At Pender’s Grove Primary School, community is at the heart of everything we do. As a small, inclusive school,
we pride ourselves on building meaningful connections with students, families, and the wider community.
Our strong local links create valuable opportunities for learning, support, and shared experiences.
Below are just some of the many ways we foster community involvement at our school.
Local Connections in the Curriculum
- Inquiry Learning: Our student-led inquiry topics often focus on the local area. Families and community members frequently visit classrooms to share their expertise and bring learning to life.
- Excursions to Local Venues: We make the most of our rich local environment with excursions to CERES, Darebin Creek, nearby parks, and local businesses.
- Community Projects: Students have participated in real-world initiatives such as developing a local play space map with Darebin Council or providing feedback on the Pender’s Park redevelopment.
Partnerships with Early Learning and Secondary Schools
- Kindergarten Visits: Local kinders, including bush kinder groups, regularly use our facilities (hall, library, garden, playground), and our students often visit them for performances and activities.
- High School Collaboration: We work with nearby secondary schools like Thornbury High, who provide resources such as brass instruments and teachers. Their students also deliver programs like leadership training and musical theatre workshops.
Community Use of School Facilities
Our spaces are used by local soccer, basketball, and karate clubs after hours, creating further links between the school and community.
Whole School and Cultural Events
- Italian Day: Held offsite at the Furlan or Venuti Italian Clubs, with support from club members.
- Indigenous Education: Programs are regularly supported and guided by Indigenous families at our school.
- Open Afternoons: Family events like Maths Day and Book Week invite parents into the classroom for interactive learning experiences.
Parent and Family Involvement
- Volunteering: Parents support the school by assisting with library sessions, reading groups, excursions, camps, and coaching sports teams.
- Annual Art Show: A highlight of the year, showcasing student creativity through visual art and performances open to the community.
- Community Markets & Solstice Events: Organised by our Community Events Group, these celebrations feature student performances, stalls, and activities connected to classroom learning.
Long-Term Relationships
- Sister School in Hanoi: We maintain a valued relationship with our sister school in Vietnam, with reciprocal visits from students and staff.
- Community Events Group: A subcommittee of School Council, this group drives fundraising and social events like quiz nights, park catch-ups, and winter celebrations.
- Parent Garden Club: Families help maintain and beautify our school grounds through working bees and social gardening sessions.
Through these activities and partnerships, Pender’s Grove remains deeply connected to its community,
enriching the educational experience for every student.
