Our school is located in the
Southern Mallee, 125 kilometres North of the regional centre of Horsham. The
present school population is 19 and has been consistently around 16 students
over the last 3 years. The
The
school is situated on approximately two hectares with a further three hectare
Nature Reserve managed by the Primary School. Situated in the school grounds is
a two roomed LTC building with an office, computer room & cloak areas.
Another classroom houses our, Science, Technology, Music, Drama and Art
classes and resources. We also have several storage sheds.
The
grounds are a pleasing feature of the school and reflect the mallee bush
environment. The school is seen as a
resource not only for children but for the wider local population. The School
Council takes an active interest in the running of the school and believes that
learning is assisted by an interesting, stimulating and aesthetically pleasing
environment and most importantly
that life skills and values are an integral aspect of education
at Yaapeet.
Although only a small school
we aim to develop programs that cater for each individual student. Traditionally
the school operates in two teaching groups.Prep-2 and Grades 3-6. This is
adjusted according to numbers and pupil needs.
Next year the school population will remain steady with the departure of
4 Grade 6 students and the entry of 4 prep children.
Our anticipated enrolment for 2005 is 18 students.
The
School works on thematic approaches to Curriculum and incorporates the Arts,
Mathematics, English, Science and Technology, Health and Physical Education,
Studies of Society and the Environment and LOTE in its curriculum programs.
The school caters for the
individual needs especially in the areas of Literacy and Numeracy where each
child is able to work at his or her level. Four mornings a week children
participate in 20 minute physical education activities and games which help
promote a sense of well being, co-operation, skill development, and a positive
attitude to sport. In 2004 the
teachers explored the benefits of kinesiology and have introduced Brain gym
exercises where possible into the daily routine of school.
Up to date technology and an
impressive ratio of one computer to every 2 children,
has enabled greater
flexibility with computer technologies.
The school places an emphasis
on the children learning “life skills” and valuing adaptability, reflection,
resilience, respect, self motivation, success and teamwork.
The school is seen as an
important pathway to tomorrow’s world.
A range of other programs and
events are run at the school; swimming programs, cultural performances, a
variety of camps and excursions program that enables pupils to be involved in a
range of different environments, school picnics, , MARC and Council mobile
library resources, Bike Education, , Art and Craft program, Religious Education,
“Turning the Tide”, and Inter school sport .
The purchase of a school bus
has allowed the children to visit other schools and environments as part of
curriculum provision.
A continuing feature
of the school is the end of year major theatrical production, which is written
for the participation by all students. This is a major community event which
covers many areas of The Arts Curriculum and Standards Framework.
The School is part of the
Hindmarsh Cluster which includes Jeparit, Rainbow, and Netherby Primary Schools
and also the Southern Mallee Cluster which includes Hopetoun, Beulah, St Josephs
and
It
is also our vision that students
will leave our school with a range of skills that will enable them to
confidently meet the challenges of our ever changing world .