Bruthen Primary School is a small rural school situated in Bruthen, East Gippsland. Our school operates three multi-age classrooms and Art and PE as specialist programs. Our school has 5.3 equivalent full time staff, 1 principal, 3 teachers and 1.3 Education Support staff. In 2010 we continued our whole school ‘Mates’ program developing leadership, empathy and connections between our students. We offered families support with In Venue After School Care and an Active After School Communities Program. Over the last 4 years we have worked closely with all government schools in the Bairnsdale Cluster for Professional Development with the implementation of the ‘Highly Effective Literacy Strategies’ under the leadership of Professor John Munro. The 7 strategies have been used across the school in all learning areas strengthening our knowledge of effective teaching practises. During 2010 our school began our refurbishment program with the installation of a new art and multipurpose building, while the historic main building is being refurbished. Improvements to our fabulous grounds included a fantastic vegetable garden, re sealing of the basketball court and general maintenance keeping our playground in tip top condition.