Tacking Point Public School is a dynamic well equipped modern school with a highly trained professional staff, located in the lighthouse beach area of Port Macquarie with an enrolment of 700 students.
The school has strong literacy and numeracy programs, which are embedded in the ‘quality teaching framework'. This gives all students a strong foundation in all facets of the essential basic key learning areas. This is evident by the school consistently performing well above north coast region and state in all facets of the NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) in both Year 3 and Year 5.
To cater for the diverse range of students' needs the core curriculum is supplemented with an extensive range of tailored learning experiences.
There are 2 extension classes and activities to cater for the gifted and talented (GAT) students. Programs also include reading recovery, reading tutors, support teacher learning and assistance and counsellor services to cater for specific students' needs. These are co-ordinated by an effective learning and support team (LAST).
All learning is supported by a fantastic technology program incorporating internet facilities, laptops, ipads,computer laboratories, a connected classroom and classroom interactive screens (in all rooms) and associated technologies.
The school has a very comprehensive transition program from Pre-school to Kindergarten and is refining its Year 6 to Year 7 process to ensure a smooth and efficient entry to high school.
The school has an exceptional performing arts program, with 3 choirs with Bel Canto performing at the Opera House for the past 10 years. We have more than 190 students in our band, with all children being afforded tutorials. The above groups and our drama, dance and other groups perform with distinction at Eisteddfods, music festivals, community concerts and other events.
In 2017, it was announced that we are a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Action School, one of 8 in NSW.
With an exceptional PDHPE (personal development, health and physical education) program, live life well at school and sports programs has seen excellent results on the sporting field with representation in NSW primary school sports association (PSSA) knockouts. With many children progressing to state and national levels in individual sports as well as all the major PSSA sports of swimming, athletics and cross country.
The school is very active in the area of student wellbeing with all activities based on the schools core values of care, courtesy, respect and responsibility. This incorporates the whole school initiative of Positive Behaviour Learning (PBL) program which gives a sound discipline code. This is complemented by specific support, programs and management plans to address the special needs of individuals.
There is a strong focus on student leadership; this is led by the student representative council (SRC) who have initiated activities such as the environmental garden program. We have an Aboriginal bush tucker garden and proposed additions to our fixed equipment and other playground revitalisation projects. We have an extensive environmental program which focuses on our 'vegie garden' and ‘chook pen' which provides produce for our health food canteen.
There is a very strong school, community connection with a very active parent group that is involved in all areas of school life, with volunteer readers, sports helpers and classroom learning support officers. These parents are effectively led by a committed parents and citizens' association (P&C) which has an effective sub group in the canteen committee. There are very strong links to the business and sporting communities that provide strong support for the school in many forms.
Mr David Munday
Principal