About Us

May I extend to you and your child a very warm welcome to our school web site. My name is David Foley and I am the Principal of Eltham North Primary School.

The school provides a unique learning environment with architecturally designed buildings that blend aesthetically into the peaceful bush setting. The grounds have been landscaped to cater for both active and passive play in shaded and protected areas.

Eltham North Primary is a great place to work because of the positive relationships enjoyed by staff, students and parents. A feature of the school is the strong home-school partnerships which contributes to the high level of student achievement.

Currently we have 518 students (Mar 2009). There are 22 classes giving an average class size of 22 students. There are four groups of Prep, seven groups of 1/2, six groups of 3/4 and five groups of 5/6. All classes are multiage groupings.  Eltham North Primary School's academic results are positve and continue to be consistently higher that state and at or above 'like school' averages. Together, the school community is learning to make the school both environmentally sustainable and sustainable in terms of learning capacity and delivery. The school is a '5 Star Sustainable School' and a 'Healthy Eating School' and has 'Go For Your Life' Awarded. In term 4 2008 we were first in the prestigous Victorian ResourceSmart Schools competition in the category EnergySmart school for Victoria 2007 and we were a finalist in both the Energy and Waste categories in 2008 held at Federation Square.

The curriculum is broad and innovative whilst still emphasising the importance of literacy and numeracy. In addition to the comprehensive classroom programs offered specialist teachers provide instruction in Physical Education, Music, Italian (level 3 & 4), Visual Arts and Information & Communications Technology (ICT). The school is an active participant in district sport competitions as well as providing opportunities for students to participate in Instrumental Music ~ choir, recorder, brass, guitar, piano, drums and an extensive keyboard program. Student Leadership initiatives are extensive and opportunities are available in sporting, performing arts, environmental education and computer technology.

The staff, both teaching and non teaching, are enthusiastic and committed to their profession working hard to achieve school goals and priorities. Graduate teachers are employed each year to complement the experienced staff with a strong team spirit evident. This team approach to planning, implementation and evaluation continues to be a very important feature of the school. A comprehensive professional development program ensures that staff members participate in frequent, targeted professional learning.

A strong partnership between the home and school ensures the provision of a quality educational program for our children. We encourage students to develop a positive attitude towards learning and a feeling of self worth as they are encouraged to view themselves as being competent and responsible.  It is their happiness, development and acceptance of themselves as people of worth, together with the acquisition of understandings and skills, that will assist them to take part in their wider community.  We believe that all children should be encouraged to develop their independence, self esteem, co-operative work skills and their sense of creativity.

Parents are welcome to join in all aspects of our school curriculum, in our teaching programs, class activities, school council teams and parent groups.  The Community Events and Services team actively raise funds each term and this year we are targeting the purchase of Interactive Whiteboards and computers for classrooms. With good knowledge of the school’s operation, parents are able to develop an effective partnership with the school for the benefits of their children. A comprehensive school web site informs the school community about 'What's New' and 'In Focus' topics occuring in the life of the students and the school. A weekly newsletter is distributed to all school families and is available 'online' to improve communication of school events and achievements.

Our staff and parents share the excitement and the responsibility of ensuring a happy, secure and successful commencement to formal education.