Our school
is a large primary school with 1150 students and 110 staff members. The school
opened in 1994 to cater for the new developments in northern Gold Coast. Our
catchment area is generally the suburbs of Arundel and Parkwood although some
students live just outside our catchment. Our school grounds contain a number
of playing areas, multipurpose courts, and playgrounds for the children and our
ground staff endeavour to provide an aesthetic environment for the children
with gardens, scrubs and trees growing extensively through our facility. Courtesy of our P&C Association, all of
our classrooms are now air-conditioned providing relief from the extremely hot,
humid weather experienced during the summer months. We have an excellent
tuckshop and a uniform shop that provides an efficient service for parents.
Arundel is
proud of its academic performance as well as the strong extra curriculum
programs in place for the students. Academically
our focus continues to be reading, writing and numeracy. Our school has three
computer labs, a coding robotic teacher focussing on STEM (Science, technology,
engineering and mathematics), iPad classes in year six and a tech ambassador as
part of the Queensland Tech Schools Program.
A wide range
of extra curricula opportunities are available to students including dance and
drama excellence, choral group participation instrumental music, athletics ,
cross country and swimming plus opportunities to participate in inter school
sports such as soccer, rugby league, Australian Rules, touch football and
netball.
Our school
admin and teachers are always searching for the best practice to guide us in
the classroom. Data and best practice guide us as we review and trial new ways
of working. The Australian Curriculum guides our teaching programs and students
are assessed against the achievement standards of the Australian Curriculum.
Parents are
encouraged to become involved in our school through the P&C Association,
through tuckshop volunteering, through student banking and at fund raising
events such as school discos, fun runs and mothers’ day stalls.
Our school
has a large before and after school care and vacation care program called
Helping Hands, which operates out of the school hall.
Our school
introduced a new behaviour plan for the students in 2017. This is called
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL). Our school staff are always watching the
children to acknowledge positive behaviour and modelling of school rules by
distributing a token – an Eagle. After students earn 100 Eagle tokens they are
invited to a morning tea with the principal. These events are keenly sought
after by the children.
We only have
three school rules – be safe, be respectful and be a learner. PBL requires our
staff to explicitly teach these rules and each week we have a particular focus
for teachers to share with the children.
I am
delighted that you have chosen our school. I am confident that my deputy
principals will become familiar with your child and that your child’s progress
is closely monitored. At Arundel we do not want any student to go unnoticed –
regular data discussions between teachers and deputy principals and principal
and deputy principals ensures a rigorous process is in place to ensure “no child is left behind.”
Our school
has a large special education program with teachers and staff engaged to
provide support to children who have been diagnosed with a disability. Our
staff deliver support in the mainstream classrooms as well as in a withdrawal
situation.
Michael
Kelly
Principal