Canterbury Public School

Canterbury Public School was first established in 1878 and features heritage buildings set in spacious grounds which provide students with a pleasant play environment. The school has extensive classroom space, including a modern library, networked computers in classrooms and a computer labs. The school serves a culturally diverse community with a number of students attending the school from out of the area. It has an enrolment of approximately 320 students, including 57% from a non-English speaking background, 4% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students and a special education support unit comprising of five classes (three Moderate Intellectual Disability and Autism classes, one Moderate Aisability class and an Autism class). It is a growing school community that is supported by an enthusiastic, committed staff and community. There is a strong focus on effective literacy and numeracy education and a commitment to quality teaching. Student engagement and social emotional well-being for students is a priority with the provision of extensive school programs in arts, restorative practice, environmental education, Indigenous education, public speaking and debating, technology and sport. The school has a strong commitment to a future focused education innovative integration of technology across all key learning areas. The school prides itself on being small enough to know and value every student and family, yet large enough to provide a full range of quality learning programs and resources. The adjacent local high schools enable strong links and continuity of schooling. The school community celebrates diversity and strives for excellence, equity and participation to ensure the development of the whole child. The learning environment is rich with quality learning experiences and opportunities for students to make meaningful connections with others and the world around them. The following values were developed by the whole school community. WE CREATE A POSTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL LEARNIGN ENVIRONMENT - Teachers provide a safe and welcoming learning environment and know their students as people and learners. - Learning is relevant, purposeful and connected to students' interest and the real world. - Learning is student centred and student voice is valued. - Learning is differentiated to meet the individual needs of students, staff and the community. - Creativity, curiosity and wonder is fostered to support students in becoming resilient, confident, independent thinkers. - Student achievement and assessment data drives classroom programming and decision making. - Feedback is integral to the teaching and learning cycle. WE SUPPORT AND RESPECT EACH OTHER - Students, parents and staff are partners in the learning process. - Students, parents, staff and the broader community work together to actively support and promote the school for the benefit of the students. - Parents, staff and students take an active role in ensuring effective communication and shared decision making. - Diversity and different perspectives are embraced. - New community members are welcomed, oriented, mentored and supported. - The strengths of students, staff and the community are recognised, utilised and appreciated. - Celebrations enhance a sense of belonging and greater understanding of all members of the school community. WE ARE LIFE-LONG LEANERS - Goal setting, reflection and evaluation are embedded in teaching pedagogy. - Life-long learning is modelled to students through the engagement of staff and parents in ongoing quality learning opportunities. - Extra curricula opportunities are embedded in the curriculum and support the development of lifelong skills, passions and interests. - Opportunities for leadership and active citizenship are actively sought in all stages of learning, career development and community engagement. - Staff are self-reflective and strive for professional excellence in their practice.