a working example of educators, community and sector leaders working together to support the wellbeing of young people. “Identifying the way forward for schools to continue to work with their community is an important part of achieving those positive outcomes,” Mr Rogers said. Following each conference speaker attendees were given the opportunity to work in small groups to discuss the implications of each topic for individual schools.
Learning by investigation is an important part of the curriculum at numerous Shepparton and district primary schools. Orrvale Primary School students Zara Attana, 5, Adelle Pungitore, 6 and Suzannah Rye, 5 (pictured), recently constructed a rocket ship as part of their investigations. After several of their classmates expressed an interest in space study the girls planned their design, wrote a list of materials for their teacher to source and worked together to build the rocket ship along with a map of the planets they wished to visit.
YOUR SCHOOL Contents Mooroopna Primary ........................ 3 Shepparton East Primary ................ 4 Orrvale Primary ............................... 5 Bourchier St Primary....................... 6 St George’s Rd Primary .................. 7 Congupna Primary.......................... 8 Shepparton Christian College ......... 9
Rushworth P–12 College .............. 10 Zeerust Primary ............................ 10 Wilmot Rd Primary........................ 11 Mooroopna Park Primary .............. 11 Ardmona Primary.......................... 12 Guthrie St Primary ........................ 13 News ...................................... 14–15
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‘Your School’, June, 2015—Page 3
Mooroopna Primary Major League Indoor Sports
Nurturing, happy place to be
Mooroopna Primary School is committed to providing a safe, happy and nurturing environment for its students. Children at the school are encouraged to: • develop proficiency in an integrated curriculum with emphasis on literacy and numeracy; • acquire decision-making, problemsolving and critical-thinking skills; • respect all members of the school community and their property; • communicate freely and work co-operatively with others; • develop a commitment to complete their work to their maximum potential; and • improve their skills and fitness levels through a well-balanced physical education and sport program.
The school has committed, approachable and professional staff who work in a co-operative and supportive manner, planning and providing a seven-year integrated program for each student in all curriculum areas. In addition, Mooroopna Primary School provides a number of special curriculum support and enrichment programs that have been developed to cater for the needs of students. Breakfast and after-school programs further support students. Mooroopna Primary School provides specialist programs in art, music, performance, technology, literacy and numeracy support, and students are encouraged to participate in the
community to foster connections. Mooroopna Primary School is endowed with excellent facilities including a library with computerised borrowing system, art room and hall. The BER building provides an open learning environment that promotes 21st century learning. Students in Years 3 to 6 are able to participate in the school’s bring-your-own iPad program. Strong home-school relationships are maintained and regular communication and parental involvement is encouraged. Mooroopna Primary School promotes and acknowledges positive student engagement in all learning areas. n
Principal: Steve Rogers Assistant principal: Karen Goodwin Address: 16–18 O’Brien St, Mooroopna PO Box 279 Phone: 5825 2060 Fax: 5825 1303 Email: mooroopna.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.mooroopna.vic.edu.au Enrolments Years P–6: 220
Page 4—‘Your School’, June, 2015
Shepparton EastSports Primary Major League Indoor
Embracing individuality
Just 4 km from Shepparton Marketplace, Shepparton East Primary School is a friendly, happy school which embraces learning and individual talents. “Our school provides a quality education with a strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, physical education and the performing arts,” Shepparton East Primary School principal Trent McCrae said. “We strive for excellence in teaching and learning while providing a safe, stimulating and positive environment for our students.” With high expectations and providing a range of opportunities, programs offered include science, LOTE (Italian), art, performing arts, library, sport and a perceptual motor program (PMP). Support programs also provided by Shepparton East Primary School include Reading Recovery, student leadership development, a Ready, Set, Prep program for new Prep students, and the use of literacy and numeracy specialists. A school chaplain is also employed, providing support for families, working in classrooms and running the breakfast program. Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) is provided from 3.30 pm to 6 pm,
weeknights during school terms. “The school strives to meet the individual needs of students, catering for those who require assistance as well as fostering talents and interests,” Mr McCrae said. “When combining our small class sizes with our high quality educational programs and teachers, individual education needs are always catered for.” Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities such as camps and excursions, weekend sporting teams, swimming, choir and guitar, piano and singing lessons. Parental involvement and participation in these and other school activities is encouraged, particularly hearing reading in the mornings and with the school concert held at the end of each year. “We understand that children learn best when parents are involved in their education,” Mr McCrae said. “Parents help us instil in our students the school’s values of caring for ourselves, others, our learning and our school.” 