Learning

Information, research and Library + Centre for information and resources

Digital Literacy & Library
(Information Literacy – Research and library skills)

The library at Fairhills Primary School is located in our central space – The CORE, and is the hub of learning for the school community.

The library is an important part of any student learning whether it be to support reading development, class units of inquiry or to develop and maintain an individual interest. An integral part of library sessions is learning information literacy skills. Within the library and in the classroom the students develop skills to find information. They are then able to evaluate that information and use it appropriately. Library skills are an important first step to learning research skills. Learning to use a library supports the progression of becoming Information Literate in a society abundant with information. Students begin this lifelong learning process by exploring the large collection of books by hand and progress to searching the library catalogue to locate the resource they require. This also helps to develop an appreciation of literature. By the time they are ready to move on to Secondary School, skills learnt are transferable to navigating other libraries and the internet for their information needs.

Students are encouraged to use the library as they require and you will often find small groups “popping in” to grab books. Autonomous library use is extensively encouraged!

Co-Curricular

Fairhills Primary School students enjoy other activities on offer:

Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)

Perceptual Motor Development refers to a child’s ability to receive, interpret and respond successfully to sensory information. The program is designed to develop physical skills and fitness through activities that require the use of cognitive, physical, social and communication skills. PMP runs for one hour per week over several weeks and involves small student groups working their way around a circuit of pre-determined activities. Each activity utilises specialised equipment and is supervised by a teacher and parent helpers. All Foundation(prep) students and some Year 1 students participate in PMP.

Swimming Program

Swimming is a fundamental part of our Physical Education program. All students from Foundation(prep) to Grade 6 are offered the opportunity to participate in two weeks of intensive swimming classes at Genesis Swim School. Classes are 45mins long and students walk to the swim school accompanied by teachers and parent helpers. Classes are run by accredited swimming instructors and all students are taught according to their individual skill levels. The focus of our swimming program is on water familiarisation, swimming technique and water safety. From Grade 3, students are invited to represent Fairhills Primary School in District Swimming Carnivals.

School Camps

School Camp is fun and often the first experience that students have of staying away from home/family. Between years 3-6 students are able to participate in two city and two adventure camps. This provides new learning opportunities in a safe environment outside the school setting. We are looking to expand our camping program to include our Junior School students and provide a camping experience to prepare them for Grade 3 camp. This may involve pyjamas, BBQ, Movie and a sleep over for our Grades 2s at school. Stay tuned!

School Performance

Fairhills Primary School proudly presents a performance every year. This alternates between circus and musical drama. All students, from Foundation(prep) to Year 6, are involved in the preparation, rehearsals and presentations. Students experience new learning opportunities which include dancing, singing, circus and stage skills. They practise memorising information by using clear communication skills, team work and commitment.

Music Lessons

Fairhills Primary School believes that Music provides excellent skills such as memory, attention to detail, listening skills and commitment. We offer keyboard, guitar and singing through private qualified tutors

Extra Curricular

We also offer the following additional activities:

• Lego Club
• Library Open
• Craft Club
• Year 6 Leader activities
• Hooptime
• Garden Club
• Speed stacking

EUROPEAN LEARNING EXPERIENCE 2018

The students of Fairhills Primary School did a wonderful job of representing themselves, their families, our school and the State Education system whilst travelling across London, Paris and Northern France.

During the first week the students enjoyed a homestay in Stoke Newington LONDON.  The students became part of everyday family life and experienced being a member of the Grazebrook Primary School. Excursions were held each day and the following places were visited:

• the Bank of England Museum
• the Natural History Museum
• the Emirates Cable Car
• the Sky Garden
• Buckingham Palace
• the Science Museum and
• the Crystal Centre

The agreed highlight for our students was Buckingham Palace!

The second week of the Learning Experience centred on Paris and Northern France. Students visited:

• the Louvre
• Montmartre
• the Eiffel tower
• the Arc de Triomphe and
• Disneyland

During the last weekend of the overseas learning experience, the students were able to participate in the Australian / French 100^th Year anniversary celebrations marking the end of the First World War. This important event took place at Villers-Bretoneux, a French village with a long history of working with Victorian students, in particular, those from their sister school Robinvale Primary School. 

This day was a highlight of our time away and the new John Monash underground museum and education program were excellent.

The overall learning experience was invaluable for our students. Inter cultural understandings, tolerance and independence as well as the experience of travelling by plane, overground and underground trains and buses, highlighted life outside KNOX Ferntree Gully.

The students were wonderful ambassadors of the school and represented us all with confidence and pride.