Sandstone Primary School, in Sandstone
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| NATURE OF THE COMMUNITY Sandstone is a small remote community located 160 kilometres east of Mt Magnet. The town's population consists mainly of Shire workers, self - employed persons, pastoralists and the unemployed. Mining is prevalent in the Sandstone area but has little impact on the school population. Around 60% of the student population is Aboriginal. The community has access to tennis courts, two cricket ovals and an established golf club. A shop, which includes a postal service, and a library/tourist centre are also run by the local community. STAFFING PROFILE Being recognised as a Remote Teaching Service school in 2000 has eliminated the issue of high staff turnover that had existed previously. In the past Principals have transferred from the school after one year. These Principals had usually been appointed to the job in an acting/temporary capacity. A significant increase in student enrolments in 2002 has lead to the appointment of an additional teacher. In 2003, the school employs a fulltime Education Assistant. This appointment is necessary to assist the teacher with the large range of ages and abilities at the school. The staff also includes a part-time registrar, library officer, cleaner and gardener. An Admin Relief teacher is appointed for 0.2 (1 day) FTE. This provides the teaching principal with the opportunity to attend cluster meetings, conferences, P.D. etc. and complete administrative duties. SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE SCHOOL Sandstone Primary School is a well-resourced school. It has an excellent student to computer and teacher ratio. The school features an extensive fully covered playground. The school has an extensive array of up to date teaching resources and all staff and students have access to the Internet for research purposes and email. In 2001 the school acquired 5 extra rooms that had previously been leased to the Health Department. These rooms have been converted to a library/classroom, registrar's office and resource rooms. The school also acquired a new toilet block in 2001. Teaching is challenging. The multi-age group ranges from Kindergarten (4 years old) through to Year 7. Teachers need to be flexible and adaptable to teach such a wide range of ages and abilities. The school has access to an itinerant relief teacher when needed. There are very few behavioural difficulties and no incidence of student suspensions in recent years. SCHOOL DECISION - MAKING PROCESSES The school has an active School Council and PSPI committee. Both of these groups meet once per term. The School Council consists of the Principal, two staff members and four parent/community representatives and include Aboriginal staff and community representation. The PSPI committee consists of the principal and up to four parents/guardians of Aboriginal students. MAJOR DIFFICULTIES The major difficulty at Sandstone Primary School is the complexity in teaching multi-aged groups. Sandstone Primary School encounters many other challenges which include: * Geographic isolation. * Professional isolation. * Availability of suitable housing. * Transiency of students/families. * Limited mail services. * Limited medical facilities - RFDS doctor once per month. * Extremes in temperature - 40 degrees plus in Summer, minus temps in Winter. * No police, hospital, banks or bank agencies etc. SCHOOL HISTORY Sandstone Primary School has a colourful and interesting history. The school opened on the 28th July 1907. In the 1930's the school was relocated to the old Warden's Court (circa 1907). The school will be celebrating its centenary in 2007. The school closed for a period between 1967 and 1978 due to a dwindling in the town's population. In 1995 the school had a core population of only 4 students. The school was involved in a School Rationalisation review in 1995 and parents voted for the school to remain open. Since 1996 the school population has steadily increased. In 2002, the school's student population peaked at 27 students. | ||||
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