All NSW public school students have a right to an inclusive learning environment and to feel happy and safe at school.
Aboriginal student support
We are committed to closing the achievement gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. We know that we need to learn about, nurture and value the cultural identity of our Aboriginal students to help them be successful learners.
We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family members, parents and carers, as well as community members to our school so that we can get to know each other, learn about the local Aboriginal community and develop shared goals and plans for Aboriginal students.
The Aboriginal Education Policy confirms the NSW Department of Education’s commitment to improvement in educational outcomes and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Multicultural education
Our school welcomes students, families and community members from all cultural backgrounds. We appreciate difference and diversity and aim to provide a culturally inclusive and responsive environment that benefits all students.
Our teaching and learning programs develop intercultural understanding, promote positive relationships and enable all students to participate as active Australian and global citizens. Our school fosters student wellbeing and community harmony by implementing anti-racism and anti-discrimination strategies that encourage engagement by parents and carers from all backgrounds.
The Multicultural Education Policy outlines the NSW Department of Education’s commitment to providing opportunities that enable all students to achieve equitable education and social outcomes and participate successfully in our culturally diverse society.
The Anti-Racism Policy confirms the department’s commitment to rejecting all forms of racial discrimination in NSW public schools and eliminating expressions of racism in its learning and working environments.
For more information refer to:
Supporting English language learners
Learning English is essential for success at school and effective participation in Australian society. We can provide specialist support to help students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D).
For more information refer to: EAL/D education.
Supporting refugee students
Schools offer safety, support and security to help refugee students adjust to life in Australia and participate successfully in education. Targeted support strategies are provided to assist refugee students in NSW public schools.
For more information refer to: Supporting refugee students.
Learning support
The school’s learning and support team plays a key role in ensuring we meet the specific needs of students with additional learning and support needs, including disability.
The team:
- supports teachers in identifying and responding to the additional learning needs of students
- facilitates and coordinates a whole-school approach to improving the learning outcomes of every student
- coordinates planning processes and resourcing for students with additional learning and support needs
- designs and implements the support required to build teacher capacity so that all students access quality learning
- develops collaborative partnerships with the school, parents and carers as well as other professionals and the wider school community.
For more information on programs and services to help students with additional learning and support needs, visit Disability, learning and support.
Support Unit Transport
Children should arrive at school no earlier than 8:45am. A teacher is on duty at this time. Taxis pick students up at 2:45pm. Students are dropped off and picked up from the support unit hall and the support unit car park. Taxi drivers have been notified in writing that no child should be left unattended in the car/van.
Please ensure that you wait for your child outside your home in the morning and afternoon. Taxi drivers have been informed by transport that they should only wait for 3 minutes, then drive to the next destination. Students that are not on special transport finish school at 2:45pm.
Teaching and learningAll students in the support unit have an individual education program (IEP). Teachers program within the key learning area (KLA) framework. They are collaboratively developed by parents, school staff and therapists. The IEP will be updated as necessary by the planning team when targeted outcomes have been achieved.
Living Skills Program
Living skills is a component of the KLA in PDHPE (personal development, health and physical education). The living skills program aims to develop a broad range of skills, which will lead to a degree of independence in present and future living situations.
Program components include:
- grooming skills
- dressing and undressing (swimming)
- personal hygiene
- peer support lessons
- preparing simple meals and drinks
- community Mobility
- catching a bus/train
- moving around the community safely
- eating in a restaurant/cafe.
Money program includes:
- recognising coins and notes
- handling money in a shop
- keeping money in a wallet.
Parent/teacher meetings
Gardeners Road Public School welcomes parents and friends into the school community and looks forward to hearing your comments and contributions that continue to make our school a happy and positive learning environment. It is however necessary to make an appointment with your child's class teacher at a mutually suitable time if you wish to discuss their progress.
Personalised learning and support planning day
All parents/carers, therapists and teachers are invited in March to assist in the design of their child's program. The class teacher gives an overview of your child's assessment and progress. Parents and therapists are encouraged to contribute to the plan.
Reviews
Review meetings are usually conducted in August every year. Parents/carers, class teachers, therapists, the principal and district personnel are present. During this time an overview is given regarding your child's progress and any concerns or issues are addressed.
Homework
Gardeners Road Public School promotes the development of positive study habits, both at school and at home. The students in Year 1 through to Year 6 are provided with homework each week related to the current teaching/learning program being implemented in the class. The class teacher will provide the amount of homework appropriate for your child. Home reading is additional and is considered to be an ideal opportunity for parents to enjoy sharing the wonderful world of literacy.
Classroom assistance
You are a valuable resource. If you have any time available to assist us, please let us know.
Communication books
A communication book has been provided for each child in the support unit. Teachers will regularly inform you of things happening in the class. Please feel free to write in the communication book informing teachers/teachers' aides of any issues or concerns you may have.
Anti-bullying
Bullying of any kind is not acceptable in NSW schools.
The NSW anti-bullying website brings together information and resources for teachers, students, parents and carers. It helps to identify, prevent and respond effectively to student bullying, including online bullying. It provides information about online safety and what you can do if your child has been bullied, witnessed bullying or been involved in bullying.
For more information on anti-bullying strategies for NSW public schools refer to the department’s Bullying of Students – Prevention and Response Policy.
For information on racial bullying and anti-racism education for NSW public schools refer to:
Student leadership
Student leadership helps young people find their voices, participate in decision-making, and understand their rights and responsibilities as active citizens. It helps students have a real impact on their learning and school environment and prepares them to participate meaningfully in their community.
Students can be leaders in the classroom, through their actions in the playground, through their support for others, or their involvement in academic, sporting, cultural or local community events or projects.
For more information about opportunities in NSW public schools visit Student voice and leadership.