Call to save school
The community is fighting to keep the Neerim District Rural Primary School open.
Facing an uncertain future after its doors were effectively closed this year due to low enrolments, a new campaign has been launched to save the Nayook school.
Kasey Booth, who coordinates a playgroup at the school site which has 30 children on its books, said young families were living in and moving to the district. She said losing the school would be devastating.
A Facebook page has been launched, the first community meeting held attracting about 15 people, and support sought from Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood.
Ms Booth said the first meeting attracted a good turnout and hoped for even more to attend the next meeting tonight (Tuesday) at 7.30pm at the Neerim Junction Hall.
A community proposal is being developed for the school to continue.
Ms Booth said one direction proposed was expanding an existing playgroup developing an early learning centre. She said it would assist young families as more three-year-old funded kindergarten places were required in future years.
“A lot of councils are going to struggle with the next five years with infrastructure to meet that (three-year-old funded) program.”
After talking with the Bush Tucker playgroup at Ellinbank, Ms Booth said a “bush school” concept, catering for grades prep to four, was also being put forward for discussion.
Ms Booth said it was positive to see the community rallying to keep the school open and put forward new concepts such as a community garden and an intergenerational program combining senior citizens and preschoolers.
“We’re trying to get as many people in the community together with ideas that would really work with those goals,” she said.
Despite having 10 enrolments at the start of 2019, Ms Booth believes only two enrolments were received for the 2020 school year.
She said the school council had so far refused to close the school
Just five years ago the school had 33 students.
According to the My School profile run by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, Neerim District Rural had 11 enrolments in 2018, down from 27 in 2016 and 33 in 2015.
“There’s nowhere like this place,” said Ms Booth, highlighting its incredible playground, sandpit and wood-fired oven. “All the families enjoy how beautiful the setting is. We’re trying to push to get the word out there. There is a group out here.”
Ms Booth urged those keen to support the campaign to attend tonight’s meeting or visit the Facebook page “Save NDR - Neerim District Rural PS”