OVERVIEW
The school enjoys the strong support of its parents, council and staff. It is a place where learning is valued and supported by all and this in turn contributes directly to student learning and personal development. Parental involvement and participation in the life of the school are encouraged.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
School Council comprises 14 members (9 parents and 5 staff) and is responsible for the administration of school funds and supervising the use and upkeep of school buildings and grounds.
Council is also responsible for determining the general educational policies of the school within Department of Education & Training guidelines, and for increasing and strengthening the relationship between the school and its community.
There are nine committees of School Council:
- Education and Policy Committee
- Buildings and Grounds Committee
- Finance Committee
- Art Show Committee
- Safety House Committee
- Heritage Group
- School Lunches Committee
- Orchestra Committee
- Travel Group
STUDENTS
There are twenty-three classes across seven year levels. In order to establish sound understandings and learning patterns, every endeavour is made to keep class sizes smaller in the Junior levels (Prep - Year 2). Class groups are generally formed on a single level basis, although from time to time multi-age classes may be formed to meet specific organisational needs. In forming class groups we consider the placement of each child very carefully.
STAFF
The wellbeing and future educational success of the students of a school is dependent on the commitment, professionalism and support offered to them by the staff of that school. With these things in mind, Canterbury Primary School recognises the valuable and essential contribution made to it and to the wider local community by its team of dedicated and caring staff.
Recognising that the role of a staff member goes well beyond the classroom, the school acknowledges the long hours of dedicated service provided to it by its staff and publicly recognises their professional and affirming approach to their job. This helps to create a positive school atmosphere that is conducive to the students' wellbeing and growth.
Furthermore, the school fosters:
- a team approach;
- positive role modelling; and
- a caring and supportive work environment
In addition to this, the school endeavours to provide a strong personal and professional development program and a high level of resourcing in order to benefit its staff and to assist them in effectively performing their roles.
PARENTS
The school has a long tradition of parent participation and relies heavily on the continued support, trust and involvement of its parents.
Parents are encouraged to share in the life of the school by:
- helping in the classroom and with school activities; and/or
- joining School Council or its committees, the Parents and Friends Association or the Parent Co-ordinator Scheme.
PARENT AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
The Parents & Friends Association (P&FA) plays an important role in the life of the school. Its aim is to help strengthen the links between home and school, to assist the staff and School Council in the smooth running of the school, and to provide a means for parents to get to know each other. This association also raises funds to assist the operations of the school and the acquisition of improved equipment and facilities.
Some of the other activities of the P&FA include participating in School Council and its committees, arranging coffee mornings for parents of each year level at the beginning of first term, operating the Uniform Shop, supporting families in times of need and a wide range of fundraising activities.
PARENT CO-ORDINATOR SCHEME
Each year, one of the parents from each class is appointed as the Parent Co-ordinator for that class. The aim of the Parent Co-ordinator Scheme is to enhance communication between parents, teachers and the school. Parent Co-ordinators do this by:
- arranging a social function early in Term 1 to enable parents to become acquainted with each other and the teacher;
- arranging assistance requested by the class teacher for help in the classroom;
- assisting with School Council fundraising activities [eg. Art Show, Raffle];
- arranging support at working bees;
- welcoming new parents to the school community; and
- fostering communication links between home and school.
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