Your School 2018

2018

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, 2018

NEWS Giving every child the chance to succeed A number of funding allocations in the 2018–19 Victorian budget will directly bene t primary school students, ranging from the areas of maths and science to the arts and reading.

Among these funding allocations across the state are: • $32.9 million to fund 200 additional primary school maths and science specialists.

• $22.1 million for workshops and teaching tools to improve literacy and numeracy teaching, including giving every child starting Prep a free ‘Prep bag’ which now includes books to keep and read at home.

Find the right school for you and your child The search for the perfect school to suit your child can be a daunting task for many, unless you have a helping hand along the way.

To save busy families time and e ort, Shepparton News has put together the Your School guide — where you can learn all about schools in the local region in one

convenient space.

As you ick through the pages you can see exactly what local schools have to o er, their special features, facilities and points of di erence — and many of these are beautifully photographed so you can see them in action.

Other important information is

included such as upcoming open days where you can discover the school’s o erings for yourself, along with contact and location details, enrolment numbers and any future plans for the school.

So sit back, pour yourself a cuppa and enjoy a simpler way to nd the right school for your child.

• $1 million for schools to purchase musical instruments and music professional development for teachers.

• $9.8 million to contribute to the cost of swimming and water safety education programs.

“Every child, no matter where they live or their circumstance, deserves individual attention and support to succeed at school and that’s exactly what this budget delivers,” Education Minister James Merlino said.

“We want kids learning a trade to be able to get a good job, quickly. Head Start apprenticeships and traineeships will mean students graduate secondary school with a trade quali cation and ready for work.”

“Our kids need to be ready for the jobs of the future.

That’s why we’re making record investments in the classroom so that every student can develop the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career and in life.”

YOUR SCHOOL Contents

Ardmona Primary........................3 Bourchier Street Primary .............4 Shepparton Christian College .....5 Shepparton East Primary ............6 Guthrie Street Primary ................7 Mooroopna Primary ....................8 Orrvale Primary ...........................9 Sirius College............................10

St Georges Road Primary .........11 Gowrie Street Primary...............12 Grahamvale Primary .................12 Katandra West Primary .............13 Mooroopna North Primary ........13 Rushworth P-12 College...........14 Wilmot Road Primary ................14

Published by Shepparton News | Sponsored by GMCU | www.sheppnews.com.au

SUZANNA SHEEDMP Independent Member for Shepparton District

What an exciting time for our region Our Shepparton Education Plan has received $20.5 million to kick-start our new, better-resourced super secondary school and create an integrated children’s centre in Mooroopna.

This is part of a broader educational blueprint for change developed right here in our community to pave the way for improved education and employment opportunities for our young people.

Now that’s underway, we’ll be looking at what we can do in the primary and early years to capitalise on our local teaching talent and give our kids the best possible start to life.

This is about our young people and our community, so please get involved and have your views heard.

03 5831 6944 03 5831 6836 suzanna.sheed@parliament.vic.gov.au www.suzannasheed.com.au Suzanna Sheed @SheedSuzanna Funded from Parliament’s Electorate O ce and Communications budget.

Authorised by: SUZANNA SHEED, 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton. VIC 3630.

‘Your School’, June, 2018—Page 3

Ardmona Major LeaguePrimary Indoor Sports

Keeping it personal At Ardmona Primary School, each student is treated as an individual in an inclusive learning environment.

Just 6 km from the heart of Mooroopna, Ardmona Primary School boasts an impressive teacher-student ratio allowing for a personalised approach to teaching.

With an abundance of support options, sta member Michael Van Dorsser said it was all about engaging students in the classroom.

“We’re inclusive yet individual,” Mr Van Dorsser said.

“Each student is their own person and we recognise and support and celebrate diversity tailoring to individual learning programs and plans.

“It means each student has a voice in learning and setting goals that are guided and supported by dedicated sta .”

The school is dedicated to supporting its students, having added a new nurture room for one-on-one teaching as well as three hubs in each classroom over the past year.

Mr Van Dorsser said the hubs were complete with beanbags and learning tools.

“It’s a quiet place where students can go and focus on their work in a quiet space, if needed,” he said.

“It creates a good atmosphere where they can be themselves.”

A recent $500 000 Victorian Government grant will go towards redeveloping the school’s main building, including the kitchen and dining room.

Ardmona Primary School also o ers a physical education program with a focus on wellbeing and social skills.

With expert physical education sta , Mr Van Dorsser said the students

enjoyed a ‘Hu and Pu ’ session every day.

“Getting students out there and being active in this time of technology is something we extend alongside engaging classrooms activities and enquiry-based learning,” he said.

The sessions teach the students about teamwork and social skills that will not only prepare them for secondary school but also working life.

Mr Van Dorsser said the school’s breakfast program was also an important part of the students’ daily routine that helped them achieve in the classroom.

“The breakfast program runs daily, the students can come in and have a bite to eat if they like,” he said.

“It’s helping throughout the day. We nd they are more focused when they’ve had a proper meal.”

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, P-6: 25 students

Page 4—‘Your School’, June, 2018

Bourchier Primary Major League Street Indoor Sports

Learners today, leaders tomorrow Bourchier Street Primary School is a learning community with high expectations for all students.

Underpinning all learning is a belief in a safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment.

