White Gum Valley Primary School holds as its statement of Purpose: “To seek to be an effective school that enables all students to reach their potential so that they have the skills to face the opportunities and challenges that they will meet in a changing world”. We aspire for our school to be a community of learners striving for excellence in an environment of care, support and cooperation. With its country look and family feel, our school is attractively situated in White Gum Valley – which is in close proximity to the city of Fremantle.
White Gum Valley was once an important meeting place for Aboriginals and the adjoining Booyemburra Park is reputed to be the birthplace of the famous Aboriginal, Yagan. In more recent times it was inhabited by both Australians and post Second World War migrants from Italy and Central Europe. The school was established in 1901 and the original heritage structure has been retained in the recent upgrade of the school's administration block. Much of the history of the school is on display in the new foyer.
In recent years, several classrooms have been added including a purpose built Pre-Primary area. Also the Hazel Orme Community Kindergarten, although managed by the school, is located on a separate site.
As a result of the school's small size, all students are known to each other and to the staff. All students are treated as unique individuals and we work hard to enable each student to achieve his or her potential. Senior students are provided with many opportunities to develop leadership ability through our ongoing social skills program. White Gum Valley Primary School aims to provide a personal, friendly environment with confident and happy students who are proud of their own achievements and those of the school.
Our staff are highly qualified, experienced and dedicated to teaching and learning. An integrated, outcomes based curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 7 aims to cater for the individual needs of each child and Individual Education Plans are often devised to meet the specific needs of students when required. Our students have the opportunity to compete in Interschool sport, debating, Art competitions and Chess throughout the year. A number of our gifted and talented students are selected for the Fremantle District Primary Academic Extension Course annually.
All students participate in goal setting and self evaluation. Students are given every opportunity to excel. Technology plays an increasingly important role as a tool for learning. All classrooms have internet connection and we are in the process of improving student access to technology.
Parental involvement is highly valued and strongly encouraged. As partners, the school community believe that a child's success requires an environment where children learn competently, parents participate confidently and teachers share their expertise cooperatively.
THE COMMUNITY: Although the White Gum Valley population is changing with the increase in the price of local housing, a percentage of our students are second and third generation to attend the school. Our motto, TAKE PRIDE is reflected by this group of students and parents.
STAFF EXPERIENCE AND TURNOVER:
We have a very stable, professional, capable and caring team committed and
dedicated to the welfare of all students. Most teachers have achieved Level 2
Senior Teacher status. There is a wide range of expertise and strengths among
staff. We also provide specialist teachers in The Arts, encompassing, Music,
Visual Arts and Drama. In addition we have a LOTE teacher who teaches Italian.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Multicultural nature
School focus on The Arts, with students' murals on display
Global Learning with use of multimodal tools
We are small enough to allow personal attention to each child, yet big enough to
be interesting.
Our school has some Multi Age Grouping in Pre-Primary and year 1.
We are proud of our environmentally friendly Centenary Garden, featuring native
plants, in a central courtyard. We have Water Wise accreditation
The school grounds are shaded by a number of mature Tuart gum trees, native to
the area. The trees were locally known as White gums.