SCHOOL VISION

We provide a safe, caring and positive environment where the values of respect, responsibility and cooperation are developed for a global society. We embrace the joint partnership between students, staff and community, and engage all parties in the learning experience.

SCHOOL MISSION

Our Mission is to provide quality education which encourages students to reach their learning potential in a holistic school environment.

SCHOOL AIMS

• Encourage in each child a desire to learn by promoting a happy, secure, safe and caring environment in which we provide.
• Educational programs that are challenging, realistic and enjoyable.
• An education that is relevant to the diversity of needs, lifestyles, aspirations and values of individual pupils, school, staff and parents in the context of the wider community.
• The promotion of excellence in learning and the development of knowledge, skills and attitude in the six learning areas.
• Expectations of a code of conduct which promotes desirable behaviour that recognises the rights, and needs and values of ourselves and others.

SCHOOL HISTORY

Murwillumbah East Primary School opened on Monday 30th June 1958 with Mr Tom Higgins as the school’s first Principal. 

The original school contained eight classrooms affording accommodation to 320 pupils.  It was built high off the ground in the shape of a wide vee, with toilets, storerooms, shelter areas, canteen and enclosed craft areas underneath.  The design assured the school of excellent ventilation and plenty of sunshine.  As the years progressed changes began to show. 

The playground was levelled and concrete cricket pitches were laid along with a handball court and an assembly area.  Sometime later a new infant’s wing was constructed. 

A Special Education Unit was established at the school and in recent years a new library has been built as well as four modern senior classrooms and a covered outdoor learning area (COLA).

EXTRA CIRRICULA

Public Speaking
Oral presentations and the confidence to present ideas to an audience are explicitly taught from kindergarten to year 6.  The program develops confidence and writing skills.

Excursions
The school holds overnight excursions to various camps offering a range of environmental studies which complement curriculum.  Excursions are exciting opportunities for ‘hands on’ experiences and the school values these extra curricula programs offer.

Leadership Camp
A feature of East’s School education is the prominence we give to the development of leadership skills in our students.  Learning about leadership involves the teaching of values, citizenship and character.  It also involves instruction in teamwork and responsibility.

SCHOOL AIMS

Encourage in each child a desire to learn by promoting a happy, secure, safe and caring environment in which we provide: Educational programs that is challenging, realistic and enjoyable ~

An education that is relevant to the diversity of needs, lifestyles, aspirations and values of individual pupils, school, staff and parents in the context of the wider community.

MUSIC

Beth Brooks – Music Teacher

Band & Instrument Lessons
As an integral part of our dynamic music program, we offer students in Years 3-6 the opportunity to be involved in our Concert Band.  Children receive musical tuition at a cost, once a week, and join together during that week for combined rehearsals.  The school owns a selection of musical instruments that are available for hire.

School Musicals
The school holds a biannual musical with the opportunity for all students to participate.  The performance is the creative highlight of the year for students.  Parents and family make the event a real family affair.

SPORT

A number of skills based programs are offered at MEPS.  During Terns 2 and 3, Primary Students can participate in PSSA sport programs which offer students a pathway of district, zone, regional and state representation. 

Team sports are played against other local schools for both girls and boys.  Students are also able to participate in learn to swim and water safety programs. 

Specialist coaching sessions are offered by visiting professional coaches and development officers to all students.  Kindergarten to Year 2 students regularly participate in a structured gross motor program.

Sports Houses

Wallabies	Koalas	Possums

Inclusion
Inclusion is very important to all staff at Murwillumbah East. Support Class students attend all whole school activities such as assemblies, performances and other special events as is possible.

Extra Activities

As well as regular class activities Support Class students participate in extracurricular activities that include water safety and swimming, bowling, shopping, cooking, travel training, horse riding with Riding for the Disabled (RDA), gardening, story dogs and other community access activities. All of these activities support the KLA’s as well as providing opportunities to practice self care, self reliance, getting along with others, following instructions, travel training and community access.

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

Shirley Croft is our School Counsellor. She is a Registered Psychologist who works at our school Monday afternoons, all day Tuesdays and Thursday mornings.

Shirley interviews students for various reasons, such as, Grief & Loss, Parent Separation, Victims of Teasing, Bullying Behaviour, Social Skill Development, Conflict Resolution, Peer Mediation, etc.

Also, Shirley assesses students for their educational needs, such as, administering and interpreting intellectual abilities, behaviour difficulties, emotional problems and maladjusted social interactions with peers. Depending on assessment results, a referral to outside agencies, such as, the Community Health’s Paediatric Team may be indicated. 

Shirley is an active member of the school’s Learning Support Team. The team met on a regular basis and involves relevant professionals within the school and outside the school, including the parent. They met to discuss the best options available for a child with significant needs.

Shirley operates at our school through a referral system.  Teachers and parents can make a referral if they are concerned about a child in anyway. Shirley believes connection between home and school is vital to the well being of a child and for an effective educational outcome.  Therefore, she works with both teachers and parents alike.