Rydalmere Public School

The focus of Rydalmere Public School is on its students and the community which it serves. The school values achievement in all aspects of learning, the pursuit of excellence in personal endeavours and promotes positive behaviour for learning. We are safe, caring, respectful and responsible learners. Our mission and core values are to work with a quality curriculum using 21st century learning pedagogy,which is relevant and challenging and to build skills that will enable students to be successful participants in our country’s future The school achieves its mission through the collaboration of students, parents/carers and a motivated and engaged staff working to actively enhance the whole school community. Researched based pedagogy has established a firm foundation for students learning. In 2009, children’s literacy learning was supported by the introduction of "Focus On Reading" program in years 3-6, developing in students effective reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills. This is complimented by “Language Learning Literacy in Kindergarten and support by "Multilit" decoding strategies, Best Start and Reading Recovery programs. We continue to work with other schools in developing strategies to build pedagogical approaches in Mathematics that enable students to creatively solve relevant, real world problems. This has resulted in our school been recognised by other schools and Instructional Leaders, as a forward thinking, modern school where exemplar practise is conducted. Essential 21st century learning tools include wide spread use of Information Technology embedded in classroom use and directly related to the relevant curriculum conducted by teachers. To this end, we have committed to an ICT Futures Plan that aims to make ICT tools available to anyone in the school, anytime, anywhere. There are Interactive Whiteboards in all learning spaces, netbooks in use throughout the school, iPads are now being introduced, and we have a modern computer laboratory. Web2 tools, digital cameras and videos, are used by students to engage in classroom activities and to demonstrate their learning. We have recently benefitted from the refurbishment of our classrooms, sporting facilities and amenities and library, including two connected classrooms. We recognise and promote the concept that schools are a partnership between the teachers and parents/ carers and students in promoting a safe, secure and caring environment conducive to maximising learning outcomes for all students. Rydalmere Public School is a place where parent participation in the life of the school is enabled and encouraged. We have an active Parents and Citizen’s Association, various committees that function to support the school, plan and work to enhance the school and its reputation outside. Parents support the school through creative fund raising, Crunch and Sip preparation and the canteen. Students are actively involved in collaborative decision making through participation in the Student Representative Council, Sport, Creative and Performing Arts and Environmental Education, as well as Peer Support and Child Protection programs. The school has vast grounds and an excellent preschool providing quality early childhood education, access to an before and after school care centre, which is culturally diverse and inclusive. A music tuition program is available and is a key component of the school's curriculum. The school wide Positive Behaviour for Learning program has created an environment in which learning and teaching are highly valued and inappropriate behaviour, or behaviour disruptive to learning, is discouraged. The school's motto is 'Learning is Growing'.