Vision
Everyone belongs, learns, achieves and grows at McDowall State School.
Learning expectations and values
Safety and collaboration: We understand that safety is everyone's responsibility. We know that by making safe choices we protect ourselves and those around us from harm. By working together, we are able to reach common goals. Our teachers share age-appropriate responsibilities, so we learn how to be safe and how to work together. We know that an environment that supports positive behaviour encourages change more effectively than one that focuses on negative behaviour. We understand that by connecting with others, it gives us a sense of belonging.
Responsibility: We all choose what we do with our lives, and we are responsible for these choices. The only person whose behaviour we can control is our own. Our behaviour is our best attempt to meet our needs. Our behaviour is made up of our doing, thinking, feeling and body talk. It is our job to learn to meet our needs in responsible ways.
Respect: We allow ourselves and others to do and be their best. It is our job to negotiate differences in constructive and peaceful ways and to accept that everyone has their own journey. We listen, encourage and trust that others are able to make the choice that is right for them. By using these habits, we create a mutually respectful atmosphere between all that are involved within our school including staff, students, parents/caregivers and visitors.
Courtesy and care: We care for ourselves, we care for others, we care for our learning, and we care for the environment. We recognise when our needs are not being met and choose behaviours that are helpful. We understand that to be healthy means that we must be self-aware and use self-management strategies. We recognise that caring for our body and our mind helps us to be our best self. We recognise that having connections with other people is important.
Honesty and kindness: Connection is at the heart of our work. We are present and listen to each other. We believe that everyone belongs and is an important part of our school. We show compassion to other people by being mindful and calm, considering how other people are thinking and feeling and by showing and sharing moments of gratitude. We show courage and build trust so that others understand that we are aware of ourselves, others and our world. We believe that one person has the power to make a difference.
Knowledge, learning and resilience: Our teachers use effective classroom management, teaching for learning, parent and caregiver involvement, and believe that all students can learn, grow and achieve. We take responsibility by feeding up, back and forward in our learning so we can achieve to our potential. We make choices and take actions which lead us toward achieving our academic goals. We understand that learning is a journey and sometimes we find ourselves in the 'learning pit', but with a growth mindset, persistence and support, we climb out stronger and more capable than before. We understand that we need to show respect and good sportsmanship towards others when we achieve. We understand that competing against our personal best is a healthy way to do this.
Belief statement
We believe that all children have the right to learn in a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where they feel valued, respected and have a strong sense of belonging within their community.
We believe that all children can learn and thrive when education is evidence-based and age-appropriate and recognises individual strengths, interests, backgrounds and learning needs and that supports the development of the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally and creatively.
We believe that learning flourishes through positive relationships, high expectations, collaboration with families and a growth mindset that encourages curiosity, resilience, reflection and a lifelong love of learning.
We believe that education is a shared responsibility, 'it takes a village' and that by creating supportive, engaging and innovative learning environments, we empower every child to realise their potential and to contribute positively to the world.
Intended outcomes statements:
- Students feel a strong sense of belonging, safety and wellbeing. They are confident to participate, take risks and be themselves.
- Students demonstrate growth in learning, achieving success through evidence-based, age-appropriate teaching that meets their individual needs.
- Students develop responsibility, resilience and a growth mindset. They use reflection and feedback to improve and persevere through challenges.
- Students are active, engaged learners who show curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.
- Positive relationships are evident between students, staff, families and the wider community, strengthening learning through collaboration.
- Inclusive and equitable practices are embedded, ensuring all learners can access the curriculum and experience success.
- Educators continually reflect and improve practice, using research, collaboration and professional learning to maximise student outcomes.
- The school community works together, sharing responsibility to support student wellbeing, achievement and growth.