Learning Specialist

Balwyn Primary is a school with over 600 students situated in the leafy eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Opened in 1869, Balwyn PS is one of the oldest public schools in Victoria, well-maintained with 25 classrooms, purpose-built art room, music rooms, library, hall, health centre and administration area. Spaces catering for the junior students include expansive play areas, multiple playgrounds, asphalt games and two sandpits with senior students enjoying a dedicated playground. The recreational spaces also include a custom-built and sheltered amphitheatre, basketball, four-square and netball courts, soccer area, synthetic oval and running track.

The Principal Class team consists of a Principal and two Assistant Principals. They are supported by a Business Manager, Office Manager and Office Administration staff member. The staffing profile includes Classroom and Specialist Teachers, Leading Teachers and Learning Specialists, a School Nurse, a Library staff member, and team of Education Support staff.

The school curriculum is rooted in the belief that learning is developmental, and a multi-age structure provides greater opportunities for individual growth and achievement. In 2024, our school has 25 classes in the following configuration: Prep, Year 1/2, Year 3/4 and Year 5/6. Specialists include Music, LOTE, Art and PE with Digital Learning classes held weekly. The guiding principle is to provide educational excellence through vibrant teaching and stimulating learning programs.

Balwyn Primary School strives for and achieves excellence in teaching and learning and caters for the individual requirements of students and teach the `whole child¿. The school provides a high-quality education through a relevant and dynamic curriculum and encourages students to become life-long learners. In 2024 the school introduced the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) building a holistic approach to wellbeing and engagement in the school.

Professional growth and building staff capacity is ingrained in our culture with Professional learning communities, staff coaching and mentoring, peer learning visits and walks, a strong induction, professional learning aligned with the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) goals and staff Performance Development Plan (PDP) growth areas.

Balwyn PS has a low Student Family Occupation and Education (SFOE) Index of 0.0893 and has a community of great cultural diversity, with more than 30 Language Backgrounds Other than English represented. The number of students grows during the year, with many students transferring into the area from other Victorian schools, interstate and overseas.