Howlong Public School

Howlong Public School is a P1 school with a current enrolment of 197 students K-6. We currently have 9 classes one of which is funded from School and Community funds to enable us to commit to our School Plan which is developed around collaborative practice.  Howlong Public School is a school rich in history and community support. We proudly celebrated 150 years of public education in Howlong in 2011. Howlong Public School is a member of the 'Crossing Point Learning Community of Schools'. Other members of this Learning Community include Albury High School, Albury Public School, Albury West Public School. Our three year School Plan (2018-2020) which was developed after analysis of our capabilities using the School Excellence Framework,  is available on our website. Our three key Strategic directions: Learning and Engagement, Quality Teaching and Effective Leadership drive our goal of school improvement as incorporated into our vision statement: "At Howlong Public School we build positive relationships with all stakeholders in order to facilitate strong value systems, which underpin a respectful and inclusive learning environment. As innovative leaders and educators, we create a progressive culture which promotes highly engaged, self reflective teachers and students. Students are challenged and supported to grow and develop socially, academically and personally." Howlong Public School provides a dynamic, inclusive and caring educational environment in which all of our students access quality educational programs within an engaging, balanced curriculum. Students and their learning are our core business. We are committed to a philosophy of continuous improvement – in classroom practices, student outcomes, educational leadership, educational management, ongoing and whole school professional learning, use of data to inform our decisions and community engagement. We believe in expanding our educational horizons and have developed and will continue to develop strong links with other communities of learning. Utilising resources effectively to investigate and implement research based initiatives is a priority and this is reflected in our learning and support structures and associated programs. We have been recognised as using best practice by peers and our Learning Support Team continues to be held in high esteem within our network. Our school community supports the Positive Behaviour for Learning process which underpins our core values of Respectful, Responsible, Safe, Active Learners. In 2014 we joined the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program to enhance our environmental education activities in the school. With support from our school community and volunteers, this program continues to evolve and has increased student engagement and enhanced our learning programs. We are currently in the midst of a playground enhancement project which has been collaboratively planned, resourced and implemented with support from our community, Landcare, Petaurus Education Group, The Men's Shed and in consultation with a local Aboriginal Elder. This includes the establishment of our 'Track', story poles, plantings of trees and shrubs. Future plans include a 'meeting place'- outdoor classroom. Howlong Public School has a proud sporting history. Our students have access to selection trials from district level, through to national level, in all sports through our affiliation with the PSSA (Primary Schools Sports Association). Our comprehensive school sport program for primary students utilises our community facilities including the local tennis, lawn bowls, croquet, football, cricket, netball and golf associations. Our community is very supportive and are involved in many aspects of school life. Our P&C Association supports the school with a variety of fundraising activities throughout the year. Through their efforts they have enhanced our reading resources, purchased sporting equipment, shade gazebos, playground seating, subsidising transport costs for excursions, and enhancing our technology resources.   We value the partnership between home and school and there are many activities that parents can become involved in including reading tutors, classroom helpers, sports coaches, garden volunteers, working bees and assisting in the canteen.