Upwey South Primary School in the Dandenong Ranges provides a safe, engaging and challenging learning environment where students develop life skills, are supported to reach their full potential and strive for excellence in learning. The school has 26.81 equivalent full time staff: 2 Principal class, 16.71 teachers, and 8.1 Education Support staff. Our values system revolves around the 3R’s – Respect, Responsibility and Resilience; because of this, a strong culture of community exists within the school. This fosters respect for self and others, builds character, and elicits parent participation. At our core is a ‘whole school’ approach to teaching and learning with an emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy. We also provide a variety of extension and intervention opportunities for students at their identified point of need. Our school offers wonderful resources: large historic grounds for sport and play; up-to-date technologies (including netbook computers, a computer laboratory and interactive whiteboards); expert staff; a friendly Out of School Hours Care team; and a Sustainability program which incorporates an organic garden with a multipurpose kitchen and Lifelong-learning Centre. During 2010 construction commenced on a six classroom learning centre which will accomodate students in Prep - 2 in the second half of 2011.