Since its inception, and the opening of its doors just three short years ago, Docklands Primary School has seen unprecedented success and growth. Beginning with less than 200 students, the school now hosts almost 550 local children spanning from Prep to Grade 6. It has managed to reach its maximum capacity within this very short span of time, spurred on by the booming population of young families moving to, and calling Docklands home.
Due to the excellent reputation that the school has achieved in this short period, families have not only been drawn to enroll their children at the school, but they are also choosing to stay for the duration of their children’s primary education here in Docklands. Students have previously had to travel out of the area to attend South Melbourne Primary School, a far less convenient option.
I had the privilege of sitting down recently with Principal, Adam Bright, to learn more about the school and what he has managed to achieve in three brief years. Based on the school’s core values of Excellence, Courage, Integrity, and Kindness, students are encouraged on a daily basis to model behaviours that encompass each of these values, which will ultimately develop them into wholesome and well-rounded characters. The teaching staff explicitly demonstrate how one can show kindness or integrity throughout all facets of the student’s learning and education.
A plethora of sporting activities are frequently held in the state-of-the-art Multi Purpose Centre, with some older primary school classes able to take advantage of the outdoor space offered at Ron Barassi Sr Park. It is at this local Docklands park, near the Bolte Bridge, where the school has run its annual Athletics Day carnival to great success.
The school aims to connect with the greater community through a combination of newsletters and assemblies. The student-led assemblies incorporate the school’s music and performing arts program and always feature a song or dance, with all students (and staff) participating in a giant ensemble performance. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend. Nutbush anyone?
Docklands Primary celebrates successes both large and small. From the micro daily gains and growth of student learning, having achieved some remarkable results in early years reading, to grander themes such as the end-of-year concert that is run by the students. They also formally celebrate and recognize all of the young children in the graduating class of each year.
The school leadership and staff opinion survey has been exceptional. The staff are all incredibly committed to their work as well as their own growth. They have been able to retain and build upon their extensive teaching and support staff, as the school has become a magnet based on its reputation for professional learning.
Beyond the basics of literacy and numeracy, Docklands Primary presents numerous opportunities for each and every student to seek out other areas of interest.
Music and the performing arts are highly valued within the overall culture of the school. They have developed their own student Choir which performs at each of the assemblies, with hopes that they will be able to perform and entertain the greater community at large in the near future. Music lessons are also offered on campus and are highly sought after for their convenience.
The school itself is always looking for assistance from the community to help build upon the resources that they currently have, which have certainly been stretched given the unprecedented growth of the student body and population, to ensure the best possible education for our children. Donations are always welcome and warmly received. No school can ever have too many books in their library or too much sporting equipment for the playground and sports field.
Last year the parent community raised money to provide a new stage for the performing arts. Giving of time is another way we as a community can help. Lunchtime clubs are offered to students which are incredibly popular with the kids. The school can always do with additional community members volunteering to assist in these varied offerings, such as the gardening club, origami club, science club, and Lego club. Any and all such help will be warmly received.
Principal Bright, who has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to our school community, is working with the Victorian Schools Building Authority (VSBA) to track further anticipated growth, for the future steps required to ensure there are enough classrooms and facilities to service the growing need for continuing excellent education here in Docklands.
For anyone wanting to volunteer their time within Docklands Primary School, or any school environment, one just needs to apply for a Working with Children Check from the State Government. You can find more details here: https://service.vic.gov.au/find-services/work-and-volunteering/working-with-children-check
To get in contact, or to find further information about Docklands Primary School, please go to: https://www.docklandsps.vic.edu.au/ or email: docklands.ps@education.vic.gov.au.
