Acknowlegdement of Country

We respectfully acknowledge Traditional Owners of the Country  throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living Cultures of First Peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and to any First Nations people who form part of our school community.

Our School Vision

“Empowering Global Citizens”

About Our School

Mackellar Primary School, nestled in the heart of Delahey, Victoria, is a vibrant educational environment that thrives on its vision of “Empowering Global Citizens.” Situated in a diverse community with a range of well-connected support services, the school benefits from its strategic location within the Melbourne suburb.

 

The school’s collectively developed vision of “Empowering Global Citizens” serves as its guiding principle to ensure our students have ownership of their learning in a way that successfully prepares them for life beyond school, and with a defined moral compass. This vision is firmly anchored in four key pedagogical principles which align with our school mascot – the bee. They are:

 

Bee Connected: Students are encouraged to build connections with peers, subject matter experts and teachers at school, and beyond with business leaders, not-for -profit organisations and government entities. This fosters a powerful sense of belonging and an understanding of the interconnectedness of our world.

 

Bee Collaborative: Collaboration is a cornerstone of achieving the global and moral aspect of our school’s vision. Students are taught the value of teamwork, preparing them for future collaborative endeavours in a global society where one recognises and acts on what is right.

 

Bee Curious: The school nurtures curiosity amongst its students. They are empowered to ask questions, explore innovative ideas, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

 

Bee Creative: Creativity is celebrated and encouraged at Mackellar. Students are given the freedom to express themselves creatively, fostering innovative thinking and critical thinking skills.

 

The school’s curriculum offers an exceptional range of specialist subjects: Physical Education, The Arts (Visual & Performing), Languages (Italian), Digital Learning, and Design Technology (Food studies). Parents from the local community are warmly welcomed and encouraged to be actively involved in the school’s activities such as our bi-ennial production and art show, days of significance (e.g. ANZAC Day, Day for Daniel, Harmony Week and National Sorry Day) and other school-based events. Subject matter experts are also invited to contribute to classroom based activities ensuring learning is both locally relevant and globally informed.

 

The principal Simon McGlade, who has led the school since late 2020, is deeply committed to making Mackellar Primary School a school of choice for everyone in the community. The leadership team of the school works collaboratively with all staff to build their capacity, whilst addressing the individual needs of students, fostering an environment of continuous growth and excellence. Together, they ensure that Mackellar Primary School remains a beacon of empowerment and education.

Students Enrolled

Staff

%

of Students have a Language background other than English

%

Student Attendance Rate

Staff at Mackellar Primary School

Principal
Simon McGlade

Assistant Principal –
Kylie Kennedy

Leading Teacher –
Joanne Wood (Wellbeing & Inclusion)

Learning Specialists –
Meghann Wurm (Literacy)
Shelley Wockner (Numeracy)
Lauren Wishart (Student Agency)

Mental Health in Schools Leader –
Tanya Lindsay-Clark

Foundation Team –
Kerrie Elsbury/ Elyse Burgess (Prep A)
Stephanie Sousa (Prep B)

Year 1 Team –
Renata Cugliari & Donna Iannunzio (1A)
Perri Telford (1B)

Year 2 Team –
Anna Kourkoulis (2A)
Hanna Mercado/ Jess Mercieco (2B)

Year 3 Team –
Ann Gemayel (3A)
Jaida Bonnici (3B)

Year 4 Team –
Stamatia Andreou (4A)
Aimee Higgins (4B)

Year 5 Team –
Tina Iannunzio (5A)
Wendy Allan (5B)

Year 6 Team –
Judith Tanner & Sally Wilson (6A)
Kerry Pasharis (6B)

Specialist Team –
Sally Wilson – Food Technology
Emily Cugliari – Physical Education
Renata Cugliari – Languages (Italian)
Chris D’Alterio – Digital Learning

Tutor Learning Initiative –
Meghann Wurm
Shelley Wocker
Tanya Linsay-Clark
Hanna Windley

Admin Team –
Joanne Pullens – Business Manager
Andrea Guglielmino – Administration
Cheryl Blair – Administration

Education Support (ES)
Tanya Gibbons – ES Coordinator
Chantelle Ryan
Kristy Sallama
Laura Hernandez
Thomas Myrylainen
Adeline Theng Phua
Huong Thuy Quynh Nguyen
Luisa Bartolo
Gia Lam
Colin Meaney
Sienna Skubevski
Imogen Higgins

Curriculum Achievement

In the realm of teaching, Mackellar Primary School employs explicit and scaffolded methods. English and Mathematics are taught sequentially and progressively, accommodating the diverse learning styles and abilities of its students. Differentiated instruction is a cornerstone of the school’s approach, ensuring that every student’s unique needs are met. Our inquiry units follow Lee Crockett’s Future Focused Learning model, which incorporates his ‘10 Shifts of Practice’. This forward-thinking approach equips students with the skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving 21st-century landscape.

