"My four children attended SPPS from Kindy to Year 6 with the fourth graduating in 2017. My eldest began kindy in 2003 so I had children attending for 15 years. During my involvement with the school I have found the teachers to be, approachable, caring and dedicated to providing excellent learning opportunities for the students and strived to meet the needs of all. As well as providing an engaging and appropriate educational programme, there were numerous opportunities for students to be involved in other varied activities such as music, sport and art performances and exhibitions. I also found that the school consistently showed strong administration and leadership and welcomed input from parents and the community."
Linda Taylor
"I spent nine years at Spencer Park and it was nothing but an enjoyable experience for myself and my family. The education and support I received set me up for successful results in both primary and high school. I am now going on to study Journalism at the University of Western Australia."
Ebony Chandler
"I love Spencer Park because learning is fun and we do cool things like art and daily fitness."
Kirrily, Y2 (2022)
"I love Spencer Park because I like learning about Science every Wednesday with Mrs Murray in the lab."
Lauren, Y2 (2022)
"I couldn’t have wished for a better village and start for my neurodivergent son. Everyone has exceeded my expectations in quality of care in all aspects and little man is thriving. Makes a mumma feel safe and happy. Thank you all."
Serena Sherwood
"I love Spencer Park Primary School because all the teachers and students are kind, no matter what, and the entire school is very understanding, so its a very good place."
Cody, Y5 (2022)
"I love Spencer Park because the teachers are friendly and they make learning fun."
Kade, Y2 (2022)
"Spencer Park Primary School is very welcoming. All the members are really truly supportive and caring and it’s like home somehow. Everyone feels like a family, all together trying to sort out things together and I’m glad both my sons study there. The education is A+. Thank you for having us."
Veeda Azizi
"I love Spencer Park because the teachers are very nice and help me if I'm struggling."
Jaxon, Y5 (2022)
"Four girls, four personalities and four very different packages of needs, all of which have been nurtured by SPPS. Over the past 8 years we’ve watched our daughters (2 with special needs) grow in confidence and character. Our family enjoys the vibrant learning environments, opportunities for parent involvement and the positive wrap around support from all levels of staff. Our daughter Rebecca has autism, the incredible support and respect she received from staff and her peers led to her selection as a Student Councillor in Year 6. She graduated completely prepared for mainstream high school, a huge collaborative achievement. Outside of the classroom our girls participate in community events, ANZAC parades, choir performances, art exhibitions, academic challenges and sporting endeavours. SPPS has a fantastic sense of community that we are excited to be a part of!"
Perdita Beebe
"I love Spencer Park Primary School because all the people are nice, including the teachers, admin and principals."
Skye, Y5 (2022)
"Having heard excellent things about SPPS throughout the Albany Community, we felt comfortable and confident sending our two children to the school and it has more than lived up to our high expectations. Whenever we visit the school, we are always impressed with the warm and welcoming atmosphere and sense of community. Both our children thoroughly enjoy their time at school and we love that they are being encouraged to develop a passion for learning, as well as a strong set of values that compliment our own family beliefs. Staff are exceptional at what they do, providing for a wide variety of educational needs and nurturing all students to achieve their best."
Gemma and Malcolm Ellis
"I love Spencer Park because we have sport with Mrs Guy. I like kicking a football."
Jack, Y2 (2022)
"My time at Spencer Park was one of the most monumental and life changing things that happened to me. I have autism and at Spencer Park I always felt supported and valued by my teachers, EAs and friends. I worked hard and became Student Councillor in Year 6. I also helped my team during the Spelling Championships and we won! A little bit of advice I learnt at Spencer Park is that there are NO limits! Follow your dreams!"
Rebecca Beebe
"I attended Spencer Park Primary School from 2003 until 2011, and will always look back at my years there with fond memories. Throughout my time at the school my academic and personal growth were always supported by the incredible staff, and I formed strong bonds with my classmates that I still maintain to this day. I'm currently at the Australian National University in Canberra, where I am studying a Bachelor of Engineering, Majoring in Mechatronics and Computer Science. Spencer Park makes up a large part of who I am today and I'm forever grateful for growing up in such a supportive environment."
Michael Taylor
"I love Spencer Park because my friends are caring and that is what friends do for each other."
Addyson, Y2 (2022)
"Through our 4 children we have been associated with SPPS for 15 years. It has been nothing but a good experience for our family. We have felt supported and our needs met consistently."