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 4 to 6 students have their own iPads. “In addition to our formal maths and literacy sessions, we also offer developmental curriculum and inquiry-based learning programs across the school, allowing students to learn at their own pace, on their strengths and interests.” Mr McCrae said Shepparton East Primary School used a buddy program to support students. The school had also received recognition for its behaviour management and positive acknowledgement systems, and was leading the way for other schools in the region. “We are a Mentor School for the School Wide Positive Behaviour System,” Mr McCrae said. “As part of that we now mentor 10 schools in the Campaspe cluster; we visit their principals, review their school systems and provide advice and support.” Shepparton East Primary School features a range of open-learning buildings and facilities, complementing its spacious grounds, ovals and eating areas. Mr McCrae would love to show interested people around the school. n
Principal: Trent McCrae 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 Years P–6: 204
‘Your School’, June, 2015—Page 5
Orrvale Primary School
Best of both worlds
Orrvale Primary School offers the resources of a large school, but the close-knit community of a small school environment, just 3 km east of Shepparton. Principal Adam Brennan said what truly set Orrvale Primary School apart was the fact that everyone knew each other, which promoted a positive and friendly learning space, equipped with all the advantages of 21st century education. “I think we have the perfect number of enrolments, we can know every student’s and parent’s name, but we also (have the resources) to provide specialists in music, Italian, physical education and art,” Mr Brennan said. The culture of the school is built on five values: responsibility, respect, courage, empathy and personal excellence, and students get explicit teaching in social skills each week. Leadership opportunities exist in the junior school council, student-run assembly, buddy program, and peer mediator training (for Year 6 students). “The academic side of education is really important, but for Orrvale Primary School, helping kids grow up to be good people of the world is also (paramount),” Mr Brennan said. Special programs are developed to address and reflect student needs, which allow children the opportunities to be the best they can be. Extension activities engage
talented students, and interactive tasks such as gardening and cooking accommodate children who work better with hands-on learning. Several students were recently accredited as Apple geniuses by the technology company, following a student event which they applied to be a part of in Melbourne. “We have a 1:1 iPad program for Years 3 to 6, plus there are six iPads in each of the Prep to Year 2 classes. If anyone has any technical issues or needs support, they can actually call on our Apple genius team.” The modern facilities at the school and decorative classrooms help to cultivate creative learning. New to this year’s curriculum is performing arts, which will be led by Shepparton Theatre Arts Group’s Helen Janke. An active sporting culture at the school offers students the chance to be part of a team and to be representatives in football, netball, soccer and even sport aerobics — with a team set to compete at the state championships this year. At Orrvale, students and parents are engaged with the community. A beautiful memorial to former student Zaidee Turner inspires discussion of each person’s ability to make a difference with simple acts such as raising funds and awareness for worthy causes. n
Principal: Adam Brennan Assistant principal: Daniel O’Reilly Address: 300 Channel Rd, Orrvale Phone: 5829 2490 Fax: 5829 2717 Email: orrvale.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.orrvaleps.vic.edu.au Enrolments P-6: 400
Page 6—‘Your School’, June, 2015
Bourchier Primary Major League St Indoor Sports
Respect, Responsibility, Integrity
Space to learn and play Bourchier St Primary School has a long tradition of academic excellence. We believe academic success is important, but so are the values that go with it. Our curriculum is broad and challenging, designed to help students explore their own identities and strengths. We encourage students to take part in school activities which nurture their growth —academic, social, spiritual, cultural and physical. Developing natural curiosity and channelling it towards discovery allows our students to explore the full range of their abilities. Academic excellence A commitment to ensuring every child is literate and numerate • Outstanding resourcing in a wholeschool literacy and numeracy program supported with up-to-date computer and information technology resources; • Literacy and numeracy at or above state averages;
• Additional support: Reading Recovery, Making a Difference 3 to 6 and additional individualised learning programs; • Speech and articulation; and • Social skills development ensuring a safe, orderly school environment for all children: Bounce Back, Restorative Justice philosophy. Special interest programs An opportunity for all to shine • Health and physical education — including athletics, swimming, camping and Saturday sporting teams; • Creative arts including drama, dance and music; • Visual arts; • Music programs — school band, choir, singing, dance; • School productions; Student support services • Full-time student wellbeing teacher; • School chaplain; • Breakfast program;
• Buddy program Prep to Year 6; • Diverse opportunities for students to be involved in leadership roles; and • K Kids Kiwanis Club. School facilities and resources • Extensive ovals and playground spaces; • Comfortable airconditioned buildings, • School canteen; and • After-school and vacation-care programs. Parent involvement • Parents and Friends groups; • School council; • Sporting programs; • Classroom helpers; • Canteen helpers; • Camps and excursions; and • Play group.