To ensure Bourchier Street’s students have the skills to engage in a global community, the school promotes the values of character, citizenship, curiosity, creativity and collaboration.

Academic excellence Bourchier Street Primary School focuses on student-centred learning with an academic focus on the acquisition of high-level English and mathematical skills.

The school’s buildings are comfortable and engaging where children learn, develop passions, talents and skills, and are inspired to be the best they can be.

Technology Technology plays a vital part in Bourchier Street’s teaching and learning program.

The extensive technology provided by the school is complemented by the Bring Your Own Device program.

This ensures that children have access to a wide range of technology to prepare them to live and work in the 21st-century.

Special interest programs A diverse range of specialist programs is o ered to extend student learning.

Visual arts, library, creative arts, school band, choir, Italian and physical education all allow students to be involved in a variety of experiences.

The Kitchen Garden program promotes nutrition and sustainability and encourages students to be healthy, t and environmentally conscious.

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: 620 students

A variety of sporting clubs including football, soccer, basketball and netball are associated with the school.

Wellbeing The school supports a wellbeing teacher and a chaplain who work with classroom teachers to ensure that students are happy and safe.

A buddy program allows for all to feel included and valued.

Grounds The school’s grounds are extensive and

provide the children with open spaces where they can enjoy a huge variety of climbing and sporting equipment as they learn to play and socialise with their friends.

Parents Bourchier Steet Primary School has an opendoor policy where parents are welcome to be a part of the learning community.

Before school and after school care is provided every day and an all day care holiday program exists during all school holidays.

‘Your School’, June, 2018—Page 5

Shepparton Christian Major League Indoor Sports College

Innovative education

Shepparton Christian College is an independent Prep-Year 12 school, committed to seeing students grow academically, socially and spiritually.

Small class sizes allow for personalised academic and pastoral care and principal Chris Aiton said there were many bene ts to a Prep to Year 12 education.

“It’s a great opportunity for our senior students to take on a mentoring role with our junior students. It also takes the angst out of that transitional period when

students have to leave Grade 6 and resettle in a new school environment,” he said.

From its VCE to NAPLAN results, Mr Aiton said the college was proud of its academic success, with the 2017 Dux achieving an ATAR of 99.20. The college has had ve full Year 12 groups go through so are very well established in VCE and VCAL. The school’s VCE results are constantly among the top two or three performing schools in the district as measured by the median study score.

With a focus on innovation, the college

has recently introduced a robotics and coding program.

“We are encouraging our students to be engaged in the areas of robotics, coding, science and technology; all those aspects that are part of our modern and future world,” Mr Aiton said.

“Robotics and coding are now being incorporated into our curriculum from a young age.”

As a faith-based school, the college ensures its Christian values are lived out in its every day practices. Their current

anti-bullying program, called “DUO” is based on the Bible verse found in Luke 6:31 ‘Do unto others as you would have them do to you’. Students are encouraged to treat others with respect through di culties by problem solving and managing con icts together in a respectful manner.

The college openly welcomes all families from both church and non-church backgrounds who are willing to support the faith-based ethos of the school.

Principal: Chris Aiton Address: 155 Verney Rd, Shepparton Phone: 5831 7790 Email: admin@scc.vic.edu.au Website: www.scc.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-12: 178 students

Page 6—‘Your School’, June, 2018

Shepparton EastSports Primary Major League Indoor

The 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 growing school is one big 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 with developmental curriculum and inquirybased learning programs.

Mr McCrae said this allowed students to learn at their own pace, developing 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.

“Our students do investigations three sessions a week and that ties in to student interests.

“It promotes student engagement, develops oral language and has direct links into our formal literacy and numeracy lessons.”

In addition, Shepparton East also o ers science, art, performing arts, library, sport and a perceptual motor program.

As the school grows it is continually adding new resources and opening further learning opportunities, including the addition of a robotics program in the Year 5/6 area.

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. 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 sta helpers.

Before 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: 275 students

‘Your School’, June, 2018—Page 7

Guthrie Street Major League IndoorPrimary Sports

Genuine engagement

Guthrie Street Primary School is dedicated to developing individual student’s literacy and numeracy skills with a strong focus on their social and emotional needs.

Guthrie Street believes that students need to be emotionally intelligent and engaged in their learning in order to 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 is passionate about providing a holistic education to students.

He said the school challenges students to actively pursue opportunities that life at school o ers.

Students are encouraged to have high expectations of themselves while actively participating in their learning.

Literacy and numeracy development is a priority with successful learning evident in programs such as ‘Big Write’.

He 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 suits 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 • Use of technology- laptops and iPads (BYOD program Years 3–6) • Specialist programs- art, physical education, science, creative arts and library/multimedia • Student performances in music/drama Supportive programs • Kinder to Foundation Transition, Term 4 • Student leadership • Junior School Council • 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)

Principal: Brendan Bicknell Assistant principals: Maureen Munro and Michael Donovan

• Camps, excursions and cultural performances

Address: Guthrie St, Shepparton

• Outside school hours care

Email: guthrie.street.ps.shepparton@edumail.vic.gov.au

• Expansive areas of TigersTurf for ball games • Modern administration spaces

Phone: 5821 1944 Website: www.guthriestps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 516 students

Page 8—‘Your School’, June, 2018

Mooroopna Primary Major League Indoor Sports

Safe and happy place to learn

Mooroopna Primary School is committed to providing a safe, happy and nurturing environment for its students.

