Schools are more than just places where children learn their ABCs and times tables; they are environments where young minds are shaped into compassionate, community-minded individuals, and in Melbourne’s Wheelers Hill, one primary school is exemplifying this holistic approach to education in a powerful way.
At the core of Jells Park Primary School’s mission is helping young people “develop skills and attitudes necessary to function successfully in a sustainable global society”. Level 5 teacher Bec Kennedy said the three pillars that underpin the school’s approach to this work is experience, shaping attitudes and expectation.
“Staff are encouraged to bring their interests, values and passions to school,” Kennedy told The Educator.
“They’re encouraged to provide opportunities for students to experience engagement in ‘a global society’ through community work, sustainability education and advocacy – an opportunity to connect outside their own social and family groups.”
The school’s students recently celebrated the birthday of their Ethiopian sponsor child, all wearing colours from the nation’s flag with the Grade 6 students doing a special presentation on the day.
“Our school has sponsored Abel through World Vision since 2016. The initiative began with our Junior School Council discussing how we could contribute not only to our local community but to children around the world,” Kennedy said.
“To celebrate Abel’s 17th birthday, the Junior School Council organized a fundraiser, encouraging the entire school to participate by donating a gold coin. Everyone wore the colours of the Ethiopian flag, and we spelled out Abel’s name on the oval with 500 students and staff.”
The students made sure they captured the moment with a drone photo to send to their sponsor child, Kennedy said.
“This was not only a festive gesture but also an educational opportunity to teach students about Ethiopian culture and history and what our sponsorship does.”
Level 5 teacher Michelle Beagley said Jells Park Primary is excited to expand and enhance its programs focusing on global thinking and humanitarianism.
“Students from level 3-6 are given the opportunity at the start of the year and then again in semester 2 to be a part of the Junior School Council and become class representatives,” Beagley told The Educator.
“We have had such success and support from our local community with many different projects over the years.”
Beagley said this term, the school will be organising a drive for the ‘Backpacks 4 Vic Kids’ and going along to volunteer to help pack and sort.
“Every year we join up with Upwey’s Foothills Community Care and do a huge Christmas drive and students and teachers get the opportunity to go and help sort hampers for vulnerable people in the area.”