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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
2019
R U YO L O O H SC
schools s ’ n o i g e r e me of th o s t u o b a to know d e e n u o y Everything
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
YOUR SCHOOL
2019
A well-rounded education Learning happens in a variety of ways and the region’s students are fortunate to have access to a well-rounded education catering for their academic, social, emotional and physical needs. Schools offer extensive programs in a variety of areas such as literacy, numeracy,
science, language, technology, creative and performing arts and physical education, allowing students to find their individual learning style. In this 16-page feature, some of the region’s schools tell their own stories about how their students learn and thrive in their different environments.
Science is part of the curriculum for all year levels at Guthrie St Primary School.
Music and dance foster the celebration of cultural diversity and inclusion at St Georges Rd Primary School.
YOUR SCHOOL Contents Ardmona Primary School ...............25 Bourchier Street Primary School ....26 Gowrie Street Primary School ........27 Guthrie Street Primary School........28 Mooroopna Primary School ...........29 Prep enrolments for 2020 ..............30 Orrvale Primary School ..................31
Shepp East Primary School ...........32 2 Sirius College Shepparton .............33 3 St Georges Road Primary School ..34 Katandra West Primary School ......35 Mooroopna North Primary School..35 Rushworth P-12 College................36 Wilmot Road Primary School .........37
Published by Shepparton News | Sponsored by GMCU | www.sheppnews.com.au
What an exciting time for education in our region. It is so important our young people have access to the best quality education and I will continue to advocate for the schooling needs of our community as we roll out future stages of our transformational Shepparton Education Plan.
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
Ardmona Major LeaguePrimary Indoor Sports
Keeping it personal At Ardmona Primary School, every student is treated as an individual in an inclusive and diverse learning environment. Just six kilometres from the heart of Mooroopna, Ardmona Primary School boasts an impressive teacherstudent ratio allowing for a personalised approach to teaching. With an abundance of support options, sta member Michael Van Dorsser said the school’s sta members prided themselves on catering to each student’s needs within the classroom and in the school grounds. “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 .” Surrounded by farmlands with plenty of space for students to explore, the school also has a new nurture room for one-onone teaching as well as three hubs in each classroom complete with learning tools. “It’s a quiet place where students can go and focus on their work in a quiet space, if needed,” Mr Van Dorsser said. “It creates a good atmosphere where they can be themselves.” Combining historical charm with modern conveniences, students will be treated to brand new facilities by the end of 2019, due to a Victorian Government redevelopment of the school’s main building, including the kitchen and dining room. Ardmona Primary School also o ers an
exceptional 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. With a focus on academic and personal growth, all sta look towards growth mindset strategies to provide specialised teaching to address the individual student needs for social development and achievement.
ARDMONA
PRIMARY SCHOOL Principal: Jean Varty Address: 580 Turnbull Rd, Ardmona Phone: 5829 0273 Email: ardmona.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.ardmonaps.vic.edu.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/ardmonaps Enrolments, P-6: 22 students
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
Bourchier Primary Major League Street Indoor Sports
Learners today, leaders tomorrow Bourchier Street Primary School is a learning community promoting: • High expectations for all students • A safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment • High level literacy and numeracy skills • A focus on student-centred learning where student agency is valued • Inquiry learning across the curriculum • The development of character citizenship, curiosity, creativity and collaboration • The development of passions, talents, and skills • Access to a wide range of technology
• An interest in physical education, the arts and the Italian language • A sustainable environment through a kitchen garden program • The importance of engagement and wellbeing • An open-door policy where families are welcome • Before-school and after-school care • Sporting clubs including netball, football, soccer and basketball • Fit, happy, healthy children. Bourchier Street Primary School’s values are respect, learning and contribution.