Children at the school are encouraged to: • Develop pro ciency 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.

• Improve their skills and tness levels through a well-balanced physical

education and sport program.

The school has committed, approachable and professional sta 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 the school’s students.

Mooroopna Primary School provides specialist programs in art, music, performance and technology, while literacy and numeracy support is o ered throughout the school.

The school encourages student

participation in the community to foster connections within the community.

There is a strong focus on technology.

Interactive touch-screen televisions are used throughout the school to promote collaborative learning, and Year 3 to 6 students participate in the school’s bring-your-own iPad program.

Mooroopna Primary School has excellent facilities. Buildings provide a wide range of environments for 21st-century learning, while the vast outdoor spaces complement sporting programs and students’ free play.

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.

Principal: Steve Rogers Assistant principal: Karen Goodwin Address: 16–18 O’Brien St, Mooroopna Phone: 5825 2060 Fax: 5825 1303 Email: mooroopna.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.mooroopna.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 250 students

‘Your School’, June, 2018—Page 9

Orrvale Primary

Educating hearts and minds Construction will soon begin on Orrvale Primary School’s new STEAM specialist building, which will further enhance the educational opportunities for students.

Funded by a $1.768 million Victorian government capital works grant, the project will be a learning hub for the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics domains with space for the school to o er before-school and afterschool care.

Principal Adam Brennan said careful consideration was given to how best to spend the grant funds to ensure every student bene ted, and the new facility, as well as the completion of stage two of the school’s landscaping and play space masterplan, were important improvements.

The installation of a new playground and multipurpose all weather sports eld are new features of the school that the community is very proud of.

Located only 3 km east of Shepparton, Orrvale Primary School has a student population of 400 — an ideal number in terms of having the resources of a large school with the caring community feel of a small school environment, Mr Brennan said.

Also new to Orrvale this year is a whole school writing program, implemented by leading teacher and master literacy leader for the Shepparton network of schools, Kirsten Dickins.

Every student and teacher has been issued with the same writer’s notebook, and time is dedicated regularly to writing in the notebook, focusing on vocabulary and using accurate language with the aim of engaging students to become passionate about writing.

As the only trained Victorian government school in Yale University’s RULER approach, Orrvale continues to focus on building students’ emotional intelligence skills.

This encourages children to identify, regulate and manage their own emotions, so they’re able to be more e ective 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.

This equips them with the skills needed to lead successful lives and develop healthy relationships,” Mr Brennan said.

The school’s emphasis on promoting inquiring minds helps students reach their potential through self-motivation and by stimulating the children’s curiosity.

“We want to give children greater empowerment in their own learning, to be aware of how they’re developing and what their next stages of learning are,” Mr Brennan said.

“Children are able to identify their own interests and teachers align the learning

with these interests so they are 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 trained as ‘information and communication technology leaders’.

“We have a successful one-to-one iPad program for Years 3 to 6, plus there are ten iPads in each of the Foundation to Year 2 classes,” Mr Brennan said.

Sporting opportunities are also valued where students can participate in a range of activities including football, Auskick, netball, soccer and basketball.

At Orrvale, students and parents are engaged with the community and support local organisations such as the Meals on Wheels program.

A beautiful memorial to former student Zaidee Turner inspires discussion of each person’s ability to make a di erence with simple acts such as raising funds and awareness of worthy causes.

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 students

Page 10—‘Your School’, June, 2018

Sirius College

A family approach to education Sirius College, the Shepparton Campus, is an independent primary school associated with six other campuses in Victoria.

The aim is to foster well-rounded students through a holistic experience in education. Students are provided with the values and beliefs of tolerance, diversity and harmony. Classes are small and range from Foundation to Year 6.

“A new library is currently being built and the soccer eld and the basketball court have recently been relined and looking fabulous and very popular with everyone,” principal Adam Engin said.

“The computer room is another bonus for the students.”

The important aspects of school life involve the building of positive relationships, which are established early between families, students and their teachers.

“The priority for each child’s happiness and safety is a must, together with their intellectual, social, cultural and emotional growth,” primary co-ordinator Tarbinder Pandher said.

Creativity of students is a signi cant focus

in the arts performing and visual program which also includes the cultural/community interests of students and families.

“This includes the Iftar Dinner, Awards Night, Annual Concert and Harmony Day,” teaching and learning co-ordinator Amninder Malhi said.

Sirius College’s religious classes are linked with family beliefs, ceremonies and celebrations. Students also have access to quality education as all year levels study a second language and a music specialist teacher has added to the diversity of the curriculum o ered here.

Supported programs are in place for the individual styles and learning strengths.

“Save the Children classes and study clubs operating after school, consolidate reading skills through intensive tutoring sessions,” Mr Engin said.

“The families can see the value that these programs o er for their child and support their existence.”

Families are very much involved in school life; with parents encouraged to visit the school and speak with the teachers, and observe the ways their children are engaged in their learning.

“Learning doesn’t just take place at school; it takes place at home as well,” Mrs Pandher said. lling, “The children have reading, spelling, k and d are writing and maths homework tasks guided through suitable online educational programs as well.”

