History
Bundarra Primary School is located in the City of Portland; the school was established in 1982 to provide for the increased enrolment associated with the establishment of the Portland Aluminium Smelter. The construction of the new permanent school buildings were opened on the 14th November 2003. The facilities are supported by extensive playing fields, playground equipment, and garden areas. In 2011, the Building Education Revolution allowed us to build a wonderful gymnasium.
The computer lab was established in 1997 and still plays a significant role in the ICT program with all students and staff developing word processing and information technology skills. Computers are up-dated every three years. Each classroom also has access to computers connected to a whole school network.
Playgrounds have been steadily upgraded, with a climbing area installed in 2018, sensory playspace in 2019 and an upgraded basketball court surface in 2021.
2021 plans include an additional Bike/ Fitness Track and an indigenous natural playspace to be created along Fawthrop Street.
Ethos / Motto
Motto: Be Your Best Self!
Purpose: Bundarra Primary School is focused on providing a rich, supportive and nurturing environment that enhances learning, personal growth and wellbeing for all students ; creates a collaborative and stimulating culture that supports continuous learning for all staff, and informs, involves and embraces our community.
Values: Are vital and determine how all members of the school community conduct themselves. As a school, we attempt to apply these in our everyday dealings with each other and in the development of our programs and policies. The following values are seen as being central to the life of our school and how all members of the school community should conduct themselves-
- Collaboration
- Positivity
- Integrity
- Inclusivity
- Kindness
We attempt to apply these in our everyday dealings with each other and in the development of our programs.
Enrolment
The current school enrolment is 140 students from the local neighbourhood and many ride bikes, scooters or walk to school. Some students do catch local town bus networks to get to school and we have a small proportion of children who catch country buses.
Students may enrol and attend school if they are five years old on or before 30th April that year. A child must, by law, attend school at the age of six (6). All enrolment forms need to be filled out before your child can attend Bundarra Primary School, we also require a copy of your child’s Immunisation records and Birth Certificate. We recommend students attend their closest neighbourhood school. More information on this can be found at Find My School:
https://www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au/
https://www.facebook.com/401843886529501/videos/882884072203049
Classes
The school has 8 classes; consisting of One foundation class, two grade 1/2 composites, two grade 3/4 composites, one Grade 4/5 and two grade 5/6 composite classes. The school aims to keep a 20:1 staff to pupil ratio in the junior classrooms, to provide students with a high level of individual teacher support.
Annual Implementation Plan
Bundarra Primary School boasts highly supportive and engaging classroom environments, which focus strongly on effectively structured ‘Literacy and Numeracy’ lessons and explicit teaching which is personalised to meet the individual needs of every student. Our 2019 Annual Implementation Plan details our focus to be:
- Goal 1- To improve outcomes in literacy and numeracy for all students Grades Foundation to 6.
- Goal 2- To build a positive climate for learning so that students are confident, healthy and resilient.
At Bundarra we truly understand the importance of building quality relationships between students, teachers, parents and the wider community. We pride ourselves on creating a safe and caring environment where Restorative Practices and our “You Can Do It” values program underpin and optimise the social, emotional and academic development of all of our students.
Our Community Liaison Officer, Principal and Learning Support Team play pivotal roles in supporting students and families in need of extra assistance. Our Well Being coordinator facilitates anti-bullying, friendship, self-esteem and parenting support. She is also happy to make a time for a quick coffee and a chat! We look to restore relationships using restorative practices (meeting with students to discuss the problem, solutions). We are a “telling school” where we want students to feel comfortable to share their concerns. We deal promptly and professionally with all issues brought to our attention. Our integration manager plays a pivotal part in our school to see that students with special needs within our school our supported, through special programs, Individual learning goals, Student support group meetings and transition through year levels.