School Vision
At Hornsby Heights Public School we are a community of learners. We care about the whole child and the group of people who support that child. Our aim is to ensure that Hornsby Heights Public School is a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes a love of life-long learning. By catering for the academic, social and emotional needs of students we guide each learner to reach their potential and connect and thrive in the world around them. Our innovative mindset, reflective nature and collaborative efforts ensure we continuously aim high so that our learners are successful.
School Context
Hornsby Heights Public School is a medium sized school situated in a bushland setting, north of Hornsby. Our school FOEI (Family Occupation and Education Index) is 32. The student population in 2021 is 455 students. Students that have English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) at the school is 19%. We have 1.1% of our students who identify as Aboriginal. We work with the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group as the peak community advisory body to the department on Aboriginal education.
The school culture is that of innovation and equipping students to be future ready learners whereby the school takes on a Project Based Learning and Inquiry focus approach to subjects other than English and Numeracy. A wireless network is located across the school, meaning that students in all classrooms can access the internet and utilise tablet technologies. Connect to Learn (Bring Your Own Device) is offered in Stage 3 and Laptops (3-6) and iPads (K-4) are utilised across the school. The school operates a specialist Physical Education and Dance program as well as a range of extra-curricular activities including three bands, a choir and a 3-6 Dance Ensemble. Students across 3-6 take part in the Hornsby Zone Primary School Sporting Association and engage in GALA days arranged across the local schools. All Year 6 students take part in a rigorous debating program and a whole school Multicultural Public Speaking Competition is held across K-6 each year. We utilise literacy and numeracy support funding to employ a learning support teacher to implement small group programs catering to the needs of our students. As a Positive Behaviour for Learning School the expectation of being a Respectful, Responsible learner that aims for Personal Best underpins the collective vision of all within our community.
All students make use of the Eco-Garden which has a strong connection with bringing the parent body into the school. We use their expertise in teaching students about how to look after a garden and its produce and how to create healthy meals that are shared together as a community. The school has a chicken coop which allows the students to experience what it is like to care and look after animals. The school is part of the Network for Environmental and Suitability Teachers (NEST) where we work with other schools in the area of sustainability. Hornsby Heights Public School parent community have high expectations of the school. The P&C generously funds many projects and is a valued partner in ensuring that each child's experience at the school is a positive and rewarding one. Through its various sub-committees, the P&C makes significant contributions to our school.
Hornsby Heights Public School aims to create a vibrant and engaging school community where children feel valued and motivated to learn. There is a great tradition of excellence and we offer our students a well-rounded education and develop a 'love of learning' through the broad, diverse and rich experiences provided at the school. Hornsby Heights Public School develops and nurtures the talents of all students, whether they are academic, sporting or cultural. Our school celebrates students' strengths and reinforces on a daily basis that everyone can be a successful learner.