From the Principal
Baxter Primary School is a dynamic, community-minded school with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1890, located just 3km from the Baxter township. Our school currently hosts 10 classes, accommodating a total of 198 students. We take great pride in our long-standing tradition of serving the community.
Our school is set amidst beautiful surroundings with expansive outdoor areas, including two grassed sports fields, separate senior and junior playgrounds, a basketball court, a sensory garden and a versatile outdoor space. These facilities foster learning through play and encourage active, healthy lifestyles that benefit both physical and mental well-being. In 2020, we also completed a $2.5 million redevelopment of our Junior School.
Baxter Primary School is a nurturing community where students are inspired to reach their full potential and grow into successful citizens. We actively encourage parents to engage in their children’s education alongside our dedicated, caring and supportive staff.
Together, we strive to cultivate a community of responsible and resilient learners who excel academically, creatively and socially. We emphasise values such as kindness, respect, inclusivity and encouragement.
At Baxter Primary, we are passionately committed to teaching and learning. Our structured Literacy program is designed to develop skills in reading, viewing, writing, speaking and listening within a supportive and stimulating environment. Our planning aligns with the Victorian Curriculum and is grounded in best practices and evidence-based research. We employ explicit teaching across all year levels, following the Gradual Release of Responsibility model (I Do, We Do, You Do). Our two-hour daily literacy blocks, from Foundation to Year 6, are dedicated, uninterrupted learning time. Our staff continuously expand their professional knowledge, guided by the Science of Learning, which shapes the teaching strategies in our classrooms.
We maintain an open-door policy at Baxter Primary, fostering respectful relationships among parents, students, and staff. Our comprehensive curriculum spans Foundation to Year 6, covering Literacy, Numeracy, Technology, Science, Humanities, The Arts, Health and Physical Education.
Our teachers collaborate in teams to ensure a consistent and guaranteed curriculum for all students. We utilise student data to tailor learning experiences, constantly striving to enhance student outcomes. As a Professional Learning Community (PLC), we are committed to continuous improvement.
Our school also benefits from the support of a part-time Chaplain, who provides assistance to our students and their families. Programs such as Respectful Relationships and our Buddy Program further enhance our students’ sense of wellbeing and belonging.
In addition to academic programs, we offer a variety of enrichment and extracurricular activities, including instrumental music, environmental initiatives, lunchtime clubs and an extensive range of sporting activities. We also run a weekly Breakfast Club for our students.
Our Before and After School Care facility operates Monday through to Friday and includes a school holiday program.
For a personal tour or for further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the school on 5971 1391 or via email at baxter.ps@education.vic.gov.au.
Principal
Nick Schneider
Meet the Staff
Administration Staff
N Schneider
Principal
M Bremner
Assistant Principal
J Emmett
Business Manager
L Anderson
Administration
T Callahan
Administration
Classroom & Specialist Teachers
J Dahlstom
Learning Specialist
E Ball
Foundation
J Ellaway
Foundation
D Albutt
Year 1
J McNeill
Year 1
S Koutros
Year 2/3
T Williams
Year 2/3
C Evans
Year 2
L Frowd
Year 3/4
T Ould
Year 3/4
N Shute
Year 5 & Leading Teacher
E Taylor
Year 5/6
J Baxter
Physical Education
M Hardy
STEAM
J Morris
Visual Arts
Education Support Staff
E Kildea
Education Support
M Kupsch
Education Support
J Martin
Education Support
E Newton
Education Support
A Burke
Education Support
I Cloney
Education Support
L Taylor
Education Support
J Olver
Education Support
Facilities
Baxter Primary School was established in 1890 and is situated in an attractive rural setting 3km south of the township of Baxter on the Western Port side of the Mornington Peninsula. The school is proud of its long history and service to the community. Baxter Primary School has had 3 locations and came to the current site on Grant Road in 1955.
It still has the main 1930’s school building incorporated into the current administration wing. A BER building was built in 2011 and is now known as our Senior Building. In 2020 a brand new building was constructed and has become our Junior Learning Centre (JLC). Our JLC is complemented by a fabulous undercover decked area, new student toilets and a colorful, outdoor amphitheater. The existing variety of buildings are still in use as a LOTE (Indonesian) room, music room, science room, library and playgroup room. The facility also includes an indoor gym with an adjoining canteen.
We have large grounds with a football and soccer oval, junior and senior playground, basketball court, rebound wall and seated garden areas. Children at Baxter Primary School have many choices of sport and play time activities.
School Hours
9:00am | Commencement
10:00am | Fruit snack
11:00am – 11:30am | Morning recess
1:20pm – 1:30pm | Lunch eaten in class
1:30pm – 2:15pm | Lunch break
3:15pm | Dismissal
Bus Times
Type | Location | Time |
Morning Pick Up | Sages Road | 8.42am |
Morning Pick Up | Baxter Post Office | 8.47am |
Afternoon Pick Up | Leaves School | 3:22pm |
Bus Service
Bus Service: Peninsula Bus Lines – A myki card is required to travel on the school bus.
Please visit myki.com.au or phone 136954 for further information.
School & kindergarten term dates
Term 1: 29 January (school teachers start) to 28 March*
Term 2: 15 April to 28 June
Term 3: 15 July to 20 September
Term 4: 7 October to 20 December
*The first day of Term 1 is a student-free day in all government schools to allow for appropriate planning to take place for the arrival of students. Students will commence on 30 January 2024.
Term 1: 28 January (school teachers start) to 4 April*
Term 2: 22 April to 4 July
Term 3: 21 July to 19 September
Term 4: 6 October to 19 December
*The first day of Term 1 is a student-free day in all government schools to allow for appropriate planning to take place for the arrival of students. Students will commence on 29 January 2025.
Curriculum Days
During the year School Council approves 4 pupil free curriculum days to enable staff to undertake professional development.
On these days children do not attend school and you will be given ample warning so that you can make alternative arrangements.
Parents will be advised of the dates as soon as possible.
Reports, Plans & Policies
Administration Of Medication Policy
Explusion Information For Parents And Carers
Fire Preparation Category 3 4 Schools
Inclusion And Diversity Policy
Parent Payments Foundation 2023
Parent Payment Policy – Department of Education
Response To Child Safe Standard 7
Statement Of Values And School Philosophy Policy 2021
Student Wellbeing Safety And Engagement Policy