Department of Education - Victoria

At Melrose Primary School, Wodonga, we combine the values of Motivation, Thinking, Courage and Empathy to achieve Academic Excellence and Emotional Intelligence. For over ten years we have been leading the way in developing programs that foster the social and emotional growth of our students. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is an integral part of the school¿s curriculum and culture and is both a subject as well as a process woven into the daily fabric of school life and learning.

Understanding our own and others¿ emotions (to KNOW YOURSELF), making strong choices to be your best self (to CHOOSE YOURSELF) and helping to create a better world through kindness and empathy (to GIVE OF YOURSELF) are the pillars of emotional intelligence, and constitute the pathway to health, happiness and success.

The Emotional Intelligence (EQ) motto, Educating Hearts and Minds, is supported by vision statements:

Excellence in Teaching and Learning - Excellence in teaching and learning is based on the Victorian Curriculum, Melrose Primary School¿s EQ philosophy and current student data. Engaging, differentiated teaching is planned collaboratively based on individual student needs.

Professional Leadership - Leaders at Melrose Primary School support and build positive relationships with the school community. Leaders are collaborative, respectful, supportive, visible and organized. Leaders demonstrate and model appropriate behaviours in line with the EQ philosophy.

Positive Climate for Learning ¿ A positive climate for learning promotes a safe, supportive and inclusive environment, driven by Melrose Primary School¿s EQ philosophy and built on positive relationships which foster high expectations for all.

Community Engagement in Learning - Community engagement in learning is a partnership between school and home that values positive relationships with the wider community. There is an integrated focus on academics, social and emotional wellbeing and community, that leads to improved student outcomes, stronger families and healthier communities.

The building is an innovative design with all classrooms under one roof surrounding a central library, art room and multipurpose room. The grounds are expansive with an oval, three playgrounds and a range of courts and quiet play areas with many trees, gardens and lawned areas. We also offer indoor activities and positive play and restorative practices at break times allowing the students to have a range of options to develop their social and emotional play.

Our school is located in the rural city of Wodonga, which is situated on the Murray River in North East Victoria, 300km from Melbourne. We have an enrolment of approximately 340 students, and a staff comprising of 3 Principal Class leaders, 3 Leading Teachers (Curriculum and Inclusion) 24 (FTE) Teaching Staff and 35 permanent Education Support staff.

Although recognized for our Behavioural Education Model and our capacity to support the welfare of children and families, we also remain committed to our strategic plan goals: improvement of outcomes for students in Numeracy and Literacy, improvement of engagement in learning and the development of leadership. Curriculum and Learning Specialists initiate intensive professional learning to support staff and the Melrose learning community to achieve these goals.

 

SC1    Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant curriculum, including the capacity to incorporate the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills. Demonstrated capacity to respond to student learning needs.

SC2    Demonstrated capacity to implement high impact teaching strategies, guided by how students learn, and evaluate the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth. 

SC3    Demonstrated capacity to monitor and assess student learning. Demonstrated capacity to use data to inform teaching practice and to provide feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents.

SC4    Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the broader school community to support student learning, wellbeing and engagement.    

SC5    Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated capacity to reflect upon practice and engage in professional learning to continually improve the quality of teaching.