Hebersham Public School

Hebersham Public School (HPS) in Mt Druitt was established in 1972 on Dharug land. Literacy, numeracy and student welfare are key focus areas. The positive behaviour for learning (PBL) philosophy is embedded into school culture. The whole community has embraced the pride guide (PBL): be a learner; be respectful; and be safe. These rules are displayed in all areas and are explicitly taught to students for all settings. The learning support team (LST) is well established. The PBL/LST framework supports students, teachers and parents. Accelerated Literacy; QuickSmart; Spelling Mastery; Connected Maths; and Connected Classrooms are key programs. Enrolment is currently 580 with 49% of students from non English speaking backgrounds and 11% from an Aboriginal background. There are 22 mainstream classes and three support classes - two for autism and one for emotional disturbance. HPS is on the priority schools program and from 2010 is included in the Low SES School Communities National Partnerships initiative. HPS competes successfully in the district sport and public speaking competitions and performs in dance and choral festivals. The P&C Association strongly supports school programs.