BEST ALWAYS
Principal: Judy Park Assistant principal: Denise Howley Address: Cnr Bourchier St and Balaclava Rd, Shepparton Phone: 5821 3488 Fax: 5821 5680 Email: bourchier.street.ps.shepparton@ edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.bourchierps.vic.edu.au Enrolments Years P–6: 628 students
‘Your School’, June, 2015—Page 7
St George’s Rd Primary Major League Indoor Sports
Programs nurture leadership St George’s Rd Primary School’s driving values of respect, responsibility, pride and excellence underpin classroom programs and students’ play. Principal Kerrianne ‘Dougie’ Souter said the values of the school were interwoven into all aspects of the school, creating a safe, stimulating culture and a supportive environment for students and their families. “Our school is distinguished by high expectations and a commitment to creating a positive school climate that encourages students to be the best they can be,” Ms Souter said. St George’s Rd Primary School runs school-based activities that encourage parents to come into the school, even before their children start their formal education. Early years programs for children up to five years old include sensory play, Mother Goose, paint and play and playgroup sessions. The holistic wraparound approach is enhanced by parent education programs and a paediatric clinic, where families work closely with teachers, the paediatrician and therapists to ensure positive learning and school experiences for all children.
Skills and talents are nurtured with a broad range of opportunities. Enrichment activities include before-school and lunchtime Koorie games, an after-school learning program and a craft and knitting club supported by volunteers. “Programs such as these develop student leadership, collaboration, social development and a sense of community connectedness,” Ms Souter said. Small acceleration and intervention groups for literacy and numeracy cater for individual differences and the school offers specialised programs for performing and visual arts and multimedia. “We are proud of our students’ continued achievements in academic, sporting and visual and performing arts pursuits,” Ms Souter said. The success of a comprehensive physical education and health program translates into happy and inclusive play at recess and lunchtime breaks. Competitive weekend soccer, football and netball teams complement the school’s broad opportunities. “Our performing arts productions incorporate multimedia, visual arts, the school band, choir, and recorder and ukulele
groups. There is rich opportunity for encouraging student input into the costume design, dance and movement features of our school productions which ensures our students are highly motivated, confident and successful,” Ms Souter said. “Developing citizenship, leadership and aspiration is high on the agenda at St George’s Rd Primary School, with a strong focus at every grade level. Students aspire to become a Star Citizen of the school, while scholarships are offered to senior students to support educational pursuits and ambition.” An extensive camps program and extracurricular excursions and events are an integral part of educating the “whole child”. Arthur Mawson Children’s Centre provides an on-site kindergarten with play and fun groups for pre-schoolers, complementing the school’s early years initiatives. The school has a second language campus, Shepparton English Language Centre, which provides intensive English instruction for newly arrived and refugee students. “We prepare our students for 21st century learning with the use of interactive
whiteboards, podcasting and a netbook leasing program. The school has digital resources such as cameras, iPads and iPods, along with the specialist multimedia area which every student experiences,” Ms Souter said. “However, literacy and numeracy remain our key focus in developing these foundation skills for success in the future.” n
Principal: Kerrianne ‘Dougie’ Souter Assistant principal: Cecelia Morris Address: 120 St George’s Rd, Shepparton Phone: 5821 3383
Fax: 5822 2481
Email: souter.kerri.a@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.stgeorges.vic.edu.au Enrolments Years P–6: 410
Page 8—‘Your School’, June, 2015
Congupna Major League Primary Indoor Sports
School is proudly part of community Congupna Primary School was excited to start the new school year with the introduction of a bus run and two new classrooms to cater for its growing school community. Only a seven-minute drive north of Shepparton, the school’s new bus route travels to and from North Shepparton. The new refurbished classrooms are dedicated to Years 2 and 3 students and science and art. The small school is a place where teachers, specialist staff, children and families enjoy the serene country atmosphere and a tight-knit and caring community. As one of the region’s most respected rural schools, the school prides itself on connectedness and a personalised approach to learning that enables all students to reach their full academic potential. Principal Rosemary Hepworth said the school’s harmonious atmosphere and facilities — including a refurbished senior learning centre, sensory garden, extensive playground and sporting fields — promoted practical engagement. “One of the key features of our school is that we have the opportunity to provide an absolutely holistic learning environment,” Mrs Hepworth said. “Children have the freedom to explore and question what can be, and then they can link that to formal classroom practice.” Mrs Hepworth said the most important
value underpinned at Congupna was ‘shared respect gives us freedom of choice’, which students developed and embodied during their formative years. Congupna Primary School offers rich literacy and numeracy learning opportunities for students, and math journals are a key feature of the senior section. “This is an extraordinary program in our school, where children come up with an idea, investigate, create, report and evaluate it,” Mrs Hepworth said. “It is learning by doing and it develops an understanding that maths has a key purpose in everyday learning.” Each student has their own Netbook which is accessed every day in wholeclass learning tasks. Blending information technology is acknowledged as an important skill. Interactive learning is enabled through innovative communication technology, which allows the school to engage with other schools worldwide. “The connection to the broader world allows the children to take their learning across every subject area in a confident manner and to practise their craft with students around the world — it is amazing,” Mrs Hepworth said. Communication is a key priority and is maintained between parents and the school through phone calls, newsletters, the web page, emails and parent-teacher meetings, but most importantly personal conversation. Parent participation is warmly encouraged
