Principal's Message

At Parktone Primary School we have transformed traditional classrooms into 21st century global learning centres. By knocking out a few walls classrooms have been expanded to provide more stimulating teaching and learning spaces. Teachers and children have continuous access to Information and Communication Technology and access a world of knowledge through banks of computers and SMARTboards. It is amazing how coloured paint and the re-organisation of furniture can transform a classroom into a highly stimulating space, which caters for a wide range of teaching and learning styles.

In 2008 the school community celebrated the official opening of the Senior School Learning Centre comprising two classrooms, office, large common room and more private study areas. Once an old and minimally used library, the Senior School Learning Centre has become a state-of-the-art facility. SMARTboards in each classroom, banks of computers, reading instruction areas, group work stations, private study tables, colourful bean bags, book shelves, magazine stands and games tables in the common room have made the space a rich learning environment.

The children are taking great pride in their learning centre. They are developing a more sophisticated approach to their learning as teachers lead them through negotiated curriculum tasks and provide inquiry-based learning frameworks. The centre and teacher management are providing the senior children with the best possible preparation for their transition into secondary school.

Just like the Year 5 and 6 children the Preps have highly stimulating spaces which cater for a wide range of learning styles. A world of knowledge is at children’s fingertips through a bank of ten computers and a SMARTboard, which the Preps call the window to the world. There is an art and craft area, sinks, reading nooks, a maths corner, water and sand play areas, an office and internal toilet. Vibrant paint colours create a positive and playful atmosphere. The learning environment now matches the outstanding quality of our teachers.

Parktone Primary School is the home of G.A.T.E.WAYS (Gifted and Talented Education). The After-school Community Sports program continues to excite the children two afternoons each week. The Kids Hope Mentoring program is proving to be a great success again this year. Guitar tuition, Choir and the Performing Arts programs continue to develop artistic skills and promote student’s confidence.

Recently we have made significant changes to our school. Together we have worked on many fronts including the development of beautiful gardens, maintaining well kept grounds and creating new and highly stimulating learning spaces. The children are enjoying their new and vibrantly coloured Art room. The Preps are excited about their new and warm learning centre with computers, a SMARTboard and a variety of activity areas. The Year 5 and 6 children and teachers are maximizing the use of computers, SMARTboards and flexible learning spaces to achieve outstanding results in teaching and learning. A number of principals visited our school recently and have since spread the word that Parktone Primary is an innovative school with a positive energy. Education Department representatives have also visited and expressed their excitement and congratulations as we have created and celebrated significant milestones. Together we are achieving our goals. Together we can stand tall and be proud.

The Parktone school community has a powerful synergy and its spirit is radiant!

George Danson

Principal