The classes have their own garden beds where they plant, maintain and harvest their own freshly grown produce.

“This is a great way to get them excited about eating vegetables and to make healthy choices,” Mrs Malhi said.

“While there, they can check in also on the many chooks who daily deliver an abundance of eggs.”

The communication between school and families is vital. Regular meetings with sta and individual families take place often and a comprehensive newsletter is distributed to families once every three weeks.

“Incidental events tell you more about a school than formal methods. So to get a “feel” for this school, come and visit, and discuss your interests and concerns and be a little more informed when you need to make that next educational choice,” Mr Engin said.

Campus principal: Adem Engin Address: 685 New Dookie Rd, Shepparton Phone: 5858 8200 Fax: 5829 9853 Email: shepparton@sirius.vic.edu.au Website: www.sirius.vic.edu.au/ campuses/shepparton-campus/ Enrolments, Foundation-6: 98 students

‘Your School’, June, 2018—Page 11

St Georges Road Primary

Learners today, leaders tomorrow 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, stimulating environment for students and their families.

“Our school stands out as a place of learning, where there’s 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 Prep transition program begins with open days, followed by a ve-week program in term four that builds con dence, 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, before

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,” Ms Souter said. “Weekend sports teams are supported by teachers, parents and volunteers.”

Small acceleration and intervention groups for literacy and numeracy cater for individual di erences and the school o ers specialist programs for the performing and visual arts, multimedia and Italian.

The success of a comprehensive physical education and health program translates into happy and inclusive play at recess and lunchtime breaks.

“Our performing arts productions incorporate multimedia, visual arts, the school band and recorder and ukulele groups,” Ms Souter said.

“There is rich opportunity for encouraging student input into the costume design, dance and movement features of our school productions, which ensure our students are highly motivated, con dent and successful.

“Developing citizenship, leadership and aspiration is high on the agenda at St Georges Road Primary School. Students aspire to become a Star Citizen of the

school, while scholarships are o ered to senior students to support education pursuits and ambition.”

Strong community partnerships have been founded to enhance student leadership and support learning programs.

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’s second language campus, Shepparton English Language Centre, provides intensive English instruction for newly arrived refugee students, and family liaison o cers strengthen the home-school partnership and inclusive culture.

“We prepare our students for 21st-century learning with the use of interactive whiteboards, podcasting and a netbook leasing program. Students have access to digital resources such as cameras, iPads and iPods which are integrated into all learning programs,” Ms Souter said.

“However, literacy and numeracy remain at the forefront of 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

Page 12—‘Your School’, June, 2018

Gowrie Street Primary

Making all students feel welcome Students can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging at Gowrie Street Primary School.

The school places a strong emphasis on understanding students, not just as learners, but as people.

“We work with our students and families to really understand our kids and we have a school population that is truly re ective of Shepparton,” principal Marion Wetherbee said.

“With that comes the sta understanding the student — a student’s sense of identity is important.”

During the past three years the school has experienced changes to its structure and curriculum.

In the morning home groups in each year level split into workshop groups to improve

students’ literacy, numeracy and other skills.

There are eight adults — including classroom teachers, education support teachers and specialist teachers — who work with students in each year level during these sessions.

Year 3 to 6 students have also taken occupancy of the renovated building and established exible learning spaces, where the learning style is open.

Ms Wetherbee said this infrastructure, as well as the workshop model, placed a big emphasis on team learning.

Interpersonal skills are also a high priority, with the school-wide positive behaviour program proving successful.

The school has run the program for about 10 years, and due to this is known as a ‘platinum’ school.

Principal: Marion Wetherbee Assistant principal: Tim Warwick Address: 1–19 Gowrie St, Shepparton Phone: 5821 3100 Fax: 5821 0655

“We have caring cards that are handed out to kids when we catch them doing the right thing,” Ms Wetherbee said.

“We have rewards and certi cates (handed out) at assembly that reinforce that behaviour.”

Cultural learning is also highly important, with the school being one of a select few throughout the country to teach an indigenous language as part of the curriculum.

Yorta Yorta was introduced three years ago as the school’s new language other than English.

“We run that with support from the indigenous community,” Ms Wetherbee said.

Gowrie Street Primary School students enjoy individualised learning opportunities which, along with the school’s focus on integrated team learning, have contributed to its students’ growth.

Email: gowrie.street.ps.shepparton@ edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.gowriestps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 275 students

Grahamvale Primary Major League Indoor Sports

Quality education for all Grahamvale Primary School is dedicated to tailoring the educational experience to each individual student.

Learning is about working together, and principal Simone Higgins said the school boasted a productive partnership between teachers, parents and students with plenty of opportunities for families to get involved in the classroom.

“We pride ourselves on the sense of community we have here and the family environment,” Mrs Higgins said.

This inclusivity begins early at Grahamvale with a personal approach to the enrolment process.

The transition from kindergarten to primary school can be daunting for parents and students alike but the school endeavours to make it as smooth as possible.

Meeting with each family herself, Mrs Higgins goes through the process and said it was all about getting to know the student before they start Foundation.

“We o er a strong transition program so the students have ve opportunities to visit the school before the statewide Orientation Day,” she said.

“When they come for their rst transition visit in early term four, we already have a name for the face because we take their photo during the enrolment process.

