Erasmus School of Primary Education

Erasmus School of Primary Education is a private, co-educational day school situated in Hawthorn, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The school was founded in 1996.

Name, emblem and motto
The name of the school derives from Desiderius Erasmus. He was a Dutch humanist and theologian.

The School emblem represents a shining star recognising the potential in each pupil.

The School motto is 'Lux Luceat Vestra' which means 'Let Your Light Shine'. Pupils are encouraged to step over their limits and to realise their true spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical potential.

Spirtiual and philosophical basis of school
The school presents the principles of spiritual knowledge drawn from the Holy Vedic tradition and the Philosophy of "Advaita" (meaning "non-duality"). The school also upholds the Christian traditions, which have shaped the Western culture to which we belong. Scripture studies in the school focus on the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads.

History
The Erasmus School is inspired by the work of the School of Practical Philosophy which is directly affiliated with the London School of Economic Science, the founders of the St. James Independent Schools in London in 1975. The School of Philosophy offers courses in practical philosophy based on the great teachings of past and present and examines how these teachings can help students to realise their own potential and to understand their own nature.

Concern about declining standards and the breakdown of discipline in schools prompted parents in the School of Philosophy to seek an education which would bring out the finest qualities in their children. In 1995 it was decided to open a primary school. It would be staffed by teachers trained in the philosophy and would be open to all interested parents from both the School of Philosophy and the wider community. The school opened in January 1996.

The Erasmus School is modelled after the St. James Independent Schools, London and is associated with other similar schools in Dublin, New York, Leeds, Sydney, Auckland, Johannesburg and Trinidad.

Curriculum
The curriculum includes studies of:

*English
*Sanskrit
*Latin
*Mathematics
*Science
*Geography
*Physical Education
*Dance
*Philosophy
*Music
*Art
*History
*Scripture Study

Houses

*Paterson (Blue)
*Phillip (Red)
*McKillop (Yellow)

Co-curricular
Sport
The school has a Physical Education and Sports Program. It competes in district Athletics, Cross Country, Swimming and Tennis competitions.

Camping
The outdoor camping programme provides challenging activities and team building experiences in the great Australian outdoors. Children participate over a three year programme in horse riding, archery, canoeing, bushwalking, environmental studies, bush cooking, orienteering and abseiling.

Drama
A highlight of the school calendar are the annual school plays / productions, providing the children with an opportunity to express themselves on stage.
The school community comes together to support these celebrations of the children's creative spirits.
Productions are often based on classical works and have included in the past Mozart's The Magic Flute, a variety of Shakespeare's plays, and the great Indian epic Ramayana.

Music
In addition to the daily singing in assembly and the music lessons, Erasmus offers after-school music activities. These include Choristers, Ensemble and Recorder Consort groups. These groups also have the opportunity to perform in concerts and Eisteddfods on a regular basis. Instrumental tuition in violin, piano and flute is also available.

Headmasters of Erasmus
*1996 - Incumbent Mr Jonathan Tickner, B.Ed.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu