Foster Primary School was established in 1872 and is situated in South Gippsland, close to Wilson's Promontory National Park, 170 km east of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.  The present school site was occupied in 1965 after consolidation of smaller schools in the area. (See our School History for a more detailed report of the history of the school).

Dairying, grazing, fishing and tourism are the major industries in this coastal environment and the student population of 198 is drawn from the township and surrounding rural areas.  The school is set in attractive grounds on a 2ha. site.

Well maintained facilities provide a stimulating, safe and responsive environment.  Landscaped grounds, courtyards and a kitchen garden feature both quiet and active areas for students and community use.    Extensive recreational facilities include an oval, basketball and netball courts, a cricket pitch, indoor stadium, fitness track and adventure playgrounds.  A well equipped Art Room, carpeted Library and Computer Laboratory are features of the school.

The school offers a seven year sequential program in the Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Science, LOTE (Indonesian), Studies of Society and the Environment, and Technology, with an emphasis on literacy, numeracy and inquiry skills.  Specialist programs are provided weekly for all students.

Teaching and learning are enhanced by the use of a range of effective teaching strategies including integrated studies, cooperative learning, inquiry learning and problem solving approaches.

 In addition to our core curriculum, we offer a variety of programs which include: Reading Recovery, Integration, Learning Assistance Program (LAP), Multi Media Learning Technologies, Kinder and Grade 6 Transition Programs, Swimming, Camps and Excursions, Interschool Sport, Bike Education, Classroom Buddies, Lunchtime Activities, Cultural Programs and Health and Human Relations.  Parent participation is a vital aspect of many of these programs and is encouraged and valued.

With support and encouragement from all sections of the school community, our school provides a friendly, safe and purposeful environment in which students are able to value and enjoy learning in an atmosphere that promotes responsibility, leadership, decision making, tolerance and academic achievement.

Our school encourages an open approach to communication where parents are welcomed into the school, and their views canvassed before major changes are undertaken.  Specific communication strategies include weekly newsletter, Parents' Club and School Council reports and the use of surveys.  Both written reports and parent teacher interviews are used to communicate student progress.  Students are encouraged to participate in school governance through Student Representative Council and their contribution is valued.

The enthusiasm of staff is characterised by their team approach to planning, their commitment to professional development and their high expectations of themselves and their students.

Our teaching and administrative staff are professionals, committed and dedicated to the common goals we share.  The school enjoys the strong support of parents, council and staff.  It is a place where learning is valued by all parties which in turn contributes directly to the students' academic and personal development.