History:
St Brendan’s Primary School opened in 1994 as the third school in Westernport Parish, Hastings. The school’s main building consisted of five permanent learning areas along with a library, a multi-purpose room, a canteen, internal student toilets and an administration facility with extensive verandas. Relocatable classrooms close to the main building, have been added to serve as learning areas. A multi-purpose room is used on weekends for Mass and is also used extensively by the school throughout the week.
In 2003, St Brendan’s extended the main building by a further three classrooms providing spacious areas for learning. Further development has taken place with the updating of all computers within the school and providing computers in each classroom, including the library.
Description:
St Brendan’s is a place where Christian values of truth, freedom, justice and peace are proclaimed, lived and experienced. St Brendan’s is committed to providing a comprehensive and relevant curriculum and remains mindful of the ever-changing challenges and demands placed on students. Emphasis is placed on literacy and numeracy, with a substantial block of time dedicated daily to these curriculum areas. St Brendan’s participates in the ‘Children's Literacy Success Strategy (CLaSS) program.
The school is situated on a large block comprising both grassed and asphalt playing areas. Our grassed areas provide for sports such as soccer, football, cricket, t-ball and an athletics program, while the two multi-purpose courts allow for netball, basketball, volleyball and a tennis practice wall. A large play equipment area provides students with upper and lower body development, and a large shaded canopy provides protection from the weather.
Features:
At St Brendan’s staff, children and parents work closely together to help children grow spiritually, emotionally and academically. St Brendan’s encourages the family to be responsible for the child’s education in Faith and in doing so supports them in their journey. The Parish Priest, Fr Joe O’Shea, is a regular, visible presence at the school celebrating a weekly school Mass and monthly Class Masses. All three schools within the Westernport Parish work collaboratively with the Sacramental Program and come together on various occasions such as inter-school sports and school camps.
Our students are encouraged to take be enthusiastic life-long learners. They are challenged in tasks that ask them to be problem solvers, to cooperate with their peers, to creatively express themselves and to think laterally.
Emphasis is placed on making St Brendan’s a safe school where students feel that they belong and can participate as a valued member within the community. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate within the classroom, and in various ways in the life of the school. Annual Parent Surveys are used to address parent concerns and celebrate successes, while utilising the data to inform the School Development Plan.