What we stand for
Positive Behaviour for Learning
In 2018 we introduced a whole school Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) approach across the school. This increased student engagement and helped to build a strong sense of community for students, staff and parents. PB4L explicitly teaches students what is expected from them at different times and spaces in the school. The focus is then given to the students who are consistently doing the right thing and they are acknowledged for their efforts.
As part of this approach a new universal values matrix was developed to help teach students what is expected from them at school.
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The 3 universals that underpin all of our expectations of students are: We are Respectful, We are Safe, We are Learners.
The matrix then unpacks what this would look like at different times and locations in our school. A copy of the CBPS Matrix can be found here.
As part of PB4L Christies Beach Primary School, has introduced a number of initiatives to acknowledge positive student behaviour around the school. We have introduced a Whole School Huddle at the beginning of the day where we come together as a school community and share news and good things that are happening in our school and for our students. Throughout the school day students earn raffle tickets for their positive behaviour to go into the draw to win a small prize.
Universals
We Are Respectful
We are Safe
We are Learners
We have also developed a postcard system where staff can send home a personalised card to families to share positive stories about their child.
Our FriYAY activities have also been very successful in engaging students with their learning. Every Friday afternoon students who have met the school expectations are invited to our FriYAY activity. Some of the activities students have participated in include a Wheels Day, a Sand Sculpture competition, Water activities (including a slip and slide) and a school fete.
In 2019 we are looking to expand our PB4L approach by introducing new incentives for students and FriYAY activities to engage all learners.
A Message From
Our Principal
On behalf of the Christies Beach Primary School staff, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our school. At Christies Beach Primary School we understand that this is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Our day to day practise is child centred and builds on the needs of the individual learner, whilst recognising their individual strengths.
We are proud of the extensive programs that we offer including specialist programs for Performing Arts, Health/PE and LOTE – Indonesian. The school provides extensive experiences for students with technology, with all students in Years 6 & 7 provided with a laptop computer. We also offer a range of extra–curriculum activities including School Choir, Wakakirri, Instrumental Woodwind Lessons classes, and Swimming Programs, a range of interschool Sporting opportunities through SAPSASA.
At Christies Beach Primary we focus on building high self-esteem and a culture of high expectations for all learners. We believe that all children can learn, and we strive to foster in each child a desire to achieve their personal best.
It is the goal of the staff at Christies Beach Primary School to work with you to create a rich learning environment for all students. Education and student success is a shared responsibility between the school staff, students and parents. As we work with our students to help them learn about the world around them through innovative curriculum, we welcome and appreciate the support that parents give their children at home as they strive to reach their learning goals. The foundation of a successful school is the cooperation between the students, staff, parents and community.
We pride ourselves on our strong relationship with our local Christies Beach Community. Our school community is strongly linked to our local community and we provide rich learning opportunities that incorporate beach walks, visits to the local reefs, and links to sustainability practices to help maintain our local flora. The parents, teachers and children have a very strong community spirit and are committed to ensuring the school remains a happy and safe place for learning and growing…
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At Christies Beach Primary, we believe wellbeing and relationships underpin the success and achievements of our students. Our Positive Behaviour for Learning Program based upon our three universals of ‘We are Respectful’, ‘We are Learners’ and ‘We are Safe’ underpin how we act and think and build, maintain and restore relationships with others. To promote student attendance and punctuality, we begin our days with Whole School Huddles to reinforce positive behaviour and celebrate student successes. Our vision of Building Empowered Lifelong Learners is shared by our whole community. As a learning community, we acknowledge the capacity of everyone as both a learner and a teacher.
I look forward to working with you and developing a partnership that will assist in the growth of your child/children.
– Catherine O’Dea,
Principal
Leadership

Catherine O'Dea
Principal
I am originally from a farm near Jamestown, which is in the Mid-North of South Australia.
Over the past twenty years I have had the privilege of working as a teacher and School Counsellor at several primary schools in the Mid North and South East areas of the state..
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I have also spent time working in the Regional Education Offices of Port Pirie and Mount Gambier. My most recent appointments as principal have been at Booborowie Primary and Auburn Primary in the Clare Valley.
I am honoured to lead the Christies Beach Primary School community for the next 5 years and am passionate about making a difference for all students.

John Irwin
Deputy Principal
I have worked a variety of roles in South Australian schools over the last 18 years. For the last 11 years I have been working at Christies Beach Primary School. I started my time at Christies as an upper primary teacher. In 2018, I was offered the exciting opportunity to join the leadership team. Since then, many changes have occurred to improve the teaching and learning in every classroom and the support around student learning, wellbeing and engagement has increased significantly.
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Having 2 children of my own, I understand the importance of developing strong connections between the home and school to provide the best support to meet the individual needs of each student. I really enjoy getting to know each student to find out their strengths, interests and future goals. I also have had the privilege to work with many amazing educators who share a similar passion to develop strong relationships with students and their families. The students and staff at Christies are warm and welcoming to all members of our diverse community.
I enjoy working with people and helping students develop as learners. What I love about our school is the strong relationships that exist between our staff, students and wider community. I enjoy seeing the students develop throughout their primary school years and move on to become confident individuals in the community. I am committed to providing a safe & enjoyable learning environment where students develop a strong sense of belonging to our school.

Greg Hollick
Engagement and Wellbeing Leader
Having grown up in Adelaide’s Southern Suburbs, I have always felt connected to the area and have focussed my career here. In the past 15 years, I have worked as a teacher and leader in a variety of roles, including Specialist Science Teacher and now Wellbeing Leader at Christies Beach Primary School. I still live locally and I feel privileged to call this beautiful part of our state my home.
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It is my role to support you and your child to navigate personal and social issues, speak with our teachers, promote diversity and respond to conflict or concerns. I facilitate connections and referrals to community organisations that bolster engagement, focus on positive mental health and the wellbeing of our young people. These include The Smith Family, our In-School Psychology Service, NDIS Support Providers/Advocacy services and other local wellbeing services.
I work with students, their families and the local community to ensure that every child feels happy, included, safe and supported in an environment that nurtures engagement and wellbeing.
Testimonials
What Parents are Saying
“I commend the school and staff on how they relate to the students and respect them. How they handle/ resolve incidents before they become issues in such a positive way .. this really does enable a far greater learning for children socially as well as showing them that they do matter.“
“I thank you very much for your efforts with him (student), he’s going along so well now, and a lot of that is down to you and the way you care about him. “
Thankyou for helping my family.
Excellent school.
My child is doing well and is happy.
Christies Beach Primary
Get In Touch
Location: 46 Maturin Ave, Christies Beach SA 5165
Telephone: (08) 8382 1511
Email: dl.0921.info@schools.sa.edu.au
School Hours: M-F: 8:30am – 3pm
Christies Beach Primary School
Building Empowered Learners For Life
Quick Links
External Links
- Daymap Spark (Staff & Students)
- Beach Road Partnership