Ideas take root

FOUR Yarra Valley primary schools are opening their doors with exceptional learning standards.
Yering, Dixons Creek, Chum Creek and Christmas Hills Primary Schools are small rural schools with long histories within supportive communities.
Yering Primary School upholds its motto ‘Small School, Big Learning’.
Acting principal Deanna Cole said the school aims to provide a safe and stimulating environment for all students to develop confidently.
“We continue to offer a variety of extracurricular activities such as camps, specialised art programs and woodwork, and sporting events such as skiing and Hooptime (basketball) to ensure that the whole child is catered for,” she said.
Dixons Creek Primary School grounds reflect the community’s desire to provide a safe, interesting and beautiful place for children to play.
Principal Sharon Walker said next year four classrooms will operate for the first time in the school’s 140 year history.
“Our school has a strong culture that fosters a community who value independence, mutual respect, self motivation, self discipline, environmental awareness, positive thought and healthy bodies,” she said.
Chum Creek Primary School has a long history of and concern for the environment.
Principal Michael Corr said the school community believed caring for the environment and educating their children for a sustainable future were core issues.
“Chum Creek Primary is a small, rural school and believes it is vital to work towards creating a more sustainable school and future,” he said.
The school has small class sizes, caring and dedicated staff and flexible programs.
Christmas Hills Primary School runs multi-age classes with programs individually tailored for each child.
Principal Greg Bourne said enrichment and acceleration programs allowed every child to make the most of their gifts.
“We offer a full, rich curriculum including music, library, art, drama, Spanish and Italian,” he said.
Mr Bourne said sports programs ranged from inter-school team sports to gymnastics, swimming, bushwalking and cycling.
Arrange a school tour at any of the above schools.
For Yering Primary School call Deanna Cole on 9739 1451, for Dixons Creek Primary School call Sharon Walker on 5965 2282, for Chum Creek Primary School call Michael Corr on 5962 5391 or for Christmas Hills Primary School call Greg Bourne on 9730 1238.