Karingal Primary School is committed to creating a happy, friendly, challenging and secure environment for all. 
It strives to develop respectful, engaged lifelong learners who are resilient and perform to the best of their ability in a technology rich environment

VALUES

At Karingal Primary School a clearly defined set of core values underpin everything we do:

• Respect is defined by Fairness, Strength, Consideration, Honesty and Sincerity
• Integrity is defined by Truth, Honesty, Responsibility, Loyalty and Courage
• Persistence is defined by Control, Hard work, Commitment, Purposefulness and Success
• Resilience is defined by Humour, Initiative, Flexibility and Courage
• Relationships are defined by Empathy, Collaboration, Support and Trust

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

SOCIAL

Karingal Primary School is located on a large, picturesque site in a well-established residential suburb, close to the City of Frankston, 53 km south-east of Melbourne.
The school's attractive site, with established native trees, contrasts with the local urban environment and the comprehensive shopping complex nearby.  Karingal is part of the Karingal Cluster, Frankston Network and there are four other primary schools, three government and one Catholic, and a secondary college within walking distance of the school.

There are currently 159 families in the school in 2009, drawn from some established families, first homebuyers and other families renting privately or through the Ministry of Housing.  In 2009, the enrolment of 226 included 5 Koori students and 8 students enrolled in the Disabilities Program.  Gender proportions are equal with girls 113 to boys 113. 

In 2009, there are 13 full time teaching staff including the Principal, Assistant Principal and two Leading Teacher, and 4 part time teaching staff.  The 6 non-teaching staff include 2 administrative office staff and 4 integration aides.

The current staffing profile includes a vast majority of experienced and some beginning teachers with a diverse range of backgrounds and interests, a reasonable gender balance.

A strong partnership exists between the School Council, the highly professional staff and a dedicated core of supportive parents.  There is an active Parents and Friends Association. 

This community focus is highlighted by the school's Pride In Frankston work which deals with environmental and community involvement.

EDUCATIONAL

At Karingal Primary School key improvement strategies include the development of a whole school approach to teaching and learning through the implementation of the POLT, based on of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards and an understanding of differentiated curriculum.  ICT will be used extensively as a tool for learning and student engagement in every classroom.

Student achievement in Literacy and Numeracy across all year levels will be a focus.
Karingal Primary School achieved accreditation in 'Performance and Development' in November, 2008.

Targeted professional learning programs for all staff are a focussed on a coaching and mentoring program. Peer observation and the use of multiple sources of feedback to improve teacher effectiveness form the basis of development of the school performance and development culture. 

Student Well Being and engagement  has been  increased and will be the systematic focus over the next four years. The increased focus on student engagement and extension of students to improve their sense of connectedness to school and overall achievement.

TECHNOLOGICAL

Karingal Primary School is committed to continuous improvement in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in order to develop literate information learners who understand how knowledge is accessed, organised and communicated. 

ICT is integrated into curriculum programs at all levels with four computers in each classroom.  Classes have weekly access to a computer laboratory of twenty-five Windows XP machines.

In 2007 a mobile pod of 12 MAC laptop computers was introduced in the 5/6 area, timetabled to move around the classrooms each week enabling greater student access to computers on a regular basis.

ENVIRONMENTAL- GROUNDS AND FACILITIES

Karingal Primary School is an active participant in the Best Start Initiative with the City of Frankston.

Approval for the Karingal Childrens' Hub has been granted and funding secured from the State Government and Frankston Council to build the Hub, on Wingham Park adjacent to the school and this building will be completed by October 2009.

Our local environment is focused on the care of children with an Infant Welfare Centre and Kindergarten adjacent to the school.

Facilities include a playing field, basketball, netball and volley ball courts, several shaded adventure playgrounds and a range of passive recreation areas.  Funding received by the Federal government's `Investing In Our School' initiative has enabled the creation of outdoor learning areas, which are shaded and contain seating.

The two main buildings have designated Science, Information Technology, Art and Library areas and a multipurpose hall.   There is an administration centre including an Interview room and First Aid room.  All teaching areas are efficiently air-conditioned and heated.