and parents can contribute through the school council, Parents and Friends, curriculum support and fundraising activities, and can also attend school assemblies and annual major excursions. “It is so important to have parent participation in the classroom and we have a great parent reading team that comes in and shares reading with the children from Monday to Friday,” Mrs Hepworth said. Students are involved in environmental learning and can work with the Landcare group in the pony paddock, or in the student-run vegetable garden and chicken coop. “Every child that comes to the school plants a native Australian tree in the pony paddock; that builds a sense of responsibility for taking care of our fauna,” Mrs Hepworth said. “It brings the pony paddock to life for the children and it gives a great purpose.” Mrs Hepworth said this hands-on learning approach catered for all learning styles, and children developed an understanding of caring for animals through practical engagement, including handling and feeding. Garden produce is used in delicious recipes made in the school’s kitchen for the whole school to share and enjoy. “When we harvested the potatoes last year, we had the most fantastic baking day and the children made curly fries — it all serves a practical purpose and they really love it.” This physical skill-building is strongly linked to academic learning at Congupna.
There is an embedded focus on academic, personal, physical and emotional student and community health. Congupna Primary School runs a welcoming playgroup for children from birth to school age every second Friday morning, from 9.30 am to 11 am. Mrs Hepworth said the school was at the heart of the community and promoted the values of fairness, respect and trust to form the foundation for children to become conscientious adult members of society. “Congupna Primary School is where community means everything, and our passion for learning and teaching thrives.” n
Principal: Rosemary Hepworth Address: 3580 Katamatite Rd, Congupna Phone: 5829 9286 Fax: 5829 9091 Email: congupna.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.congupnaps.vic.edu.au Enrolments Years P–6: 69
‘Your School’, June, 2015—Page 9
Shepparton Christian Major League Indoor Sports College
Energised education Shepparton Christian College takes an active role in delivering quality academic education to each student, while also providing a plethora of meaningful learning opportunities outside the classroom. Principal Chris Aiton said the school was a busy place, combining 21st century learning and Christian values, in a nurturing environment just 4 km north of Shepparton’s central business district. The programs at the college are tailored to meet the needs of the 225 Prep to Year 12 students from the Goulburn Valley region, encouraging children to reach their potential in practical, social and spiritual areas. Mr Aiton said interactive learning, including outdoor education, excursions, camps, music and sports, were integrated with a strong academic program focusing on student development. Leadership is also encouraged throughout the school, and students on the representative council are able to direct activities, promoting responsibility and positive learning. “We want to have our students engaging and serving the community and being aware of needs on a local, national and global basis,” Mr Aiton said. Opportunities to serve in the Salvation Army Café, to engage in activities such as Jump Rope for Heart, and to play ukuleles to the elderly in retirement homes help to build students into well-rounded
members of the community. Mission trips to the Solomon Islands are also among the exciting programs on offer at the school. “To have that service component is really important and the students enjoy it,” Mr Aiton said. “It makes anybody feel good to go out and do something for the benefit of others.” The seamless nature of the transition from primary to secondary college is a point of difference at the college, with the familiarity of environment, peers and teachers making the step up to secondary school simple. In the yard, students can learn from their peers and interact in communal areas, while designated areas such as the playground for Prep to Year 2 students ensure every student has space to learn and play. A laptop program for secondary school students is in place, while the modern facilities including interactive whiteboards in the majority of classrooms provide the benefit of technology to students of all year levels. Transport to the school is simple, because it is part of all the school networks, and there is the added benefit of being among wellestablished gardens in a peaceful environment conducive to learning. Mr Aiton said strong VCE results produced by its students were a testament to the efficacy of Shepparton Christian College’s holistic approach to education. n
Principal: Chris Aiton Address: 155 Verney Rd, Shepparton Phone: 5831 7790 Fax: 5831 7793 Email: admin@scc.vic.edu.au Website: www.scc.vic.edu.au Enrolments: 225
Page 10—‘Your School’, June, 2015
Rushworth P–12 Sports College Major League Indoor
Catering for all learning styles Engaging classrooms and a range of high-reliability teaching strategies encourage students to reach their full potential at Rushworth P–12 College. Principal Brad Moyle said supportive staff provided a nurturing learning environment and aimed to ensure academic growth was achieved from each student every year. He said high value was placed on student leadership and the nature of the Prep to Year 12 college offered a fantastic opportunity for senior students to act as role models. “It is the best of both worlds; it gives our senior students the chance to be ambassadors for other students, and the younger students have mentors who care about them and who they can look up to,” Mr Moyle said.
