St Aloysius Catholic Primary school is situated in Queenscliff, on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria. It is a school steeped in history with the original building dating back to 1902. In 2016 the school population stood at 141 students. After extensive renovations in 2015 the school now has a contemporary learning and teaching environment that boasts a music and drama multipurpose centre, a visual arts room, library, newly designed year 5 and 6 centre on the first floor, spacious indoor/outdoor learning spaces and an inviting administration area. The learning environment of the school can best be described as calm and engaging allowing students to learn both independently and collaboratively in an interactive and focussed manner. Set between Swan Bay and Port Phillip Heads the school is situated in a pristine natural environment that allows for seamless interaction and excursions with a unique environmental focus. The school also boasts modern sport and physical education facilities with all-weather tiger turf basketball court, playgrounds and oval.
There is a heavy emphasis within the learning and teaching programme on developing a strong base in literacy and numeracy. In recent years a significant focus has been placed on science and environmental science with a goal of instilling in our students a deep understanding of how our world works and to build upon their natural dispositions of inquiry. Robotics and coding have become an integral part of this programme. Students have the capacity to publish their learning through class and individual blogs allowing teachers and parents to provide genuine feedback in real time. The performingand visual arts are highly valued and promoted as a form of individual student expression.
The St Aloysius community is made up of students not only from Queenscliff and Pt Lonsdale but also surrounding areas of the Bellarine Peninsula including St Leonards, Clifton Springs and Portarlington. While being very proud of its history the St Aloysius community is intent on providing the most contemporary and engaging learning and teaching programme for our students today and into the future. Being part of a Catholic Community the St Aloysius students are guided by Catholic values and Catholic Social Teaching so as to make a difference in our world both locally and globally.
Vision Statement
The Staff recognizes the right of each child to a complete education and therefore the curriculum of our school need to foster the total development of each child:
- Spiritually
- Academically
- Aesthetically
- Emotionally
- Socially
- Culturally and
- Physically
As members of St Aloysius School Staff we strive to be a faith-filled, dynamic community who proclaim the mission of Jesus. We believe it is essential that we aim to promote the self-esteem of others and that we assist children to feel positive about the future.
Our school works within the Parish of Holy Trinity to develop a mutual awareness of what it means to be a member of a Catholic Community. To make this work we need cooperation between the school staff/students, families and members of our Parish.
Mission
To develop in children an awareness and appreciation of the environment in which they live and respect for it as part of God’s creation.
To develop an appreciation of education as a lifelong process that enables individuals to adapt in a rapidly changing technological society.
That through education one develops an understanding of self, others, our society and the world in which we live.
To assist students to develop skills, attitudes, values and actions which will support them in becoming valued effective members of our society.
To cultivate an environment where children, parents and staff grow together in a Catholic community. To have time for reflection so the Spirit of God can be seen in action.
To endeavour to show each child that they are special and individually loved for whom they are.
To foster a spirit of acceptance, appreciation, sharing and friendly cooperation with all others in our school community. Our school needs to be a happy place where people respect and support each other.
To facilitate the professional development of staff, who can then use these new ideas for the benefit of our children? To facilitate a relationship between staff/parents so that parents too can understand the changes that are taking place in the education process.
To provide a variety of experiences that encourage children to participate to the maximum of their abilities.
To build and expand the experience of our children so that each comes to a fuller realization of belonging to a faith and wider community.
Quality Teaching and Learning Statement
At Saint Aloysius Catholic Primary School we aim to:
- provide an effective learning environment where educational opportunities positively address the individual needs of all children
- enhance self esteem through our appreciation of cultural background, gender equality and recognition of the talents of all children
- cater for children’s different learning styles
- encourage risk taking, responsibility and independence
- foster a nurturing atmosphere in which staff, parents and children work as a team to develop in the children the skills to meet life’s challenges with confidence, resilience and enthusiasm
Updated : 2012
Review: 2016