Purpose
To provide a friendly, caring and personalised learning environment that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become valued and productive members of the community.
Values
Care for yourself and others, Try hard at school and do your best, Be honest, Be considerate to others and respect their point of view, Accept responsibility for your own actions, Resolve differences in peaceful ways, Take care of the environment.
Environmental Context
California Gully Primary School is situated in Staley Street, California Gully and is geographically between Bendigo and Eaglehawk. The school was opened in 1883 and is known as "Bell Topper Hill". The suburb of California Gully is part of the Greater City of Bendigo.
The school draws enrolments from the local California Gully area, Maiden Gully, Eaglehawk and Long Gully. Local cluster schools include Eaglehawk, Eaglehawk North and Comet Hill Primary Schools and Eaglehawk Secondary College. Two classrooms, general office, computer lab and conference room are all housed in the historic red brick building. The school library is housed in the new building provided under the Federal Government Building the Education Revolution scheme in 2011 and the school has a large multi-purpose building. In early 2009 the school was fortunate enough to receive a fantastic new oval featuring synthetic turf. Mid 2011 saw classes moving from portable classrooms into the new modern building situated along side the original red brick building.
The school believes that every child can learn and that this occurs best in an environment of cooperation between students, staff and parents. Within this supportive environment, students are expected to develop self-discipline, work co-operatively with others, take pride in their school and their work, value achievement and respect staff and other students.
Curriculum is based on the Victorian Essential Learnings. The school offers a comprehensive Health, Physical Education and Sports program which enables all students to learn basic motor skills and to have the opportunity to use those skills in organised intra and inter-school sport.
The school community is committed to providing all children with a safe and secure environment in which to grow and learn. Emphasis is placed on developing childrens' social skills through a range of programs including Jigsaw and Learn for Life.
The School Council and Parents' Club provide great support in terms of policy development, working bees, fundraising and program support. This has resulted in improvements to playground facilities and classroom equipment. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to participate in school activities and to become partners with teachers in developing positive educational outcomes for the children. The school supports parents through the provision of Health and wellbeing programs, access to our Welfare Officer and the provision of Out of School Hours Care.
The majority of students exiting California Gully Primary School continue their education at Eaglehawk Secondary College. A small percentage transfer to non- government schools for their secondary education.