Hillston Central School

Hillston Central School's mission is to promote equality of opportunity in a caring and positive learning environment so that all students are encouraged to become responsible members of society. The school believes that respect and honesty, tempered with responsibility and participation, will help forge the essential bonds of trust and friendship that will bind our school together. Hillston Central School provides a comprehensive curriculum for students from Kindergarten to year 12 and has an enrolment of approximately 150 students. Hillston Central School is a member of the Riverina Access Partnership which provides access to broad curriculum options for Stage 6 students across six small central schools through contemporary use of educational technology (ie video conferencing and bridgit). Students also develop enhanced skills as independent learners and users of technology for learning. Additionally the students also become part of a larger educational cohort with social and academic benefits. The Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) delivers music to the primary students through visits each term culminating in a school musical performance during Term Four of the school year. This program has operated for a number of years and the primary students are keenly engaged. The visits are highly anticipated by students and their willingness to participate in the concert and perform for school functions is noteworthy. As a separate activity the primary choir has developed strongly in the past three years, earning praise from parents and the community. ACMF support the development of musical skills in the school concert band by coordinating video conference masterclass tutoring. This is delivered by the Royal Australian Navy Band from their base at Wolloomooloo each term. The band is coordinated by a staff member and regularly attends musical events in the local area. Students new to the band can select from a variety of instruments to learn and play. The school band also contributes to many local community events such as the ANZAC commemoration, Carols by Candlelight and school assemblies. Participation in Library Lighthouse initiative to implement "Oliver" (new library management system) commenced in 2015. This will see the school library become one of the first to adopt the new Oliver library management system. Effective transition programs operate for students who are entering Kindergarten, year 7 and Year 11. Each program is led by a staff member and is well supported by parents and students. The programs have contributed to a seamless movement of students into new school years. The programs operate during the school year, providing a range of focussed student centred activities. The Learning and support Team provides professional support for the differentiated learning needs of all students. Production of a staff resource identifying the learning needs of students has been circulated and formed the basis of staff professional learning.  Technology is a key learning and teaching element across the school with all classrooms equipped with either interactive whiteboard or interactive television. ipads were purchased as a class set in 2015 and are being implemented across selected classes. Cultural activities are a feature each term. In 2015 the school debut performance at the KROP musical performance drew very high praise. Students from the school regularly attend the regional music camps. K - 12 cultural events such as a creative arts day or NAIDOC activities are scheduled each year. The school community supports these events strongly. Students from the school regularly achieve places at Zone and Regional sporting carnivals, swimming, athletics and cross country. Team sports are part of the Riverina Access partnership and student participation is notable. Staff support for these sporting events is also notable. Parents are active in their attendance and participation in whole school events such as principal award assemblies and K-12 school events, including sports carnivals. Community members deliver reading to Primary students, Primary scripture each week. Secondary scripture is coordinated through the local community. The KROP performance in 2015 and the school musical in 2014 were focal points for parent and community support. Both performances attracted many extended family visitors to the town. The monthly meetings of the Parents and Citizens Association are well attended, with agendas that feature forward planning as well as comprehensive reports from office bearers and principal. This active group of parents plays a strong role in the school beyond mere fund raising. Cake stalls, Mother's Day and Father's Day stall are well supported and develop the strength of the school community. The school benefitted from the construction of an industry standard Trade Training Centre which delivers courses in Metals and engineering and Hospitality.