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SUPPORT TEACHER LEARNING ASSISTANCE
Support Teacher Learning Assistance Through our Support Teacher Learning Assistance program children from Kindergarten to year 6 are supported in literacy and numeracy skills. For three and a half days each week, assistance is given to the children through individual teaching, guided reading groups within the classroom, and withdrawal groups for targeting of specific literacy skills. Students who achieve at a lower level in Basic Skills Tests (Literacy) receive special assistance from the Support Teacher Learning. Volunteer tutors play a very important role in assisting our children in reading.
Jasper Road has full-time ability groups for gifted and talented students. Our policy is to provide full time ability groupings where students are in extension classes from years 2 to 6. Students are selected for these classes using various objective and subjective tools and tests. The child's class teacher, the gifted and talented coordinator, parents, the school counsellor and the Principal are all included in this selection process. Differentiated programs in these classes involve the deepening of students’ knowledge, understanding and skills. Students are responsible for their own learning and are challenged by a rigorous academic curriculum. Enrichment activities are provided throughout the school, with all students in all classes being given the opportunity to enter various competitions, dance groups, bands, choirs, chess and Arbors. Students gifted in any area are entered into the school’s database and are invited to attend specialist workshops when the opportunity arises.
The Jasper Road School Band program commenced in April 1994. Over the subsequent years many Jasper Road students have enjoyed being involved in performance ensembles and have gained recognition in the wider community at a variety of concert opportunities. The Band program is open to students in years 3 – 6 who are keen to learn a musical instrument, who are capable of working within a team and who show a willingness to commit to the program. In 2004 our band program expanded to include 3 separate bands. Beginner, Concert and Performing. All three bands have continued to raise the profile of our school by successfully competing in a range of Eisteddfods and Competitions. Each year students have the opportunity to participate in band camp which is held at Vision Valley. Here, students fine tune their musical skills whilst enjoying a range of other fun activities that Vision Valley has to offer. Under the expert direction of Mr Mark Strykowski, students learn the skills required to perform in an ensemble and learn to play a variety of music in a fun atmosphere alongside their peers. This very worthwhile program raises confidence and self-esteem, and also provides the opportunity for students to showcase what they have learnt in a very public forum. The Band program also relies on parental help. The Band Committee meets each month and their job is to ensure the smooth running of the program. Rosters, instrument distribution and fundraising are just a few of the roles of the committee. This program cannot run without parental commitment. Each year at the beginning of Term 4, the Jasper Road School Band holds an information evening for parents and students in year 2 who may be interested in joining the program. This evening is also open to students in years 3 – 5 who may wish to join the band in the following year. Keep an eye out for dates in the Monday note and come along. Instruments will be on hand for students to try, and Mr Strykowski will be happy to answer your questions.
Music is an important part of all children’s education. We aim for all our children to participate and appreciate music activities. The Unit Band is a percussion band designed specifically for children with a physical disability. It is an integrated band where teachers and students enjoy learning and playing together, led by a very talented conductor. The band has performed at the Hills Centre on numerous occasions including the Hills Music Festival.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) Our school has 40% Language Background other than English (LBOTE) students from about fifty different language backgrounds. There are two ESL teachers giving 6 days of Literacy and English language support for the ESL students and their class teachers. This support may include working within the classroom or team-teaching with class teachers. Literacy support is available across any of the Key Learning Areas for class programs. Students who are beginners in English, work in small groups according to their needs. The ESL teacher’s role is also one of support for parents. This includes the organisation of interpreters as needed and the building of communication networks. Staff and parents are alerted to special cultural days and festivals.
Jasper Road Public School has a well equipped library that is an integral part of the school's teaching and learning program. The large selection of books, videos, kits and computer software is utilised to support student's learning both in the classroom and in the library. Each class has a timetabled session in the library for borrowing and acquiring literacy and information skills. In addition, classes may book into the library for extended research pertaining to the focus of study in the classroom. Book Week is a time when we collectively celebrate the joy of reading and the wealth that abounds in children's literature. A book donation fair is held each year when parents can contribute to keeping the school's collection current and relevant. The library is a particularly busy place before school and at lunchtimes when students spend their recreational time in reading, drawing, doing research or using the computers that are available.
This is the school’s environmental group comprising of between 30 to 40 senior students.
The Arbors commenced in 1991 under the Green Australia Program, supported by Winston Hills Rotary. The school has its own shade house which, up to now, has produced over 65000 trees, shrubs and grasses. These have been distributed to needy areas within New South Wales, but in recent times we have been supplying local primary and high schools. The Arbors work closely with Baulkham Hills Council and the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust. The Arbors not only teach and supervise younger students in potting and planting but are also taught:-
During past years, the Arbors have enhanced the school’s environment by establishing a bush tucker garden, frog pond/rain forest, bulb gardens, butterfly and vegetable garden, olive and wattle grove. They also played an important role in our ‘Walk and Wheel’ playground. The school has been fortunate to be the recipients of many awards, notably from the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust and Keep Australia Beautiful. " Our work has only commenced".
A Debating Team consisting of six students from year 6 meet once a week to train and develop their skills in preparation for several debating competitions. Students have been involved in The Western Sydney Regional Debating Competition, a competition involving twelve schools from the Parramatta area. They are also involved in a friendly series of debates against other local schools. The students have become increasingly proficient in their use of the many skills involved in successful debating. In particular:-
Our students have won many of their debates and can be very proud of their achievements. In Term 4 each year, interested year 5 students have the opportunity to try out for the debating team. The Debating Program satisfies many of the outcomes in the Talking and Listening component of the K-6 English Syllabus. Debating also forms a part of the school’s Gifted and Talented Policy and Program.
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