Gazing across Brewer Road you can’t help but admire Bentleigh West Primary School. This isn’t just another school. It is a place with a rich history and commitment to the environment.
Bentleigh West Primary School was established in the 1930s. Interestingly it was named Bentleigh West. This was despite the lack of a suburb with that name. Living on the western side of Bentleigh was considered more fashionable back then. It was closer to Brighton East and Brighton.
The school stands proudly in the City of Glen Eira. It is about 13 kilometers from Melbourne’s city center. Bentleigh West Primary School offers education from Prep to Grade 6.
The school has won several environmental awards. It earned the Australian Sustainable Schools Accreditation 5 Star Award. Bentleigh West also received Water Wise Accreditation. The Water – Learn it. Live it. accreditation is another achievement. In 2005, it was the Regional Winner of the State Gardens Award.
Bentleigh West Primary School received a greening grant in May 2005. It was one of ten schools selected by Greening Australia. In 2007, the school was recognized at the Savewater. Awards for its educational programs.
In 2015, Bentleigh West won ResourceSmart Water School of the Year. It was a finalist in the Community Leadership category. The school was also nominated for overall School of the Year. Mrs. Brown was nominated as Teacher of the Year.
Speaking of faculty awards, Leonie Brown is a standout. She coordinates the school’s environmental program. Leonie won an Australian Scholarships Group Community Merit Award in 2005. Sarah Asome won the Outstanding Primary Teacher Award in 2015. She was recognized for her work in dyslexia.
Even in sports, Bentleigh West shines. Theodore Petrakos won a Victorian School Sports Award in 2006.
Bentleigh West Primary School was a finalist for the Outstanding Inclusive Education Award in 2015. The school also received Performance and Development Culture Accreditation.
The Paul Jennings Award encourages young writers. Grade 5 and 6 students write short stories. Each story must include a sentence from a Paul Jennings book. The best story wins the award. The medal is presented on the last day of Term 4.
Bentleigh West Primary School boasts notable alumni. John Romeril is an Australian playwright. Paul Jennings is a celebrated children’s author. Georgie Stone is an Australian transgender activist. Jeffrey Walker is an actor and director.
The principal of Bentleigh West Primary School is Steven Capp. He took the position in 2020. The school encourages parents to be active partners. They assist with reading, writing, math, and cooking. Parents also help with sports and special events.
Bentleigh West Primary School has a strategic plan and annual report. These documents outline the school’s goals. They also show its commitment to student success. The school has strong values and a focus on student wellbeing.