Gumeracha Primary School is a small school located in a semi-rural environment approx 40km from Adelaide. We have a strong environmental education focus with many programs such as recycling, revegetation and local projects supported within the school and local community. Our motto, Together we achieve, reflects the highly valued parent involvement in school programs and our involvement in community activities. Our values build on a commitment to achieve, and include confidence, persistence, organisation, resilience, getting along and creativity. We work towards implementing these ‘Keys to Success’ through a strong team approach by staff and by enlisting the support of parents. Curriculum priorities are literacy and numeracy, along with the integration of information and communication technology. The Jolly Phonics program is used to provide strong beginnings in literacy in the early years and the highly acclaimed Primary Connections science program underpins the science curriculum. In addition to the NAPLAN tests, all students undergo regular assessments in literacy and numeracy. Based on the outcomes from a range of standardised tests, a program of short-term learning plans is in place to support those students who are at risk of falling behind in their learning. Meanwhile, we develop higher-order thinking strategies with students from Reception to Year 7 and students are encouraged to participate in decision-making through class meetings and the Student Representative Council. Global and multicultural education was introduced as a specialist subject in 2008 with a focus on Asia. Interactive whiteboards are located in each classroom and in our well-resourced computer suite. A recently renovated resource centre, a new multi-purpose hall and a fully equipped art/science room provide additional, high quality learning areas. Large, picturesque grounds, a shaded, paved amphitheatre and modern, shade-covered play areas offer scope for a range of outdoor activities. We are an ‘instrumental music hub’ with..