I welcome you to the Weld Square Primary School website and the 2012 school year. Our small school has a vibrant and supportive school community of children, staff and parents working collaboratively to ensure the best possible educational opportunities are available to all of our students from Kindergarten to Year Seven.

Whole school planning and target setting in Literacy and Numeracy has facilitated marked improvement in students academic achievement in all learning areas and will continue to be a focus in 2012.  Of 15 NAPLAN assessment tests, 5 were above the expected level of achievement; 8 were at expected level. Overall the level of academic attainment of our school when compared to the average achievement of other schools serving students from statistically similar backgrounds is strong. While the number of students tested in the year levels assessed by NAPLAN are small, 2012 data showed some remarkable progress for many individual students since their previous NAPLAN testing. Even more remarkable is that many of these  students come from non-English speaking backgrounds and arrived at our school with little or no English. I congratulate the students but especially the competent educators for providing excellent learning programs to enable these students to be successful learners.

The school’s curriculum is underpinned by a strong and effective pastoral care program. Values are explicitly taught via the “Virtues” program. The language of “Virtues” is used to affirm and counsel students. In 2012 the school will become part of the joint Australian and State Government  funded Kidsmatter program: a program designed to support the mental health and well-being of primary school students. The Bluearth program which has become an integral part of our school program will continue in 2012. The school employs an experienced Chaplain who has teaching and counselling qualifications. A Mentor/Youth Worker also  works with our senior students assisting them in developing the important life skills of team work and leadership. There is a strong belief by our leadership team that a positive environment enabling quality relationships will determine the quality of educational outcomes.

 Weld Square Primary School is a great place in which to work and learn, or just to visit. The atmosphere is one of warmth and care, with the school's motto of ‘Loyalty, Friendship, Respect and Excellence’ permeating through all of the school community's endeavours. I'm sure you'll find your time in our school community a satisfying, enriching experience and a real opportunity to develop strong support and lasting friendship networks.

Glen Cookson

January 2012             more...