St Johns Park High School

St Johns Park High School was founded in 1978. It is a large comprehensive coeducational high school in South Western Sydney. It is a member of the Fairfield network of schools. The student population is culturally and linguistically diverse with more than 90% of students from non-English speaking backgrounds whose families come from more than 60 different homelands. Students speak more than forty-one different languages, with the predominant language backgrounds of: Vietnamese (31.4%), English (10%), Cantonese and Assyrian (8% each). 1% of enrolled students are Aboriginal. The school has an established reputation as a provider of quality educational services for a diverse community. Indeed the school is one of the most successful schools in NSW in terms of value adding for students. St Johns Park High School serves a low socio economic community and has an ICSEA value of 926 and a FOEI of 196. The staff profile is also characterised by its diversity of experience and cultural background. While thirty one teachers are accredited early career teachers, the school also enjoys a strong contingent of experienced teachers many of whom have taught at the school for more than a decade, bringing a healthy and vital balance of experience and youth. The school offers special programs for culturally and linguistically diverse students, students with learning difficulties and gifted and talented students. An after school homework centre where every student is welcomed, and staffed by qualified teachers is provided. Educational opportunities are enhanced by extracurricular programs. Student leadership is explicitly developed through the Student Representative Council, House, High Resolves, Max Potential and a range of other tailored options. Individualised learning is provided through personal learning plans and a Big Picture approach in Special Education, Year 9 electives and Years 11 and 12. Student wellbeing is central to the school's success. This is supported by comprehensive and effective policies, personalised approaches to learning, close attention to individual and small group needs, as well as the needs of the school as a whole. The school provides a safe and supportive environment where students can flourish. The school is modern and attractive. It has undergone significant refurbishment over the past seven years creating a high tech environment with well-appointed classrooms, staffrooms and specialist areas. There are extensive gardens, playing fields and a working school farm.