History:
St Margaret’s School, East Geelong has a rich and proud tradition dating back to 1949. As the East Geelong area began to develop after the war, the 2-classroom school opened with Mrs Margaret Silvester as Principal. In 1950 the school was placed under the care of the Sisters of Mercy who continued to teach and administer the school until 1995. Mrs Kay D’Arcy has been the principal since 1995.
In 1999 we celebrated our 50th Jubilee. It was a wonderful week of celebrations culminating in Mass and an open day during which many people, past and present, shared fond and lasting memories of their association with St Margaret’s school.
It is a great asset to be situated across the road from the Church, helping us make authentic links between school and parish through life, celebration and sacraments.
Description:
St Margaret’s is situated in a residential area approximately 4 kms from the centre of Geelong. The school is a welcoming and caring place of learning. We are committed to excellence in teaching and learning. For 2005, 197 students are enrolled and will be organised into 7 classes in a single level structure, P–6.
Our staff are enthusiastic and committed to providing the students with programs grounded in sound educational principles and best current practices. St Margaret’s values and supports each individual child and aims to help every child reach their potential spiritually, intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. The students learn in large, well maintained, bright classrooms and there are attractive, modern and shaded playing areas.
Features:
Teachers aim to meet the learning needs of the students by planning programs which are sequential and comprehensive. Our Religious Education program is based on To Know, Worship and Love. We place great importance on the development of students' competencies in Literacy and Numeracy. We are implementing the CLaSS structure in early literacy (P–2) and teachers in Years 3–6 are undertaking professional development to enhance their teaching of literacy at these levels. We are also implementing the numeracy program SINE across the school. Teachers work in collaboration with support staff to maximise the student’s learning in literacy and numeracy.
The development of an integrated inquiry approach and the inclusion of modern technologies in programs throughout the curriculum have also been a focus. Students in every classroom have access to computers. Students’ progress is monitored by ongoing and carefully chosen assessment tools.
Specialist areas include Library / Literature sessions, LOTE, Physical Education and Visual Arts. Students take part in the Bike Ed program in Grade 4, all students have access to the Life Ed Van and students in Years 3–6 have opportunities to compete in local inter-school sporting activities and sporting clinics. Year 6 students have a camp experience. There is a swimming program for Years 1, 3 & 5. We have employed a school counsellor/psychologist, one day a week, to work with students who have particular school-related social and emotional needs.
We offer many opportunities for parents to be involved in their children’s learning and to take an active part in the daily life of our school community. St Margaret’s School Board and the Parents and Friends group are active and play an important part in our school. We enjoy a supportive relationship with our parish priest. We endeavour to continue the great work of those who came before us as we build on the story of Catholic education for the community of East Geelong.