Merriwa Primary School is located at the heart of Merriwa in the thriving Shire of Wanneroo, approximately 35 km north of Perth. The student population is representative of the region with 10% Aboriginal population and an increasingly diverse range of non-English speaking backgrounds being catered for in a culturally rich environment. In 2010 and 2011 National Partnership School(NPS)funding has supported whole school engagement of effective evidence-based literacy and numeracy strategies with a focus on strong leadership and close monitoring of student and school performance. Classroom teaching practices are founded on the principles of instructional intelligence with First Steps strategies used throughout the school to support literacy and numeracy. Specialists in these areas work with classroom teachers to provide focussed programs for our students. Other specialist teachers are in the learning areas of LOTE (Italian), music and physical education. Our school has a strong and proud focus on values and restorative practices which support a high standard of student behaviour. 2011 has seen Merriwa as a trial school for the Positive Behaviour in Schools program. A focus on early childhood, students at educational risk and pastoral care is enhanced by close collaboration with Merriwa Education Support Centre whihc is co-located on site. The school has strong links with the local high school and strives to provide students with a seamless transition to high school. Parents and community members are very supportive and the school has a strong and cohesive Parents and Citizens' Association. School staff believe that learning occurs in partnership between students, staff, parents and the wider community.