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North Ainslie Primary School

Australia, Canberra

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 600
Type Co-educational
Opened 1958
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (PYP)
Taught languages French, English
Strengths Languages, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School
Introduction

North Ainslie Primary School is a public P-6 school in Ainslie, ACT, offering the Australian Curriculum alongside the Primary Years Programme as an International Baccalaureate World School. The campus includes an on site preschool and an Introductory English Centre to support English learners. Curriculum is delivered through transdisciplinary, inquiry based units aligned with Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum, with eight learning areas including English, Mathematics, Languages (French), Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Arts, Technology, and Health and Physical Education. A French language program starts in preschool and continues through primary years, while the North Ainslie IEC provides EAL staffing to include learners in all activities. Facilities feature a stocked library, specialist arts teachers, gardens connected to the Healthy Eating Hub and PaCH programs, and outdoor learning spaces. Traditions include woodwind ensembles, community performances, and school carnivals linked to a wide international community founded on collaboration and inquiry across cultures.

122 Majura Avenue, Ainslie ACT 2602

The Essentials

North Ainslie Primary School has 600 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
122 Majura Avenue, Ainslie ACT 2602, Australia. The school is in the suburb of Ainslie, Canberra. It sits on Ngunnawal Country. Walking or riding is the preferred transport option to reduce congestion; a Kiss and Drop on Sherbrooke Street operates daily from 8:30am to 9:00am and from 3:00pm to 3:25pm.

Stages
Preschool on-site and Hackett Preschool; Primary School delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).

Type
Public primary school with on-site preschool.

Additional learning support
The school provides adjustments for students with disability to support learning, including providing extra visual cues and information, breaking down tasks, providing more practice of learning tasks, checking for understanding, changes to the environment, and access to quiet spaces.

Country affiliation
Australia

School day structure
School hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. Assembly 9:00–9:05; First Session (Literacy) 9:05–11:00; Recess 11:00–11:30; Second Session 11:30–12:50; Lunch 12:40–1:30 (eating 12:40–12:50); Third Session 1:30–3:00. School Finish 3:00pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform policy; students K-6 are strongly encouraged to wear the school uniform. Uniform colours are black and red.

Food Options
The school has a canteen operated in partnership with Woden Community Services and provides nutritious food for students and staff.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed through a School Board and a Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association.
Fees
Application fees
- There are no application fees for enrolment at North Ainslie Primary School; enrolment in ACT public schools is not subject to tuition or application charges.

Tuition fees by year group (Preschool – Year 6)
- There are no tuition fees charged to families for attendance in Preschool through Year 6. No per-term or per-year tuition charges apply. (Any requests to families are for voluntary contributions or optional paid activities, not compulsory tuition.)

Voluntary contributions and curriculum-related charges
- The school requests voluntary financial contributions to support supplementary resources, special programs and items such as exercise books and the Library Fund. These contributions are voluntary and the timing and amount are determined by the School Board and communicated to families each year.

Stationery and curriculum consumables
- Back-to-school stationery packs are organised each year through a commercial supplier (Blue Ink Group). Families purchase stationery packs (pens, pencils, glue, markers, etc.) via the supplier using a secure online checkout (credit card payment). Exercise books are bulk-ordered for classroom use; families may be asked for a separate voluntary contribution toward the cost of these exercise books as part of the school's contribution requests.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoices and requests for voluntary contributions or payments for optional activities are issued by the school and emailed to families with a secure payment link. The School Board determines the timing of any voluntary contribution requests; some schools request once at the start of the year or in instalments. Automated receipts are generated following online payment. Families can also pay in person at the front office.

Uniforms and related clothing costs
- New uniforms are sold through the school P&C Uniform Store (orders placed via the P&C website). Second-hand uniform items are available on-site for purchase at AUD 2 per item.

Canteen, excursions and optional activity costs
- The school canteen is operated under a Social Enterprise arrangement and students pay per item ordered through the Flexischools app; canteen purchases are charged to families per order. Optional items and activities (for example excursions, incursions, special programs) are charged separately when they occur and require payment only from participating families.

Before‑ and after‑school care
- Before and after school care is available through external providers (for example YMCA at this school). Fees for these services are charged directly by the provider and are separate from school contributions.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; the school does not offer boarding facilities.