“Our students are really responsive and have a genuine level of care and concern for other members of the community.” Leadership is further developed through a range of activities including a focus on active and genuine student voice in all areas of school operations and growing student leadership roles from Year 5 to Year 12, including a week-long leadership summit for two students each year in partnership with Bendigo Bank. An award-winning Community Involvement program where CFA volunteers train students in fire fighting and team skills is also offered to Year 9 students. Rushworth P–12 College has outstanding facilities including small class sizes and caters for a wide range of student interests and abilities, with the breadth
of VCE subjects expanding to include geography, outdoor education and information technology. An exciting improvement agenda is about to commence and promises to personalise learning for all students, engage the local community and ensure the college continues to be a school of choice for local families. Mr Moyle said a positive school culture was key to a great learning environment, and students were encouraged to embody the values of respect, responsibility and resilience. “These qualities can be applied to all areas of life; whether it be as a good student at school or a supportive family member at home — they are applicable anywhere.” n
Principal: Brad Moyle Address: Heily St, Rushworth Phone: 5856 1230 Email: rushworth.p12@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.rushworthp-12.vic.edu.au Enrolments Years P–12: 160
Zeerust Primary School
It ’s worth the drive Zeerust Primary School offers a modern learning environment that values individuality and a strong home-school-community bond in which everyone is involved. Only 10 minutes’ drive from Shepparton, the school is in a picturesque rural setting and offers small class sizes, aiming to develop high academic and leadership skills and achieve emotional and social competency. Parents Angela Joy and Rachel Dunn said the size of the school was what gave it its charm. Mrs Joy’s children Cameron, 9, and Jacinda, 7, attend the school and she plans to send her younger children Mitchel and Veriti in the future. “Zeerust isn’t our closest school butI’m happy to drive that little bit further,” she said. “Zeerust is unique because there really is a personalised individual element that is just not possible with classes of 20-plus kids. The kids are not age segregated, which is great for all stages of their development. “There is no issue with bullying and all kids get along because they learn to solve their differences.” Miss Dunn said her son Tyron, 6, wanted to go to the school after he made new friendships during a visit when he was still at kindergarten.
