Winters Flat
Primary School

School Profile

The Facility

Winters Flat Primary School, Castlemaine, opened on its present site in 1964. The school is located on the western side of Castlemaine on an attractively landscaped site. The spacious grounds including an arbour of Spanish Oaks (National Trust listing), and oval, a variety of well-equipped play areas and several asphalted/ paved courts and rest areas - are within sight of the natural features surrounding Forest Creek. The school provides a natural, traffic free environment in what remains an urban area.

As well as the nine classrooms, our school has a purpose built library, Art/Craft room, and a converted multi-purpose gym, performing arts area and kitchen (Oak View).

Our Mission

It is our school's belief that each child must be treated as an individual and encouraged to develop a high level of achievement in all curriculum areas. We believe that it is the responsibility of all involved with the child to help each child develop their full potential as a thinking, responsible, caring individual. Children will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to understand and contribute to society. We believe that children should be encouraged to respond to high expectations and develop high expectations of themselves. We further believe they should be able to work effectively with others. To this end each child is seen as an individual and is encouraged to grow in confidence and self-worth, taking more responsibility for their own learning.

A genuine partnership between teachers, pupils and parents is seen as an integral aspect of effective education. The engagement of parents in policy development, classroom programs and open communication is actively pursued by all those involved with the school. Pupils are encouraged to have input into decision-making concerning the program and school development.

The Program

Winters Flat Primary School offers a Prep. to Grade 6 program in English, Mathematics, Science, Health & Physical Education, The Arts, Technology, Indonesian Language and Studies of Society and the Environment.

The emphasis with the program is in providing experiences for the children based on their stage of development and previous learning. To support this approach, the class groups are structured to cater for a range of ages and abilities while the learning experiences integrate the subject areas with an emphasis on involving children in practical activities.

Programs are coordinated on a departmental and whole school basis, in order to ensure continuity of experience for children throughout their seven years of primary schooling at Winters Flat.

The teaching staff is organised in teams - Junior, Middle, Senior, and Specialists. The grouping of teachers facilitates the implementation of a well planned and consistent education program. The home group programs are supported by Visual Arts, Physical Education, Performing Arts, Library and Reading Recovery.

To support these programs Winters Flat has developed a comprehensive pupil welfare/behaviour management plan. This is emphasised through the school's commitment to "Achieving Success Together".