A FAMILIAR face to primary education in the district has returned.
Amanda Bradford will lead Koondrook Primary School’s 55 students following the retirement of respected principal, Jennie Callow.
“This is an exciting new challenge for my career at a great school in a beautiful learning setting on the banks of the Murray River,” she said.
Miss Bradford arrived at Koondrook following an acting principal position at Woorinen District Primary School for the last half of 2015.
Prior to that she was principal at Leitchville Primary School.
Miss Bradford is sharing classroom teaching in the 4/5/6 grade, whilst helping to lead the school’s new learning strategy, Walker Learning.
The Walker Learning Approach not only ensures that curriculum obligations for content and skills are maintained and enhanced but that this is achieved by teaching strategies that truly and effectively engage, empower and provide greater ownership and choice for students, according to Miss Bradford and prep teacher, Kate Donehue.
“This is a pedagogy that links the curriculum with the child’s interests. It is a personalised learning approach that increases the students engagement and motivation in learning and their ability to articulate what they are learning through investigations and education research projects.” Miss Bradford said.
She is also focussing on developing the school’s Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden project, whose benefits are seen at the monthly
Koondrook-Barham Farmers’ Market, where students sell fresh produce.
“This project gives the students the opportunity to practise their literacy and numeracy skills in a real life environment where the students will be dealing with money and conversing with the customers,” Miss Bradford said.
“This year we have also introduced a breakfast program at Koondrook Primary. The children have the opportunity to come along to school and enjoy a healthy breakfast of porridge, Weet-Bix, fruit and Milo each Wednesday and Thursday. A nutritious start to the day supports the children with their learning and promote concentration.”
Miss Bradford will continue her strong connections with nearby cluster schools, with the coming swimming sports and the years five and six camp to Melbourne in March.
