WHEN he finds a free moment, Lalbert Primary School’s principal will tell you that one of the state’s smallest schools is thriving and busier than ever.
With just five students — three from one family — the school has certainly prospered in term three, performing in the Swan Hill Extravaganza and regional Eisteddfods, competing in athletics carnivals and marching in the Kerang Book Week Parade.
The students took home a swag of awards from these events, but also found time for a trip to the ski fields, where skiing lessons and tobogganing were the order of the day.
Principal Greg Adams said linking up with other schools through technology, such as an interactive television, and regular visits was the key to providing a comprehensive experience and maintaining social contact.
“Taking them into other schools, we think gives them a broad academic social program,” he said.
“They need to be in different classrooms rather than being by themselves five days a week.”
Mr Adams said the students have regular video-calls and visits to Ultima Primary School (about 10 students), Quambatook Group School (about 10 students) and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Kerang (about 100 students).
Assisting this tiny school’s cause is the widespread support of the Lalbert community, demonstrated through attendance at working bees and school events.
“At our Christmas in July event, even though we have five kids, we had 45 people here,” Mr Adams said.
“For our assembly on Monday afternoons, we have eight adults attend. To put it in perspective, if we had had 50 students, that would be like having 80 parents turn up.”
And it goes without saying that each student receives plenty of attention from their teacher.
“There are real advantages of… a small school — there is a lot of community involvement, and the small numbers make for individualised learning.”
Mr Adams said the school had a strong future for years to come and encouraged new enrollments.