She said because of the individualised learning, the school was able to detect and cater for Tyron’s difficulty with fine motor skills. “None of the kids fall through the cracks,” she said. The parents also praised the school’s playgroup every Monday from 9 am to 11 am when younger children can visit and play. Principal Peter Farrell said the school was dedicated to giving each student equal attention. Formerly a practising aquaculture scientist, Dr Farrell said the school’s smaller enrolment meant there was more opportunity for all children to be involved in extra-curricular activities, not just Years 5 or 6 students. “There are opportunities here that often don’t come up in larger schools,” he said. “This year all the students sang in the Shepparton Network Schools Music Festival. We also go on camp together — we take everyone.” Dr Farrell said fitness and PE, science, music, art and Japanese were a big part of students’ learning curriculum. He teaches the students along with Glenda Telford, who has taught at the school for about 25 years, and visiting teachers Yuko Sasaki, Gwennifer Hack and Katrina Campbell. n
Principal: Peter Farrell Address: 245 Zeerust Rd, Zeerust Phone: 5829 8282 Fax: 5829 8482 Email: zeerust.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.zeerustps.vic.edu.au Enrolments years P–6: 14 students
‘Your School’, June, 2015—Page 11
Wilmot Rd Primary School
Excellence for all Wilmot Rd Primary School’s strong school values of success, relationships, respect, excellence, fairness and honesty are embedded in its learning and school programs. The passionate, dedicated staff members focus on student excellence and endeavour in learning, student leadership and successful outcomes for all in a safe and happy environment. Wilmot Rd Primary School promotes high expectations and student results continue to be highly regarded. All students are supported to be the best they can be. Wilmot Rd Primary School has sustained strong student improvement in literacy and numeracy throughout the past five years. The school celebrates Shepparton’s multicultural community and has forged many partnerships with parents and the wider community. In 2014 Wilmot Rd Primary hosted a visit by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Alex Chernov, who enthusiastically commented on the inclusive community approach to schooling and education. Wilmot Rd Primary School conducts many school-based activities to build a community approach to education, including the school’s food science
garden which provides students the opportunity to grow, eat and appreciate healthy food. The Arabic, Afghani and Koori family liaison officers continue to provide communication and assist parents to access services as well as hosting adult learning sessions for students’ parents. Principal Jenny Manuel said the school hosted a paediatric clinic every three weeks to support family access to health and wellbeing services. In the past three years, the school has strengthened its early years programs by offering three playgroups throughout the week facilitated by a qualified early childhood educator. These sessions are keenly attended and are supported by access to the maternal and child health nurse onsite each term. A breakfast program runs three mornings, a learning club is held each Tuesday and Thursday after school. The school also has keen soccer teams that compete in a local competition on Saturdays. Wilmot Rd Primary School has a unique student scholarship program which is well supported by the community and business partners to ensure student aspiration is encouraged. Together with parents and the Shepparton community
the school nurtures student development, learning and success. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum in all key areas with dedicated English, mathematics, history, science, technology, physical education, Italian languages, arts and music programs. It offers small group and individual student support including literacy and numeracy intervention and acceleration programs, the Shepparton English Language Centre Outpost and EAL tuition to provide intensive English language instruction. Mrs Manuel believes the school’s strong results show the success of the practices in place to support students’ learning. “We know our students need to be strong in the key areas of literacy, numeracy and social development to fulfil their aspirations for the future,” Mrs Manuel said. Further, the school has a strong focus on technology, with all Foundation and Year 1 and 2 students having a personal laptop. Year 3 students have class sets of laptops and all Year 4 to 6 students access their learning via a personal netbook. The staff and students also utilise iPods, iPads, and flip cameras to further complement the learning experience and develop students’ digital skills. n
Principal: Jenny Manuel Assistant principal: Simone Higgins Address: 84–90 Wilmot Rd, Shepparton Phone: 5821 4953 Fax: 5821 1885 Email: wilmot.road.ps.shepparton@ edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.wilmotrd.vic.edu.au Enrolments years P–6: 298
Mooroopna Park Sports Primary Major League Indoor
Community helps pupils succeed Mooroopna Park Primary School’s dedication to creating bright futures for students in a positive learning environment has been supported through continual growth in enrolments. The school has a strong focus on encouraging students to strive for excellence. Principal Hayden Beaton said the school had expanded its technology to include more iPads and Netbooks for students, and a new Polycom unit, which enabled communication with other schools around the world. Mr Beaton said parents were encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education and this was facilitated through various events such as grandparent’s day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfasts. “The students love their parents coming to the school and helping them in the classroom — they are so enthusiastic when
mum or dad is here,” Mr Beaton said. The school prides itself on its relationships with a number of different community organisations. “Academic learning is supported through a number of groups that give their time to the school to support our students such as the Mooroopna Kiwanis Club that offers the ‘Build a Bike’ program,” Mr Beaton said. He said other relationships included the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Smith Family, whose staff came in for morning readings on a weekly basis. The Red Cross also supports the school with a breakfast program that runs from Monday to Friday in the morning before class. “This gives students the best opportunity to have a nutritional breakfast,” Mr Beaton said. The school’s literacy intervention program is an integral part of the school curriculum and is implemented with a specialist teacher who provides
individual support to students. Physical education, art, music, science, library and information technology programs are also on offer. Students are also able to grow their own fresh produce in the school’s vegetable garden, which was constructed with support from the community. Mr Beaton said the school now had a new smart phone application that made communication easier. The app provides up-to-date information on current events and allows parents to give the school information about their children. “It helps us engage with parents, we can send out notifications and reminders via the application,” he said. Being part of the community is at the heart of the school, which is proven through its strong relationships with community groups and partnerships with other schools in the region to continue improvements in the future. n
