RAINBOW COTTAGE
at Penrith Public School

Rainbow Cottage is a special meeting place used for some ESL (English as a Second Language) STLA (Support Teacher Learning Assistance) activities - and as a base for our school's Volunteer Program.

ESL

There are approximately 350 students at Penrith Public School. 29% have a language other than English.

Many of these students have recently arrived in Australia and are often faced with language barriers. They are known as New Arrivals. Time is allocated for intensive English lessons with the ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, Mrs Bradley. Topics explored include "About Me", "School" and "My Family".

Parents and caregivers of newly arrived students are also faced with English language concerns. Therefore, parents are invited into the school to learn about and discuss school procedures and programs and school community events. Such meetings are usually held over morning tea in Rainbow Cottage. With the support of our Community Liaison Officer, interpreters can be arranged when required.

There are 35 languages represented at Penrith Public School. It is important to involve students with an ESL background in their mainstream class activities. Often, ESL students learn best from their peers. All students can become aware of the diversity of cultures at school through class lessons and annual school events, such as the Pedlars' Fair and Harmony Day.

Click here to see our ESL parents exploring our school's new web site during Education Week.

Volunteer Program

Many tasks in schools get done through the generous efforts of community and parent volunteers. If you are interested in joining our very successful school volunteers program, please enquire about training by talking to our STLA teacher, Mrs Bagnell, in Rainbow Cottage.

Volunteers may be required: in the classrooms (working with students, sharpening pencils, lending a hand during craft activities, etc), in the playground, in the canteen or in the library.

Click here to learn more about the Passive Playground.