Bentleigh West Primary School

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About Our School

Welcome to our School Community

Welcome to Bentleigh West Primary School: a school with a proud community tradition of 84 years. We believe that the key to success for our children is achieved through a shared partnership between home, school and links with the local and wider community. From the very first day at school, Bentleigh West children enter a caring environment. Equipping our students with social skills, values and attributes is a vital component of our school curriculum and all aspects of school life at Bentleigh West P.S.School Purpose and Values:The school's agreed set of values are central to all policy and decision making. These values give emphasis to the cooperative and caring nature of the school's ethos, and promote recognition of a positive and persistent attitude with a strong sense of reponsibility and respect. Care: Caring for self and showing interest in, concern for and caring of others.Positivity:Approaching tasks with optimism and being enthusiastic about the future. Focusing on improvement rather than blame.Persistence: Striving for personal best; Accepting challenges; Trying hard and not giving up easily.Responsibility: Personal, Social, Civic and Environmental.(Responsibility for ones own action; Responsibility for the way in which one interacts and cooperates with others especially for resolving differences in constructive and peaceful ways; Responsibility for ones role in contribution to society; and Responsibility for one's role in the maintenance and preservation of the environment).Respect: Treating others with consideration and regard.The school's purpose is to develop each student's capacity to learn by creating flexible, dynamic and relational learning spaces where they feel valued and are given guidance, choice, ownership and the tools to explore their learning. At Bentleigh West Primary School there is a strong belief that true learning must be relevant, meaningful and applicable for all students to set goals, achieve their potential and be connected to their community and the world beyond. We personalise learning by focusing on teaching the individual child; not teaching a set the curriculum at every year level. Every child at Bentleigh West Primary School works towards individual learning goals which reflect their own next steps in literacy and numeracy and across the wider curriculum. We are steadfast in our pursuit of continuous improvement and we clearly understand the strong correlation between teacher learning and student learning.Both students and teachers are challenged in their learning:to be curiousto be creativeto discover answers and solutionsto transfer learning to new situationsto work collaborativelyto be reflectiveto develop passions and intereststo share learning with othersTo support our purpose the school has designed flexible learning spaces that allow for authentic team teaching and personalised learning. The school's facilities and resources have been deliberately developed to allow for a wide range of learning experiences which give opportunity for every child to find success and feel confident in their learning.

Facilities

Parent Info

21 Dec 2011.pdf

2012 Rugby Jumpers.pdf

student_enrolment_form.pdf

Sports uniform 2012.pdf

Grade 6 Graduation 2011.pdf

uniform_shop_order_form.pdf

Bakers Delight Christmas Fundraiser 2011.pdf

BWPS Calendar.pdf

2012 CALENDAR.pdf

2010 Annual Report BWPS-web.pdf

Summer Menu 2011.pdf

Implementation Plan 2011.pdf

Strategic Plan.pdf

School Council

Extensive Specialist

Extensive Specialist Programs

Digital Technologies

Physical Education

Science

Arts

Student Leadership

Environment

At Bentleigh West Primary School every child has an opportunity to 'shine' through the inclusion of extensive specialist programs. Teachers and Paraprofessionals work alongside one another to present authentic learning for students to develop their interests, talents and passions. These programs include:Performing ArtsVisual ArtsDigital TechologiesScienceHealth and Physical EducationStudent Leadership