English

English is a fundamental component of the curriculum at Mackellar Primary School which is derived from

research and evidence-based pedagogy. Our Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) is developed

directly from the Victorian Curriculum, and utilises consistent metalanguage which is scaffolded, explicitly

taught and sequential.

Our teaching and learning program connects all English strands encompassing Reading, Writing,

Speaking and Listening. We commit to building our English content knowledge by continually engaging in

current professional research, professional reading, collegiate visits and coaching cycles.

Students at Mackellar Primary School receive a minimum of 10 hours a week of explicit instruction in

English in a seamless two-hour block, informed by our curriculum map. Although flexible, the daily

English sessions are aligned with our agreed pedagogical model (PM). It is for this reason we expect all

teachers to adhere solely to this model of teaching English

Mathematics

Mathematics is a fundamental component of the curriculum at Mackellar Primary School which is derived

from research and evidence-based pedagogy. Our Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) is directly

developed from the Victorian curriculum, and utilises consistent metalanguage, which is scaffolded,

explicitly taught and sequential.

We utilise a problem-based approach to Mathematics where students are engaged in purposeful learning

experiences which are connected and underpinned by the proficiency strands: reasoning, understanding,

fluency and problem-solving.

Our teaching and learning program connects all mathematics strands of number and algebra, statistics

and probability, measurement and geometry. Students at Mackellar Primary School receive a minimum of 5

hours a week of explicit instruction in mathematics in a structured block, informed by our curriculum map.

Although flexible, the daily mathematics sessions are aligned with our agreed pedagogical model (PM).

It is for this reason we expect all teachers to adhere solely to this model of teaching English.

Social and Emotional Learning

At Mackellar Primary School, we believe that every child has the right to an education and the potential

to learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We believe in creating success for every child

by having high expectations for every child and by creating an environment in which they can thrive. We

believe that children require differing opportunities and support and as such we recognise working with

families to support children’s learning and development is crucial.

At Mackellar Primary School we are committed to the implementation of School-Wide Positive Behaviour

Support (SWPBS) and Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) to create and maintain a

safe and supportive learning environment. SWPBS and RRRR are effective, evidence-based frameworks

that address social behaviour and academic outcomes. It is for this reason we expect all teachers to

adhere solely to this model of teaching social and emotional learning.

Future Focused Learning (FFL)

Future Focused Learning (FFL) is a holistic (school-wide) approach in which learners strive together to

find and solve real-world problems that matter; they focus beyond the curriculum with the goal of gaining

interlinked real-world education and cultivating capabilities essential to ensure their success beyond the

school’ (Watanabe-Crockett, 2019, pp 4).

Our vision for learning is ‘Empowering Global Citizens’. As such, our FFL program provides teachers with

a framework and a process to connect and engage students with the Victorian Curriculum in a fashion

that promotes student agency, voice and leadership.

A student driven approach to learning will guide delivery of Victorian Curriculum.

Assessment is conducted for, as and of learning in accordance with our DE Practice Principle 6: and our

Mackellar Primary School assessment schedule. In particular, we will ensure:

assessment is goal oriented;

assessment focuses on higher-order thinking skills;

assessment holds students accountable for their learning; and

assessment is a seamless part of the learning process.

It is for these reasons we expect all teachers to adhere solely to this model of inquiry learning

Specialist Subjects

At Mackellar Primary we believe that students should be provided access to a wide range of experiences

and programs. Our specialist subjects include Food Technology, Language (Italian), Performing Arts,

Physical Education, Sport Education and Visual Arts.

All subjects areas are compulsory parts of our curriculum. Reasonable adjustments can be made for

students where applicable.

At Mackellar Primary School we are delighted to share with you the responsibility of providing the highest

quality education for you child and contributing to their growth and development over the years they will

spend at our school.

Design and Technologies

Design and Technologies, and in particular Food Technology develops the knowledge, understanding

and skills to ensure that students can amongst other things, become critical users of technologies. Food

Technology explores the nutrition principles and the characteristics and properties of food, food selection

and preparation, and contemporary food issues. Students come to understand the importance of a variety

of foods, sound nutrition principles, food preparation skills and food safety.

 

Languages (Italian)

Languages (Italian): Learning to communicate in another language is a challenging and rewarding

experience. In our increasingly interconnected world, an ability to interact with people and cultures other

than our own is an important skill to prepare young children to become understanding and capable global

citizens. The Victorian Government’s vision for Languages Education, reiterates that the learning program in

all Victorian government schools will include the study of language in addition to English by 2025.

 

Performing Arts

Performing Arts: In Performing Arts, students explore drama and learn about how they can make drama to

communicate ideas and stories by improvising, playing, acting, interpreting, scripting, practising, rehearsing,

presenting, and performing. In addition, students learn to listen to and experiment with a range of sounds

as well as experience a range of music as audiences. Students listen and respond to music, becoming aware

of the elements of beat, rhythm, pitch, dynamics and tempo as they sing, play, improvise, compose, arrange,

practise and move to music. They learn to feel the beat, sing with pitch accuracy and to discriminate

between sound and silence, loud and soft and fast and slow.

