Marie Bashir Public School

Marie Bashir Public School is situated towards the end of a cul- de- sac at 159 Albert Road Strathfield. The school's parkland environment consisting of an oval, two tennis courts and two cricket pitches as well as its newly refurbished classrooms provides an attractive and welcoming environment. Marie Bashir Public School serves a community which values and appreciates quality education. The school opened with 67 students in January 2014 and now has an enrolment of 397.  Its student population is established from the Strathfield area. Marie Bashir Public School provides strong foundations for students with an emphasis on excellence in literacy, numeracy and student engagement.  Best Start data, NAPLAN and the literacy and numeracy progressions provide a strong framework for literacy and numeracy achievement. The school has an effective learning support team, delivering strategic support to a range of students with learning needs. Marie Bashir Public School's focus is on developing a learning community which achieves high quality outcomes. This is done as students, parents and staff work together and are committed to building a school of which the entire community are proud. Marie Bashir Public School has committed staff who continuously work towards providing a caring and supportive environment where all students are able to develop a sense of self- worth with tolerance and compassion for others. The school motto, learning today, leading tomorrow, defines our philosophy in fostering leadership and encouraging students to become responsible for their behaviour and learning. Marie Bashir Public School's Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) plays an important role in providing support to the school's programs. Our strong partnership with our school's community promotes the educational, personal and social needs of all our students.  In 2016-2019, the Parents and Citizens Association together with the school were successful in obtaining a grant, from the Packer family and Crown Resorts Foundation, for an Arts initiative which has allowed the school to employ a creative arts specialist teacher three days per week and purchase resources. The students from Lucas Gardens have access to this program for a session each week. A Before and After School Care program has been operating on the school premises. The teachers at  Marie Bashir Public School promote leadership, academic achievement and independence. Students are exposed to technological advances in learning delivery. Teachers are trained in Self Organised Learning Environments (SOLE). Upgrading our wireless technology access and purchasing iPads for each stage provided the platform for self-directed learning and inquiry based classroom environments. Stage 3 students at Marie Bashir  participate in the MyScience program instigated by Dr Anne Forbes at Macquarie University. MyScience is a primary school science and technology program, providing support between primary schools, high schools industry/business and university sectors. Students work collaboratively to conduct 'hands on' science investigations and 'fair testing' with assistance from mentors in the school and local science community. Students also have the opportunity to become involved in sport, dance, music, drama and a range of other activities to help them become well-rounded and successful members of society.  A specialist music teacher is employed to teach the students in Years K-6 one day per week. Music tutors are organised before and after school. Instruments taught include: piano, violin, drums, guitar and saxophone. The students perform at an annual music recital. The school choir and orchestra meet once a week.  It includes students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Performances include: school assemblies and the 'Our Spectacular' at the Sydney Opera House. Our experienced, committed staff,our clear focus on student wellbeing and the attractive school setting mean that students feel welcome and secure in their learning environment. Support services exist at the school such as EAL/D (English as a Second language and /Dialect) and LAS/T (Learning and Support Teacher).