Learning House Pages

Learning Houses

PREP

Grade 1/2

Grade 3/4

Grade 5/6

Contact Us

Bentleigh West Primary School

23 Brewer Road

Bentleigh

Victoria, 3204

Ph: (03) 9557 1228

Fax: (03) 9557 4103

bentleigh.west.ps_edumail.vic.gov.au

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Staff Member Contacts

School Council

School Council
Bentleigh West Primary School Council oversees the school within the Education Act and Regulations set down by the Department of Education and Early Childhood development, (DEECD), and consists of elected parent and community members, staff members and the Princpal. School Council has the authority to co-opt additional members when, and if, the need arises. The School Council, as the official management body of the school, is charged with theresponsibility of developing educational policies, maintaining the facilities and grounds, overseeing financial operations and ensuring a quality education for all our students. School Council elections are held every year, when approximately one half of School Council members retire. Members are normally voted onto School Council for two years. Our School Council consists of 12 representatives. Four members are Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) representatives, seven members are Parent representatives and one is a Community representative. School Council meets about eight times a year - usually the third Wednesday in every month. The Bentleigh West Primary School Council utilises a stong Subcommittee structure to ensure that designated areas of the school are being monitored and supported. Ideally, subcommittees consist of parents and teachers, with parents making up the majority of the members. Parents do not have to be a member of School Council to be a member of a subcommittee; however a School Council member must be present at Subcommittee meetings. Subcommittees may make recomendations to School Council. Subcommittees meet for approximately one hour every month. Subcommittees of School Council:Resources (Finance and Facilites)Marketing and CommunicationsEducation and PolicyEcoPerforming Arts

SCHOOL COUNCILLORS 2011.pdf

Staff Contacts

BWPS Staff 2011

cont.

Craig Johnson: Principal johnson.craig.a_edumail.vic.gov.au

Tim Newton: Assistant Principal newton.timothy.s_edumail.vic.gov.au

Leonie Brown: Assistant Principal brown.leonie.l_edumail.vic.gov.au

Tanya Elliot: Business Manager elliott.tanya.j_edumail.vic.gov.au

Jo Chapple: Office Administrator chapple.joanne.j_edumail.vic.gov.au

Sharon Delaney: Office Administrator delaney.sharon.j_edumail.vic.gov.au

PREP Teachers

David Tapp tapp.david.a_edumail.vic.gov.au

Jane Ypleaan ypelaan.terrin.j_edumail.vic.gov.au

Kirsty Arnott arnott.kirsten.k_edumail.vic.gov.au

Christina Robinson robinson.christina.m_edumail.vic.gov.au

Brooke Sacco sacco.brooke.e_edumail.vic.gov.au

Samantha Vella vella.samantha.s_edumail.vic.gov.au

Grade 1/2 Teachers

Rachael-Anne Burgin burgin.rachael-anne.r_edumail.vic.gov.au

Melissa Morris morris.melissa.c_edumail.vic.gov.au

Lauren Niles niles.lauren.l_edumail.vic.gov.au

Kirstin Sawyer sawyer.kirstin.j_edumail.vic.gov.au

Allison McKenzie mckenzie.allison.a_edumail.vic.gov.au

Hamish Dahl dahl.hamish.j_edumail.vic.gov.au

Amanda Howe howe.amanda.a_edumail.vic.gov.au

Jane Rybinski rybinski.jane.j_edumail.vic.gov.au

Grade 3/4 Teachers

Joanne Elliot elliott.joanne.j_edumail.vic.gov.au

Ann-Marie Kelleher kelleher.ann-marie.a_edumail.vic.gov.au

Lauren Macken macken.lauren.m_edumail.vic.gov.au

Amy Nash nash.amy.a_edumail.vic.gov.au

Diana Santaera santaera.diana.d_edumail.vic.gov.au

Grade 5/6 Teachers

Joel Aarons aarons.joel.j_edumail.vic.gov.au

Sharon Parsons parsons.sharon.s_edumail.vic.gov.au

Michael Frost frost.michael.m_edumail.vic.gov.au

Hannah O'Shaughnessy oshaughnessy.hannah.m_edumail.vic.gov.au

Ainslie Woods woods.ainslie.l_edumail.vic.gov.au

Specialists

Mick McMahon: Physical Education mcmahon.michael.t_edumail.vic.gov.au

Moira Dacy: Reading Recovery dacy.moira.t_edumail.vic.gov.au

Patricia Livis: L.O.T.E. livis.patrizia.p_edumail.vic.gov.au

Angela Jia: L.O.T.E jia.miao.m_edumail.vic.gov.au

Brooke Taylor: Multimedia taylor.brooke.b_edumail.vic.gov.au

Irene Apostolopoulos: Science apostolopoulos.irene.i_edumail.vic.gov.au

staff contacts01

BWPS Staff 2011 (cont.)