“Before they even walk in the door we have a really good understanding of the children.”

This builds a picture of each student and Mrs Higgins said it allowed the school to understand their individual learning needs.

Each future Foundation student meets their Year 6 buddy prior to starting school to ensure they feel welcome.

Catering for di erent learning styles, Mrs Higgins said “investigations” were also an important part of the Foundation curriculum.

“The three classes come together twice a week for two hours where they explore a range of di erent activities based around literacy, numeracy, technology, hands-on creativity and role play — and that’s all linked to the topic they’re working on,” she said.

“They’re working very much at their level plus there are opportunities to extend.

“There are focus students for the day and at the end of the session they stand in front of the group and talk about what they’ve done and what they’ve learnt so it helps build their con dence.

“Every two to three weeks the focus area changes.”

As well as modern facilities, Mrs Higgins said Grahamvale o ered an abundance of opportunities to help students discover their passions.

“We tailor the learning to the needs of students,” she said.

“The juniors do Italian for a half-an-hour a week and we also have a strong program for social skills. The art program here is fantastic and at the end of term three we

have a school concert at Eastbank.

“There are lots of opportunities for technology in the junior rooms but in Years 3 to 6 we have a bring-your-own device iPad program.

“There are six mini iPads in every junior classroom plus they have laptops and desktop computers as well and all our classrooms are tted with interactive whiteboards.”

This year the school also started teaching robotics, with BeeBots introducing the students to coding as well as a hands-on science program to help prepare them for the future.

Principal: Simone Higgins Assistant principal: Peter Frizzell Address: 85 Grahamvale Rd, Grahamvale Phone: 5821 4219 Fax: 5831 2088 Email: www.grahamvale.ps@edumail.vic. gov.au Website: www.grahamvaleps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, Foundation-6: 390 students

‘Your School’, June, 2018—Page 13

Katandra Major LeagueWest IndoorPrimary Sports

Principal: Marcia Waters Address: 17–27 Bankin St, Katandra West Phone: 5828 3350 Email: katandra.west.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

The heart of the community Katandra West Primary School is an integral part of the tight-knit community.

It is the school’s strong community connections that distinguish it from the rest.

“We have a strong connection with community groups like the Men’s Shed, who complete projects around the school,” principal Marcia Waters said.

“We’ve also made a connection with the bowls club so our year 5 and 6 students have enjoyed going to play lawn bowls.

“It’s a small town so things are close by and we’re able to join in; the community really supports the school.”

Ms Waters said the school’s teachers, students and parents worked together as a team to develop the students as a whole — academically, physically, socially and emotionally.

“Everybody is involved to get the best for

the kids,” she said.

“It’s a small school, so no-one slips through the cracks — everybody’s needs are addressed.”

As a School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) school, Ms Waters said it was dedicated to helping students become well-rounded members of the community who could reach their potential and engage in opportunities.

Developed in partnership with students and parents, the strong set of values and behavioural expectations include: be safe, be respectful, be strong and be your best.

“These values embody the people we want to be here in Katandra West,” Ms Waters said.

“It’s about supporting students — if they engage in their classes they achieve their goals.”

With a range of learning experiences on

Website: www.katandra-west-ps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 75 students

o er the school aims to inspire all students.

Ms Waters said Katandra West boasted specialist STEM and Italian teachers, with an arts teacher who covers music, media, arts, dance and drama. Other programs — such as bike education, a chess club and visits from the MARC library van and MACC art van — add to the educational experience for students.

“We o er a really rich program for our students that covers the Victorian curriculum,” she said.

“We aim to be able to provide students with ways to connect with their learning and follow their interests.

“We’re preparing our students for jobs that possibly haven’t been invented yet so it is all about developing their ways of thinking, adapting and being exible.”

The curriculum has been enhanced by technology, with students in Years 4

to 6 participating in a 1:1 iPad program and classroom iPads are available for Foundation to Year 3 students.

Netbooks are also used in all classrooms for individual learning, while a separate computer lab is accessible for whole-class learning.

Ms Waters said the transition to primary school was made easy through Katandra West’s strong connection with the local kindergarten, while the school also ensures students are ready for secondary college.

All students participate in Cluster Days with other small schools in the area, so by the time they go to high school there are more familiar faces of people they know.

The students themselves said there was a lot to love about the school, including the large outdoor play area, chicken coop, camps program and sport and physical education.

Mooroopna NorthSports Primary Major League Indoor

Individual approach to learning Learning is personalised for each and every student at Mooroopna North Primary School.

The school is nestled in a natural rural environment just 10 km north of Mooroopna’s town centre.

The school combines 21st-century teaching spaces with an individualised approach to learning, led by its three fulltime teaching sta .

School principal Les Walsh and teachers Jessica Greene, Erin Baker and Michelle Duke follow individualised learning plans generated by student and teacher, with each student’s learning goals in mind.

“It allows the teachers to focus more one-on-one with the students, meeting their own learning needs, and give them more focused and direct learning,” Mr Walsh said.

The school’s open-plan classrooms allow for small-group and integrated whole-class learning, as well as team teaching, based on the abilities of each student.

Mr Walsh said the school’s learning environment placed a strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy and inquiry-based learning.

Inquiry-based learning allows students to select learning topics based on their interests.

