Curriculum

Framework
Religious Education
Health & Physical Education
Special Education

The Victorian Essential Learning Standards:

The Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) will continue to be implemented in 2007 and describes what is essential for all students to achieve from Prep to Year 10 in Victorian Schools.  The Learning Standards provide a framework for planning the whole school curriculum by setting out the standards for students to achieve in core areas.

Key features include:-

• Solid grounding in the basics which prepares children well for secondary school (classroom emphasis on literacy and numeracy, RE and Pastoral Care)
   
• Health & Physical Education
  Water Safety / Swimming Program Prep to 6
  Sport (including House and Interschool Carnivals)
  Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)
   

• The Arts
  Lessons in Music/Dance/Drama
  Choir preparation
  Private Instrumental tuition
   

• Library -  well resourced, computerised, modern facility.

• Information/Technology - a new up-to-date computer lab.

Religious Education:

The Religious Education Program is the focus of the child’s life in a Catholic School and is the reason for the school’s existence.

• The Religious Education Program is based on Diocesan Religious Education Curriculum, Journeying Together in Hope, which is co-ordinated to meet the faith level of each child.

• Prayer, scripture, religious knowledge, morals and church tradition are taught during daily religious instruction.

• Catholic children are prepared through Parish-based, school-supported, and family-centred programs for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation

• Frequent class Masses, liturgies and whole school Masses take place.

• Parents are urged to be as fully involved as possible in the total Religious Education Program including regular liturgical celebrations.

• The Parish Priest is available by appointment for specific needs of adults and children.      

• The FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAM based on Christian values, is presented in the Parish every second year.  It aims to promote the worth and dignity of each child, expressed in love and healthy relationships.

Sport and Physical Education:

St. Thomas’ has excellent facilities for sport and physical education classes.  As well as regular class lessons and sport afternoons the school offers:

·               A Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) for Prep children.

·               Swimming classes for children during term 4.

·               School carnivals in swimming, athletics and cross country.

·               Huff & Puff—10-15 minute daily exercise program

Sport and Physical Education are an integral part of the school’s curriculum and all children are expected to participate unless a medical certificate is forwarded explaining exemptions. In all sporting endeavours maximum participation and the development of sportsmanship are emphasised and encouraged.

Swimming, athletics and cross country running skills are programmed in preparation for annual school, district and inter-school level competition carnivals, and children are also able to enjoy friendly sports matches with local schools.

Houses:  All children are organised into school houses.  There are three Houses - McMillan (blue), Gipps (red) and Strzelecki (green).

Special Education

Special Skills:  Special skills lessons are available on a part-time basis for those children who may require extra assistance in various areas of the curriculum.

Reading Recovery:  We are extremely fortunate to have the Reading Recovery program working effectively in our school.  Reading Recovery is a school-based, early intervention program which focuses on children who, after one year at school, despite quality classroom programs, are not underway effectively in reading and writing.  The child chosen for inclusion in the program works daily for thirty minutes with our trained Reading Recovery teacher to increase/improve reading skills and strategies until the child reaches a satisfactory standard.  After completion of the program the child’s reading and writing standard are monitored on a regular basis by the class teacher and the Reading Recovery teacher.  Parental permission and support of the program at home is a pre-requisite for child participation.

Learning Assistance Program (LAP):  LAP is a program where a volunteer works for a minimum of two sessions per week on a one-to-one basis with a child with special needs, socially or academically.

Library:

Borrowing:  All children borrow books regularly from the school library. 

Library Bags: All children must use a library bag for borrowing and returning books.

Lost or Damaged Books:  A replacement cost would be appreciated.

Bookclub: This is organised by  Scholastic for Years Prep to 6, approximately four times a year.  Children receive an order form  with titles suitable for their age group.  On receipt of the order and money, a school order is placed and the books are distributed about ten days later.  The school library receives commission vouchers on all sales.

Cultural Experiences:

St. Thomas’ provides for its students a creative Arts policy that reflects the individual characteristics and needs of our school.  It aims to enable its students to experience a broad range of Arts experiences in a regular, planned and co-ordinated way. A balanced program is offered in all Arts areas, with special emphasis on Dance, Drama, Music, Speech and Choral work.

We avail ourselves of the opportunity of having visiting artists/performers to enhance our program, e.g. opera, puppetry, mime, dance, musicians, indigenous and multi-cultural performers.

We endeavour to make it possible for the children and staff to experience as many “extra-curricula” activities as possible, e.g. eisteddfods, music festivals, school concert/musical.  The opportunity is then given to share these talents and give enjoyment to the elderly, sick and the general public at various venues.

Private Instrumental music lessons are also available during school hours at the school.