BEST ALWAYS
Principal: Denise Howley Assistant principals: Gary D’arma and Jenni Anderson Address: Cnr Bourchier St and Balaclava Rd, Shepparton Phone: 5821 3488 Email: bourchier.street.ps.shepparton@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.bourchierps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 650 students
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Gowrie Street Primary
Dreaming big
Gowrie St Primary School takes great strength from its students and its community — their histories, and cultures and diversity. The school supports its students to seize all the di erent opportunities they have and to overcome any challenges that might get in the way. Principal Tim Warwick said this was what Dreaming Big (Nurratj Dungudja in Yorta Yorta) is all about. “We have launched a new initiative this year where students have developed Hopes and Dreams Plans, featuring their hopes for the future and some really clear, associated goals for their learning this year,” Mr Warwick said. “Students shared these plans with their families at special student-led conferences on a community day in March. “It was a huge success — students, families and sta all loved it.” Mr Warwick said fundamental to students seizing life’s opportunities was exceptional teaching and learning. “Our teachers are working tirelessly to put in place curriculum and learning
opportunities that will meet students’ needs and then propel them to improved outcomes,” he said. “We have invested heavily in leadership roles to support this and some outstanding consultants who are experts in literacy and numeracy. “For instance, we are focusing on fostering a love of writing in our students — the increase in engagement in student writing and the quality of their writing that we have already seen is remarkable. “We know that our students require a productive and positive learning environment to complete their learning in.” Central to this are school-wide positive behaviour supports. “We have recently developed a new matrix that sets out the school’s values and expected behaviours across all the school’s areas,” Mr Warwick said. “We then set about explicitly teaching these behaviours to our students, with a strong focus on acknowledging the positive behaviours we see through caring cards and other rewards.” For students and families who face some
challenges when It comes to pursuing the opportunities available to them, the school provides a range of additional supports. “We always work with families on this and start from the strengths of the students and family members,” Mr Warwick said. “We then have a range of wonderful supports we can put in place. “We have an outstanding and large learning intervention and wellbeing team, as well as an amazing paediatric clinic and play therapy program.” Finally, part of seeing the strength in its students and community is recognising Gowrie St’s long history with the local Aboriginal community and the rich cultures and stories this brings with it. “We are extremely proud to be one of only a handful of Victorian schools who teach their local indigenous language as their LOTE,” Mr Warwick said. “All of our students learn Yorta Yorta, and it is heart-warming to watch their knowledge of the language grow and their pronunciation improve.” Open morning teas and tours are May 1 and May 8 at 9.30am.
Principal: Tim Warwick Assistant principals: Eron Chapman and Jesse Whittaker Address: 1–19 Gowrie St, Shepparton Phone: 5821 3100 Email: Gowrie.street.ps.shepparton@ edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.gowriestps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 270 students
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
Guthrie Street Major League IndoorPrimary Sports
Genuine engagement
Guthrie Street Primary School is dedicated to developing students’ literacy and numeracy skills with a strong focus on their social and emotional needs. The belief at Guthrie Street Primary School is that students need to be emotionally intelligent and engaged in their learning so they can succeed academically. Young people at Guthrie Street are nurtured and challenged to achieve their personal best. Their unique talents and gifts are valued and supported; creativity and imagination are encouraged and celebrated. At Guthrie Street, learning is personal and social. Learning connects students and teachers not just to knowledge but to each other. Principal Brendan Bicknell said Guthrie Street was passionate about providing a holistic education for students. He said the school challenged students to actively pursue opportunities that life at school o ered. Students are encouraged to have high expectations of themselves while actively participating in their learning. Literacy development is a priority, with successful learning evident in Readers’ and Writers’ workshops. Mr Bicknell said the development of emotional and social competencies enabled Guthrie Street students to foster positive connections and to be valued and productive members of the community. The students at Guthrie Street are provided with excellent facilities that
suit the needs of 21st-century learners. There is a modern, multipurpose centre and contemporary learning spaces throughout the school which encourage a positive educational environment. Within the classrooms the advantages of modern technology including iPads and laptops are utilised by the students as they engage in purposeful learning activities. Personal learning • Core development of literacy and numeracy skills • Emotional Intelligence Program/G.E.M. (Gratitude Empathy Mindfulness) • Use of technology laptops and iPads (BYOD program Years 3–6) • Specialist programs the arts, physical education, science and library • 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) • Camps, excursions and cultural performances • Outside school hours care • Expansive areas of TigerTurf for ball games • Modern administration spaces
Principal: Brendan Bicknell Assistant principal: Michael Donovan Address: Guthrie St, Shepparton Phone: 5821 1944 Email: guthrie.street.ps.shepparton@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.guthriestps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, Foundation-6: 501 students
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Mooroopna Primary Major League Indoor Sports
Encouraging respectful and responsible behaviour
Mooroopna Primary School is an inclusive school that is committed to providing a safe, happy and welcoming environment for students and families. Mooroopna Primary School: • Adheres to Child Safe Standards which includes proactively teaching students how to be respectful and responsible members of today’s society; • encourages family members’ involvement in their child’s learning; • provides an after-school care program and a daily breakfast club; • works with the wider community to
collaborate with students to build career aspirations and wellbeing support; • has a strong commitment to arts education, which includes a school band; • provides a technology-rich environment to enhance student learning and school engagement; and • provides excellent facilities that provide a wide range of learning environments. Children at the school are encouraged to: • Develop pro!ciency in literacy and numeracy skills in an integrated,
• • • • • •
engaging curriculum; be active in determining their learning goals; acquire decision-making, problemsolving and critical thinking skills; communicate freely and co-operatively with others; develop a commitment to complete their work to their maximum potential; improve their skills and !tness levels through a well-balanced physical education and sport program; and develop their technological skills and cybersafe behaviours to be e ective and responsible users of technology.