Learning Assistants

Sue McLeod macleod.susan.e_edumail.vic.gov.au

Gaby Doquile doquile.gabrielle.g_edmail.vic.gov.au

Katrine Lee lee.katrine.k_edumail.vic.gov.au

Integration Aides

Anne Spackman spackman.anne.a_edumail.vic.gov.au

Katrina Wickenden wickenden.katrina.k_edumail.vic.gov.au

Leah Mills mills.leah.l_edumail.vic.gov.au

Nick Armstrong armstrong.nicholas.w_edumail.vic.gov.au

Emmy Harvey-Jones harvey-jones.emmy.d_edumail.vic.gov.au

Deb Campbell-Parrish campbell-parrish.deborah.d_edumail.vic.gov.au

Liz Rogers rogers.liz.l_edumail.vic.gov.au

Suzanne Giacometti-Kingston giacometti-kingston.suzanne.k_edumail.vic.gov.au

Teacher Aides

Carla Brooks brooks.carla.c_edumail.vic.gov.au

Anna Robinson robinson.anna.v_edumail.vic.gov.au

Naomi Elliot elliot.naomi.n_edumail.vic.gov.au

Library Manager

Carmel Clydesdale clydesdale.carmel.c_edumail.vic.gov.au

Digital Technologies

Digital Technologies
Digital technologies play a major role in the teaching and learning at Bentleigh West Primary School. Through the use of desktops, laptops, iPads, iRivers and wireless technology across learning levels, students are empowered and connected to their learning in engaging and novel ways. Digital technology gives students great access to learning and greater choice and ownership over their learning.Using our multimedia facilities, students create and publish short movies, video clips, compose, record and release music, edit both photos and video, collaborate on global projects and share their creations with audiences beyond the school and across the globe. As well as our extensive facilites, the school has employed a multimedia expert who supports and challenges both students and teachers in the use of digital technologies.
Youtube

PE

Bike Ed

Interschool Sport

Twilight Sports

Swimming Carnival

House Athletics

Physical Education
There are many facets of Physical Education at Bentleigh West, including units on ball handling, fundamental motor skills, athletics, gymnastics, minor games and traditional games. Skills are taught in an inclusive way emphasising enjoyment and participation. As well as weekly Physical Education lessons students all set personalised fitness goals which they get an opportunity to practice throughout the week. Students in the upper level compete in interschool sport at district, division, regional and state levels. Interschool sport is played on Fridays against local schools and includes a wide range of sports. Swimming, Cross-Country, Athletics and Lightning Premierships in all sports are contested at the district interschool competition. The school runs house swimming and athletic carnivals for Year 3 students upwards. The annual Twilight Sports is a fun based after school event held early each year and is a highlight in the school calendar for all students and parents alike. Bike Ed commences in Year 4 and goes through to Year 6. Senior students also have the opportunity to participate in the Great Victorian Bike Ride every second year.As part of the school curriculum, each year all students participant in an intensive two-week swimming program. The school also runs user-pay lunchtime and after school activities in gymnastics and general sports.

