Primary Program (Years 3 to 6)

Welcome to Dunlea Centre’s Primary Program for Years 3 to 6! We are thrilled to provide you with comprehensive details about our co-educational primary program. At Dunlea Centre, we prioritise holistic development, academic excellence, emotional well-being, and social skill development. Below is an overview of our Primary Program along with important information for parents and students.

About Dunlea Centre

Dunlea Centre is a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping young people and their families overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Established in 1939, we have been providing support and education services to children and young people in need for over 80 years. Our programs are designed to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build resilient communities.

Primary Program Overview

Our Primary Program caters to students from Years 3 to 6 (ages 8-12). We offer a supportive and nurturing environment where students receive quality education along with individualised support to address their specific needs. This is a school-only program (not boarding), therefore, students will arrive in the morning and leave in the afternoon just like a regular school program. Key highlights of our primary program include:

1. Academic Excellence: Our curriculum is aligned with the Australian Curriculum standards, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education in core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities.

2. Small Class Sizes: To provide personalised care and support, we maintain reduced class sizes, allowing teachers to engage closely with each student to address their academic and emotional needs effectively.

3. Emotional Well-being: At Dunlea Centre, we recognise the importance of emotional well-being to encourage academic success. We offer counselling services, social-emotional learning programs, and extracurricular activities to support the holistic development of our students.

4. Social Skill Teaching: All of our educators are trained in the well-researched Teaching Family Model of care. Within the classroom setting, teachers provide specific social skill teaching to support ongoing student behaviour and learning. By embedding these skills into everyday interactions and activities, students learn how to navigate social situations more effectively, foster positive relationships, and develop a sense of belonging within their community.

5. Individualised Support: Each student at Dunlea Centre is unique, and we take pride in being able to tailor our support services to meet their individual needs. Whether a student requires additional academic support, counselling, or assistance with social skills, our dedicated staff are here to provide guidance and help.

6. Parental Involvement: We believe that parental involvement is crucial for a child’s success. We encourage parents to actively participate in their child’s education through regular communication with teachers, attending parent-teacher meetings, and engaging in school activities. In addition, all our parents will complete our Common Sense Parenting® (CSP) Program, which will assist parents in supporting their children in line with our social skills program and positive behaviour approach.

Admission Process

If you believe your child needs additional support in the upper primary years to establish education skills for success, please enquire using the steps below.

1. Contact Us: Reach out to our admissions team to express your interest in the primary program and schedule a visit to our campus.

2. Visit and Tour: Come and visit our campus to learn more about our facilities, meet our staff, and see how we support our students.

3. Application Submission: Complete the application form provided by our admissions team and submit all required documents including academic records and relevant assessments.

4. Interview and Assessment: Your child will be invited for an interview and assessment to determine their suitability for the program and to identify any specific support needs. At this stage, we would liaise with your current school and any additional services to ensure that we are the best provider for your child’s needs.

5. Enrolment: Upon successful completion of the admission process you will receive an offer of enrolment. Complete the enrolment forms to secure your child’s place in the program.

Contact Information

For more information about Dunlea Centre’s Primary Program or to schedule a visit, please contact us.