School Values

Values

Be Your Best

Be Respectful

Be Responsible

Be Resilient

Be Creative

Be Curious

School Motto

Dream Achieve Succeed

Every child known, safe, inspired, challenged and empowered.

Vision

Our vision is to develop young people with active and creative minds, a sense of understanding and compassion for others and the courage to act on their beliefs. We create a challenging learning environment which develops students who are resilient, adaptable, equipped with skills, knowledge and dispositions to be life-long learners who become personally fulfilled and socially responsible members and active contributors of their communities.

Our staff inspire, engage and nurture our students through a dynamic curriculum that supports the academic, social and emotional well being of each child.  Our parents take pride in fostering a love of learning together with staff and value the vision, goals and directions of our school and teachers.  Our parents are essential partners in creating a thriving learning community.

Play is the Way

Wilson McCaskill 'Play is the Way'

A prominent part of the curriculum at Loch Primary School is the implementation of Wilson McCaskill’s ‘Play is the Way’ program. ‘Play is the Way’ is a practical methodology for teaching social and emotional learning using guided play, classroom activities and a specific and empowering language which is embedded across all levels of our school.

We strongly believe that the program supports our students by developing the fundamental social and emotional skills for life. Teaching the skills we all need to manage our behaviour and emotions, our relationships, and our work effectively and ethically.  These skills include recognising and regulating our emotions, developing caring concern for others, establishing positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and handling challenging situations constructively. They are the skills that allow children to calm themselves when angry, make friends, resolve conflicts respectfully, and make strong and safe choices.

The ‘Play is the Way’ philosophy consists of behavior education and student self-regulation that fosters independent, self-motivated, empathetic, lifelong learners. This philosophy revolves around the Self-Mastery Checklist and the following 5 key concepts:

• Treat others as you would like them to treat you.
• Be brave – Participate to progress.
• Pursue your personal best no matter who you work with.
• Have reasons for the things you say and do.
• It takes great strength to be sensible.

For further information and recommended reading for parents, please visit the ‘Play is the Way’ website at https://www.playistheway.com.au

Commitment to Child Safety

Loch Primary School is committed to safety and well being of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision-making. Loch Primary School has zero tolerance for child abuse.

Loch Primary School is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard and contribute to decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.

If there are any concerns or questions regarding Child Safety procedures, please see any one of the following staff members: Ms Tracey King (Principal), Mr Mark Hunter, Ms Rachael Geerts, Mrs Chris Massaro, Mrs Natalie Francis, Mrs Melanie Davidge, Mrs Jody Achterdenbosch, Mrs Benita Spence, Mrs Meredith Birnie.

Acknowledgement of Land

Loch Primary School acknowledges the people of the Gunai, Kurnai and Bunarong nations, as the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which our school is situated, and we pay our respects to their Elders both past and present.