Scott and Melissa Chandler
Both Michael and myself are very happy and proud to be part of the Spencer Park Primary School community. All 3 of our children attend this wonderful, inclusive school. It is so lovely seeing all of them come home from school, excited and happy, they are always very eager to tell us about the great day they have had and what their favourite part of their day was. We have found all staff to be very approachable and accommodating, no problem is ever too big or too hard. With great communication provided we are able to express our children's needs openly and know that measures will be put in place to provide the very best of care to our children, this is a lovely peace of mind having children with ASD and ADHD diagnoses. We are so glad that we have chosen Spencer Park Primary School for our children's primary schooling. We look forward to our children's future and know that high school will not be as daunting for our kids as their early childhood foundations have been strong, with great care and respect provided by their loving and caring teachers, backed wonderfully by a great leadership team.
Jamie-lee and Michael Lembo
"All of the staff at Spencer Park Primary School have made our family feel welcome and supported throughout our time at the school. We have found it to be a safe and caring learning environment for our children. Our two boys look forward to going to school each day and are thriving here. As a parent, I'm grateful that I can send my children to a school where they are treated with care and compassion and I feel that the school's values align closely with our own family values."
Samantha Whittington
"I love SPPS because it is colourful and full of life."
Vela, Y5 (2022)
General information for parents regarding how public schools prioritise and manage student enrolments is available through the Department of Education’s website Enrolling in School section.
If your child is entering our school for the first time their birth certificate and immunisation certificate from the Australian Children’s Immunisation Registry will be required.
When should you enrol? Read When is my child eligible to enrol at school? to find out when.
Ready to enrol? To complete your child’s enrolment you will need to fill out an enrolment form and forward it to us along with a copy of your child's full birth certificate and record of immunisation. You can do this by email (see our contacts page) or by coming along to our office; our friendly staff are available to help you from 8.00am through to 4.00pm.
Download Enrolment PackApplications for your child to be involved in Kindergarten and Pre-Primary are now being taken at our school office. If your child is entering our school for the first time their birth certificate and immunisation certificate from the Australian Children’s Immunisation Registry will be required.
When should you enrol? Read When is my child eligible to enrol at school? to find out when.
If you are new to Albany, it is not too late to enrol your child in this year’s Kindy program. Simply fill out an enrolment form and forward it to us along with a copy of your child’s full birth certificate and record of immunisation. You can do this by email (see our contacts page) or by coming along to our office; our friendly staff are available to help you from 8.00am through to 4.00pm.
At Spencer Park Primary School, we are lucky to run two rich, play-based kindy programs. One is offered on-site in our Early Childhood Centre and the other is offered off-site at Coolangarras Barmah. We accept enrolments for next year’s Kindy from July. Whilst we will continue to take applications for enrolment in these programs for the remainder of the year, getting your application in early will be important in securing a place with our school next year.
As well as our kindergarten and pre primary programs, we offer a KindiLink pre-kindy programs for 0 to 3 year olds in our off-site kindergarten centre, Coolangarras Barmarh. Find out more about KindiLink at Coolangarras Barmah.
Why not pop in and visit the centres to see what they can offer your child.
If your child is currently enrolled in our Kindergarten program you will need to make contact with the school office to ensure that your child is on our Pre Primary list next year.
Students are accepted for enrolment at Western Australian schools if they live within the school’s local intake area.
Spencer Park Primary School is situated in the picturesque city of Albany approximately 400km south of the Perth Metropolitan area. Our school has a proud history celebrating 50 years in 2009. Our motto “Always Strive” epitomises the approach of staff and students
Happy engaged students and quality teaching programs: we always strive for student well-being and success. Your child will experience enriching learning experiences and a highly supportive learning environment when they attend Spencer Park Primary School. As a dynamic Independent Public School we provide all students with a quality education program within a safe and caring environment. Opened in 1959, the school has grown to share a site with Spencer Park Education Support Centre, which provides wonderful integration opportunities for our students and a working environment that is collaborative and harmonious.
Our school caters for Kindy to Year 6 students on site and an Aboriginal Kindergarten off-site. All classes utilise interactive whiteboards and provide student access to computer and tablet technologies.
Spencer Park students are provided with every opportunity to develop life skills which will enable them to cope with the changing world. It is our belief that personal, cognitive and social development can be achieved through high standards of discipline, courtesy, good manners and behaviour, and pride in achievement.
