Bennett Road Public School

Bennett Road Public School is situated within the Eastern Creek group of schools. The school has an enrolment of 528 students including 14% who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and a further 30% from backgrounds where English is an additional language or dialect. There are 20 mainstream classes, three fully integrated Support Unit classes, two of which cater for mild intellectual disability, and one Behaviour class. Bennett Road PS has a strong Literacy and Numeracy focus and is part of the Early Action for Success initiative. This initiative provides teachers with professional learning experiences that focus on personalised learning that is highly responsive to the individual differences and needs of students.  Instructional Leaders, executive and aspiring leaders work alongside teachers to form collegial partnerships to develop knowledge and pedagogical practices that deliver high quality teaching and learning for all students. Bennett Road PS provides a broad-ranging curriculum that provides opportunities for students to engage and succeed in all areas of their schooling. Students engage in debating, public speaking, Premier's Reading Challenge, Sporting Challenges, dance and CLC (Colyton Learning Community) sport. Strong student wellbeing programs are embedded and adapted to support the changing educational, social, emotional and physical needs of the students to ensure that they are able to connect, succeed and thrive. The classrooms at Bennett Road are well resourced to provide a motivating and engaging learning environment for students. Classrooms are rich in literature with resources that are in line with preparing students as future focused learners.  All classrooms are Wi-Fi enabled and fitted with interactive whiteboards. Students have access to iPads, laptops and desktop computers to enhance their learning. Air-conditioned classrooms provide an environment that is conducive to student learning all year round. The ideals of the Positive Behaviour for Learning philosophy are embedded across the whole school. Students and the community engage with the expectations and practices of being Safe, Respectful, Learners. Student expectations are explicitly taught and linked to the school motto of 'Respect for All' which encourages them to 'Move to Success'. The expansive playground offers wide ranging opportunities for all students to engage in developing positive peer relations. The COLAs provide shaded areas for passive play activities including Peer Play and Social Skills programs as well as opportunities for students to participate in handball, netball, volleyball, touch football, soccer and cricket activities. Building authentic partnerships to engage the whole school community in the life of the school has a strong focus within the school. This is particularly evident through significant representation of parent and carers at all school events including assemblies, ceremonies and celebrations. The Parent and Citizen Association plays a dynamic and supportive role within the school community. It has been actively involved in the development of the School Plan and understands the progress the school is making in accordance with the School Excellence Framework. Bennett Road PS  has strong links with the community and works in partnership with external community agencies, including the Family Referral Service and the Salvation Army, to ensure that educational provisions are in place for all students and their families.