Warilla North Public School is situated near the southern edge of Lake Illawarra. It is a small school that is strongly committed to improving the life opportunities of its students and is keen to provide a positive environment so that each child can achieve his or her potential. The curriculum presented gives emphasis to literacy, numeracy and student welfare in addition to sporting, artistic and strong values based learning experiences. The school motto 'Respect and Honour' is emphasised in the development of positive relationships to create a safe and happy learning environment.
We have a significant Aboriginal population, and focus is maintained to ensure the needs of these students are met, that Aboriginal culture and history are celebrated and taught appropriately, and that positive relationships exist and will continue to develop with the Aboriginal community.
The committed and experienced staff, work in cooperation with the community, provide a positive learning environment, and is dedicated to engaging in professional learning to improve student outcomes. The school is supported by funding that enables it to provide additional support to better meet the learning needs of all students.
During 2012 Warilla North became a pilot school in Early Action for Success, the Department's strategy for implementing the NSW government's State Literacy and Numeracy Plan. An Instructional Leader was appointed to work at the school. The Instructional Leader works closely with staff and students. Keen use is made of technology with every class having access to an interactive whiteboard (IWB). In 2013 the school purchased additional iPads to support student learning in literacy and numeracy; each class now has a bank of iPads.
Increasingly, Warilla North School is working in close cooperation with various outside agencies. Active programs that enhance opportunities for our students and their families include the Family/School Connect Project; the Stir It Up program; and the 2528 program. The school has a close working relationship with the local Neighbourhood Centre. Positive Behaviour for Success that was implemented last year has resulted in the school community having a shared understanding of the values that underpin the program of Be respectful, Be responsible and Be safe.
The school's primary purpose is to enhance learning outcomes. The school is well supported in this aim through its inclusion in the Disadvantaged Schools Program.