Principal: Steve Rogers Assistant principal: Carla May Address: 16–18 O’Brien St, Mooroopna Phone: 5825 2060 Email: mooroopna.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.mooroopna.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 250 students
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
Shepparton, Tatura, Mooroopna, Numurkah, Cobram, Yarrawonga and District Primary Schools
PREP ENROLMENTS FOR 2020 The following Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura, Numurkah, Cobram, Yarrawonga and district schools are currently accepting enrolments for the 2020 school year. Ardmona Primary ....................................5829 0273
Katunga Primary .....................................5864 6365
St Georges Rd Primary ...........................5821 3383
Bourchier St Primary ...............................5821 3488
Katunga South Primary ..........................5864 6212
Strathmerton Primary .............................5874 5295
Cobram Primary ......................................5872 1374
Kialla Central Primary .............................5827 1373
Tallygaroopna Primary ...........................5829 8264
Cobram & District Specialist School ......5872 1643
Kialla West Primary .................................5823 1333
Congupna Primary ..................................5829 9286
Lemnos Primary.......................................5829 9287
Tatura Primary .........................................5824 1684
Currawa Primary .....................................5828 6581
Merrigum Primary ...................................5855 2275
Dhurringile Primary .................................5826 6222
Mooroopna North Primary .....................5829 0141
Dookie Primary ........................................5828 6585
Mooroopna Park Primary .......................5825 3856
Gowrie St Primary ...................................5821 3346
Mooroopna Primary................................5825 2060
Grahamvale Primary...............................5821 4219
Murchison Primary ..................................5826 2391
Guthrie St Primary ...................................5821 1944
Nathalia Primary .....................................5866 2677
Wilmot Rd Primary ..................................5821 4953
Harston Primary ......................................5854 8317
Numurkah Primary..................................5862 1426
Wunghnu Primary ...................................5862 1701
Katamatite Primary .................................5865 1242
Orrvale Primary .......................................5829 2490
Yarrawonga P-12 College.......................5744 1751
Katandra West Primary ..........................5828 3350
Shepparton East Primary........................5829 2426
Zeerust Primary .......................................5829 8282
Toolamba Primary ...................................5826 5212 Tungamah Primary..................................5748 5627 Undera Primary .......................................5826 0211 Verney Rd School ....................................5821 8185 Waaia Yalca South Primary....................5864 1283
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, 2020. Proof of age and a certificate of immunisation will be required.
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Orrvale Primary
A safe space for learning The Orrvale Primary School community have eagerly watched every stage of the soon-to-be-completed new STEAM specialist building, which will create additional opportunities for learning. Funded by a $1.768 million Victorian Government capital works grant, the project is one of several exciting new developments within the school grounds in 2019. Principal Adam Brennan said the impressive building would be a learning hub for the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics domains and would o er space for before-school and afterschool care. New outdoor play spaces incorporating new play equipment and, at the request of students, giant Jenga, chess and snakes and ladders games, will soon be established to further enhance the opportunities for students of all year levels to interact. A designated outdoor positive play area !lled with resources such as lengths of PVC pipe and hessian encourages imaginative play and fosters collaboration between the students to create and build their versions of cubby houses. The new learning and play areas will support the school’s focus on developing the literacy, numeracy and emotional intelligence skills of students. Orrvale Primary School is the only
trained Victorian Government school in Yale University’s RULER approach, which encourages children to identify, regulate and manage their 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,” Mr Brennan said. “This equips them with the skills needed to lead successful lives and develop healthy relationships,” he said. The whole school reading and writing workshops, which were implemented last year by leading teacher and master literacy leader for the Shepparton network of schools Kirsten Dickins, was so successful it has continued to be a key teaching and learning focus of the school. Mrs Dickins, Mr Brennan and assistant principal Daniel O’Reilly spend the !rst hour of each school day in various classrooms supporting teachers with the literacy program and assisting students to reach their learning goals. On the numeracy front, two teachers are being trained as maths specialists as part of the two-year primary mathematics and science specialist program, and will share their new-found knowledge with colleagues as part of the school’s aim of developing teachers’ capacity to work more e ectively in teams.
