Department of Education Victoria – Carrum VIC

1d ago , from Department of Education & Training Victoria

Banyan Fields Primary School is located in Carrum Downs. Our student population has been declining slowly over the past few years, with an expected enrolment of approximately 500 in 2026. We have an SFOE of 0.4171, which indicates a medium socio-economic profile.

In 2024, Banyan Fields Primary School's Performance Rating was evaluated as Improving. In 2025, a higher proportion of the students reported that they feel connected to the school (78%), they have an advocate at school (93%), and that they haven't experienced bullying (92%) than in the previous five years. Approximately 4% of our students identify as Aboriginal, 33% are included on the NCCD, and a Disability Inclusion Profile has been completed for 8%.

Our staffing profile is made up of approximately 70 individuals. We have well maintained physical facilities, which include our recently refurbished STEAM Centre.

At Banyan Fields Primary School, our vision for learning and wellbeing is grounded in our four core values: Tenacity, Equity, Synergy, and Stewardship (TESS). We have a school mascot, TESS the Turtle, who reminds us that Together We Thrive. These values shape every aspect of our teaching, learning, and community connections.

The team at Banyan Fields Primary School embed the balanced approach between Learning and Wellbeing, as presented in FISO 2.0. We have begun to unpack and implement the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 with the focus to now on Positive Classroom Management Strategies and the Element of Learning.

Tenacity - We try, we learn, we never give up.

We empower our students to develop persistence, courage, and determination in their learning. With high expectations for all,



students are challenged to set goals, overcome barriers, and celebrate growth. Through the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), students build stamina, emotional regulation and focus to engage deeply with learning tasks. We believe in setting everybody up for success. Every student has a Ready to Learn plan that are built during our re-engagement fortnight at the beginning of Term 1 and revisited at the beginning of Terms 2, 3, and 4. Every class begins the day with a 15-minute Welcome Circle.

Specialist programs in PE, Auslan, Art, Music, Student Empowerment, and STEM extend opportunities for students to pursue passions, build confidence, and develop grit through authentic experiences. Camps, excursions, and incursions further strengthen resilience, as students explore new environments and challenges that demand adaptability and courage.

Equity - We include, we support, we respect.

At Banyan Fields, equity means fairness, access, and opportunity for every learner, staff member, and parent. Our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) ensures differentiated teaching and targeted wellbeing strategies that meet diverse student needs. Evidence-based practices underpin all decision-making, ensuring interventions are strategic, timely, and effective.

As well as our in-class differentiation, integration aide support, and tutor learning initiative (TLI),



we introduced our Learn to Thrive space in 2024 that provides an opportunity for every student to access what they need to succeed, be that academic, wellbeing or emotional and sensory regulation support.

Equity also extends beyond the classroom. Students engage in lunchtime clubs and leadership initiatives, fostering belonging and inclusion. Staff access professional learning and mentoring to ensure their growth as educators is supported.

Synergy - We listen, we learn, we grow together.

Synergy highlights the power of collaboration across our community. Our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) provide a structured process for teachers to work together, analyse data, and design effective instruction. Families are valued partners in the learning journey, while students are empowered to use their voice and agency to shape their learning and environment.

Our school is deeply committed to Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Supports (SWPBS), ensuring a consistent and collaborative approach to behaviour expectations across all settings. Students, staff, and parents share responsibility for creating a positive culture where respect, kindness, and teamwork are visible every day.

In 2025, our whole school focus was on Enabling Learning - Positive Classroom Management Strategies. As well as engaging in professional learning, we introduced the concept of Rights, Responsibilities and Privileges across the school, and implemented a consistent token economy across the school.

Stewardship - We care for people, places, and possibilities.

Stewardship reflects our role as caretakers of our community and our setting. We are committed to making decisions that prioritise the wellbeing of stu

📌 Ed Support Level 1-Range 2 (Melbourne)
🏢 Department of Education Victoria
📍 Melbourne