Refund information
- Receipts are issued automatically for online payments. Specific refund procedures are not published on the school payment page; families should contact the school front office to request or discuss refunds for payments made.

Accepted payment methods and payment channels
- Online payments: SentralPay via emailed payment links and the Parent Portal / Sentral parent app.
- Supplier payments: Blue Ink stationery orders use the supplier's secure online credit card checkout.
- Canteen payments: Flexischools app for canteen ordering and payment.
- In person: Payments may be made at the school front office.

Other routine costs families should expect
- Stationery pack purchase per child (via Blue Ink) at the start of the year; exercise book contributions may be requested as a voluntary contribution.
- New uniform purchases via the P&C Uniform Store (prices set by the P&C); second-hand items at AUD 2 each.
- Canteen purchases paid per item via Flexischools.
- Fees for extracurricular or optional programs (excursions, incursions, external providers) charged when those activities take place.
Academics

North Ainslie Primary School teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (PYP).

Curriculum
The Australian Curriculum Version 9 guides learning at North Ainslie Primary School and the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is implemented as an International Baccalaureate World School. The PYP is a transdisciplinary P-6 curriculum designed to be engaging, relevant, challenging and significant. Eight key learning areas are taught within the program: English, Mathematics, Languages (French), Health and Physical Education, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) including history, geography, civics and citizenship, and economics and business, Technology (digital and design technologies), and The Arts (music, drama, visual arts, media arts, and dance). Staff work in collaborative teams to plan teaching and learning for our students, and content choices are guided by the Australian Curriculum and achievement standards to inform planning, teaching and assessment. The curriculum is delivered through a transdisciplinary units-of-work approach in P-6, with inquiry-based learning and a balance among knowledge, conceptual understanding, attitudes and action. The North Ainslie IEC supports children for whom English is a new language, offering two classes with dedicated English as an Additional Language staff to include EAL learners in all aspects of school life.

Exam Results
NAPLAN testing is conducted for Years 3 and 5, with end-of-year progress reports provided to parents.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school fosters a positive school culture with a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment through consistent practice. Learner profile attributes guide behavior and are explicitly taught in classrooms and on the playground. The school uses a Restorative Practices Framework to repair relationships and support problem‑solving conversations. Zones of Regulation is used across the school to foster self‑regulation and emotional management, providing a common language for emotions. The Gang Gang mascots support engagement and help students remember the school expectations. This approach underpins social and emotional learning and international‑mindedness.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school works closely with families to support children with academic and social/emotional learning. Teachers are guided and supported to differentiate instruction and group students to meet learning goals. Adjustments are made to meet each learner at their point of need, including providing extra supports or extensions, visual cues, task breakdowns, additional practice, and changes to the environment. When concerns arise, the classroom teacher engages families as the first point of contact and plans supports accordingly. Approximately every five weeks, teaching teams review evidence of learning and form Boost Groups to target identified needs, with a school leader coordinating additional teaching resources as needed. The school's student‑support team meets weekly to discuss identified needs and coordinate external assessments or services as appropriate.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The North Ainslie Introductory English Centre (IEC) is part of the school and supports children for whom English is a new language. The IEC is one of six such centres across Canberra. The school provides two IEC classes and has dedicated English as an Additional Language trained staff who work with enrolled children. Children in the IEC learn alongside their peers and are included in all aspects of school life, contributing to the school's culture and global citizenship. Enrolment information for the IEC is available through the enrolment resources. The IEC integrates with mainstream learning and supports students as they transition into the broader school community.

Mental Wellbeing
The school aims to promote a positive culture that supports learning by maintaining a safe, respectful and supportive environment. Learner profile attributes are embedded as a foundation for wellbeing and international mindedness. Restorative Practices support relationship repair and interpersonal problem‑solving across the school. Zones of Regulation is used to foster self‑regulation and emotional management with a shared language for emotions. The wellbeing framework is integrated with teaching practices to support students' emotional development and resilience alongside academic learning.