Principal: Hayden Beaton Address: MacIsaac Rd, Mooroopna Phone: 5825 3856 Fax: 5825 3738 Email: mooroopna.park.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.mpps.vic.edu.au Enrolments Years P–6: 120
Page 12—‘Your School’, June, 2015
Ardmona Major LeaguePrimary Indoor Sports
Small school encourages personalised learning Tailoring learning for individual students is a feature of education at Ardmona Primary School. Located just 6 km from Mooroopna, the more-than-century-old school has a teacherstudent ratio of 1:8 and fosters an inclusive family atmosphere that supports students of all abilities to achieve. Principal Jean Varty, leading teacher Clare Canty and graduate teachers Emma McKiernan and Teaghan Jones focus on personalised learning for each student and encourage them to continue to build on their success. “The school is very family-oriented, the children all know one another and because it’s a small rural community their families interact,” Ms Varty said. “We work hard to develop strong partnerships with families. It’s vital to work closely with parents and carers.” Ms Varty said the small class sizes allowed children to work at their own pace and enabled additional assistance for students who needed it, while allowing
high-achieving students to learn at an accelerated pace. Technology assists learning, with interactive whiteboards in both classrooms and students having access to computers and iPads. Italian is taught during weekly online classes where the students can see, listen to and speak with a Melbourne-based teacher. Music, instrumental and singing, is an integral part of the school curriculum as is hip-hop dancing, which the school has performed and won awards for at local eisteddfods. The students are also working on a school song. The MACC and MARC vans are regular visitors offering art and library opportunities, and specialists including occupational therapists, speech therapists and paediatrician Peter Eastaugh also attend the school to support students and families. Immaculately maintained open playgrounds provide ample opportunity for learning through play, and the school’s
commitment to environmental sustainability is evident with large water tanks, roof-top solar panels and a new no-dig garden. Ms Canty said the new garden would be used to grow vegetables, which would be used by students to prepare healthy meals in the school kitchen, as well as to support the school’s soon-to-be acquired flock of chickens. “The playground is a great place for children to learn valuable social skills. The children here all include one another, age isn’t an issue. There are times when the whole school is involved in playground activities; the children all take turns and develop a sense of fair play,” Ms Canty said. Ardmona Primary has close links with the local community; the World War I memorial is located in the school grounds and parental involvement is both vital and encouraged. “Families and local businesses have donated goods and contributed time to get the no-dig garden operating, and parents come in regularly to provide hot lunches
on a Friday, a breakfast club three days a week and assist the children when they are cooking,” Ms Canty said. n
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 Enrolments Years P–6: 30
‘Your School’, June, 2015—Page 13
Guthrie St Indoor Primary Major League Sports
Achieving personal best
Guthrie St Primary School is a school dedicated to learning and providing 21st-century resources and opportunities. Young people at Guthrie St 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 St learning is personal and social. Learning connects students and teachers not just to knowledge but to each other. Assistant principal Brendan Bicknell said Guthrie St was passionate about providing a holistic education to students. He said the school challenged students to reach their personal best and to actively pursue opportunities that life at school provided. The core development of literacy and numeracy skills in all students is a high priority, as is the cultivation of life skills. “We place a high priority on the core development of literacy and numeracy skills for all students,” Mr Bicknell said. He said the development of emotional and social competencies enabled Guthrie St students to foster positive connections and to be valued and productive members of the community. The students at Guthrie St are provided with an environment that suits the needs of 21st–century learners. There is a modern multipurpose centre on-site and contemporary learning spaces throughout the school which encourage a positive educational environment. These spaces also allow classes to be formed for explicit numeracy instruction based on the child’s individual point of need. Within the classrooms the advantages of modern technology including iPads, interactive whiteboards, laptops and iPods are utilised by the students as they engage in purposeful learning activities. n
Personal learning • Core development of literacy and numeracy skills • Emotional intelligence program • Fluid groupings for numeracy • AUSLAN as the LOTE choice • Use of technology – laptops; iPods; iPads; flip cameras; interactive whiteboards • Specialist programs – art, physical education, science, creative arts and library/multimedia • Student performances in music/drama Supportive programs • Student leadership • Junior School Council • One-on-one tutoring support in literacy and numeracy • Koori and EAL support programs • Speech support • After-school and weekend sports programs • Music lessons – singing, guitar, piano and keyboard (fee paying) • Camps, excursions and cultural performances • Kinder to Prep transition, Term 4 • Outside-school-hours care
Facilities • Shepparton Deaf Facility for deaf and hearingimpaired students • Basketball stadium and multipurpose centre • A well-equipped library and resource centre • Flexible learning spaces • Variety of playground equipment • Large oval • Expansive areas of Tiger Turf for ball games • Modern administration spaces
Acting Principal: Angela Buxton Assistant Principal: Brendan Bicknell Acting Assistant Principal: Brendan Kenna Address: Guthrie St, Shepparton Phone: 5821 1944 Email: guthrie.street.ps.shepparton@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.guthriestps.vic.edu.au Enrolments Years P–6: 508
Page 14—‘Your School’, June, 2015
ajorNEWS League Indoor Sports Twenty-first century learning in the Goulburn Valley is engaging and interactive — inside and outside the classroom. While students master numeracy and literacy skills, they are also given many opportunities to grow as individuals and develop other life skills. Fun, friendship, responsibility, independence, tolerance, cultural and environmental awareness, healthy living, compassion and leadership are just some of the valuable lessons when the school bell rings.