The school’s emphasis on promoting inquiring minds helps students reach their potential through self-motivation and by stimulating the children’s curiosity. By giving children greater empowerment in their own learning and identifying their interests, teachers are able to align the learning program with those interests so students remain engaged and motivated. Extension activities engage talented students, and interactive tasks such as woodworking and cooking accommodate children who work better with hands-on learning. With technology being an essential part of future careers, several students have been elected as information and communication technology leaders and an iPad program operates in every year level. At Orrvale Primary School, parents, carers and extended families are encouraged to support the students’ learning and engagement with the school through regular parent workshops and casual family picnics. “Parents are often unsure of how they can support their children’s education at home, and we aim to empower them to do that. Each family has a term calendar with information about what is being learnt in the classroom each week,” Mr Brennan said. Opportunities for students to represent their school in various sporting pursuits including football, Auskick, netball, soccer
and basketball are o ered, and families are engaged with community and support organisations such as Meals on Wheels. A beautiful memorial to former student Zaidee Turner inspires discussion of each person’s ability to make a di erence with simple acts of raising funds and awareness of worthy causes. Orrvale Primary School is 3 km east of Shepparton and with a student population of 390 o ers the resources of a large school with the caring community feel of a small school environment. 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 Enrolments, P-6: 390 students
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
Shepparton EastSports Primary Major League Indoor
Best of both worlds
With the resources of a large school yet the close-knit community of a small school, Shepparton East Primary School embraces the individual. Just a few minutes’ drive from Shepparton with wide open spaces, the school is one big happy family. Principal Trent McCrae said Shepparton East was a welcoming place with an emphasis on parent involvement. “We have a great country feel, you walk around our school and people are happy and friendly,” Mr McCrae said. “We have a really strong school community; we actively encourage parent involvement by running a Parent Education Program where parents are trained to be helpers in the classrooms.” The school has a comprehensive literacy and numeracy program complemented with inquiry-based learning programs, and Mr McCrae said this allowed students to learn at their own pace and develop their strengths and interests. “It’s about preparing them for the future to be well-rounded individuals,” he said. “The school strives to meet the individual needs of students, catering for those who
require assistance as well as fostering talents.” In addition, Shepparton East o ers art, performing arts, library, sport, a perceptual motor program and science. “As a primary science specialist school, we o er great opportunities and increased science outcomes for all our students from Prep through to Year 6,” Mr McCrae said. Teachers have been up-skilled in the teaching of science technology, engineering and mathematics, including two teachers who specialise in science. Mr McCrae said the students’ inquirybased programs tied in to student interests. “It promotes student engagement, develops oral language and has direct links into our formal literacy and numeracy lessons.” The school is continually adding new resources and opening further learning opportunities, including the addition of a robotics program in the 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 eloping 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-school and after-school care is provided each day during school terms. Mr McCrae said being an eSmart school meant there was a high standard of information communication technology and cyber safety processes. “All classes have their own interactive whiteboards, netbook computers and digital cameras, and our Years 3 to 6 students have their own iPads.”
