Student Programs and Services

 SRC

Holt Primary has an active Student Representative Council (SRC)which meets once a week. During these meetings students discuss a range of topics including issues of concern from their own classroom meetings. The co-ordinating teacher often takes student ideas and suggestions back to the school's staff meeting. The SRC also organise and run a variety of fundraising activities and student fun days. In the past the SRC has organised such fun days as: Wheels Day, Pet Day, Muck Up Day and a Sport Morning. The fund raising activities help to raise funds for either the school or other SRC nominated charities.

Learning Assistance (LA)

The school has a Learning Assistance program for students identified as needing extra support with the development of their literacy and numeracy skills. The LA program operates at all grade levels. The LA teacher uses a range of strategies depending on the needs of the students. The teacher may withdraw small groups of students and work with them on targeted literacy and numeracy skills or they may provide support by working in the classroom alongside the students' regular teacher.

English As a Second Language (ESL)

Our school's ESL program centres around helping students develop their language proficiency. This includes helping students to increase their English vocabulary as well as helping them to understand topics that are being learned in class. The small group approach provides an environment where all students feel comfortable to ask questions.

Breakfast Program

The school is very fortunate to have a breakfast program that operates for two mornings each week from 8:30am - 9:00am. The 2007 program currently operates on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. The breakfast club is staffed and organised by volunteers through the St James Anglican Church in Holt. All students are welcome to attend the program which is run on a drop in basis. There is no need to book.

After School Care

The after school care program operates out of Higgins Primary School, which is a neighbouring school. Students meet in the front foyer at 2:50pm to travel to Higgins Primary with a member of the after school care team. For more information about the program please contact the school's front office on (02) 6205 7722

Band

We currently have 2 bands at Holt Primary School. There is a Year 5 brass band and a Year 6 brass band. The band program is taught by a staff member from the ACT Deparment's Instrumental Music Program. Students receive 2 X 45 minute lessons per week with their trained music teacher.

Students who are interested in participating in the band complete a musical aptitude test at the start of the year. The results of these tests may be used as part of a selection process if the number of students interested in being in band is larger than the band can accommodate.

Dance Program

In 2006 all students at Holtparticipated in a structured dance program run by the 'Footsteps' Dance Company. Weanticipate this program operating againlater thisyear. As part of the program there will be a school disco organised and run by Foosteps which is an opportunity for students to demonstrate the dances they have learned.

Camps / Excursions

Holt Primary School views school excursions as valuable opportunities to enrich students' learning. Excursions provide learning opportunities that cannot be provided for in the classroom. Although the school may request a small contribution to help cover the cost of an excursion, these contributions are voluntary.

The outdoor education program for students in Years 3 - 6 involves camps where students stay overnight. The number of nights stayed depends on the year level. While on camp students participate in outdoor education activities, team building skills and problem solving activities. Past camp locations have included: Camp Cooba, Jindabyne, Birrigai and The Yurt Farm at Goulburn. Camps are a valuable learning experience and for many they are a highlight of their primary school years. The school strongly encourages all students to participate in these wonderful education experiences. School camps are a voluntary activity and therefore the school will request that a contribution is made to help cover the cost of the activity.

Educational Assessment Australia - UNSW Competitions

Each year students in Years 3 - 6 are encouraged to participate inEducational Assessment Australia'sacademic competitions. In 2006 we had students enter theComputer, Mathematics, English, Spelling and Science competitions.The competitions are advertised through the school newsletter.For 2007 the school has elected topay entry fee for the English, Mathematics and Science competitions for all studentsin years 3 - 6 whoreturn their permission note indicated that they wish to participate. Entry isnot compulsory.

MyClasses

MyClasses is a web-based educational tool that allows teachers to post content and activities onto the internet. The site is password protected and students are given a logon and password that allows them access to the material. Because the learning environment is web-based it is accessible 24hrs a day.