James Erskine Public School was opened in 1988. It is situated in the western suburbs of Sydney, close to the M4 motorway approximately 25 minutes east of Penrith. The suburb was named after James Erskine, one of the early founders of New South Wales.
James Erskine Public School is a caring school committed to the welfare of its community members. Students are encouraged to achieve in a wide range of academic, social, cultural and sporting activities. Therefore, we provide many opportunities for students to explore and extend their learning experiences.
Our school has strong community support. Many parents are involved in school activities and supportive of fund raising efforts. We enjoy a positive public image which we enhance through local publicity and our website on the internet.
I am safe. I am respectful. I am a learner.
These three statements underpin the philosophy of James Erskine Public School, a positive behaviour for learning school. The values of NSW public education are entwined into all programs offered throughout the school.
An enthusiastic staff of experienced and early career teachers work in unison with the highly committed community to promote high expectations across the school in terms of academic and social achievement.
The student population of 560 is quite diverse in its composition with 27% of the students from a non-English speaking background and approximately 5% from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. Excellence in literacy and numeracy is the main focus in all classrooms. This is complimented by a wide range of extra curricula activities with a strong emphasis on developing the whole child.
The school is an integral member of the local learning community of five primary schools and two high schools, St Clair Erskine Park Schools (STEPS). Joint programs have involved professional learning activities in literacy and numeracy, the implementation of talented and gifted, Chinese and transition programs. Student interaction has been promoted through joint student representative council (SRC), buddy classes and secondary students supporting primary based activities.
School song
In 1988 Jim Lowe, together with the founding principal Graham Ware, wrote the school song. It was revised in 1996 to keep it current and in step with the growth of the school.
The song was again revised in 2014 by Jamie from Jam on Toast.
Strive and grow (current version 2014)
Nurture and care for me.
Nourish my soul.
Encourage me to be the best that I can be.
Together we'll rise so high.
We'll strive and we'll grow.
Standing side by side.
With our hearts and minds we'll know.
How to make the most of our lives.
As we reach towards the sky.
Strive and grow! Strive and grow!
Share your dreams and inspire me.
Guide me with your hand.
Help me spark the passions that will fire me.
Together we'll rise so high.
We'll strive and we'll grow.
Standing side by side.
With our hearts and minds we'll know.
How to make the most of our lives.
As we reach towards the sky.
Strive and grow! Strive and grow!
I'll strive and I'll grow.
Standing by your side.
I'll strive and I'll grow.
We will make the most of our lives.
As we reach towards the sky.
Strive and grow! Strive and grow!
Strive and grow! Strive and grow!
Song history
In the song the composers use images from nature to reflect the growth and development of the school. But perhaps the strongest theme in the song is that which is embodied in the song's title and the school motto 'strive and grow'. The school and the surrounding community have built upon the pioneering efforts of James Erskine to work together toward the future.