Principal: Trent McCrae Assistant principal: Stacey Willaton Address: Benalla Rd, Shepparton East Phone: 5829 2426 Fax: 5829 2683 Email: shepparton.east.ps@edumail.vic. gov.au Website: www.shepeastps.vic.edu.au Enrolments, P-6: 282 students
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Sirius College
A family-friendly school Established in 2005, Sirius College’s Shepparton Campus aims to foster wellrounded students and instil universal values. One of six campuses in Victoria, the Shepparton campus o ers classes from Foundation to Year 6. Campus principal Adem Engin said the school’s aim was to teach students moral values and a belief in tolerance, diversity and harmony, enabling them to become good citizens when they grew up. “We want to address the di erent needs of our students — social, physical and emotional needs — as well as their creative side,” Mr Engin said. Mr Engin is proud of the school’s cultural diversity. “We are a family-friendly school and we recently celebrated Harmony Day, which gave us a chance to invite parents and families to come along to join in the celebrations, and to encourage students to be diverse and harmonious and to embrace and celebrate their culture and learn about
where their family originated from,” Mr Engin said. “We are also proud of our chicken coop where we teach our students the valuable lessons of looking after, feeding and watering our chickens and collecting their fresh eggs to enjoy. “We aim to teach our students the lessons that will carry on into their adult life,” he said. Teaching and learning co-ordinator Amninder Malhi said the school’s goal was to develop children’s knowledge and a wide range of skills through the use of technology, excursions and incursions, as well as hands-on activities. “It is important that our students have access to quality education, to become tomorrow’s leaders,” Mrs Malhi said. “When students leave us, they should be able to respond successfully to challenges in the global world. “We provide opportunities for our students to get to know and learn about many cultures including their own,” she said. Primary co-ordinator Tarbinder Pandher
said small class sizes allowed for a more personal approach to teaching and pastoral care. The school o ers a clubs program starting from Year 1 including dance, art and craft and performing arts, which complement the lunchtime soccer club where higher year levels train the lower year levels. “We’re looking at all-round development of the children, not just academics, but we’re looking at the interests of the students,” Mrs Pandher said. “We’re introducing it to all primary classrooms within three years.” With !ve other Sirius College campuses in Melbourne, Mrs Pandher said the students enjoyed the inter-campus competitions. “Our students compete in maths, spelling, science and debating each year,” she said. All year levels study a second language and also enjoy music and art classes. The school also o ers transport for all students from Mooroopna through to Shepparton.
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 Enrolments, Foundation-6: 104 students
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
St Georges Road Primary
Be better than your best St Georges Rd Primary School lives its values of respect, responsibility, pride and excellence every day. Principal Kerrianne ‘Dougie’ Souter said these values were interwoven into all aspects of the school, creating a safe and stimulating environment for students and their families. “Our school stands out as a place of learning, where there are high expectations and students are encouraged to be a little bit better than their best,” Ms Souter said. St Georges Rd 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-school and after-school sports, homework clubs and a kitchen garden. “Programs such as these develop student leadership, collaboration, social development and a sense of community, and weekend sports teams are supported by teachers, parents and volunteers,” Ms Souter said. Small "exible groups cater for individual students’ needs in literacy and numeracy and specialist programs include visual arts, multimedia, Italian and performing arts where students can engage with the school band, recorder and ukulele groups. The school celebrates cultural diversity through its various specialised programs and students are encouraged to have input into their performance items to ensure they remain highly motivated, con!dent and successful. Outdoor activity is a priority and the success of a comprehensive physical education and health program translates into happy and inclusive play at recess and lunchtime breaks. Part of the curriculum is devoted to the development of social competencies. “Developing citizenship, leadership and aspiration is high on the agenda at St Georges Rd Primary School with
achievement acknowledgement awards available to students across all year levels,” Ms Souter said. Strong community partnerships have been strengthened by a new community hub linking parents to the educational programs at the school. The school’s second language campus, Shepparton English Language Centre, provides intensive English instruction for newly arrived and refugee students, and family liaison o cers strengthen the homeschool partnership and inclusive culture. Arthur Mawson Children’s Centre provides an on-site kindergarten with play and fun groups for pre-schoolers, complementing the school’s early-years initiative. An extensive camps program and extracurricular excursions and events are an integral part of educating ‘the whole child’. “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 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
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Katandra Major LeagueWest IndoorPrimary Sports
Principal: Marcia Waters Address: 17–27 Bankin St, Katandra West Phone: 5828 3350 Email: katandra.west@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.katandra-west-ps.vic.edu.au
Education is a community effort Katandra West Primary School is an integral part of a tight-knit community. It is the school’s strong community connections that distinguish it from the rest, and principal Marcia Waters said students particularly enjoyed cluster days with other small schools in the area. “We have a strong connection with community groups like the Men’s Shed, who complete projects around the school,” Ms Waters said. “We’ve also made a connection with the bowls club, so our Years 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 are the type of people we want to be here in Katandra West,”
Enrolments, Foundation-6: 66 students
Ms Waters said. “It’s about supporting students — if they engage in their classes they reach their goals.” With a range of learning experiences on o er, the school aims to inspire all students. Ms Waters said Katandra West boasted specialist arts and Italian teachers. The arts teacher 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,” Ms Waters 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 bring-your-own iPad program and classroom iPads available for Foundation to Year 3 students. A computer lab is used by all classrooms 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 ensured students were ready for secondary college. 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
A formula for success Mooroopna North Primary School puts emphasis on the importance of numeracy in its students’ education. • During 2018 and 2019 the school has participated in the Primary Mathematics and Science Specialist Initiative (a program run by the DET), to upskill sta and revamp its numeracy program. • The goal is to provide a meaningful program that is based on best practice and current research, encouraging
students to become accurate, e cient and !exible problem solvers. • The school recognises that students learn best when they are engaged in rich and meaningful problems, where students have opportunities to model their understanding using a range of learning materials. • The school understands and values its students’ knowledge and experience and aims to cater to their individual
learning abilities through tailored, hands-on and meaningful investigations and activities. Numeracy classrooms are places where: everyone can learn math to the best of their abilities; mistakes are valuable; questions are important; maths is about making sense and creativity; connections and communicating are important; depth is more important than speed; and maths is about learning, not performing.
