Thomastown West Primary School was established in 1971 and is located approximately 20 kilometres north of the CBD. The school site is adjacent to Thomastown Secondary College and the schools share some sports facilities and a joint car park. We have approximately 40 nationalities represented in our school community, including 5% indigenous. The Student Family Occupation Index is currently 0.72. Our current enrollment is 225 students.
The school staff is currently 28, some are part-time. Staff include Principal class, a Leading Teacher, a Learning Specialist and classroom teachers. The non-teaching staff includes Office staff and Integration Aides. Our Out of School Hours program is outsourced to TheirCare. Our school curriculum has a major focus on Literacy and Numeracy. Each day 2 hours of Literacy is taught and 5 hours of numeracy every week. Our specialist subjects include STEM, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Physical Education.
For students who require extra assistance, we offer programs such as a Phonological Awareness Program and Literacy Support. We have EAL support for students where English is their additional language and who need some assistance. A major feature of the Prep program is Oral Language
We also have specialised music programs such as instrumental lessons, choir and a school band.
In 2012 we moved into our new facilities which offer the opportunity for flexible learning spaces and 21st Century Learning. Our facilities offer the opportunities for flexible learning spaces and 21st Century Learning.
In 2014 a Community Hub was established with community partners: Whittlesea Community Connections, The Smith Family and Reservoir and Preston Adult Community Education (PRACE). The purpose of the Hub is to support the needs of families and students in the Thomastown Community.
In 2015 Thomastown West was a lead school in the Linking Learning Project. The Linking Learning Project was designed for all Early Years Education Settings to intervene early in a child’s development to provide the best opportunities for children and their families while at school.
During the last six years, Thomastown West has invested a significant amount of time and resources into developing the School-Wide Positive Behaviour framework at our school. We are also a Respectful Relationships Partner School and have previously partnered with Our Watch. Thomastown West has developed a School-Wide Positive Behaviour framework. We are also a Respectful Relationships Partner School and have previously partnered with Our Watch.
To further improve student learning, engagement and attendance, Thomastown West Primary School is:
- partnered with Berry Street and VACCA in the Side By Side initiative and has participated in four Curriculum Days of Berry Street Educational Model (BSEM) professional learning.
- part of the Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative and a Mental Health in Primary Schools coordinator was appointed.
- completed the Refugee Education Support Program (RESP) with Foundation House and the Centre of Multicultural Youth (CMY) and now offers parent engagement programs each term.
The Thomastown West community is committed to creating and maintaining a positive, safe and supportive environment. By upholding our values (Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Empathy and we Striving to be our Best) we encourage every child to reach their academic potential and social growth in an inclusive and innovative learning environment.
Our school motto is Together Working on Pathways to Success (TWPS). We strongly believe education is a partnership between teachers, families and the wider community. We work together to ensure all students experience success.