CULTURE CONNECTIONS
Children are embracing our growing cultural melting pot in the Goulburn Valley in many ways. Guthrie St Primary School Year 1 student Lola Forrester, 6, and her peers enjoyed the school’s lessons in Indigenous culture during the week of National Sorry Day. Among the activities was creating a display of yellow and black hands on the lawn surrounding the school.
FUN + CREATIVITY = NUMERACY
Free events across Victoria featured maths-themed activities for school groups during Education Week in May, this year themed “Crack the code with maths”. Shepparton and district schools continued a tradition of putting the theme in the spotlight with creativity and enthusiasm.
Bourchier St Primary School Year 5 student Jamahl Clark enjoys a game of simple-addition bingo during the maths-themed Education Week.
Twins Lucy and Steph Ludlow, 8, “Crack the code with maths” during Education Week through their mock music store and money at Zeerust Primary School.
EXCURSIONS AND CAMPS
There’s a lot to learn in the world outside the school — but the groundwork is established and consolidated back in the classroom.
Shepparton East Primary School’s Year 5 and 6 students learned about Australian government and politics in preparation for their school camp to Canberra. Year 6 students Matthew Lowe and Jade Chalmers practised voting before the trip.
Primary school students, including Year 6 Mooroopna Primary School student Jye Bazeley, 12, got up close to creepy crawlies and turtles at a special Pest versus the Rest Environment Day in May.
‘Your School’, June, 2015—Page 15
COMPASSIONATE CAUSES
From raising money for worthy causes to better understanding our nation’s history, students have shown empathy in many ways at Shepparton and district schools this year.
RUNNING ON ACTIVE
There’s no shortage of opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle during the school week.
Year 3 student Kyra Leigh Hayes, 9, and her peers enjoyed henna painting and spelling their names in Chinese during cultural celebrations at St George’s Rd Primary School in May.
Congupna Primary School students, including Chelsea Osborne, 6, came to school with colourful and wacky hair on March 26 to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation. Ardmona Primary School kicking A d P i S h l students t d t enjoy j ki ki goals after a surprise donation of new posts last year. Pictured are Year 3 students Ava Ralph and Jack Cartmal, both 8, and Year 2 student Riley Stagg, 8.
Wilmot Rd Primary School’s Anzac messages are placed on war graves across the world. Pictured are (back) Prim Janthakhun, James Bucktin, Zeinab Tajik, (front) Daniel Arthur, Murtaza Murtaza, Oguzhan Karakoc, Hassaneen Alderawy, Ananiya Kibare, Ginat Haroun and Shaddai Saitaua in the lead-up to the centenary of the Gallipoli landing.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Prep tto Y Year 8 students Shepparton Christian P t d t att Sh t Ch i ti College could not help jumping for joy during Jump Rope for Heart day in May. Prep student Jackie Kaleuati, 6, helped raise money and awareness for heart disease.
Leadership roles are embraced with enthusiasm at district schools.
(Front) Mooroopna Park Primary School captains Lowana Drake and Phenisha Minniecon with (back) house captains Frances Atkinson, Shamanah Maher, Navdeep Aulakeh, Keara Devine, Maggie Phillips and Lachlan Blake.
Rushworth P-12 College captains Alex Gelsi, Kelly Turgoose, Brittany Kouroupalkis and Andrew Gelsi.
Page 16—‘Your School’, June, 2015
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