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
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
YOUR SCHOOL
2019
Super school plans take shape A principal has been appointed and a transition program outlined for the merger of McGuire, Wanganui Park and Mooroopna secondary colleges and Shepparton High School, to create the new ‘super school’. Having previously taught at two of the four schools involved, Genevieve Simson has returned to the Goulburn Valley from Melbourne to take up the principal’s role. Ms Simson will draw on her nine years’ experience overseeing Victoria University Secondary College, which was created by a merger of three schools. ‘‘What I found in the merger I did in Melbourne is that it’s really important to be fair and equitable with all the schools,’’ Ms Simson said. ‘‘The first thing will be to talk to the community and see what goals they want to set for the school, so that will mean there will need to be input from parents, the teachers and students from each school. ‘‘It’ll take me some time to learn what each of the cultures of the schools are. I’ll spend a lot
Genevieve Simson has been appointed principal of Shepparton’s new ‘super school’.
of time in each of the schools this year, finding out what works well, what their aspirations are and so on.’’ The new school is expected to offer more opportunities and
improve educational outcomes for up to 3000 students in Years 7 to 12. A two-year interim transition program, starting in 2020, will see students accommodated at
McGuire, Wanganui Park and Mooroopna secondary colleges so that stage one of the brand new facility can be built on the Shepparton High School site. During a visit to Shepparton
earlier this year, Victorian Education Minister James Merlino said the government was working with the schools and the community to minimise disruption to students and their families. With an estimated 2700 to 3000 students set to attend the new school, Mr Merlino said it would remain an intimate school built around smaller houses to provide support and care for students. Ms Simson said every student would have access to the broadest range of subjects, dedicated health and wellbeing teams, increased training opportunities and education pathways. ‘‘My vision is that the school will meet everybody’s needs and give everyone the pathway that they want to choose for their career and also build in them the skills that will make them successful in the future,’’ she said. ‘‘The major benefit for the town is that students will be able to have every possible choice you can think of in terms of curriculum.’’
Rushworth P–12 Sports College Major League Indoor
In pursuit of excellence Rushworth P-12 College completed its three-year involvement with the University of Melbourne’s Network of Schools Program in 2018 but will continue to utilise and bene!t from the many connections created.
