History:
In 1968 a submission was made to the Vicar General to form the new Parish of Park Orchards, Warrandyte. The Parish of St. Gerard’s and St. Anne’s was formed in 1969.
Father Mullane felt very strongly, as did the Archbishop, that the heart of a Parish is its school. He worked very diligently along with a dedicated Parish Council, School Planning Committee and Finance Committee for 12 months until the necessary permits were approved and finance was granted.
Father Mullane’s vision for our Parish included the building of a fine school of which we would be proud.
The building program was completed at a remarkable rate with co-operation from all sides and was ready to open on the first day of school in 1980. Father Pat Austin, M.S.C. joined us as Parish Priest on 3rd February with an enrolment of 77 children. Children from 15 different schools made up the school population.
Since then enrolments have risen in 1997 to 307.
Description:
At present our school buildings consist of seven permanent learning areas along with a Library and Administration facility. The remaining four learning areas are accommodated in relocatable classrooms.
Our children are mainly from English speaking backgrounds.
The staff have created a welcome environment within the school, with many parents accepting the invitation to participate in the daily learning programs on a regular basis. An enthusiastic Parent’s Association is active in the areas of fundraising and social activities.
Features:
St. Anne’s has based its curriculum organisation on the Victorian Curriculum and Standards Framework and adopted the key learning areas (KLA’s) agreed to nationally by the former Australian Education Council.
Other areas available are:
Perceptual Motor Program (P.M.P.)
Reading Recovery (Grade One)
Computer Studies (integrated into the curriculum)
Italian (Prep to Grade 6)
Physical Education/Sport
Aboriginal Perspectives
Asian Perspectives
Drug Education
Music
Teachers are actively involved in curriculum development and regularly review curriculum in all academic areas. Thorough planning by teachers allows children to work at their potential and to extend their ability.
Note: Private music lessons are available in piano, keyboard, guitar, drums and violin.