The principal, staff and students of Forrest Primary School extend to you a warm welcome.
What do we offer at Forrest Primary School?
Forrest Primary School, an IB World school, is well-situated in the National Parliamentary Triangle with the iconic flagpole dominating the landscape. The school has an international feel with 40% of enrolments from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and sits in the heart of the Canberra diplomatic community. The school currently educates 601 students.
Forrest responds to our community by providing an international style of education whereby we bring hearts and minds together to develop global citizens who will make a difference in the world. In order to develop learners who are knowledgeable and compassionate we provide a challenging and relevant educational environment.
The preschool to year 6 programme uses an inquiry model in which students question, research, think and reach their own conclusions, showing their understanding in a variety of ways. We celebrate students who take action to make a difference in our world. The programme uses Australian Curriculum outcomes to explore big concepts, driving deep-thinking and helping students make connections. This balances the short term and long term knowledge needs of each child and it helps them make considered choices and take positive actions to make the world a better place.
In all of our endeavours we maintain the integrity of an individualised programme that is tailored to the needs of every child. This has the effect of providing both extension and remediation as appropriate. Forrest offers support to learners of English as necessary, a Reading Recovery programme for struggling readers in the junior school, extension curriculum for Gifted and Talented students, an Indigenous homework club and a range of interest clubs at lunch time. The school has strengthened its Restorative Practice approach to both student welfare and staff cohesion. This approach focuses on developing and maintaining healthy, thriving relationships that underpin effective learning. From this approach we cultivate a strong staff culture and we develop students who are confident, emotionally literate and resilient.
Teachers are the most valuable school resource. It is the teachers who make a difference for children, who improve academic and social outcomes.
As Principal, I inspire, affirm and develop teachers and so enliven and empower children to reach their full potential.
While it is my responsibility as Principal to manage every aspect of the school, I consider that the greatest and most important responsibility is to be leading and supporting teachers for the enduring benefit of the students of Forrest Primary School.
I hope this handbook answers any important questions that may concern you as your child enters a new school and a new phase of life.
I welcome you and invite you to partner myself and my staff as we take your child’s learning to the next level.
Christine Pilgrim
Principal