Toongabbie East Public School

Toongabbie East Public School is situated in Western Sydney, well placed for those commuting to work in Parramatta or The Hills. It has spacious grounds including a full soccer oval and netball court. The play areas are all grassed and have trees for shade. There is a Long Day Care Centre in the school grounds, with pre-school and before and after school care. Toongabbie East is committed to the empowerment of students, staff and community and the provision of quality education for students through learning programs designed to be relevant and engaging. The school's aim is to develop in students a desire and opportunity to achieve their personal best and to gain a sense of personal worth, identity and independence. This is reflected in the schools motto "Achieve With Pride". As a participant in the PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) program the school teaches values and attitudes that support relationships and social responsibility. The school instils a sense of responsibility for students' own learning and a desire to make learning a lifelong activity. The students and teachers embrace the PBL values which is reflected in the safe and respectful school culture. Creative thought, investigation and collaboration is encouraged to explore the priority learning areas of English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Science & Technology. Quality teaching happens in each classroom and teachers continue to refine their skills while working with the schools Instructional Leader: a highly accomplished and skilled teacher. This ensures that each students' individual needs are identified and they are provided with teaching tailored to meet their need. The school maintains a strong fitness and health program, with physical education and gross-motor programs each week. Students almost always move through to Zone and Regional level, and have even represented us at State level in athletics.  Toongabbie East is well appointed with technology for learning and has interactive whiteboards in each classroom, video conferencing facilities, desktops in each classroom and library for students to use in addition to iPads, XO and Infinity laptops for each child to access. Through a generous grant from Wenty Leagues Club, our Hall is now equipped with a screen, projector and wireless PA system. We encourage creativity and aspire to capture each child's interests. Through support from the Arts Unit our school has aquired a variety of instruments to form a school band. Music lessons are part of our weekly program for all students. Our school is currently refurbishing an arts room and robotics area to offer further opportunities to our students during their school day.  The school's small enrolment allows close support of learners, resulting in excellent progress throughout the primary years. To ensure optimal success in English, the school employs a speech pathologist to work in each classroom, with small groups of selected students and to provide one-on-one intensive sessions with high needs students. Toongabbie East promotes a comfortable environment where each teacher and the Principal know every student. All students have an Individual Learning Program which is discussed with the parents or carer. Homework and home-school readers are encouraged. Toongabbie East maintains a good relationship with its parent community and enjoys parent support for fundraising, sports carnivals and special events. The school works with Karabi Community Centre to provide a breakfast program, homework support and holiday activities for students. Toongabbie East PS is part of the Nationwide Community Hub intiative in partnership with Settlement Services International. The school has four classes; K, 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6 class with evolving 21st Century style learning environments. Teaching staff comprise of classroom teachers, teacher-librarian, a teaching Principal, with two Student Learning Support Officers and an Instructional Leader. Our school provides quality teaching and learning programs with opportunities comparable to schools much larger. Toongabbie East PS is part of the Early Action for Success school initiative.  IMPORTANT NOTE: Toongabbie East Public School also hosts the offices of the Reading Recovery Training Centre, a Refugee Support Team team, a Network Specialist Centre and a Senior Psychologist Officer. The staff of these intiatives are counted in our MySchool staff tally but are not part of our teaching staff.