Environment

Environment

Our School has a very strong and long standing commitment to the Environment. As such, Educating for Sustainability is integrated into our curriculum and practiced throughout every year level; empowering our students with the confidence and ambition to know they can make a differece to our world.We are a 5 star accreditated school, and lead by example by having the latest technology and engineering on site. From environmentally friendly 'smart' buildings, solar panels on every learning house and a wind turbine, Bentleigh West and it's students do all they can to reduce their Global footprint. Along with our Flexible Learning spaces throughout the school, we also have 'Learning Landscapes'. These are our outdoor classrooms and learning areas which are an excellent resource for environmental education. We have a vegetable garden, succulent garden, wetlands and our community green, and also a chook shed and turtle tank on site. We strongly encourage water saving by having 10 water tanks on site (potentially storing up to 500,000 litres), and spring loaded washers on all drinking taps. We've also installed Hydroshare software that notifies the Environment monitors if there are any leaks at the school. There is also a strong emphasis on the importance of recycling at school, with the provision of land fill bins, paper recycling bins, compost bins and co-mingle bins.As a result of our passion and hard work, Bentleigh West has been recognised on a number of occassions for our Enviornmental excellence and leadership. Please see the ever growing list below of our awards and accreditations so far: 2009Finalist 2009 Savewater Alliance Award - Education ProgramFinalist 2009 UN World Environment Day Award - EducationFinalist 2009 ResourceSmart Schools Award - WaterWinner 2009 Glen Eira City Council - Primary Environment AwardWinner 2009 Premier's Sustainability Award - CommunityWinner 2009 School Garden Awards - Region AwardWinner 2009 School Garden Awards - Pink Heath Award2010Finalist 2010 ResourceSmart Schools Award - WaterFinalist 2010 UN World Environment Day Award - EducationFinalist 2010 Banksia Foundation Award - EducationWinner 2010 Savewater Alliance Award - Education ProgramWinner 2010 ResourceSmart Schools Award - Community and PartnershipsWinner 2010 School Garden Awards - Region AwardWinner 2010 School Garden Awards - Pink Heath AwardWinner 2010 South East Water 'How Blue is Your School' Student Film CompetitionWinner 2010 Sustainability Victoria 'Futureshots' Student Film Competition2011Winner 2011 'Clean Up Australia Day' Student Film and Photo Competition

Student Leadership

Student Leadership

School Captains

SRC Captains

Environment Captains

ICT Captains

Huntley House Captains

Marriott House Captains

Thomas House Captains

Brewer House Captains

The school is committed to providing pathways for students to develop their leadership skills in authentic ways. Each year we make available close to 100 student leadership positions.These positions are:Grade 5/6School Captains (and Vice School Captains)SRC Captains (and Vice SRC Captains)Environment Captains (and Vice Environment Captains)ICT Captains (and Vice ICT Captains)House Captains (and Vice House Captains)Library MonitorsGrade 3/4Environment MonitorsICT MonitorsIn 2011 we will also be introducing Performing Arts captains.These student leaders support and teach other students and participate in such activities as:conducting assemblieswelcoming and showing around visitors to our school attending various leadership conferences presenting / speech making to students, teachers, parents and the wider community filming and photographing Special Events writing articles for the Newsletter and school community.

book a tour

Facilities

Our new Gym

Senior Playground

Vegetable Garden

Wetlands

Canteen

Junior Playground

Before and After School Care

Ampitheatre

Environmental Science

Plexipaving

TV Studio

$3\4 Learning House$ 3\4 Learning House

Facilities

arts

Across the Universe

Classical Band

$1\2 Art$ 1\2 Art

Performing Arts Week

Rock Band

PREP Art

Grade 6 Drama

Rock Band

Arts
At Bentleigh West, our Arts programs are split into two different streams; Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Performing Arts:Bentleigh West PS is committed to ensuring students are exposed to all aspects of the performing arts by outsourcing the teaching to professionals in the various fields such as singing, drama, percussion, dance and circus skills. Each year one facet of the performing arts is taught across the school, accumulating in year-level performances or a biannual major school production. In addition, the performing arts are integrated across the teaching of other curriculum areas. Students also have the opportunity to learn an instrument of their choice on a user-pays basis. The school provides pathways for students to pursue their talents and interests further through joining the choir, the rock band, the classical band, composing and recording music or participating in school assembly performances. After school drama and dancing classes are also available to students, on a user-pay basis. Visual Arts:As part of our school redesign we were able to set up visual arts facilities in each of our learning houses. This has given us the opportunity to not only provide a skills based visual arts program but also enables us to give students greater choice and better tools for their individual and collaborative project work. Not only will you see wonderful art displays in the learning houses, we have a community gallery where everyone gets to enjoy and appreciate all of the students works of art.

