Gresford Public School

Gresford Public School serves the township of Gresford and rural communities in the Paterson and Allyn River valleys. As a small school, there is a strong sense of community ownership. Parents appreciate the family atmosphere evident in the school. The school's vision statement, 'Leading the Way in Quality Education for All', is demonstrated in the range and depth of curricular and extra curricular programs offered and has been recognised by the school receiving the Director General's Award for Quality Teaching. The school treats students as individuals and provides a wide variety of support programs to meet students' needs. Such programs include a parent tutor reading program; specialised small group maths instruction; and learning support in literacy for identified students. Student Welfare is a major priority with a school Values Program, an Anti-Bullying Program and Student Leadership Program in operation. Core beliefs include building a solid foundation for learning, providing a safe, high quality learning environment where excellence is valued, empowering students to be effective team players and developing self directed and resilient individuals. These beliefs are evidenced in the range and depth of learning experiences offered such as: our Public Speaking and Debating Program which offers specialised workshops and opportunities to engage in inter school competitions; our Literacy Through Shakespeare Program; our Cattle Education Program offering cattle judging experience at local shows and competitions; our Creative Arts Program enabling students to participate in the School Ensemble and a range of visual arts experiences; and our Scientists in Schools Program involving the study of science subjects with a scientist in residence. Our commitment to educating students for a healthy and active lifestyle is demonstrated in daily fruit/vegetable and water breaks, our healthy food canteen and daily fitness lessons. We also provide opportunities for students to be involved in a range of sporting activities through the Active After School Sports Program and PSSA inter school competitions. Current focus areas are the explicit teaching of the skills of writing, developing students' problem solving abilities in mathematics and encouraging thoughtful care of the environment. The school is involved in action research though the Dungog Community of Schools Writing Project; is heavily involved in the use of technology for learning with interactive whiteboards in all rooms as well as two video conferencing classrooms; and has a strong environmental education program focusing on recycling. The students manage a school chicken run and vegetable garden. A strong and active P&C body supports the school through the provision of extra funding for swimming tuition, major excursions and the purchase of extra resources and equipment. With the range of programs offered, all students are given the opportunity to maximise their learning.