Carlton Gardens Primary School is located on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD. The historic building which is heritage listed, is close to the University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. The school has close links with the Museum and these Universities. Student enrolment is 196 students and increasing. In 2011, CGPS will have nine grades and 14 full time staff. Our students are drawn from the surrounding neighbourhood, other inner suburbs and the city, and a few from middle and outer suburbs who commute to school with their parents who work near the school. Each year a number of international students also attend and, with their parents, they become significant members of our school community. With the significant number of international students and new arrivals the school has a strong need for ESL services and the teachers are flexible and adaptive to the diverse backgrounds of the students. The school offers mandarin, music, instrumental music, choir, and French either during school hours or after school. The school’s strength is its emphasis on the individual. Each child is known personally by both staff and fellow students. This creates a friendly and caring environment that fosters self esteem and social and academic confidence. CGPS believes that children are most likely to realise their potential in a happy and secure learning environment that values their contributions.