Primary School Project

The Ardoch Primary School Support Project is a community development project, which develops holistic early intervention and prevention programs at primary schools. This project operates at Port Melbourne Primary School, St Kilda Primary School, Mahogany Rise Primary School in Frankston, Rosewall Primary School in Geelong and Stonnington Primary School in Windsor. It services nearly 1000 students and the broader school community.

• Developing and implementing support programs for students and families (e.g. provision of food and toiletries; referrals to community agencies, breakfast clubs, lunchtime activities).
• Broadening learning opportunities for students (e.g. Literary Buddies programs, social skills groups, one:one or small group learning activities in classrooms).
• Linking relevant government agencies, community agencies, business and volunteers into the schools (e.g. corporate support of schools through development of physical resources, activities to support student learning).
• Skilling and supporting volunteers to work in the schools (volunteers work in each school supporting students with literacy and numeracy development, as role models, utilising specialist skills to enhance student engagement).
• Providing opportunities for relevant professional development for schools staff and community workers.
• Producing documentation that enables the model to be transferred across primary schools in Victoria and nationwide.

• Is responsive to the learning and support needs of primary school aged students and families.
• Promotes the well being of all and addresses the issues which prevent engagement with school curriculum and learning, including homelessness, poverty, family breakdown, mental illness, substance abuse, family violence
• Facilitates replication