Physical Education

Physical Education: At Mackellar Primary School we recognise the importance Physical Education plays in

the curriculum and are committed to providing all children with opportunities to engage fully in Physical

Education (PE). At Mackellar, we develop a Health and Physical Education (PE) Program, which encourages

self-esteem, self-awareness, physical fitness and promotes responsibility for personal wellbeing and teamspirit

amongst students.

Sport Education

Sport Education: Victorian government schools are required to provide 90 minutes of sport education per

week for students in Grades 4-6. At Mackellar Primary School we believe providing a strong basis for sport

education from Grade 3 onwards allows students the time to learn and develop skills from a variety of

sports which will equip them to meaningfully take part in inter-school sport and develop a lifelong love of

movement and physical activity. In Grades P-2, students take part in game sense learning the strategies and

competition required for sport. Sport education lessons are taken by classroom teachers.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts: The Visual Arts are a unique, expressive, creative, and communicative form that supports

students to view the world through various lenses and contexts. It recognises the significance of visual

histories, theories, and practices by exploring and responding to artwork. At Mackellar, students will make

and respond to art using their knowledge, understanding and skills to express personal views. Visual art will

engage students to use curiosity, experimentation and problem solving to make judgements about their

own and others’ work, to develop an understanding of world cultures.

Ignite the creativity in every student with our BYOiD Program

Digital technologies are dramatically changing how we educate our students. Increased access to electronic devices such as laptop computers or tablets and the explosion of online information enables our students to interact with and create high quality content, resources and tools. The precise application of technology and quality instruction can enhance learning. The increased connectivity between school life, private life and social life coupled with portable devices and high speed broadband open up the possibility for new models of instruction outside of the traditional classroom setting.

Minimum Device Requirements

At Mackellar Primary School from the start of Jan 2025, we work with prerequisites of devices:

  • Larger screen (10″ or more)
  • iOS 17.0
  • iPad 9th Generation or above
  • Largest storage you can purchase

How to identify which model you have

  • Go to Settings App
  • Locate the General Tab
  • Click About >
  • All information about the iPad is located inside About

Insurance and Protection

Your iPad is not covered by Mackellar Primary School or The Department of Education’s insurance policy. Please check with your home and/or contents insurer if your existing cover extends to an iPad being brought to school by your child. If you purchase your device and purchase Apple Care, you may select insurance through Apple as an optional extra. All Apple hardware comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary telephone technical support. It is recommended you extend your coverage further with the AppleCare Protection Plan.

iPad Covers

In order to keep the iPad safe and well-protected, it is compulsory for all students to purchase a recommended (or similar) iPad cover.
Cases we recommend: Longitech, Otter, Case Buddy, Targus, STM case for iPad (JB HiFi). If unsure please check with us.

Accounts and Management

School WI Fi and Internet connection – Students’ iPads will be connected to the School’s Wi-Fi when at school – 4G must be disabled.

Restrictions – We strongly urge parents to set up appropriate ratings based on their family values and restrict content in the restriction setting selection on iPads.

Digital User Agreement

All students and parents/guardians must sign a Digital User Agreement to allow their child to access digital technologies, media tools and digital learning environments established or accessed by Mackellar Primary School.

Cyber Safety

Cyber safety practices are a high priority at Mackellar Primary School and appropriate duty of care is extended to all our digital environments. Students and Parents also have a responsibility in this area to minimise risk or exposure to unsuitable material. Any misuse of digital technology or online tools will be handled in line with Mackellar Primary School’s Behaviour Policy. 

Enrolments

Our school zone is available on findmyschool.vic.gov.au.

Findmyschool.vic.gov.au hosts the most up-to-date information about Victorian school zones for 2020 onwards.

Students residing in this zone are guaranteed a place at our school, which is determined on the basis of your permanent residential address.

The Department provides guidance through the School Placement Policy to ensure that students have access to their designated neighbourhood school and the freedom to choose other schools, subject to facility limitations.

You can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions on the Department’s website under School zones.

Starting School information for parents – Click Here

Submit an enrolment inquiry – Click Here

Plans, Reports and Policies

Curriculum Contributions
Child Safe Standards

Child safety and wellbeing information for families and the school community

The Victorian Government has announced new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safety across organisations, including schools. The new standards recognise the critical importance of families and the broader school community in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Mackellar Primary School has reviewed and updated our child safety policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the new standards. These are available to view our school’s website, in our Parent Handbook, and available at the school’s front office.

We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures and practices.

As valuable partners in promoting and maintaining child safety and wellbeing at Mackellar Primary School, we welcome and encourage your feedback.

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions in relation to our child safe policies and practices, please contact our Principal or Assistant Principal.

 

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