SCHOOL PROFILE

‘Exceptional Educational Experiences’ is the vision at Whitfield District Primary School. It is a small rural school located in the beautiful King Valley. The school has 37 students enrolled in 2021. It is currently staffed by three highly experienced teachers. The school prides itself in providing ‘exceptional educational experiences’ to all students. ‘Authentic’ and ‘integrated’ learning activities provide the stimulus, engagement and opportunities to develop a lifelong love of learning. The school has a great music program and Italian language, Library and Art are supported by visiting teachers. The school is part of the Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships program, extensive camps program and Social Enterprise program. The school derives value adding from its active participation in The King Valley Cluster of schools. Cluster initiatives include the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden and Cooking program, a shared Italian teacher, a range of sporting activities including Personal Best athletic sports, cultural days and professional learning initiatives.. The school was established in 1875 and many of the families have historic links with the school. The school is the focal point of much community activity

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

‘Exceptional Educational Experiences’ To provide a caring, stimulating and safe environment which guides students toward their full potential, in a dynamic learning environment. The school has particular emphasis placed on the importance of English, Mathematics and Wellbeing. To use an integrated approach to providing authentic learning experiences across all domains of the Victorian Curriculum. To provide a comprehensive and inclusive curriculum including; Daily physical activity, Italian language and music program. To deliver extra-curricular activities such as camps and excursions which are available to all students. The school provides many student directed activities and opportunities. We strive to give every student a ‘voice’ in the school, as well as provide them with responsibility and leadership opportunities throughout their schooling. To run an extended transition into and out of the school, which supports students and strengthen theirs and their families’ connections to our school community. To proactively encourage parent and community involvement in our school to enhance student learning and connectedness.

SCHOOL VALUES

The values which form the basis of the actions of the Whitfield School community are:

Respect

• Recognising and accepting the differences in ability, race, age, religion and beliefs of others. • For our environment.

Learning

• Developing and acquiring knowledge, skills, values and attitudes focusing on our personal best at all times.

Goal setting

• Awareness and development of personal goals, both academically and socially.

Teamwork

• Learning together to achieve the best possible outcomes for all.

Honesty

• Truthfulness and open communication in everything we do.

Positive interactions

• Developing and practicing good communication and social skills.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES

The school has excellent programs and facilities for its present enrolment. Currently it makes use of three classrooms in the main building, a performance room, library and a community built Art facility. The school has become an integral part of the community with links formed with civic groups and businesses. The school operates an Outside School Hours Care service after each school day and a Vacation Care program during the holidays. The school presents many ‘real life’ learning opportunities for our students, through camps, excursions and student led projects. The students have been part of a Social Enterprise in Schools program since 2016 and have run a number of successful ventures that have supported social causes that the students care about.