School Profile

Our Vision

At Billanook Primary School we aim to provide a caring and nurturing learning community that enables all children to access a curriculum which challenges them to achieve to their highest potential and that develops knowledge, skills and resilience to be successful in a rapidly changing world.

Our Core Values

Within our learning community our core values underpin teaching and learning, guide our interactions and relationships and are modelled in all operational processes of the school.

Our Core values are:

Caring and Friendship

Healthy self esteem is developed within a co-operative, friendly school environment. We show appreciation for the achievements of others and celebrate diversity. We express compassion, concern and friendship for each other to build positive, productive bonds between members of the community and to foster a strong partnership between home and school.

Justice and Fairness

Students are encouraged to be responsible for their own learning and behaviour and to respect the rights of others. We ensure that the principles of equal opportunity and access for all to participate are followed. We are committed to fairness and open, honest communication.

Personal Best

High standards of achievement are encouraged in all aspects of learning. We foster in children regard for their abilities in keeping with the school motto “Believe in Yourself”. Children are encouraged to set goals, take risks in their learning and complete tasks on time. They are encouraged to be enthusiastic, creative and determined to achieve.

Respect

We demonstrate mutual respect for others, property, our school and our environment. We are courteous and listen attentively. We respect the views and rights of others.

Responsibility

We aim to provide a co-operative environment where students can share responsibility for their own learning and behaviour. Children are encouraged to behave in a safe and sensible manner and uphold the Code of Conduct.

Teamwork

Working in co-operative teams to achieve team goals is fostered. Our TRIBES Agreements support and strengthen our team work. These are: attentive listening, mutual respect, personal best, appreciation/no put downs and right to pass.

Trustworthiness

We foster honesty, responsibility and integrity. Being supportive, including others and showing appreciation all foster a trusting and nurturing climate for learning.

Location and Demographics

Billanook Primary School is located 42 km east of the city of Melbourne in the picturesque foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. The school has a Student Family Occupation Density of 0.34. Children travel from Montrose and surrounding suburbs, including The Basin, Boronia, Kalorama, Kilsyth and Mount Evelyn.

Enrolment has steadily trended up over the last few years to a current enrolment of 495 students. We have very few students from non-English speaking homes but a greater diversity in cultural backgrounds. We value the range of views and traditions they bring to our school community. The school has a highly regarded program for the integration of students with disabilities and impairments.

The teaching staff is highly committed to achieving the school’s goals and strives for continuous improvement. The profile reflects a balance of experienced teachers and recent graduates. We are fortunate to have a gender mix to provide a variety of role models for children. Ancillary staff enrich our program provision and provide administrative support. Team ethos is strongly supported by all staff and is a key feature of the school.

Program Provision

Billanook Primary School is committed to maximising educational opportunities for all students in the eight key learning areas – The Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Languages Other Than English (LOTE), Science, Studies of Society and the Environment and Technology. Classroom programs are enriched and supported by specialist teachers in Library, The Arts (Visual and Performing Arts), LOTE (German) and Physical Education. Reading Recovery, Bridging the Gap, Maths groups and an Integration program provide support for children requiring special assistance.

The school strongly supports the Early Years Literacy and Numeracy programs and the Middle Years of Schooling initiative. We are part of the Yarra Valley Environs Innovations and Excellence Cluster which provides professional support for teachers and a range of curriculum opportunities for students. A computer network linking computers in all classrooms and a computer laboratory ensure Learning Technologies are integrated into classroom programs. The school is a trial school for the Sustainable Schools program.

Children participate in a variety of enriching opportunities facilitated through programs which include: TRIBES, Peer support and mentoring, Values program, Bright Ideas, Healthy Families, Stop, Think, Do program, Life Education, Turning the Tide Drug Education, Care for a Prep, Multi-Age Care Groups, Sunsmart, Foodsmart, Perceptual Motor program, Interschool sport, Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country, Afterschool Basketball, Musicals, Choir, Instrumental groups, Keyboard and recorder, Bright Futures and Gateways, Tournament of Minds, Futurekids computer program, Australian Schools English, Mathematics and Science competitions, Clubs, Toastmasters, Chess, Social Service activities, Transition Program and Christian Religious Education. Excursions at all year levels and a Camp program for Years 4 to 6 provide motivating direct experiences.

Opportunities are provided for students to participate actively in the life of the school and to gain leadership experiences. Roles include School Captains, House Captains, Student Council representatives and Gould League representatives.

Community Partnership

Parents and Staff form an active partnership in the policy decision making processes of the school, the delivery of quality learning programs and the promotion of a caring school community. An active School Council and Parent Club strengthen the community partnership. The involvement of parents in class programs, special events, fundraising and grounds maintenance is a feature of the school.

Effective communication between teachers and parents is facilitated through publications, newsletters, information sessions, personal contact, student reports, parent training programs and special events involving the whole school community.

An Out of School Hours Care program caters for the needs of children before and after school and on Curriculum Days. We also conduct a local Safety House network. In 2004 we commenced a Walking School Bus promoting fitness for children, sustainability, and engendering a community spirit.

Facilities

Billanook Primary School has modern, attractive classrooms, built as part of a facility upgrade. The school is well equipped with a Music Room, Art Room, spacious Library and computer centre, Hall and Canteen.

The grounds are well maintained and children are actively involved in planting and caring for the environment. Caring for a vegetable patch and utilising composting support our Sustainable Schools program. An oval, basketball courts, playgrounds, shaded sandpit, outdoor chess tables, shaded seating areas, art installations, cubby, minor games asphalt area and natural gully provide an attractive school environment for learning.