Special Programs

MUSIC

Hand drum rhythms on African percussion instruments are one of the musical activities traditionally enjoyed by students at Clifton Creek. Drumming has many positive benefits and is renowned for its ability to enhance academic, social and emotional development. It also improves concentration, persistence, discipline and endurance.

Our school is fortunate to be a part of the CRASHENDO Music Program. Our P-2 students develop pre-orchestral music knowledge and skills, Year 3 students learn recorder and our Years 4-6 students learn orchestral instruments. As the Senior students skills develop they gradually become part of our training band. Members of the training band are also able to participate in after school sessions with CRASHENDO at The Hub once per week.

Music is beneficial to students in mental health and brain development and is a much valued part of the curriculum at CCPS.

M.A.R.C. VAN

This is a Mobile Area Resource Centre, and is partially funded by the Department and through School Fees. The children are instructed in library and literature on a fortnightly basis. Pete Robertson provides our students with a wonderful program that brings books to life through amazingly creative STEAM activities . Students borrow MARC Van books that are kept at school for their enjoyment during the fortnight.


KITCHEN GARDEN

We have recently moved into our new kitchen and Jill and the students will be busy over the coming year developing a new vegetable garden and fruit orchard. Each student in Grades 3 to 6 spends time every week learning about growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh seasonal produce. With Jill in the garden and John in the kitchen, students are busily engaged in plenty of hands-on learning tasks and then the whole school samples an impressive range of delicious dishes for lunch.


BUDDIES

Teachers put in place a buddies system for students where students from senior grades are linked with younger pupils, generally for the school year. Each term there are a number of Buddies Days where big buddies organise and create a fun and educational session for their little buddy. Throughout the year big buddies will also “look out” for their little buddy and help them through their challenges. The older children have a real sense of responsibility and affection for their young charges that adds to the sense of community felt at school on a daily basis.

RESOURCE SMART SCHOOL

Since 2008 our school has been working towards being a waste-wise RESOURCESMART school. Recycling is becoming a way of life here at CCPS and we are striving to look at many areas in our school where we can all reduce, recycle and re-use. Modules in waste management, energy, water and biodiversity are all “ticked off” and we continue to practise being Resource Smart.

PREP ORIENTATION / TRANSITION

In Term 4 several days are set aside for “practising preps” and the Prep Steps program. These are full days to help familiarise your child with our school. In Term 1 preps are exempt from attending school on each Wednesday; this enables the children to have some rest time at home.

YEAR 6 / 7 TRANSITION

Local secondary schools conduct a series of visits, orientation days, open nights and transitions days to allow the smooth change for grade six students from our little school to the much larger schools further afield. Also our Mitchell Cluster organises a special grade six function to celebrate graduation and also foster connections between students.

STAR PROGRAM – STUDENTS TAKING ACTIVE RESPONSIBILTY

This is a program that we are developing at CCPS. Our senior students work in pairs or small groups to be responsible for particular areas around CCPS, these groups currently include:

  • The Bikie Gang
  • Planet Protectors
  • Fire Chiefs
  • Monday Munchies Masters
  • CC Carers
  • Garden Gurus

Every Friday students work together to research, create lessons to present to the school, email contacts (e.g. CFA, Dogs Connect), create timetables if needed, write for the newsletter and make videos when suitable. The STAR program is designed to bring literacy to life, develop team working skills and nurture a sense of responsibility and pride in our students.

CLUSTER GROUP DAYS

Clifton Creek belongs to a group of rural primary schools known as the Mitchell River Cluster. The other schools are: – Nicholson PS, Lindenow South PS, Bairnsdale Christian School and Steiner School. Our Athletics, Cross Country, Sports, Group Days and Year 6 Transition programs are usually held with the Cluster Schools.

Group days extend the programs offered at school and are held on a semi-regular basis in a variety of locations with other schools in the Cluster.

SWIMMING PROGRAM

Each year the whole school participates in a series of at least 20 swimming lessons over 2 terms.