The aim of the Primary Department is to motivate and support students through a variety of learning programs and a Christ centred focus on everyday values and behaviours, to prepare them for a successful transition into the next stage of their education.

The Primary building is composed of various classrooms including an open-plan learning environment for students in Years 1-4, and separate classrooms for the Year 5 and 6 groups. Each classroom is equipped with access to digital-based equipment and resources.

Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s learning through parent-teacher interviews, attending school events and the student communication diary. 

Primary Teaching Program

The Primary program is an integrated program which incorporates both student-directed (A.C.E – Accelerated Christian Education PACE work) and teacher-directed (face to face classes which cover the learning outcomes in the NSW Board of Studies syllabus guidelines) classes. Subjects include all KLA’s (Key Learning Areas):

• English (Literacy)

• Math

• Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)

• Science

• PDHPE – Personal Development, Health and Physical Education / Sport

• Creative Arts

• Music – includes primary choir open to students in years 3-6.

The Primary Learning Centre includes a library, computer area and Interactive White Boards. Students are encouraged to work both independently and cooperatively and lessons are designed to meet the various learning needs of our diverse student population. Various ICT programs and digital learning activities are incorporated throughout the Primary Department curriculum.

Diagnostic Testing

Upon enrolment in the Primary Department, newly enrolled students complete diagnostic tests in Maths, English and Reading Fluency, and Comprehension to determine their starting levels in their PACE (Packet of Accelerated Christian Education) books. This ensures that students begin at a level which suits their individual needs. PACE’s are the student-directed component of the primary school curriculum.

Communication

Each student is provided with a homework diary upon enrolment. The homework diary lists any homework for the student on a given day. It also serves as a method of communication between the teacher and the parent. The diary must be checked and signed by a parent/carer daily. Replacement cost is $15.00.

The morning session begins with daily devotions and prayer. Throughout the day, students follow a daily timetable, which combines both student-directed (PACE work) and teacher-directed sessions. During student-directed periods, students work in individual offices and focus on their PACE work. This allows them to work independently at their own pace. Teachers and teacher’s aides monitor the room closely at all times and are available to assist students when needed. One on one student-teacher conferences are employed if students require additional assistance. 

Students are required to complete an assigned number of pages in their PACE’s each day (daily goals). If they do not complete their daily goals, they are then required to complete them as homework. There are a number of activities made available to students once their daily goals are finished.

Primary Library

Students are permitted to borrow books weekly for a two-week loan period. Any books that are lost or damaged must be replaced and the cost charged to the parent/carer’s account.

Primary Choir

Students from Years 3-6 are invited to be part of the Primary Choir.  The choir will perform during each term in Monday chapel and on Awards night.

Primary Canteen

The Primary Canteen (or Tuck Shop) is open to all school departments every Friday of the term and is located in the Primary Kitchen.

Reward System

The Primary Learning Centre reward system is based on a merit system where students receive merits, stickers, stamps and weekly awards for academic achievement, positive behaviours and memorization of the monthly Bible memory passage. This system encourages students in a positive, non-competitive manner to reach their individual potential. Each term, students can strive to be awarded Honour Roll (see Honour Roll requirements). Each student is seen as a valued member of the school community and is encouraged to achieve their best through Christ.

At Sherwood Hills Christian School, we value every person’s right to feel and be safe. We believe that students have the right to learn and play in a safe, supportive and friendly environment. However, we also believe that they have a responsibility to ensure that their behaviour is not disruptive to the learning or safety of others and that they demonstrate respect, courtesy and honesty to their peers and teachers.

While the emphasis of our disciplinary policy is always on recognising student achievement and engagement, at times this may mean supporting the student by putting in place consequences to enforce expectations, and to ensure a safe learning environment if poor choices have been made. We believe that consistency is vital and consequences should be appropriate to each individual situation. Our aim is to create a fair, secure and happy learning environment.

The staff of the Primary Learning Centre recognises the important role they play in students’ lives and endeavour to act as positive role models at all times. Establishing a positive relationship between teacher and student is seen as an essential component in the development of a student’s attitude to learning. This role is seen by the staff of the Primary Learning Centre as both a privilege and a blessing.

Merit Sale

The Primary Department conducts a Merit Sale at the end of each school term. The Merit Sale provides students with the opportunity to purchase items with merits they have earned during the term. Items can include various toys, books, arts & crafts, games, etc. 

Honour Roll – Primary Requirements

• • • PACE average – 90%
    • No failed PACES
    • All teacher-directed classes – minimum 70% grade per subject, with an average 80% across all subjects
    • No failed or incomplete teacher directed assessments
    • All scripture passages recited
    • No detentions
    • Sufficient number of PACES completed each term – This is related to work habits
    • #Classroom behaviour – Attentive, demonstrates a positive attitude to learning and is respectful at all times towards teaching staff.
    • Work habits – Goal setting, good scoring practices, consistently completing all homework, works independently
    • Social habits – engaging in a positive manner with peers during class and play
    • Attendance – Less than 10 days absent and must not miss more than 30% of a teacher-directed class
    • Students who arrive late to school 10 or more times during the term without a certificate or approved leave will be ineligible for Honour Roll 
    • Stage 3 students (Years 5/6) – Less than 30 demerits per term

#Please note the following items regarding behaviour:

1. 1. Consequences given such as writing a letter of apology or a time-out for behaviours such as teasing other students, name calling or fighting will now be considered when determining Honour Roll. Students will be ineligible for Honour Roll if 3 or more instances of this type of behaviour occur.
   2. Students who are sent out of a class for being disrespectful, disruptive or misbehaving 2 or more times a term will be ineligible for Honour Roll.
   3. Students will be advised when a behaviour/consequence is recorded.

Excursions

Each year, students will attend excursions or incursions that relate to a unit of study they are undertaking.  The cost for these excursions is covered by the school.

Primary – Annual Events

Primary Camp

Primary camp is held each year during the fourth term for students in Years 4 – 6. The camp is for two nights and three days and is voluntary as parents are to cover the cost of their child’s attendance. Full payment must be paid prior to the commencement of the camp. Payments can be made over the course of the year as instalments.

Scholastic Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair is held in the Primary Department every year. The Book Fair lasts for 5 days and provides parents and children with the opportunity to purchase books or educational items from the fair. 

Presentation Day

The Presentation Day is held every two years as part of the Annual Book Fair. Food and drink can be purchased onsite. All students participate in various performances during the day. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Mother’s Day & Father’s Day

The Primary staff organize special gifts for the mothers and fathers, that are thoughtfully prepared at school with each child to be presented at home during the Mother’s/Father’s Day Weekend.