Blackett Public School

Blackett Public School services a western Sydney community forming part of the Mt Druitt area. Established in 1971, and situated on a large site, the school provides strong literacy and numeracy initiatives as well as supporting the use of technology in all key learning areas. Student leadership and community participation are valued. Student wellbeing initiatives and the development of social skills strategies support students in their journey towards adulthood. The school is committed to providing the highest standards of education for each child by ensuring that all students are provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and values for effective participation in society. Blackett PS receives Equity Funding in the form of the Resource Allocation Model (RAM) in the categories of Equity Loading: Socio-economic Background, Aboriginal Background, English Language Proficiency and Low Level Adjustment for Disability. Early Action for Success (EAfS) supports improvement in student learning with a staffing allocation for an Instructional Leader and an Interventionist funded by Equity. Highlights of 2016 include the raising of student achievement levels by the continuing implementation of Early Action for Success (EAfS) K-2, Putting Faces on the Data (FACES) 3 - 6, Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) and Peer Support across the school.  In 2017 a Student Leadership Team will undertake special responsibilities including the formation of the Blackett Environmental Department, an initiative supported by Blacktown City Council focusing on creating a sustainable environment in the school. Other responsibilities will include a prefect team to support the school assemblies and Peer Play groups for K-2 children. Initiatives involve support from Family Links Mission Australia to establish a community garden the Drum Beat program, a Parent group and Playgroup for preschool children. Smith Family provides assistance with the Homework Centre and their Learning For Life Program. The Song Room project encourages student engagement Year 3 to 6 in the area of Creative and Performing Arts. A key project for 2017 is the Performing Arts Initiative allowing all students to have an hour of instruction across all Key Learning Areas with a specialist teacher funded by Equity. The school priorities focus on strong Literacy and Numeracy instruction K-6 and in the Support Unit, ensuring that all students reach their full potential. Community engagement is a priority for Blackett PS. Home school partnerships are valued, encouraged and supported through a range of programs and activities implemented by the Community Liaison Officer. Community involvement in school events and discussions focussing on the educational progress of students is encouraged. Community members are involved and contribute to a variety of school initiatives, including Positive Behaviour for Learning, Aboriginal programs and fund raising activities which benefit the whole school. All cultural groups are celebrated with a particular focus for Aboriginal students and community members, as the school stands on land of the traditional owners, the Dharug People. Community rooms have been established providing dedicated spaces for community members to gather and participate in the life of the school. Blackett PS has an effective working relationship with a number of government and non- government organisations supporting families and their children, who provide services, information and support for families across disciplines of health and education. It is an integrated service delivery model reflecting the strengths and needs of the local community. In 2017 the Blackett community have chosen to form a new Parent and Community body known as "Friends of Blackett" encouraging parents, careers, staff, students and the community to work together.