PREP

PREP

The Prep Learning House currently consists of 6 home groups, rotated through two vibrant learning spaces. Our dedicated and enthusiastic teachers provide rich learning experiences in a variety of subject areas. Our open-plan, learning environment includes a kitchen, 4 learning areas, TV studio, library and art area, all in one space. A separate building contains two more learning spaces. These areas provide the children with the opportunity to form relationships with many students and significant adults.LiteracyLiteracy in Prep encompasses childrens reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Children will have the opportunity to develop their literacy skills through;• Guided reading sessions• Shared and modeled writing sessions• Modeled handwriting sessions• Songs, big books, stories, poetry, Show and Tell, group discussions and share time • Investigations TimeInvestigations Time:Investigations Time currently happens on a Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. These sessions are a play and project based approach, which also involves explicit teaching sessions. This approach is highly engaging and motivating for the students as they direct some of their own learning and are able to make links with direct teaching sessions at later stages.After the sessions we conduct a sharing time where children are encouraged to think about what they have been doing and relate the activity to a new skill they have learnt or a skill they have been practicing. The opportunities for language (speaking and listening) are increased dramatically with this approach and the benefits flow into other parts of the curriculum such as reading, writing and mathematics.Numeracy:Numeracy in Prep consists of 5 components.Number: Number recognition, counting, counting groups, 1:1 correspondence, adding and subtracting, place valueSpace: Shape recognition, 2D and 3D shapes, directions, in front of, behind, opposite, left and right, symmetry.Measurement: Length, weight, (using informal measurement), volume, mass, time, money, pattern recognition.Chance and Data: Collecting data, surveys, using simple graphs, predicting the likelihood of something happening.Working Mathematically: Estimating, making theories, checking answers, using calculators, discussing strategies, using tools.

Science

Science

At Bentleigh West PS we encourage students to be to be curious, to be creative, to discover answers and solutions and to take actions. Our inquiry learning programs and in particular, our Science programs provide an excellent platform for students to develop these skills. For many years Bentleigh West has been a leading practice school in Environmental Science, winning many awards and providing many community partnerships and leadership opportunities for our students. (Please see 'Environment' for a full list of awards and partnerships). As part of our mission to foster enthusiasm for science education and grant students the opportunity to learn about science through a hands-on, student-centred approach, the school has set up a Science room and employs a scientist to work alongside students and teachers. In 2010 the school established a partnership with the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), the Australian Stem Cell Centre (ASCC) and John Monash Science School (JMSS) to implement Project 'BioEYES', hands- on approach to teaching primary school children about developmental biology through the use of live zebrafish.

Grade 12

Grade 1/2
In the 1/2 Multi-age setting, students are set learning challenges personally designed to move them through to the next stage of their individual learning pathways. The curriculum provides bench marks at all levelsthat act as a guide to help measure the rate of progress a student is making as they grow and develop. This also heps to identify the next steps for learning. A multi-aged approach respects the fact that students learn at different speeds as well as at different times. It is not realistic to expect that all students of a particular age are ready and able to learn the same thing. Fundamentally, multi-aged classrooms focus on learning rather than curriculum delivery. The level 2 team is divided into two sub-teams, each consisting of four teachers and four home groups. The two sub-teams plan and work very closely together to ensure consistency across the whole level. Teachers are responsible for all children in their sub-team but regularly meet, work with and assess the children in their own home group during the day. The Learning House is a shared learning area with different spaces set up to cater for different learning styles and experiences. It contains instructional areas for explicit teaching, withdrawal rooms for small groups and individuals, as well as larger group working areas and places for quiet, individual work or partner work. The learning house contains a wet area including a kitchen and art section, two interactive whiteboards and a library. We also work in other specialised spaces such as our Maths, Science and Environmental Science rooms. The teams are timetabled to rotate through the different spaces depending on the learning focus. All teachers welcome parent help in the classroom. Parent help usually begins part way through Term 1, which gives the children the chance to settle into their new routine. Teachers place sign-up sheets outside the classroom and will direct helpers on what to do and who to work with. The school's Reading Recovery Specialist runs an optional course that teachers practical strategies for helping in the classroom.

