Primary School

Primary Team

The Primary Team at Keith Area School consists of eight classes from Foundation to Year 6. Our 2026 class structure is as follows: 

• Foundation A: Sonia Smith 

• Foundation B (mid-year intake): Callie Manser 

• Year 1: Jane Thompson & Claire Harkness 

• Year 2: Ellena Osborne 

• Year 3: Jennifer Culley & Claire Harkness 

• Year 4: Amy Wheeler 

• Year 5/6: Erika Lamont 

• Year 5/6: Jessica McKinnon 

Specialist Teachers: Julie Venning, Ebony Capurso, Kristy Clark & Jennifer Culley 

Strengths

Our Primary Team is committed to fostering strong relationships, maintaining high expectations, and delivering high-quality teaching and learning. We prioritise a positive classroom environment and provide meaningful feedback to support student growth. 

Teachers work collaboratively to deliver explicit and structured lessons, where new learning is clearly modelled, practised and revisited over time. We use spaced and interleaved retrieval practice, meaning students regularly revisit previously learned concepts in different ways to strengthen memory, deepen understanding and build long-term confidence. 

Key programs and approaches include: 

• DfE Spelling Scope and Sequence
  A structured, evidence-based approach to spelling that explicitly teaches how words work, including sounds, patterns and rules. Learning is carefully sequenced and revisited over time to support long-term retention. 

• Playberry
  A structured literacy program that supports spelling, reading and word knowledge. It goes beyond phonics to include morphology (how words are built using prefixes, suffixes and base words), helping students understand how language works and apply this knowledge across their reading and writing. 

• DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills)
  A set of short, regular assessments that help teachers monitor students’ reading development. This allows us to quickly identify students who may need additional support and respond with targeted teaching. 

• Daily Maths Chats
  Short, daily maths discussions that build number sense and confidence. Students explain their thinking, explore different strategies and revisit key concepts regularly, strengthening understanding through consistent practice. 

Transition

Keith Area School maintains a strong partnership with Keith Kindergarten. Staff meet regularly, co-design transition programs, and participate in shared professional learning to ensure a smooth and supportive start to school for all students. 

Health, Physical Education & Social and Emotional Learning 

Participation and skill development are highly valued within our Primary program. Students have opportunities to engage in: 

• School swimming lessons 

• Whole-school sports events 

All teachers implement the Child Protection Curriculum and support students’ social and emotional development through the Zones of Regulation. 

Students in Years 4–6 are also provided with opportunities to extend their sporting abilities through: 

• SAPSASA 

• School Sport 

• Interschool Sport 

Parent Involvement

Keith Area School values strong partnerships with families. We have an open-door policy and welcome parents to support classroom activities, such as listening to reading or assisting with special events. 

Please visit the Front Office to ensure all required clearances and checks are completed prior to volunteering. 

Assemblies

Whole-school assemblies are held once per term in the school hall. These celebrations recognise student achievement and showcase learning across the school. 

Please refer to the school calendar for specific dates. 

Choir

Students in Years 4–6 are invited to join the school choir, which performs at the Festival of Music in Mount Gambier. 

Music Lessons

Students in Years 4–6 can participate in Department for Education music lessons, delivered online via Microsoft Teams during school hours. 

Student Representative Council (SRC) 

The Student Representative Council plays an important role at Keith Area School. Students are encouraged to contribute through class meetings and work collaboratively with peers and staff to support decision-making across the school.