Griffith East Public School

Griffith East Public School is situated in the large regional centre of Griffith in the Riverina Region of NSW and has an enrolment of 509 students which includes 13% of students who are Aboriginal and 21% of students who come from an English as an Additional Language or Dialect background. There is a Multi-Categorical Class which support students from the local area.  The school has strong relationships and connections with the P&C Association as well as the broader parent and wider community. A variety of extra-curricular activities in the areas of sport, public speaking, debating, band, performing and creative arts are available to students to support interest, engagement and challenge. The school also implements an Italian Community Language Program for students from Kindergarten to Year 5. This program reflects the large percentage of students with an Italian background.  The school maintains a clear focus on quality teaching practices, leadership development and effective school organisation. Strong professional learning systems means teachers regularly engage with explicit and effective teaching practices and student learning data. Teachers identify student needs  and respond to these through systematic implementation and evaluation of the most effective evidence based teaching strategies. Teaching staff collaborate and give feedback to develop and sustain quality teaching practice and continually develop their professional skills The whole school approach to improving student growth and attainment is supported by the Assistant Principals Curriculum and Instruction. The broader leadership team continue to develop their capacity to use evaluative practices to plan for and monitor improved student achievement in NAPLAN over a sustained period. A high functioning learning support team coordinates early intervention programs to ensure all students are supported throughout all stages of schooling. The school implements practices that support student wellbeing to create a safe environment; ensuring connectedness; strong engagement in learning; and positive social and emotional skills. A whole-school approach is implemented in addressing the interconnected and interdependent nature of wellbeing. The school continues to build and develop assertive discipline processes to support positive behaviour, student belonging, motivation and interest in learning. The school intervenes early to provide additional support to vulnerable students in class and other school activities to assist them in feeling safe and supported at school. The school focus on student wellbeing will lead to enhancement of student voice, participation and leadership.