TRANSITION PROGRAMS

Successful transition to school in Kindergarten and transition from Primary to Secondary education after Year 6 are supported by programs that focus on developing students’ skills, familiarity and confidence in the new school setting prior to Term 1. 

 The Transition to Kindergarten program is implemented over 6-7 weeks beginning in October before they begin school. Students and their carers attend school one morning per week and are involved in a range of activities designed to increase their confidence in our school setting and their awareness of issues that relate to starting school.

Year 5 and 6 students are regularly involved in activities with our local high schools over the year. These programs enhance learning that is occurring in Stage 3 classrooms and provide opportunities for students to become more familiar with high school routines and facilities.

SPECIALIST TEACHERS

Marrickville West Public School has a team of talented, dedicated and enthusiastic teachers. In addition to classroom teachers, the school offers specialist teachers who provide further programs to enhance student learning.

ESL (English as a Second Language) – Being able to use and understand more than one language is an advantage. If your child does not speak English, we have a specialist teacher at school to help your child learn the English language. We encourage families who are from non-English speaking backgrounds to continue using their native language with their child.

Support Teacher Learning (STL) – We have 2 STL’s who specialise in providing additional support for students in literacy and numeracy. These teachers work together with classroom teachers to identify students who are experiencing learning difficulties and then to plan a suitable program to assist them. Parents should not hesitate to contact the school with any concerns they may have in regard to their child’s progress.

Reading Recovery - This is an individual program for children in Year 1 who are performing below their grade level in reading and writing.  Reading Recovery teachers undergo intensive and ongoing training in this specialist method of instruction. Students eligible for Reading Recovery receive an individual lesson daily focusing on activities designed to develop skills and understandings that will address their specific learning needs.

Librarian – The Teacher Librarian is responsible for teaching information skills and developing student awareness of literature. They are responsible for maintaining the school’s collection of books and facilitating borrowing from the Library.

Teachers Aide Special (TAS) – assist in the implementation of individual educational programs and support for students.

SPORT

Marrickville West organises a variety of sports each term to provide a range of experiences and opportunities for skill development across all grades. Gross Motor Programs and PE programs are organised on a class basis. Teams represent the school in district gala days and inter-school competitions. Sporting activities this year include: Dance, football (oztag), soccer, netball, swimming and various school sporting experiences.

SPECIAL RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION (SRE)

SRE or “Scripture” is held at the school on Tuesday mornings. The classes run for 30 minutes and are conducted by local volunteers from registered religious organisations.

Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness, Combined Christian, Greek Orthodox and Moslem scripture classes are currently available at our school.

Students will continue to attend the scripture class nominated by their parents unless the school receives alternate instructions in writing.

Students whose parents have elected not to involve their child in available scripture classes will remain with their class teacher during scripture time.

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION

The Aboriginal Education Assistant (AEA) supports students and their families to access school programs and maximise learning opportunities. All students participate in activities developed to raise awareness and understandings of indigenous history and culture. The school is committed to:

• providing opportunities for increased parent participation in school
• recognition of local elders and celebration of N.A.I.D.O.C. and Reconciliation Weeks
• supported programs in Literacy, Numeracy and Aboriginal culture.

The Community Centre, in partnership with the school and IWAC, offers additional programs to families such as an ATSI Supported Playgroup and “Yarn Up”, creative sessions for families after school.

KEYBOARD LESSONS

Our students have the opportunity to participate in Keyboard Lessons run by the Primary Music Institute. Lessons are held at our school during the school day in small groups.

Primary Music Institute

Music is a wonderful means of developing learning and concentration skills in children, benefiting all areas of their education. They become more centred within themselves, regaining some of the things TV and video games take out. Music helps children develop the ability to work independently, increases self-discipline, improves self-esteem and confidence and gives them a life-long social/leisure skill. Group lessons also give children the opportunity to enjoy learning together, and facilitate duet/ensemble playing.groups.