Principal Leanne Miller said the program’s focus on reading would be ongoing and, coupled with the appointment of quality sta to the leadership structure in 2019, the future for the college and its students was exciting. The college’s structure has been organised to re!ect a strong emphasis on working collaboratively in teams this year. These teams are: Foundation to Year 6, Years 7–9 and Years 10–12, headed by leaders who are focusing on maintaining high expectations amongst all members of the team so that student achievement, wellbeing and engagement are maximised. In 2019 the college will commence work on the new School Strategic Plan, focusing on two main goals: maximising literacy learning and growth for every student and to embed a positive school culture that improves student engagement. “We continue to maintain small class sizes throughout the college, providing teachers and students with multiple opportunities for giving and receiving feedback, so that learning is personalised and relevant for every student,” Ms Miller said. “Our relentless focus on improving literacy levels of our students can be seen
in every lesson with all sta taking collective responsibility for all students. “The wellbeing of our students is not only supported by our teaching sta but also by a social worker and family support worker/ behaviouralist coach employed by the college. “Departmental sta consisting of a school nurse educator, psychologists, visiting teachers and speech therapists all share their expertise with us, ensuring we are able to put into practice the work that is necessary to ensure academic success is possible for every child. “We are continuing to develop our camps and excursions program to ensure that our students are given the opportunities to experience a wide variety of learning experiences in a range of settings that are unique and di erent to the traditional classroom environment. We also provide our students with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sporting events throughout the year, and our sta are active in supporting their endeavours. We made the state "nals in swimming, badminton and lawn bowls in 2018.” Rushworth P-12 College prides itself on providing an environment that allows every student to excel. “We strongly encourage any interested families to arrange an appointment to visit so that they can experience the uniqueness of our beautiful college where we are constantly in pursuit of excellence,” 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: 173
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
YOUR SCHOOL
37
2019
Top tips for choosing a school
Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that your precious child was a newborn and now you’re considering which primary school is the best fit for them, and your family. Aside from the obvious requirement, such as proximity to where you live, there are other factors you need to consider to ensure the school you choose is the right one. Most schools have websites that offer information about their programs, so take the time to do some research before visiting your shortlisted schools during their open days. Here are some tips to help you make a choice: ➤ Visit the school and gauge the atmosphere. Do the students seem happy? Are the classrooms vibrant spaces filled with colourful artwork and learning aids? Is there space for active and quiet play in the playground? ➤ Are there ample opportunities to speak to teachers and administration staff about the school and its programs, and source printed or e-material outlining relevant information? ➤ Talk to other families who
Choosing a primary school for your child is an important decision.
have students enrolled at the school. Does the school have a good reputation, or a high profile within the community? ➤ Does your child have a
particular talent or interest? Seek out schools that may cater to this, for example, does the school excel in sport, art or music?
➤ Good facilities are conducive to active learning, so when you visit the school take note if the buildings and grounds are neat and well-maintained.
Are the resources such as technology, library books, sports equipment, art and music supplies adequate? ➤ If your child requires additional assistance with learning, are there assessment and support programs in place? ➤ What are the school’s values and do they align with your own? How does the school implement those values, and how are students encouraged to put them into practice every day? ➤ Are there opportunities for parents to be involved in school life, such as volunteering to coach sporting teams, assisting in the canteen or helping out with programs in and out of the classroom? ➤ Class sizes are important. Does the school have a cap on class sizes and does the teacher have additional education support staff to assist? ➤ What are the school fees, and are there additional expenses for text books, stationery, camps, excursions and participation in optional programs?
Wilmot Road Primary
School promotes strong values Wilmot Road 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 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 student results continue to be highly regarded. All students are supported to be the best they can be and Wilmot Road Primary has sustained strong student improvement in literacy and numeracy in the past !ve years. The school celebrates its multicultural community and forges many partnerships with parents and the Shepparton community. Wilmot Road conducts many school-based activities to build a community approach to education, including the school’s eco-centre garden which o ers students the opportunity to grow, eat and appreciate healthy food. Wilmot Road Primary’s Arabic and Afghani family liaison o cers continue to provide communication and foster access to services for parents, and adult learning sessions are o ered for parents of the students. Principal Jenny Manuel said the school hosted a paediatric clinic every three weeks to support family access to health and
wellbeing services, and the Therapeutic Play Program further supported students’ wellbeing. During 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 participants have access to the Maternal child health nurse onsite during each term. A breakfast program runs !ve mornings a week, a learning club is held each Tuesday and Thursday and the school also has keen soccer teams which compete on Saturdays. A unique Student Scholarship program, which is well supported by the community and business partners, ensures students’ aspirations are supported. Together with parents and the Shepparton community, student development, learning and success is nurtured. A comprehensive curriculum in all key areas with dedicated English, mathematics, history, science, technology, physical education, Italian languages, arts and music programs is provided. The school o ers small group and individual student support including literacy and numeracy intervention and acceleration programs, and this year has a major focus on science to build students’ learning-in-inquiry processes. 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,” Mrs Manuel said. Further, the school has a strong focus on technology, with all Foundation and Years 1 and 2 students having a personal laptop. Year 3 has class sets of laptops and all Years 4 to 6 students access their learning via a personal netbook. The sta and students also use iPods, iPads and "ip cameras to further complement the learning experience and develop students’ digital technology skills. School visits are encouraged and can be arranged by contacting the o ce.
Principal: Jenny Manuel Assistant Principals: Sharon Thompson and 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: 296
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
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