To experience the school atmosphere and to appreciate the teaching programmes in place, why not visit our school. There is always an open invitation to all prospective parents and children to visit.
We look forward to meeting you and are confident that you will be encouraged by the wonderful primary educational opportunities and experiences that await your child at Spencer Park Primary School.
For more information, read our Spencer Park Primary School and Spencer Park Primary School Early Childhood Centre brochures or visit our Facebook page @SpencerParkPS.
TEACHING PRACTICES
At Spencer Park Primary School we have a very focussed method on how we deliver our Literacy and Numeracy curriculum. Our whole school approach centres on Explicit Teaching which clearly identifies content for each year level and a structured format of delivery and rehearsal. This approach has delivered significant success in learning outcomes for all students.
Combined with our Explicit Teaching focus, our school has developed a strong collaborative teaching approach across the different phases of learning. This means that teaching staff across the same year levels share and discuss curriculum needs so that all classes experience similar curriculum delivery and coverage. An emerging outcome of our strong curriculum delivery approach and collaborative teacher planning is our cross-setting classes. These classes provide for students to move out of their home class and into another based on their level of ability in areas of literacy and numeracy.
Explicit Teaching is practiced by many schools across Australia. Find out more by reading our Explicit Teaching brochure and learn about the results we have achieved since introducing this method of teaching practice.
SCHOOL BOARD
The School Board plays an important role in ensuring school resources are used efficiently, and community expectations and the school’s priorities reflect the needs of students.
View our current School Board.
BUSINESS PLAN
2022 – 2025 School Business Plan
LEARNING TARGETS
2023 Knowledge and Skills
Kindy/Pre Primary
Year 1 and 2
Year 3 and 4
Year 5 and 6
ANNUAL REPORT
2023 Annual Report
PUBLIC SCHOOL REVIEW
2021 School Review Report
2015 School Review Report
PARENT HANDBOOKS
Parent Handbook
CLASSROOM & STAFF STRUCTURE
2024 Classroom and Staffing
SCHOOL SONG
Spencer Park Primary School Song
STAFF
Spencer Park Primary School provides a curriculum characterised by inclusive programs of learning that contribute and add value to each student’s cognitive, social and emotional learning and well-being and, as such, our staff are highly knowledgeable and proficient in their craft.
Collaborative planning, curriculum delivery and monitoring of student performance are purposefully structured and evident at every level within the school. Our staff are committed to the importance of professional growth and regularly participate in professional learning that is aimed at improving their curriculum knowledge and classroom practice.
Parents and families are encouraged to take an interest in the work of the school and are welcomed as partners in their child’s learning.
View our current staff structure.
CURRICULUM
Our educational program is driven by WA Curriculum and by our whole school focus of Explicit Teaching. The Explicit Teaching approach is a structured approach of revising and delivering new skills and knowledge to our students that increases the likelihood of these skills/knowledge being retained. The school has had wonderful success in student achievement using this approach.
You may find the following links useful.
PROGRAMS
As well as a rich and diverse quality teaching and learning program, students at Spencer Park Primary School have access to the following programs:
Specialist Music Year PP to Y6
Specialist Science Year PP to Y6
Specialist Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) PP to Y6
AUSLAN (integrated whole school language program)
Instrumental Music Y5 & Y6 Brass, Woodwind
Interschool sport; particularly football, netball, cricket, athletics and swimming
School Chaplain
Literacy support PP to Y6 (phonological awareness, decoding skills, reading fluency, comprehension)
Social skills mapping and development, Zones of Regulation support (available to any child as required)
At Spencer Park Primary School, we are lucky to run two rich, play-based kindy programs. One is offered on-site in our Early Childhood Centre and the other is offered off-site at Coolangarras Barmah. We accept enrolments for next year’s Kindy from July. Whilst we will continue to take applications for enrolment in these programs for the remainder of the year, getting your application in early will be important in securing a place with our school next year.
As well as our kindergarten and pre primary programs, we offer KindiLink pre-kindy programs for 0 to 3 year olds in our off-site kindergarten centre, Coolangarras Barmah. Find out more about KindiLink at Coolangarras Barmah.
Why not pop in and visit the centres to see what they can offer your child.
We have a whole school approach to pastoral care and messages regarding bullying are consistent across all classrooms. To learn more, view our bullying education resource and the Bullying. No Way! video that has been made available through the Bullying. No Way! website.
