KERANG South Primary School principal Lyn Veall is proud of the reputation as being a school for all students.
“It’s important for students to grow up and learn alongside a diverse group of children to build resilience, empathy, tolerance and the skills that are needed to be successful in the future,” the long-time principal said.
“There is always someone for everyone at South.
“As a school community, we work hard to create the warm, welcoming feel of a smaller environment – big enough to provide a broad range of programs and small enough so everyone knows each other.
“We encourage students to think of Kerang South as a big family where everyone cares about each other’s wellbeing, success and happiness.”
Ms Veall said this year, especially, the school was excited about its $2.9 million upgrade and modernisation building project, which was quickly progressing.
“This will ensure that we are able to provide 21st century learning in buildings and rooms that are modern and spacious,” she said.
“The students are especially looking forward to the new canteen-kitchen that opens into a big STEM room, where they will be able to do science, cooking, technology and other specialist activities.
“This was something they asked for when the planning first started. We hope to be in our new spaces by the end of this year.”
English, Maths and Science were a strong focus at Kerang South.
“We are a Better Buddies (Alannah and Madeline Foundation) school so every student has a buddy student and a buddy teacher to look out for their wellbeing,” Ms Veall said.
“Louie, our wellbeing dog, our Respectful Relationships program, welcome circles each morning, and mindfulness time after lunch each day across the school are supporting our students to build their strategies to be more resilient, calm and inclusive.
“In addition to our PE, Art, Music, Indonesian and tutoring programs, we have introduced specialist Science this year, which the students are loving.
“Students also have access to an extensive range of extra-curricular activities, which complement our classroom teaching, including sports clinics, camps and excursions at all year levels.
“Digital Technologies and ICT complement our explicit teaching; they don’t replace it. Our 1:1 iPad program in Grades 3-6 and extensive banks of school iPads and laptops will provide our students with the 21st century tools needed to develop skills in this area.
“We are using a large portion of our equity funding to employ educational support staff to provide numerous small intervention and extension support groups for students in literacy and numeracy from Preps to Grade 6.”
Ms Veall said many opportunities were provided for all students to develop their leadership skills from Prep to Grade 6, especially in the senior school, and allow them to voice their ideas and give feedback.
“We are very proud of the way our students take on many roles and responsibilities throughout the school in order to help it run smoothly,” she said.
“There are also many opportunities for parents to be involved in a variety of ways in the school. We have an active parent’s club and school council, who also help organise and run many fundraisers and special events for the year.
“We have just had a number of amazing Mother’s Day activities and our school cross-country. Parent participation in school activities tells our children that we value them and their learning.”
Kerang South Primary School’s open day is Wednesday, from 10am-11.30am, and all 2024 Preps are invited to a come and try afternoon with current Preps on Monday, May 15, from 2pm-3pm.
Contact the school on 5450 3900 for more details or to arrange a personal tour with the principal at any time.
Ms Veall said the best way to find out more about the school was to experience it personally through a visit.
