Our unique programs

We are a unique school as our students are country kids who join us in Manly for just one week! This brings special challenges and great opportunities. We continually adapt and grow to accommodate the needs and wellbeing of our students with specialist programs.

Here are just a few:

Rae runs the Book Bugs program

Aunty Caroline, our Aboriginal Education Officer, helps connect families

Some of the SWAY team on the road

Our AP Tom on a community visit

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First Nations connections and our core value of Yindyamarra

With around 30% of our students identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, our Aboriginal education officer (AEO), Aunty Caroline Glass-Pattison, plays a vital role acting as a bridge between families, communities and the school. Weekly connection circles and wellbeing activities are conducted with parents and carers building respect, trust, inclusion and connection to Country. Cultural responsiveness is our cornerstone.

SWAY

Sounds, Words, Aboriginal Language and Yarning is a culturally responsive oral language and early literacy program based on Aboriginal Language and stories within the early learning environment. Developed by teachers, Aboriginal education officers and speech pathologists at our school, SWAY incorporates evidence-based teaching strategies to improve the language and early literacy outcomes in children transitioning to school. A key focus of the program is to provide practical training and mentoring in country schools to build the capacity of teaching and support staff.

In community

At Royal Far West School (RFWS) we realise how important it is to connect with schools and community. We aim to strengthen relationships and learn more about the communities we serve in rural, regional and remote locations.

Throughout the year, our team takes opportunities to travel to different locations to connect. These in community visits may be traveling as part of a Royal Far West (RFW) multi-disciplinary team, delivering school professional learning or attending conferences and seminars.

To date, numerous schools and locations have been visited with many positive outcomes and conversations shared. All in community visits work on the premise of learning how RFWS can better support and deepening our understanding of each community's strengths, priorities and local context.

Book Bugs

Early language is a good indicator of lifelong success. Book Bugs, the Royal Far West School Early Literacy Program, provides support to preschool aged children and their families to expand their vocabulary, build oral language and early literacy skills at home. The story-based program is easy to implement and encourages families to engage in shared reading sessions at home. It is supported by specialist staff using quality literature, provided free of charge. Parents and carers are empowered to deliver individualised shared reading sessions that have been carefully selected to meet their child’s interest and skill level. The programs aim is exposure to rich vocabulary through books and conversations which support overall growth in children’s emerging literacy milestones and language abilities.

From Rae -

It's a joy to be part of a program that provides a positive experience for young children to help them grow in their literacy. It's wonderful to speak with the parents and hear them gain confidence and talk about how their child now cannot wait to read their next book. Being part of a program that nurtures a lifelong love of reading feels very special.

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Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

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