Department of Education - Victoria

Baxter Primary is a dynamic, community-minded school with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1890, located just 3km from the Baxter township. Our school currently hosts 11 classes, accommodating a total of 218 students. We take great pride in our long-standing tradition of serving the community.

Our school is set amidst beautiful surroundings with expansive outdoor areas, including two grassed sports fields, separate senior and junior playgrounds, a basketball court, a sensory garden and a versatile outdoor space. These facilities foster learning through play and encourage active, healthy lifestyles that benefit both physical and mental well-being. In 2020, we also completed a $2.5 million redevelopment of our Junior School.

Baxter Primary School is a nurturing community where students are inspired to reach their full potential and grow into successful citizens. We actively encourage parents to engage in their children¿s education alongside our dedicated, caring and supportive staff.

Together, we strive to cultivate a community of responsible and resilient learners who excel academically, creatively and socially. We emphasise values such as kindness, respect, inclusivity and encouragement.

At Baxter Primary, we are passionately committed to teaching and learning. Our structured Literacy program is designed to develop skills in reading, viewing, writing, speaking and listening within a supportive and stimulating environment. Our planning aligns with the Victorian Curriculum and is grounded in best practices and evidence-based research. We employ explicit teaching across all year levels, following the Gradual Release of Responsibility model (I Do, We Do, You Do). Our two-hour daily literacy blocks, from Foundation to Year 6, are dedicated, uninterrupted learning time. Our staff continuously expand their professional knowledge, guided by the Science of Learning, which shapes the teaching strategies in our classrooms.

We maintain an open-door policy at Baxter Primary, fostering respectful relationships among parents, students, and staff. Our comprehensive curriculum spans Foundation to Year 6, covering Literacy, Numeracy, Technology, Science, Humanities, The Arts, Health and Physical Education.

Our teachers collaborate in teams to ensure a consistent and guaranteed curriculum for all students. We utilise student data to tailor learning experiences, constantly striving to enhance student outcomes. As a Professional Learning Community (PLC), we are committed to continuous improvement.

Our school also benefits from the support of a part-time Chaplain, who provides assistance to our students and their families. Programs such as Respectful Relationships and our Buddy Program further enhance our students' sense of wellbeing and belonging.

In addition to academic programs, we offer a variety of enrichment and extracurricular activities, including instrumental music, environmental initiatives, lunchtime clubs and an extensive range of sporting activities. We also run a weekly Breakfast Club for our students.

Our Before and After School Care facility operates Monday through to Friday and includes a school holiday program.

SC1    Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant curriculum, including the capacity to incorporate the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills. Demonstrated capacity to respond to student learning needs.

SC2    Demonstrated capacity to implement high impact teaching strategies, guided by how students learn, and evaluate the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth. 

SC3    Demonstrated capacity to monitor and assess student learning. Demonstrated capacity to use data to inform teaching practice and to provide feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents.

SC4    Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the broader school community to support student learning, wellbeing and engagement.    

SC5    Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated capacity to reflect upon practice and engage in professional learning to continually improve the quality of teaching.