COOLANGARRAS BARMAH KINDERGARTEN
Spencer Park Primary School is proud to host a deadly early childhood program that offers 0 to 3-year-old and 4-year-old kids a great start to their education.
Specialising in meeting the cultural, social and learning needs of our Coolangarras, the program provides an opportunity to celebrate and explore Aboriginal culture, family and relationships while providing an exceptional literacy and numeracy program.
Family is an important part of the Coolangarras Barmah program and features daily in all aspects. Parents and elders participate in the learning program, join in celebrations and share culture with the kids. We welcome every opportunity for parent participation at the centre. Fathers, mothers, grandparents, uncles, aunties, friends and neighbours are welcome too.
You can learn more by reading our Coolangarras Barmah brochure, visiting Coolangarras Barmah on Facebook or you can see for yourself how successful our program is by visiting our school; we’d love to show you around.
At Spencer Park Primary School, we believe every child matters, every day. We have a comprehensive Student Services team who meets weekly and closely reviews the progress of learning and engagement of students who experience difficulties in engaging the learning process.
Difficulties include:
We believe that every child matters, every day and the Student Services team works to ensure the learning and social/emotional needs of our students are met. We offer a variety of support, including:
On a regular basis, case managers monitor and action support objectives to ensure your child’s needs are being met. Additional to weekly reviews, case conferences are conducted at regular intervals.
For more information, read our Working with You through Case Management brochure.
We are very proud to be able to offer our students access to our Chaplaincy Service, provided through YouthCARE.
The Chaplain works three days each week, from Tuesday to Thursday.
Each year YouthCARE help thousands of students, staff and family members in Western Australian public school communities by providing an essential social, emotional and mental health support service.
YouthCARE chaplains are there to listen, and provide a supportive place to talk. They offer confidential, non-judgmental pastoral care and programs based on respect, compassion and service. YouthCARE chaplains are trained in pastoral care, with ongoing training opportunities provided to specialise in critical incidences, community members living in isolation and mental health initiatives.
Their aim is to support young people and their communities who may be facing challenging personal and social issues. They listen, understand and refer to extra help, if it’s appropriate.
As well as providing pastoral care, our Chaplaincy Service also facilities our Mentor Program, where students are matched to an adult mentor with a view to building a relationship and then undertaking activities or projects. The program aims for the students to develop a relationship with an adult that will nuture and develop their self-esteem.
For more information, read our Mentor Program brochure.
A major focus for our school is to ensure that every student attends school every day that they are well. Missing days of school adds up quickly and can result in your child missing out on important learning. Regular attendance is set at 90%, which means that your child should not be missing any more than 1 day per fortnight. Please make an effort to ensure that your child comes to school each day that they are well and enforce it!
Please do not give in to the many excuses that our children provide at different times. Please contact the school if we can assist with helping your child to attend regularly. School is the EXPECTATION and staying home is the EXCEPTION.
The school is obliged to follow up on students with poor attendance and there are a range of processes and steps that the school will follow including:
Read about our attendance policy and strategies in our Every Day Counts Attendance Guidelines brochure.
Our Walk, Wheel, Ride or Bike to School provides our students and families with a clear map of the various walking and cycle routes that can be taken from local parks to Spencer Park Primary School. It also provides information to families about safe routes for students to get to school. Encourage your child to use these routes if they are walking or riding!
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Now more than ever, being connected with your child(ren)’s learning community is vitally important. You can find out more on our Connect page.
If you haven’t already joined our Connect community, please check your email inbox or junk box for our invitation.
If you’re looking for tips and ideas to help you nurture your child’s potential, why not visit the Learning Potential website.
Learning Potential has hundreds of articles on all aspects of your child’s learning and development, from the early years to the end of high school, with more articles added all the time.
Our school strongly encourages and highly values the involvement of parents. There are many ways this can occur …
The P&C meets twice per term, Monday evenings at 7.15pm in the school staffroom. Fundraising is the main focus although the group also has a role in giving feedback and providing input in relation to decisions about policy and planning. P&C members have also organised busy bees to help out in a range of ways including grounds development and minor facilities improvements. A well attended regular end of year social gathering highlights the positive, cohesive and popular nature of this group.
Our current P&C office bearers are:
Erika Leak, President
Jade Maiolo, Secretary
Amy Sims, Treasurer
The School Board plays an important role in ensuring school resources are used efficiently, and community expectations and the school’s priorities reflect the needs of students.
