St Agnes’ Primary School, Highett VIC
Gender
Co-Ed
Years
Prep-6
Enrolments
127
Established:
Principal: Mr Lachie Foott
Address: Peterson Street, Highett 3190
Key Information
Staff
16 Teaching
5 Non Teaching
Fees
See Website (Primary)
Languages
Italian
About our school
St Agnes’ School is a co-educational parish primary school in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Highett. The school was first established in 1951 under the leadership and guidance of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. The school was initially located in a hall on Worthing Road, Highett before the current school site was established on Peterson Street in Highett.
We have a current enrolment of about 170 students, in seven ‘straight’ classes. Current enrolment projections indicate that student numbers will grow to around 200 students in coming years. We have fantastic educational facilities including a library, art room, a specialist classroom and multipurpose hall. The school has recently completed a $2 million refurbishment project of our seven ground level classrooms and a modular building. These modernised spaces bring additional flexibility to suit our approach to teaching and learning. Our Parents and Friends committee have continued to partner with the school to improve our play areas and we are particularly well equipped with large, open spaces for the children to enjoy.
We provide a comprehensive differentiated and inclusive curriculum built on explicit teaching of foundational skills, allowing students to think critically, work creatively, analyse information and solve problems. We cater for a variety of learning styles, backgrounds, perspectives and interests through a range of extra-curricular programs such as Visual and Performing Arts, Italian, Physical Education and Camps.
We create an environment where students understand that their Catholic Faith and identity is at the centre of all that we do. Students come to know their faith through understanding of the Gospels, the celebration of our traditions and being in relationship with God through Prayer, Liturgy and Action.
The school is located on a hectare of land bound by four neighbouring streets. The enclosed site includes the school, the parish centre, church and tennis courts. The physical dynamics of the parish complex contribute to a real sense of community that exists in our parish and school. The children in Years 3, 4 and 6 celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation throughout the year.
Our school comprises a diverse community. Highett remains an area that is undergoing change with many new families moving into the area and the rebuilding of residential housing. Our teachers are extremely supportive of all students and are focused on delivering high-quality teaching and learning which are driven by evidence based and supported by assessment. The school has significantly invested in ICT infrastructure recently, with all students in Years 3 to 6 allocated a Chromebook (laptop) and 30 iPads spread throughout Prep to Year 2.
The families in our school are extremely supportive and committed to seeing our students and school flourish. There are significant opportunities for parental involvement in activities such as after-school sausage sizzles, special celebrations like the Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast and even the school Walkathon.
Principal's Message
Welcome to St Agnes’ Primary School, Highett. Belonging and connection are two important principles which are key to children learning at their optimum level. At St Agnes’, all of our students arewell known by our staff and this is of significant benefit because it enables a personalised approach to primary education. We take the view that, when we enrol a child, we also enrol the family; the pastoral support and tight-knit community at our school is strongly valued by all families.
We strive for academic excellence and have a strong focus on improving learning outcomes for our students in the areas of Literacy and Mathematics. Our practices in teaching and learning are evidence-based, with a focus on explicit and direct instruction. Explicit teaching means that teachers clearly explain and model key skills; we do not expect children to infer these skills only from exposure. To this end, we provide Multisensory Structured Language education (MSL) in Prep, Year 1 and Year 2, and Spelling Mastery in Year 3 to Year 6. These two thoroughly researched, evidence-based approaches assist students when reading and writing to identify letter sounds, sounding out words, fluency, accuracy and comprehension.
Our students are nurtured, challenged and inspired by outstanding staff members who are dedicated, passionate and committed to their roles as teachers, role models and mentors. We believe that when teachers, parents and students develop strong relationships built on mutual trust and respect, then our students will be happy and willing learners.
The wellbeing of our students is at the forefront of everything we do. We strive to contribute to the development of students’ sense of wellbeing, enthusiasm for learning and optimism for the future. Each day, we practice mindfulness and meditation, to help our students stay in the present, maintain focus and regulate their thoughts/emotions.
We look forward to welcoming you to our school, as we work together to ensure that your child is the best they can be in our vibrant learning community. I warmly invite you to discover more of how St Agnes’ makes education an enjoyable and richly rewarding experience for our students and families.
Quick Facts
- Maths Olympiad
- Library Club
- Premier’s Reading Challenge
- School Choir
- Tennis Club
- iSea iCare School Ambassador Program
- Mini Vinnies
- Prep and Year 6 Buddy Program
- Instrumental Music Program
- School camps in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6
- Termly topic-focused excursions
- Biennial Whole-school Production, alternating with a Visual Arts Show
