School Profile
At Footscray North Primary School, every student has the ability to learn and this occurs in a flexible and happy environment engendering positive self esteem and confidence. The school encourages all students to be responsible learners, gaining competence in curriculum across the eight key learning areas. Literacy, numeracy and the inclusion of technologies within the curriculum are a high priority. Specialist programs are offered in Physical Education, Art , Library, LOTE (Italian) and English as a Second Language, and there is a literacy acceleration program which includes Reading Recovery. A unique Oral Language program operates in what is named the ‘Chatterbox’. The Songroom (Arts/Music) program operates during Term 2 and Term 3.
Students are involved in a number of extra curricular activities including an Active After School sports and leisure program, After School Creative Music program, Lunchtime programs involving sports and leisure activities including gardening, chess, library, play pals. There are camps and excursions, interschool sport and a Junior School Council.
Highlights on the school calendar include:
- welcome bush dance
- an annual school concert;
- special activity weeks;
- learning expo week;
- a successful transition program for new Preps and Year 6;
- participants in the Bulldog Friendly Schools program;
- the songroom program in term 2 and term 3
- sporting clinics and competitions
- an art exhibition showcasing student work
The school encourages all students to be responsible learners, gaining competence in curriculum across the eight key learning areas. Growth of the whole person is a key philosophy. The school emphasises the importance of social welfare, encouraging a secure environment for all students and recognising that individual rights be protected. Respect for one another in a very diverse community, is a key value. Significant time and energy is placed on ensuring each and every student is catered for. A happy environment is a key target for the staff and students at Footscray North Primary School.
Location and facilities
Footscray North Primary school is situated in the suburb of Footscray, 9 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. The school enjoys extensive sporting and playground areas. The gardens are well manicured contributing to a pleasant ambience and environment. The grounds provide ample space for recreational activities and includes extensive adventure playground equipment, a cricket pitch and oval.
We have a current enrolment of 290 students. The classes are currently organised on a composite basis beyong Prep which encourages and enhances individual achievement and social development. The majority of the students come from the local area and the student population is culturally and linguistically diverse.
The school is well received by the community. Many enrolments come through parent recommendations. Parents are supportive of the school and parental participation in school activities and programs including classroom support programs, fundraising and school environment maintenance is greatly valued.
There are 14 classrooms, a hall, special facilities for first aid, PE, art and craft and a library/multi-media centre. The school shares a common boundary with the Footscray Society for the Aged. The Maidstone Junior Sporting Club and the school have a co operative joint relationship and share the tennis courts, the meeting room and a bus.