“Students are given an overall topic and from there the students are able to choose their own path for learning based on that topic,” Mr Walsh said.

“It di erentiates what they want to know from what teachers think they want to know.”

A community relations program new to the school this year aims to connect students with their community and invites the community into the school.

Visiting groups and professionals, including the CFA and local council, visit the school to educate students on di erent industry topics.

Parent experts are also invited into the school to educate and work with students based on their own career paths.

“(It) gets the kids to know what local services are out there to use,” Mr Walsh said.

Physical education is taught as a specialist class at Mooroopna North Primary School.

Mooroopna North is the only school in Victoria to teach AUSLAN via video link, while visiting MACC and MARC vans teach arts and crafts and provide library resources respectively.

A one-to-one laptop program facilitates 21st-century learning in the school’s modern teaching spaces, while outside the classroom an oval, playground, exceptional sporting equipment and sandpit provide creative and athletic outlets for students.

The school also has a breakfast program, a vegetable patch, the assistance of two teacher’s aides and a variety of animals including chickens, frogs, lizards and a rabbit to deliver a sense of calmness to the students.

Principal: Les Walsh 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: 31 students

Page 14—‘Your School’, June, 2018

Rushworth P–12 Sports College Major League Indoor

Empowering young people Youth empowerment and development are at the core of education at Rushworth P-12 College.

The college has expanded its Year 9/10 Youth Empowerment Program to include the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, alongside its pre-existing and highly popular CFA and Mini Market.

“These programs are bene cial in many ways,” principal Leanne Miller said.

“They are a perfect vehicle to strengthen relationships with teachers, something our students highly valued in the Attitudes to School Survey results in 2017, but also a way to develop their employability skills, and cover the capabilities we are required to deliver through the Victorian curriculum — all which put them in good stead as they enter the nal years of their schooling.

“These programs give them exposure to working with others in the community, as well as giving them the opportunity to develop their peer relationships in a di erent type of learning environment.

“This year, the very popular Mini Markets will again feature the creativity of the Mini Market team, but will be supported by the Duke of Edinburgh teams and our VCAL students.

“Please come along and support our students on these days; we think you will be pleasantly surprised by the professionalism on display and we know that they will appreciate your patronage.”

The school o ers a breadth of choice to senior students.

“We have a range of VCE Unit 1 and 2

subjects on o er that allows for our students to continue their study at a tertiary level once they have completed Year 12,” Ms Miller said.

“We also recognise that some of our students are looking to enter the workforce and bene t from a learning program that is more applied and therefore we o er a VCAL program as an alternative.”

Ms Miller said students also participated in VET studies through the school’s partnership with Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE. It is not only students that are involved in learning, with sta regularly engaging in professional learning.

“2018 sees us continuing our work with the University of Melbourne’s Network of Schools program, where we are focusing on improving reading outcome growth for all students,” Ms Miller said.

“The learning that is delivered when attending various seminars and workshops is shared with sta back at school and we have developed a plan to ensure that this learning makes its way into the classrooms so our students are the ultimate bene ciaries.”

The college is also involved in various partnerships with other schools where sta are involved in peer-led professional learning.

“Two formalised initiatives are the School Improvement Partnership where we are working with Boort P-12 College, while the Professional Learning Communities initiative sees us partnered with Kyabram P-12 College and Echuca Secondary College. This work commences in term three of this year,” Ms Miller said.

“A less formal arrangement, though still with a strong purpose, is a developing Community of Practice where our VCE teachers are meeting with fellow VCE teachers from our neighbouring schools to participate in collaborative planning and moderation activities once a term.

“Members of the Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports team are also undergoing professional learning as we re-look at the processes we currently have in place and re ect on the e ectiveness of these while looking for areas of improvement.”

This year the college is undergoing a review and is using this as an opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses.

“This is so our next four-year strategic plan is re ective of where we are and what our next steps forward should be as we continue to pursue excellence for the students in our care,” Ms Miller said.

Principal: Leanne Miller Address: Heily St, Rushworth Phone: 5856 1230 Email: rushworth.p12@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.rushworthp-12.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-12: 172 students

Wilmot Road Primary

Excellence for all Wilmot Road Primary School’s strong school values of success, relationships, respect, excellence, fairness and honesty are embedded throughout all its learning and school programs.

The passionate, dedicated sta focus on student excellence and endeavour in learning, student leadership and successful outcomes for all in a safe and happy environment. Wilmot Road Primary promotes high expectations and the student results continue to be highly regarded. All students are supported to be the best that they can be. Wilmot Road Primary has sustained strong student improvement in both literacy and numeracy throughout the past ve years. They celebrate the multicultural community and forge many partnerships with the parents and the Shepparton community.

Wilmot Road 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 and Afghani Family Liaison O cers continue to provide communication and foster access to services for student’s parents. The school also hosts adult learning sessions for the parents of students.

School principal Jenny Manuel said the school hosts a paediatric clinic every three weeks to support family access to health and wellbeing services. The Therapeutic

Play Program further supports students’ wellbeing. Over the past three years, the school has strengthened its Early Years programs by o ering two playgroups throughout the week that are facilitated by a quali ed Early Childhood Educator. These sessions are keenly attended and we have access to the Maternal Child Health Nurse onsite over each term. A breakfast program runs ve mornings, a learning club is held each Tuesday and Thursday and the school also has keen soccer teams which compete on Saturdays. The school has a unique Student Scholarship program, which is well supported by our community and business partners to ensure student aspiration is supported. 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. They o er small group and individual student support including literacy and numeracy intervention and acceleration programs.