Grade 34

Grade 3/4
As the students move from 1/2 into the 3/4 Learning House, they are given numerous opportunities to build upon and develop their independence. From the beginning of the year there is a gradual release of responsibility at both a personal and academic level. In Years 3 and 4 children develop a deeper understanding of the relationships between school, home and the community. They are becoming more capable of concentrating on tasks for longer periods of time. Children are encouraged to be confident in discussing ideas, expressing opinions and listening to others at home and in the classroom. They understand that they need to work with others and be part of their class and school. The 3/4 Learning House provides access to a range of resources to cater for all learning styles and needs.In Years 3 and 4, standards are set in twelve areas of learning. The list below shows areas in which VELS standards (Victorian Essential Learning Standards) are set for assessment and reporting in these years. Physical, Personal and Social Learning:Health and Physical EducationInterpersonal DevelopmentPersonal LearningCivics and CitizenshipDiscipline-based Learning:The ArtsEnglishThe HumanitiesMathematicsScienceInterdisciplinary LearningDesign, Creativity & TechnologyInformation & Communications TechnologyThinking Process

Grade 56

Grade 5/6

The final stage of learning at BWPS is the progression to the 5/6 Learning Suite. Here students overlook the picturesque Melbourne city skyline and their previous learning houses that are surrounded by welcoming community greens and landscaped gardens. They are reminded daily of their journey from Prep to their current position as global learners and leaders in our dynamic award winning school.As our students transition from middle school to senior school, we offer opportunities to nurture and support their emerging roles as leaders in our school. To demonstrate their leadership skills, all students become a buddy to our newest school members, the preps. The students regularly meet with their buddies to develop and foster these extremely valuable relationships. Interschool sports begins early in Term 1 and every student participates in a sports team, to develop a sense of teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship. Students look forward to competing each week as this opportunity allows students to showcase their sporting talents, develop pride in their school and connect with other students from the local community. Students are provided with more leadership opportunities as the year progresses through programs such as Peer Support. This program enables Grade 5 students, our emerging leaders for the following year, to interact with and mentor students in the middle school. Students also participate in a range of interschool and extra-curricular competitions and activities such as interschool debating and Tournament of the Minds. Our diverse leadership program allows students opportunities to enhance their organisational skills and public speaking skills in the areas of School Captains, ICT monitors, Environmental monitors, Student Representative Council monitors and library monitors. In Term 3, the students continue to develop their sporting, team work and risk taking skills through the Bike Education Program, swimming and camp. In the final term, Grade 6 students participate in activities to support their transition to secondary school. These include the Moving Up program and visits from past students who are now in high school. The year concludes with a formal graduation dinner and ceremony to celebrate their learning journey and the positive contribution they have made to Bentleigh West Primary School.

Latest News
LATEST NEWS:Uniform Shop Helpers for 2012:We need some new helpers for either Wednesday mornings or Thursday afternoons next year. The commitment is only 1 or 2 half hour sessions per month! If you are interested in joining our friendly group of helpers, please cntact Jenny on 9557 3297 or jenny_noises.com.au for futher information. No experience needed, it's fun and easy! And best of all, you get to help your child's school and meet school families. Grade 6 Graduation Helpers:It has been a tradition for Grade 5 parents to help with serving and cleaning up at the Grade 6 Graduation each year. If you are able to help please contact Alison Clough at abclough_bigpond.net.auPlease remember to bring your dry items for the Salvation Army Christmas Drive by the end of school tomorrow (Thursday 15/12) DATES TO REMEMBER:Thursday 15th of December - Salvos Special Treat Icy Pole - Piano Concert at 3.00pm near the Oval - Bakers Delight orders sent home today - Grade 6 Graduation Meeting 3.45pm in 5/6 Learning Suite - Celebration Night 'Carols on the Green' 5.30pm - 7.30pm. More information in Newsletter.Tuesday 20th of December - Grade 6 Excursion to Luna Park - End of year class parties for PREP, 1/2s and 3/4sWednesday 21st of December - Grade 6 Graduation Ceremony - End of year class party for 5/6sThursday 22nd of December - Last Day of Term (school finishes at 1.30pm)

56 Gallery

5/6 Image Gallery

34 Gallery

3/4 Image Gallery

12 Gallery

1/2 Image Gallery

PREP Gallery

PREP Image Gallery

Enviro Gallery

Environment Image Gallery

'Closed Loop' Waste Audit

'Cool Melbourne' Cool Kids Day

Clean Up Australia Day

PE Gallery

Physical Education Image Gallery

Twilight Sports

Jump Rope for Heart

House Athletics