Teaching and Learning 

Building Strong Foundations

Karoo Primary School has officially launched its 2026 whole-school Start Up Program, an initiative designed to create a positive, consistent, and supportive beginning to the school year for all students.

The purpose of the Start Up Program is to establish a unified foundation across every classroom by setting clear expectations and reinforcing shared routines, behaviours, and values. By taking a whole-school approach, Karoo ensures that students experience consistency no matter where they are learning, helping them feel secure and confident as they settle into the new school year.

Throughout the Start Up period, students participate in a range of purposeful activities designed to set them up for success. These include learning and practising new entering and exiting classroom routines, reinforcing an attendance motto that highlights the importance of being present and ready to learn, and establishing positive reading and writing habits that support learning across all subject areas.

Students also work together to develop positive classroom agreements, creating shared expectations around respect, responsibility, and cooperation. In Mathematics, engaging “Getting to Know You” activities allow students to build connections with their classmates while developing key mathematical skills.

A strong focus is placed on community and respect. Students participate in the Acknowledgement of Country, strengthening their understanding of Australia’s First Nations peoples and cultures. The Start Up Program also provides opportunities to revisit and reflect on Karoo’s core school values of Kindness, Tenacity, and Personal Excellence, exploring what these values look like in everyday school life.

Equally important is the program’s emphasis on relationships. By strengthening connections between students and staff, the Start Up Program fosters a strong sense of belonging. When students feel known, supported, and valued, they are more likely to engage positively in their learning.

Overall, the Start Up Program aims to create a cohesive school environment where every student feels supported, connected, and ready to learn. Karoo Primary School looks forward to the positive impact this program will have as we work together to build a successful and positive year ahead.

I look forward to seeing you all around our amazing school.

Best wishes,

Assistant Principal

Peta Phillips