This group consisting of 4 parents and 3 staff. At the end of each year all positions are declared vacant with nominations for parent positions being called for at the AGM of the P&C. Where nominations exceed positions available a vote will be taken.
This group generally meets twice per term after school for no more than an hour. Towards the end of each year the group has a key role in reviewing school performance and developing the following year’s school plan.
View our current School Board.
There are many ways our school can use your services:
The canteen is open Tuesday to Friday, between the hours of 8.15 am to 1.00pm.
Our online canteen deadline for orders is 9.00 am.
VOLUNTEERS
We are always keen to have volunteers in our canteen if you can spare a hour or two once a week, fortnight or month.
Give us a call or drop in; you’re always welcome.
The school expects every student to be in school uniform.
Any queries to the Uniform Shop, open Monday 8.45am to 9.10am in Room 6 or you can telephone/SMS:
Melissa 0400 579 397
Alternatively, you can fill out an order form and make your payment at our front office.
Our Learning at Home resources are available to support our parents and students who are at home.
Take care and be safe!
Don’t try and replicate school
Home schooling isn’t the same as mainstream schooling. And shouldn’t try to be. Both have things the other can’t offer. What teachers do in a classroom you can’t always do at the kitchen table and vice versa. Work within your resources and abilities.
Establish a timetable that suits you
A timetable is useful and for some necessary but it must work for you and your family. Will your children learn best early in the morning? Then do more academic work then and focus on play/being outside later or vice versa if you’re night owls.
Set the ground rules early on
Set some firm rules early on, it’s going to be difficult to get back into a groove further down the line. Start doing at least some work from the word go and your authority will be easier to maintain.
Balance online time with offline time
You don’t need to be online all day to get a good education. Yes, there are some fantastic resources online and it’s going to be a lifesaver in the coming months, but try to balance the online work with good old-fashioned books and practical, hands-on challenges.
If you don’t have a good supply of pens and paper, now’s very much the time to get some in.
Get outside
Spend as much time outside as you can. Not just for your sanity but for general good health.
If you have a garden, take your learning out there.
Make the most of the one-to-one attention
You might not have time to spend eight hours a day teaching your children but, here’s the thing: you don’t have to if they’re getting some one-to-one time.
One of the great advantages of home education is that the one-to-one time can be really concentrated and really beneficial.
Enjoy the fact that you can spend some time explaining that particularly difficult maths concept to them in a way there might not have been time for at school.
Have confidence in yourself
Teachers do a wonderful job and they’re experienced. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have a lot to offer too.
You know your children better than anyone else. Chances are you do know what motivates them and what excites them. Use this to your advantage and tailor your approach accordingly.
Speak to teachers
Many teachers have been offering their skills on social media. Ask them questions, share concerns.
Buddy up with other parents
Join forces with other parent friends to share any online learning discoveries you make.
Relax
The entire population is in this together. Your children aren’t going to miss out. If it all gets too much, curl up on the couch and read a book together.
Practical Ideas:
STAY SAFE!
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family
We have a limited number of these texts available for free. Please email the school if you would like a copy.
SPPS Resources
Resources that support the teaching and learning program at SPPS.
Access and log in details have been glued into your childrens reading log or student diary. Can’t find it? Don’t worry; you can ring our office staff on 68213000 and they will be able to provide you with the details.
Help develop your child’s fundamental movement skills improve their physical literacy and become a confident and competent mover.
Other Useful Sites
Fun activities that stimulate and engage.
Free site with lots of material arranged in year levels
Helping you to support your child’s learning.
Free resources, but you will need to create an account.
Audible books online for kids.
Behind the News (BTN) – free website with educational videos and information.
Constable Care Child Safety Foundation has shifted online and is producing a range of new video resources that are free for primary school students; the videos are produced in an entertaining broadcast style format with education modules and activity-based learning.
Address
26 Hardie Road, Spencer Park (Albany) WA 6330
Telephone
08 6821 3000
Student absences
SMS 0437 619 154
Address
Mokare Road, Albany 6330
Telephone
08 9841 6511
Jeremy Hadlow – Principal
Cassanda Harris-Moroney – Deputy Principal
Carl Luscombe – Deputy Principal
Dianne Ruffell – Deputy Principal
Candice Smith – Manager Corporate Services