Mrs Manuel believes the strong results show the success of the practices that are 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 ful l their aspirations for the future,” she said.

Further, the school has a strong focus on

technology, with all Foundation and Grade 1 and 2 students having a personal laptop.

Grade 3 have class sets of laptops and all Grade 4 to 6 students access their learning via a personal netbook. The sta and students also utilise iPods, iPads, and ip cameras to further complement the learning experience and develop student digital skills.

Principal: Jenny Manuel Assistant principals: Sharon Thompson & Brendan Kenna 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 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ WilmotRoadPrimarySchool Enrolments years P–6: 316

‘Your School’, June, 2018—Page 15

Shepparton, Tatura, Mooroopna, Numurkah, Cobram, Yarrawonga and District Primary Schools

PREP ENROLMENTS FOR 2019 The following Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura, Numurkah, Cobram, Yarrawonga and district schools are currently accepting enrollments for the 2019 school year.

Ardmona Primary ....................................5829 0273

Katandra West Primary ..........................5828 3350

Shepparton East Primary........................5829 2426

Bourchier St Primary ...............................5821 3488

Katunga Primary .....................................5864 6365

St Georges Rd Primary ...........................5821 3383

Cobram Primary ......................................5872 1374

Katunga South Primary ..........................5864 6212

Strathmerton Primary .............................5874 5295

Cobram & District Specialist School ......5872 1643

Kialla Central Primary .............................5827 1373

Tallygaroopna Primary ...........................5829 8264

Congupna Primary ..................................5829 9286

Kialla West Primary .................................5823 1333

Tatura Primary .........................................5824 1684

Currawa Primary .....................................5828 6581

Lemnos Primary.......................................5829 9287

Toolamba Primary ...................................5826 5212

Dhurringile Primary .................................5826 6222

Merrigum Primary ...................................5855 2275

Tungamah Primary..................................5748 5627

Dookie Primary ........................................5828 6585

Mooroopna North Primary .....................5829 0141

Undera Primary .......................................5826 0211

Gowrie St Primary ...................................5821 3346

Mooroopna Park Primary .......................5825 3856

Verney Rd School ....................................5821 8185

Grahamvale Primary...............................5821 4219

Mooroopna Primary................................5825 2060

Waaia Yalca South Primary....................5864 1283

Guthrie St Primary ...................................5821 1944

Murchison Primary ..................................5826 2391

Wilmot Rd Primary ..................................5821 4953

Harston Primary ......................................5854 8317

Nathalia Primary .....................................5866 2677

Wunghnu Primary ...................................5862 1701

Invergordon Primary ...............................5865 5287

Numurkah Primary..................................5862 1426

Yarrawonga P-12 College.......................5744 1751

Katamatite Primary .................................5865 1242

Orrvale Primary .......................................5829 2490

Zeerust Primary .......................................5829 8282

Parents are encouraged to visit any of these schools before their final decision is made. To be eligible for enrolment, children must turn five years of age before April 30, 2018. Proof of age and a certificate of immunisation will be required.

Page 16—‘Your School’, June, 2018

NEWS More support to keep principals happy and healthy Victoria’s principals and assistant principals now have extra support through the $5.2 million support and wellbeing package that was part of the 2018–19 Victorian budget.

The Principal Health and Wellbeing Strategy will support Victoria’s 3000 government school principals and assistant principals to stay healthy and happy at work with a suite of new programs and resources.

A new online School Policy Templates Portal will help reduce principal workloads by streamlining the process of developing and implementing school-level policies on topics ranging from anaphylaxis to bullying and school uniforms.

Principals can also access additional departmental support to help them respond to complex school matters, including students with challenging behaviours.

“We know our principals work incredibly hard to give Victorian kids a great education,” Education Minister James Merlino said.

“This is all about developing e ective

evidence-based programs, support structures and resources that help them stay healthy and happy in the job.”

The strategy also includes seven new pilot initiatives that will tackle head-on the mental and physical challenges faced by principals across Victoria.

Other new initiatives under the strategy include an early intervention program that allows principals to con dentially access health providers to positively manage their physical and mental health, and a new mentoring program that will pair principals with their more experienced peers for advice and support.

The strategy also o ers free and con dential health checks, which are being delivered by independent workplace medical rm InjuryNET, and include a medical examination covering pathology, lifestyle and mental health.

“Victorian principals are at the forefront of creating the ‘education state’, so we’re proud to be giving them the support and tools they need to positively manage their mental and physical health,” Mr Merlino said.

Mid-year applications are for July enrolments

now open

Book a one-on-one consultation to talk about your future • • • • • • • • •

Bachelor of Arts Diploma of Arts Bachelor of Business Diploma of Business Bachelor of Business (Accounting) Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) Bachelor of Educational Studies Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Book now: latrobe.edu.au/consults

‘Your School’, June, 2018—Page 17 ADVERTORIAL

GOTAFE teacher Tim Busa with students Amber Udy, Aimee Stanyer, Ella Wayman, Emily Allen, Olivia Tonks, Maddison Biggs and Brydie Johnson, who all undertook VETiS health before starting a diploma of nursing.