Safeguarding
The school has adopted the 10 ACT Child Safe Standards and collaborates with the ACT Human Rights Commission to strengthen safeguarding practices for students. Online safety is actively addressed, with resources and webinars provided to families and staff on keeping children safe online. Guidance on online safety issues and responses to them is available through the Directorate's resources. Personal electronic device, photo and video restrictions on preschool grounds are in place to protect privacy and safety, with procedures aligned to national and directorate policies.
Parent Experience

History
North Ainslie Primary School opened in 1958 to serve a growing Dickson and Ainslie community. The founding principal Terry O'Connell promoted a philosophy that schools are communities at the centre and focus on the full development of the child. It began with 360 students and expanded with new classrooms and facilities, reaching over 1,100 students at its peak. The school introduced language programs early, including Greek in the 1960s, a designated French teacher, and an Introductory English Centre opened in 1971. The North Ainslie Preschool joined on site in 1991 (Hackett Preschool joined in 2008); YMCA After School care began in 2002; the school began the International Baccalaureate World Schools program in 2004; today there are more than 600 students from over 22 countries who speak more than 35 languages.

Community
North Ainslie Primary School is an International Baccalaureate World School. The IB mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help create a better world through intercultural understanding and respect. IB programs encourage students to become active, compassionate lifelong learners who understand that others with differences can also be right. The IB learner profile describes a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century and is promoted alongside the Australian Curriculum to foster international-mindedness and global awareness.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
North Ainslie Primary School has a wonderful community of engaged and committed families and community members. The school is supported through an active School Board and a Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association. There are a number of ways families and community members can be involved in school life. Participation and support in the school is encouraged. If you would like to be involved, please contact the front office for more information.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Two preschools operate in the North Ainslie area, one on site and one in Hackett, with the North Ainslie Introductory English Centre supporting children for whom English is an additional language. The school has a dedicated library space with weekly library visits and librarian-led programs. Specialist programs include the Arts with visual arts and performing arts teachers, plus a French language program that starts in preschool and continues through primary years. The Healthy Eating Hub (HeHub) and Personal and Community Health (PaCH) programs connect science, gardens and sustainability learning. The school participates in community events such as Northside Spectacular and Limelight, and the on-site canteen is run by Woden Community Services as a social enterprise. Outdoor spaces include a senior courtyard and a junior playground used for breaks and learning activities.

Sports Facilities
The playground is equipped for sports and play and is used for active breaks and outdoor learning. Sports Leaders run our sporting houses at carnivals, promoting teamwork and participation. Students use the playground and outdoor spaces for physical education and sport-related activities. The school's extracurricular calendar includes carnivals and other events that emphasize sport and active participation.

Academic Facilities
French is taught from preschool onward by a specialist teacher, with Year 2 onward receiving a weekly minimum of 60 minutes of French instruction. The Arts program provides specialist visual arts and performing arts teachers who work with students across the school. The school has a beautiful library space with weekly visits and dedicated library lessons. The PaCH program includes the Healthy Eating Hub (HeHub) and hands-on experiences in the school gardens as part of Personal and Community Health. The North Ainslie IEC supports English-language learners with two IEC classes and ESL-trained staff, alongside two on-site preschools and Hackett Preschool.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A Year 5 and Year 6 woodwind band participates in the ACT School Band Program. The school hosts regular art exhibitions and performances and participates in events such as Northside Spectacular and Limelight. Student leadership opportunities include Student Leaders, Sports Leaders, Green Team Leaders and Indigenous Leaders and Allies. The Canteen operates via a social-enterprise model run by Woden Community Services, with volunteering opportunities and Flexischools for ordering. Before and After School Care is available, and school newsletters such as Gang Gang Gazettes are published for families.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
North Ainslie is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School with a focus on transdisciplinary learning, aligning the curriculum to units of inquiry and transdisciplinary themes. The programme of inquiry (POI) follows the six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; How we express ourselves; Where we are in place and time; Sharing the planet; How the world works; How we organise ourselves. Preschool and kindergarten complete four of the six themes each year, while children in years 1 to 6 cover all six themes each year; our IEC and small-group program complete three themes per year. The Gradual Release of Responsibility model and structured inquiries guide learning through to open inquiries.

