SWAN Hill North Primary School is preparing for the future.
With construction of the school’s new build set to start in January, SHNPS principal Brea Terris said it was an exciting time, full of growth and new opportunities.
“The school is showing good growth for all students with their learning,” Ms Terris said.
“This is going to be supported over the next 12 months with our new building project.”
The project will transform SHNPS into a modern, state-of-the-art facility that strives to provide an inclusive learning environment for all students.
“One of the big things that is important to our community is ensuring we are inclusive for all of our community,” Ms Terris said.
She said this was highlighted through the design process, with staff, students and parents all providing input during the planning phase.
“Ensuring we are providing an educational program that is inclusive to all students is at the centre of all we do at SHNPS.”
As part of this commitment, students have started to learn Auslan sign language, with all year levels taking part in the shared learning experience.
Auslan teacher Kathryn O’Rourke said the whole school community had embraced the program.
“Students have been thoroughly enjoying the lessons and understand the importance of learning a new language and skill,” Ms O’Rourke said.
She said studies had revealed learning Auslan could increase memory retention and motion processing, while also stimulating brain development and mental flexibility.
“It is a visual language that uses hand shapes, facial expressions and body language to communicate,” Ms O’Rourke said.
Learning how to sign the alphabet and count, students have learnt basic greetings, songs and nursery rhymes, covering a range of topics including animals, families, sport, with a focus on the Olympics, colours and food.
“Auslan is a wonderful skill to learn that you will have for life,” Ms O’Rourke said.
“To say the students have enjoyed it, is an understatement,” Ms Terris said.