Get head start with TAFE At GOTAFE, higher education does not have to wait until after secondary school.

Students dreaming of a career in nursing can get a head start by undertaking the VETiS health, graduating with both a Certi cate III in Health Services Assistance and a Certi cate III in Allied Health Assistance.

Inspired by looking after her nanna as she recovered from a knee replacement, Amber Udy realised she had a passion for caring for others.

In Year 11, the St Mary of the Angels Secondary College, Nathalia, student spoke to the school’s careers adviser who told her about the program.

Spending one day a week immersed in the industry, Amber said she enjoyed the program.

“The rst week would be in the classroom all day and then every second week we would be out on placement around Cobram Hospital,” Amber said.

“I did aged care; I went to dental for a bit and the acute ward.”

Not only did it prepare for the next stage of her studies — a Diploma of Nursing at GOTAFE — it also helped Amber land her rst job straight out of secondary school “I’m now a HSA (health services assistant) at Cobram and after the rst lot of placement here I’ll be able to do PCA (personal care assistant) as well,” she said.

“That made me happy and gave me something to do to get me through my course as well.”

Amber is currently in her rst year of the 18-month diploma and said the VETiS course had given her more con dence during placement.

“It’s made it really easy, the transition was really smooth and things are starting to connect together,” she said.

“I am hoping to go to La Trobe … and do my RN (registered nurse) and then one day I hope to move down to Melbourne and work in Mercy Woman’s or even the Royal Children’s.

“I really want to look more into the mental health side of nursing.”

VISUAL EFFECTS

I N F O R M A T I O N

GOTAFE is the trading name of Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (RTO 3094 | CRICOS 03654D)

S E S S I O N S

Page 18—‘Your School’, June, 2018

NEWS

Michael Van Dorsser is studying education at La Trobe University Shepparton Campus.

Find your dream career How can you change the world, improve yourself and nd your dream job? The answer is by re ning your skills.

This has been the experience of rst year La Trobe University Shepparton Campus education student Michael Van Dorsser, who made the decision to upskill through tertiary study and is now on a highly ful lling career path.

“In February of 2017, I made the gutsy decision to leave my desk job and turned to an education support role to help children and support them as they look to move through their schooling career,” Mr Van Dorsser said.

“My process took me to the small school of Ardmona Primary School and it was just a smooth transition into life as an education support worker.

“Throughout the year, my principal Jean Varty encouraged me to look at doing teaching, which coincidentally was what I wanted to do through high school.

“Ms Varty and the entire sta and students at Ardmona Primary School have been most supportive of my transition into university life.”

Mr Van Dorsser encouraged others to take the plunge and nd their new career path through upskilling.

“The experience has been super positive.

It has been awesome to get involved in uni life and learn from other members of the classroom, while trying to give them some of my experiences as well,” he said.

Applications are now open for mid-year enrolments at La Trobe University Shepparton Campus, with the next classes starting in July. The range of courses include: arts, business, accounting, education, agribusiness, nursing (Enrolled Nurse entry) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Marketing and engagement adviser Kristina Marko said the best place to start when choosing your study path was to gain some guidance.

“We think it’s important you, the student, makes an informed choice about study; this is why we o er free, one-on-one consultations,” she said.

“Our consultation sessions are designed to hone in on your objectives and provide practical guidance about your study options. Up to an hour is allocated per session, so there’s plenty of time to ask about course structures, application processes, or other study-related issues.”

A Mid-Year Application Consultation Week will be held from Monday, June 4 to Friday, June 8.

Building better schools for Shepparton students Students across Shepparton will get the world-class schools they deserve, with the 2018–19 Victorian budget to invest $21 million towards building and upgrading schools.

This includes $20.5 million towards the Shepparton Education Plan to fund Stage 1 of the new secondary school

and an integrated children’s centre at Mooroopna; and $500 000 for Ardmona Primary School to upgrade and modernise its facilities.

The current Shepparton High School site will be the location of the new secondary school, which is planned to provide for a larger student body and to provide access to the full breadth of the

senior secondary curriculum, including both VCE and VCAL, for all students.

The Victorian School Building Authority will work with schools to deliver these upgrades.

“No matter where you live in Victoria, students deserve to have a great school — we’re getting on with rebuilding schools across our state to

give hard-working families the facilities they deserve,” Education Minister James Merlino said.

“We’re upgrading and rebuilding schools right across Shepparton to make sure they have the best classrooms and the best facilities for our hard-working students and teachers. This is about putting local families rst.”

‘Your School’, June, 2018—Page 19

NEWS

LEARNING IN ALL SHAPES AND FORMS Local littlies engage with the school curriculum in a variety of ways, including through performing arts, a creative project or a hands-on rst aid session.

Shepparton East Primary School Year 6 student Alex Phillips (front) enjoying an art session painting a chair.

Celebrating the recent Education Week with a concert are Grahamvale Primary School students (from left) Alex Druitt, Year 4, Ella Supple, Year 3, Eloise Collins, Year 4, Bonnie Davies, Year 3 and Jasper O’Callaghan, Year 3.

Sirius College students were visited by Rachel Schmidt from St John Ambulance who taught them about rst aid.

Page 20—‘Your School’, June, 2018