STUDENT INVOLVEMENT: Grade 6 children had the honour of cutting the ribbon on the new Gazebo during Toolangi Primary School’s recent 110th birthday celebrations.“IN THE end, parents need to choose the school they believe will be best for their child,” Toolangi Primary School principal Neil Black says.
But, there’s a but!
“Small schools are sometimes overlooked and part of that is a misconception that they don’t have the same resources, or that the kids don’t get the same level of social interaction they get at a larger school,” Mr Black said.
“In fact, the evidence is there that kids in small schools do well, or better, than kids from large schools when it comes to leadership roles and social interaction with all ages.”
The frustration is not that parents choose a large school, just that too often parents don’t take the time to visit their local smaller school to really see what they have to offer. As part of the Woolombi Cluster of 11 smaller schools in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Toolangi shares a number of resources including the mobile area resource centre van, a Japanese assistant, reading recovery teacher and reading resources.
With two classes of 11 and 12 students, individual attention is one of the most obvious advantages. Mr Black said a recent literacy and numeracy review showed good results when compared statewide. Toolangi is also ahead on the state averages when it comes to IT facilities with one computer for two students while the state average is one for five.
With curriculum ‘extras’ such as tennis, keyboard and swimming lessons and excursions, the entire school joins in.
Tuesday, 2 August, is enrolment day for Toolangi, and for Healesville and Badger Creek primary schools.
The school will also have prep orientation days in November and December. For details call Mr Black on 5962 9255.
