Principal's Welcome Message

AMPS for many years has provided quality, student centred education that will improve Student Learning Outcomes.

Altona Meadows Primary School is committed to developing each child’s potential.

Guiding Principles

The school is committed to an educational environment where:

• Children are challenged to achieve excellence relevant to their learning ability.
• The rights of all individuals are respected and co-operation and responsibility are encouraged.
• Teaching and Learning strategies promote students as confident, self-extending learners able to make decisions, solve
  problems and think critically and creatively.
• A sense of pride in self, school and community is encouraged.
• A co-operative and supportive partnership is maintained between staff, parents and students.
• There is a strong commitment to professional growth and development

The whole school community believes in the need for students, teachers and parents to have a caring, supportive and challenging school environment where individual’s personal safety is respected and nurtured and they are able to participate in all aspects of school life.

An active partnership between staff and parents helps promote a comprehensive and inclusive curriculum that actively involves all students in stimulating, integrated learning programs that are purposeful and meaningful.

Facilities

During 2001, 2 buildings were constructed consisting of 10 general-purpose classrooms. We still have 3 mod 5 classrooms. ALL classrooms including Library, Computer Lab, Art Room and Hall are now air conditioned.
Secure grounds include adequate sealed play areas, a large oval, extensive shaded areas, a large open shelter and developing garden areas. All are encompassed within a 3-metre high perimeter fence. We have 3 new playgrounds for Grade Prep, Grades 1 & 2 and a Grade 3 to 6 area. Children are able to borrow a wide range of sporting equipment from the sport’s shed each recess and lunchtime. We have a fitness track on the oval. The front of school development and gazebo area provide areas for passive play.
Altona Meadows Primary school’s student enrolment is currently 345.

Curriculum

The principles that direct the school’s educational policies and programs are:

• the achievement of high standards of learning
• equality of educational opportunity
• the achievement of success
• flexibility and adaptability
• extending students to their individual potential by encouraging, recognizing and rewarding achievement and effort
• developing in students qualities and life skills such as reflective and inquiring minds; resilience, confidence and hope; problem solving and creativity; communication and interdependence; responsibility and negotiation; decision-making and independence
• providing a cooperative environment where students can share responsibility for their own learning, behaviour and health
• maintaining and managing the integrity of the school’s physical environment
• using appropriate learning technologies to enhance communication, the delivery of curriculum, access to information and management and administration.
• the development of a comprehensive Transition Program for Year Prep and Year 6 students.
• staff & programs
• specialist programs

Support Programs

To support these curriculum areas, the following enrichment and special assistance programs are provided: Reading Recovery grade 1 and follow up in grade 2; Pupil of the Week, Specialists Award for Grade of the Week, a school wide Values Program; Health and Human Relationship Program; Parent classroom helpers training

School Charter/Strategic Plan

Altona meadows Primary School has developed a Strategic Plan 2007 – 2010. This is supported by an Annual Implementation Plan.

Computers

Late in 2005 the school leased 45 new computers. A lab of 30 networked computers in a newly designed computer lab is a feature of the school.
In 2007 the school leased 27 notebook machines which are stored on three trolleys. These machines are timetabled across the school for all classes to use.

Staff & Programs

The school is fortunate to have a balanced blend of experienced senior staff and new enthusiastic graduates. As part of the Go For Your Life Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden we employ a cook for two days and a gardener for one day.

Some of the exciting programs on offer include:

• Clubs program - Grade 2 - 6 - chess, drama, self defence, woodwork, gardening, yoga & drawing.
• Peer Mediation - whole school approach
• Fitness Track - health/aerobic fitness
• Middle Years Literacy & Numeracy emphasis - grade 5/6
• Homework Help - after school - grade 5 & 6
• Early Years Literacy - grade 3 & 4
• Early Years Numeracy - grade 3 & 4
• Buddy Program - Prep & grade 6
• PMP (Perceptual Motor Program)
• Swimming - Prep - 6
• Interschool sport -Upper school
• SRC (Student Representative Council) Prep - 6
• Hobsons Bay Junior Council - grade 6
• Drug Education Program Prep - 6
• After School Recorder Program
• Recorder Group
• Compass Awards (Duke of Edinburgh)
• Active After School Sports Program
• Numerous sporting clinics
• Camps & Excursions
• Walking School Bus: two mornings per week
• Go For Your Life Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program: Grades 4-6

Feel free to contact the school to discuss any of the above programs.

Specialist Programs

Specialist programs may change on a yearly basis. Currently we have specialist programs in Library, Art, LOTE (Italian), Information Technology (computers) and Physical Education.

Other Features

We are:

• An Asthma Accredited School
• Fruit Club - Tuesday & Thursday before school
• Breakfast Club - Friday before school.
• Hobsons Bay, "Best School Garden Award 2004"
• Performance and Development Accredited School 2007

Bill Reid
Principal