25 Jul 2014
Sitting high on the hill, overlooking the town of Murwillumbah, is a school achieving state wide recognition through outstanding student results in all areas. Driving past the spacious playground, hearing the sounds of laughter and excitement as the students play at lunch time, one may be oblivious to the enviable accomplishments that are achieved in this school. Walk through the gates to the calm, recently renovated school facilities, and it becomes obvious that students are not only offered abundant opportunities at the school, but they embrace them and attain greatness. Murwillumbah Public School is committed to providing quality programs in all areas of the curriculum. The staff, parents, community and children all work cooperatively to achieve the best possible outcomes for all. The staff consists of a dedicated team of highly accomplished teachers and support personnel who offer daily hands-on lessons in Literacy and Numeracy, as well as Science, HSIE, Physical Education and the Arts. They attend regular on-going professional development to ensure the school is a pioneer in integrating the new Australian curriculum. All students are catered for at MPS. Targeted Year One students receive extra support by specially trained Reading Recovery teachers to ensure learning and development success. MPS offers students the opportunities to sit exams run by the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). Talented students have achieved High Distinctions and Distinctions in Writing, English, Mathematics and Computer Skills. This result means they are in the top 10% in the state. The school runs a Gifted and Talented program so these students have the opportunity to excel. Through the highly respected music program, every student attends lessons by a specialist music teacher each week. All students perform in concerts and presentations throughout the year at school and in the community. The medals and trophies won at this year's Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts were evidence of the high standards achieved at MPS. This year, as well as last year, saw a dedicated team of instrumentalists head to Sydney, yet again, to perform at the Opera House. Students played not only in the ensemble but two were featured soloists. MPS also offers private or small group lessons on a variety of instruments. Again, this is a huge accomplishment from the school on the hill. Creative and Performing Arts at MPS includes the exciting Dance Program targeting younger students and giving them several performance opportunities. This includes the Far North Coast Dance Festival held at the Gold Coast Arts Centre each year and gives students an insight into the world of performing arts. Artistic students are also offered participation in the accredited Art Smart program with two students being chosen to display their art in the hall of the Education building in Sydney. Involvement in sport is also an integral part of school life. Through the Friday skills development programs, MPS offers involvement in the PSSA Gala and Knockout days for Rugby League, Netball, Softball, Soccer and Cricket. Students have been selected in Cricket and Rugby League to attend NSW state camps. Swimming and gymnastics by specialist instructors are offered as an option for Friday sports. Excursions seem to be a thing of the past but not at MPS. Tradition lives on with the dedicated teachers taking students on annual camping trips to Pottsville and this year the exciting three day expedition to the Sunshine Coast. Many students would not visit venues like Australia Zoo, Underwater World or Brisbane without these excursions. The transition to ‘Big School" can be a dilemma for both pre-schoolers and their parents. Not at Murwillumbah Public School where teachers offer pre-schoolers a 10 week program where prospective Kindergarten students can attend school each Friday to learn routines and become familiar with school life. Parents have mentioned how grateful they are for the program as their children can form relationships both with other students and their teachers. Murwillumbah Public School has an exceptional reputation with recognition state wide. An excellent Student Welfare Program, promoting positive behaviour, is a strong focus within the school. This is enhanced by the involvement of the Student Representative Council in actively supporting community non-profit organisations. MPS continues to maintain a friendly, caring and personal environment to nurture each child throughout their primary years. Pease contact the school for enrolments in any year. It will be one of the best decisions you will make for your child.
The School on the Hill (pdf 621 KB)