Choosing a school for your child is a very important decision especially when, in our particular region of Melbourne, there are so many strong and quality schools.
Glendal Primary School is a large multi-cultural school in Glen Waverley with excellent facilities. I have been the principal here for almost twelve years and have seen the school grow and develop over that time. We focus on continual improvement, meaning that we are always looking to improve our students’ learning environment and experiences. Importantly, we provide differentiated learning for all our students, supported by a strong student wellbeing program. Students engage in a range of high quality programs in many areas including The Arts, Science and Robotics, P.E. and Sport and Languages (French and Mandarin). We extend all children’s emotional and intellectual growth, supporting the learning of our gifted and talented students as well as those that need additional help, with a range of special programs and expert teacher support. New additions to enhance our Language and Performing Arts programs are Bollywood and Chinese dancing. Our dance groups are able to perform on our own stage at school assemblies and other events.
Our school is very well supported by our parent community and we work in partnership with our families to promote the educational growth, health and wellbeing of our students. Our Twilight Picnic, organised by our Glendal Parent Group, is held in early March and is a very popular community event. The Picnic is a wonderful opportunity for families to see students performing, meet other families and staff and generally have fun.
Our comprehensive Student Wellbeing program focuses on the value of Respect, underpinned by the qualities of Responsibility, Teamwork, Resilience, Community and Creativity. We take pride in our Health Centre where our school nurse takes a very proactive role in managing student allergies, health issues and First Aid and in promoting healthy eating habits.
Interactive technology is used as a tool to enhance learning across the school. We are continually expanding our Interactive Communication Technology equipment, resources and skills to promote engagement and extension in learning. Students, for example, have access to iPads, computers, laptops and, in the senior school, engage in making and presenting films. Robotics, for example, is a wonderful problem-solving program in which all students in years one to six participate. Our Foundation (Prep) students have been interacting with our humanoid Nao robot recently. Year five students program the Nao robot including designing a program where Nao dances to the old song YMCA. Our students can also perform Tai Chi along with the robot.
Our students are really quite delightful and keen to learn making our school a happy place to work.
Our website, www.glendalps.vic.edu.au is filled with more detailed information about our school, or, come and see for yourself on one of our school tours which start at the school office at 9.30am each Tuesday during term time.
Deborah Grossek
Principal
