St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, Queenscliff, situated on the Bellarine Peninsula is approximately 30 km from Geelong. The school is part of the Parish of Holy Trinity, which encompasses the towns of Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. St Aloysius School was opened in 1902 by the Sisters of Mercy. Extensive renovations took place in 2015 making St Aloysius a contemporary, comfortable learning environment catering for all. One classroom was renovated allowing the school to have a functioning Visual Arts Centre. The toilet block was also renovated. A new contemporary learning space was built on the first floor catering for our senior classes. The school population at the end of 2016 was 141 students. The students come from the local area including Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and the surrounding areas. The school grounds are safe and secure. The play spaces are varied including junior and senior adventure playgrounds, netball/basketball court, oval and passive play areas.
At St Aloysius, we endeavour to develop courage and confidence within our students while showing respect and care for others in a vibrant faith community. St. Aloysius models values which are consistent with the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ. We promote a safe and supportive school environment for all students and pride ourselves on developing respect and understanding of individual differences. As a place of learning, our contemporary and personalized environment supports the academic progress of each child, balanced with a strong awareness of the need to nurture their spiritual, creative, physical, social and emotional development. We have purposely targeted the Sciences and Environmental Sustainability as areas of inquiry and a means for our students to make meaning of our natural world.
St Aloysius has made a major commitment to continually upgrading ICT resources. At St Aloysius Catholic Primary School teachers are encouraged to make their classrooms vibrant and active learning environments in which stimulating teaching strategies are designed to maximize student interest and learning opportunities. A variety of digital devices are used by the students including desk top computers, I pads, smart TVs, interactive whiteboards and laptops which are utilized at the point of need. Google Apps for Education (GAFE) have been introduced school wide as well as an effective using of ‘blogging’ as a vehicle for reflection and home /school communication. All of this sits within the umbrella of the E Smart framework. Science and Environmental Sustainability continues to be a key focus within the learning and teaching programme with engagement with community organizations such as Parks Victoria, Coast Care, Deakin University and Community Environment Alliance a key to its success.
The partnership of parents and teachers is essential to the life and learning at St Aloysius Catholic Primary School. Parents play valuable roles assisting in the classrooms, participating in literacy programs, guest speaker role, inter-school sport, excursions, library etc. Parents have representatives on the School Education Board, which acts as a forum for discussing matters concerning the school. The School Education Board meets ten times a year and its members include the Parish Priest, Principal, Staff Representative and elected Parent Representatives. St Aloysius is fortunate in having a highly committed and supportive Parents and Friends Association.