Ashcroft Public School

 Ashcroft Public School is a multicultural school ranging from Preschool to Year 6 and is situated in the south western Sydney suburb of Ashcroft. The whole school community vision is underpinned by high expectations and a strong commitment by teachers to continuously engage in the teaching and learning process. This allows classroom pedagogy to be refined so teachers provide a quality education for their students. Ongoing professional learning ensures teachers deliver an excellent public education that supports all students to become 'independent, responsible lifelong learners who respect themselves, others and the community'.       The school is dedicated to providing evidenced based quality educational programs and practices which are continually evaluated. Collected data is rigorously analysed to support the strategic directions outlined in the Ashcroft School Plan. The plan emphasises student engagement and learning, the integration of technology, explicit, systematic quality teaching and the building of positive Community Partnerships. Our teachers meet the individual needs of all students by implementing differentiated challenging learning experiences that align to the NSW Department of Education 'Quality Teaching Framework' and 'Well Being Framework.' Teachers build vital supportive relationships with all families and community members by including them in the educational process. This ensures a collective approach and responsibility towards each student's academic, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development. In 2016 we support student learning by implementing Early Intervention Programs including: Reading Recovery, Language, Learning and Literacy (L3), English as an Additional Language or Dialect and a Community Language.  A Speech Pathologist and a School Clinician support both mainstream and our onsite Preschool students. Students also have opportunities to represent the school in Public Speaking, Sport, Student Leadership and Creative Arts. In addition we support our culturally diverse community and enthusiastically encourage all forms of parent and community involvement. This occurs through curriculum programs and celebrations such as Harmony Day, Multicultural Day and NAIDOC week. In particular, our indigenous students are acknowledged and supported through the accessing of community elders to implement cultural activities and impart cultural knowledge. As extra-curricular activities we provide two afterschool programs that engage students in experiences that further support their physical, social and emotional development. Our onsite playgroup "The Beehive," is  part of the 'Schools as Community Centres' initiative which further supports our school community by offering a friendly environment for parents and families with children 0-4 years of age to play, interact and share positive experiences. At Ashcroft Public School we continually strive to best support our students' wellbeing. Whole school community expectations and Department of Education 'Values,' are shared and explicitly taught through our 'Positive Behaviour for Learning' initiative. This provides a solid foundation to enhance student learning and increase their success and achievements.