Established in 1988 Croydon Hills Primary School stands proudly in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. This wasn’t just any school. Croydon Hills Primary School was Victoria’s first school built by a commercial builder not the Public Works Department. This innovative approach resulted in stunning original buildings that still serve as excellent learning spaces today.
Imagine Ken Baxter the school’s first principal conducting the very first assembly. The building was nearly finished just needing a few final touches. A school brochure was created as part of the planning process. The Croydon Mail even ran an article about the school’s opening. The staff list from 1988 is fascinating some names still appear on the casual staff list today. Those original courtyard bushes remain too.
Croydon Hills Primary School now boasts 742 students. It offers a holistic education. The school fosters a friendly supportive environment for everyone. The school believes in a shared responsibility for education. The partnership between school and home is highly valued. The school is well-regarded in the wider community.
The school emphasizes health and wellbeing. Social-emotional skills are developed through Positive Education and Restorative Practices. English and Maths teaching follows the Science of Learning. Skills and concepts are applied through engaging units of study. These units align with the Humanities and Capabilities of the Victorian Curriculum.
Special programs enrich the learning experience. These include Physical Education Visual Arts Performing Arts Library/Digital Technology Indonesian and Science. A Learning Enhancement team supports literacy and creates individual educational plans. A Student Wellbeing team provides support to students and families.
Student voice and agency are important. A Year Six Student Leadership team represents the student body. This includes School Captains and captains for various areas like Visual Arts Performing Arts and more. The Junior School Council also plays a key role. Two JSC representatives report to the School Council monthly.
Extracurricular activities abound. Students can participate in Choir Rock Band Art Club Interschool Sport and more. The school develops a global perspective and intercultural understanding. The school respects its indigenous heritage. Indigenous and cultural themes are prominent in the school’s art which adorns the grounds.
The school is well-resourced technologically. Every classroom has Apple TVs MacMinis Chromebooks and iPads. A fully equipped computer lab contains 26 HPs. Years Five and Six students use a 1:1 take-home device program. This extends learning to home through Google Classroom.
The school’s three-hectare site includes a range of buildings and facilities. It borders Yarrunga Reserve. Students frequently use this reserve. The reserve features walking trails wetlands a playground and more. The school choir regularly sings for the Yarrunga Retirees at the Yarrunga Community Centre.
Parents are actively involved. They work alongside teachers on excursions and camps. Parent groups like CHAPs and MOTHs support the school. CHAPs organizes fundraising events. MOTHs supports fathers and male role models. The school manages the Canteen Uniform Shop and Out of School Hours Care. Croydon Hills Primary School truly is a vibrant and thriving community.