The Happy Valley School is made up of two schools (Primary and Junior Primary).  Since the establishment of the Junior Primary School in 1986, the two schools have shared the same campus and worked cooperatively under the umbrella of Happy Valley School.

There are currently five Junior Primary classes, but this will grow to six classes later in the year. Children starting school at Happy Valley come from a range of kindergarten and childcare settings.

Judy Davies
Head of Junior School

Classes are mainly composite classes, either Reception/Year 1 or Year 1/Year 2. However when a new class is established during the year, it will be a Reception class. Children from the Chandlers’ Hill Kindergarten join us regularly for Junior Primary singing.

School  Admission  Policy

The early years of schooling are particularly important in laying the foundation for the child's continuing educational experience.  Happy Valley adopts the D.E.C.S. First Year of School Policy which is as follows:-

• Children enrolling in Government Schools have between eleven and fourteen terms in Junior Primary classes.

• Children admitted at 5 years of age in February will have 12 terms in Junior Primary classes.

• Children admitted at the beginning of the second term will have 11 terms in Junior Primary classes.

• Children admitted at the beginning of third term will have 14 terms in Junior Primary classes.

• Children admitted at the beginning of the fourth term will have 13 terms in Junior Primary classes.

At Happy Valley School, we have FOUR intakes each year. Reception children are admitted on the Wednesday of the first week of each term.  Children must be FIVE (5 y.o.) on starting school.

In the term prior to commencing school, children participate in a Transition program, which involves four visits, the first being a tour and the following three visits being in a class, usually the one in which the children will start school. There are information sessions for parents -- these coincide with the visits.

2008 Junior Primary Highlights

Early  Intervention  Programme

An Early Intervention Programme supports students who are experiencing learning difficulties in their early years at school.  Criteria are used to identify these students who are then supported by Early Assistance funding.  A School Services Officer works along side an individual child or small groups several times each week, using support material provided by the teacher or Speech Pathologist. The Junior Primary programme is continued into the Primary School where students with learning difficulties are supported by Basic Skills funding.

Fun and Games for R-1 Students

Above: Some of our students enjoying the activities

The Fun and Games Program supports children who are experiencing difficulties with coordination. All Reception children are screened in their first term at school, using a standard assessment. Students identified participate in small groups on a range of activities, including catching and throwing, balancing, hopping and skipping. Children leave the program when they have developed their skills in this area, usually after 10 weeks to four terms.

Above: Students participate in a Fun and Games session