It is an honour to be the Principal of Miles Franklin Primary School, assisting children to reach their academic, social and personal goals. I am privileged to work with amazing staff and highly dedicated and supportive parents and carers, all working together to meet children's individual needs.
We were granted International Baccalaureate (IB) World School status at the end of 2015, providing the Primary Years Programme. We offer education within a global community of schools and educators that has been assessed as meeting a world standard of high quality, challenging, international education. Our children’s ability to think globally and act locally, understand the conceptual, to reflect on their personal strengths and areas for further challenge, to inquire and become more independent in their learning will enhance their opportunities for the remainder of their lives. In 2019 we had our first evaluation report from the IB. This was overwhelmingly positive with commendations in all areas for the work we are doing and the outcomes we are achieving. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit http://www.ibo.org. We welcome the evaluation team back again in 2024 and look forward to their insights and suggestions for continuous improvement.
A key strength of our school lies in the close partnership between children, staff, parents and the wider community. Highlights of this close partnership are the P&C running our canteen, uniform shop, music tutoring scheme and out of school hours/school holidays care programs. Children in our school are offered a balanced learning program that supports and nurtures the development of their academic, personal, and social wellbeing. Our pastoral care promotes understanding of the need for individuals to care for, support and value each other within a safe environment. This partnership is vital for the school. This year, we have continued the partnership with the University of Canberra as, in addition to the research we are undertaking in looking at Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. We are now officially affiliated to the university, welcoming pre-service teachers into Miles to support their knowledge and skills, along with having almost half of our teaching staff engaging in some form of university research or program.
Our focus areas for 2024 include:
- Continuing to embed and strengthen the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in our school with a focus on integrating Maths inquiry more fully into our units if inquiry.
- Balancing the social and emotional wellbeing of our children with rigorous academic growth and strong student engagement. This balance is seen in terms of balancing time for all subject areas whilst emphasising literacy and numeracy, balancing explicit teaching with consolidating skills through inquiry, and challenge with compassion to meet children’s needs across their strengths and interests.
- Building staff capacity in cultural integrity. This year we are privileged to be working with the University of Canberra on their Country as Teacher research project mentioned above.
Children have the chance to be a part of our School Brass Band (Years Five and Six) or join our choir Kindergarten to Year Six). This year we hope to showcase our artistic talents with Wakakirri (we were state finalists in 2023), Limelight, and our biennial Art Show. Children who need support with reading across the school are offered flexible group sessions where they receive specialist tuition in a small-group setting with one of our two specialist reading teachers. We also have a dedicated teacher for children who have English as an additional language or dialect, two specialist teachers who work with children with additional and diverse needs (along with a team of Learning Support Assistants) a specialist PE teacher, French teacher and an arts teacher.
I look forward to meeting you.
Chris Jones
M.A. (London); M.Ed. (Deakin)