Aims

Pine Community School is an independent, democratic community primary school. We offer multi-age groupings with a low student/teacher ratio in a caring, harmonious environment. We are committed to partnerships with parents and students that support children’s individual learning development in a holistic manner (addressing the whole child including academic, social, physical, emotional and aesthetic needs). Through child-centred, co-constructed curriculum, we provide hands-on learning opportunities that challenge and support students’ needs and interests. We are passionate about using research-based best practice to engage our students, providing opportunities to learn and develop in play-based and real life contexts, as well as having a positive outlook and self-identity. We believe that our school helps children to become confident, capable and happy learners who care about others and make good choices as citizens. We aim to develop these skills throughout the primary years. Our motto is ‘Happy Children Learn’ through a partnership of home and school environments.

Mission Statement (developed in 1983 by the school’s founders)

Pine Community School is committed to providing a caring, harmonious environment where the academic, physical, social, emotional and creative development of each individual student is attained to their maximum potential. This is achieved through small, multi-age settings where teachers, parents and the community work together to nurture positive self-esteem and encourage all students to become responsible and motivated.

Aims and Principles of Operation (developed in 1983 by the school’s founders)

1. To provide an ungraded situation in which students may learn and progress at their own pace.

2. Learning is centred around student’s interests, using the Australian National Curriculum as a guideline.

3. To encourage co-operation rather than competition and extend each student’s abilities in a warm, friendly, supportive environment.

4. To endeavour to eliminate all forms of prejudice including economic, social, sex, race and creed.

5. To develop a healthy self-image and positive social skills.

6. To encourage creativity in many forms as an integral part of the learning program as well as constructively using one’s own time.

7. To maintain discipline through mutual trust and respect and through modelling and practice of good conflict resolution skills rather than coercion.

8. To develop in students an awareness of and sensitivity to the environment and society.

9. To actively encourage parents and other community members to become involved in the school life of the student.