Arts & Creative
The Arts program provides drama, music, visual arts, media and dance. Specialist visual arts and performing arts teachers work with students across the school from kindergarten to year 6. Singing is used in the classroom and by teams for shared time and is often performed at school assemblies and the annual concert. The school participates in the Northside Spectacular and Limelight and holds regular art exhibitions, and runs a Year 5 and Year 6 woodwind band as part of the ACT School Band Program.

Cultural & Language
French language education enriches learners intellectually, linguistically and culturally. Preschool children engage in French keywords through Early Learning Languages Australia resources; in kindergarten and year one, students receive a basic introduction to the French language. Junior school students start to learn French from year two, while students in years three to six receive a weekly minimum of 60 minutes delivered by a specialist teacher.

Social & Hobbies
North Ainslie runs a Year 5 and Year 6 woodwind band as part of the ACT School Band Program. Students have the opportunity to play flutes, clarinets, oboes and percussion and perform as an ensemble, including performances with other schools. The school also participates in community arts events and holds regular art exhibitions.

Community & Service
Personal and Community Health (PaCH) is offered to students from kindergarten to year 6 as part of the health program. Students work in the Healthy Eating Hub (HeHub) and participate in science and hands-on experiences in the gardens. PaCH is delivered by specialist teachers and forms part of the release program, while promoting sustainability practices and a connection to Country.

Leadership & Professional
There is a range of student leader positions each year, voted on by students at the start of the year. Student Leaders represent the school, run our Monday Morning Yarn Ups, present to prospective parents, and conduct guided tours of the school. Sports Leaders lead our sporting houses at carnivals and support on the playground; Green Team Leaders oversee sustainable practices; Indigenous Leaders and Allies support reconciliation.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
North Ainslie aims to cultivate a positive school culture with a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment. Learner profile attributes are taught and modelled, including Reflective Thinkers, Open-minded, Caring, Principled, Knowledgeable and Inquirers. Restorative Practices support relationship repair and problem-solving, and Zones of Regulation is used across the school to develop students' emotional regulation.
Languages

Language Provision
French is taught as the Languages area within the Australian Curriculum. There is a designated French language teacher. The North Ainslie Introductory English Centre (IEC) provides language support for students for whom English is a new language, with two IEC classes and dedicated EAL staff. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is implemented in a transdisciplinary P-6 curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. Enrolments are welcomed from students living in the school's Priority Enrolment Area. Families should determine whether their residence falls within this area before starting enrolment. To enrol and learn about the enrolment process and key dates, go to the Education Directorate website, where an online enrolment application form is available. The school provides enrolment information through the Directorate's pages.

Step 2. A 2027 Enrolment Information Session is available for prospective families. The session provides information about the enrolment process and the school's programs and expectations. Applications are made via the ACT Government Education Directorate website.

Step 3. Introductory English Centre (IEC) provides an introduction to school life in Australia. The school uses the Australian Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) frameworks to guide teaching and learning. The IEC's main focus is to increase children's oral ability, ensuring they can understand instructions and communicate with peers. The IEC welcomes students from the local surrounding primary schools and is available for those for whom English is a new language.

Step 4. On Entry English assessment determines eligibility for IEC. If eligible, a referral will be made by the local school to the IEC. You do not need to complete a new enrolment form. Once referred, the IEC will contact you to arrange an interview.

Step 5. IEC classes are limited to 15 students per class. Our teachers hold English as an Additional Language (EAL/D) qualifications. This small-class model supports targeted language development. The IEC operates to help students transition to their local school.

Step 6. Temporary residents must contact the International Education Unit (IEU) before contacting IEC. This ensures the appropriate guidance and eligibility for IEC placement. The IEU can provide information on requirements for temporary residents and any transport considerations. Contact IEU at ieu@act.gov.au for further assistance.

Step 7. What to bring to enrolment interview. Please first make an appointment. Bring completed enrolment forms, Medical Information form, Student's birth certificate if born in Australia and proof of Australian citizenship (e.g. Australian Passport), or a passport if born overseas, Immunisation records, and Proof of residency (e.g. a driver's licence or utility bill).

Step 8. Contact details. North Ainslie Primary School is located at 122 Majura Avenue, Ainslie ACT 2602, Australia. Phone: (02) 6142 0760. Email: admin@nthainslieps.act.edu.au. For absences, email: absence@nthainslieps.act.edu.au.
School Events
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