Martindale School Future at Risk
BY JEM ANSHAW
Martindale Public School has been the heart of the community for more than 100 years, but that heart is at risk of breaking.
With only four students currently enrolled there are concerns for the future of the school when two of them move on to high school next year.
“The school’s under review, with really low enrolments this year we’re just trying to reach out to the community to find out our future enrolment potential for next year and the few years beyond, just to make sure that we can stay viable,” Shannon Rivers, Martindale Public School principal, explained.
Martindale is only 10 minutes out of Denman, with students able to catch buses safely to the school from town and the surrounding area and they offer everything larger counterparts can and more.
“We have a fantastic technology program, with one-on-one STEM resources, great excursion programs, we have kids excelling in all different areas of their expertise and interest, technology and the arts,” Shannon shared.
“We join in with sporting opportunities, do small schools premier’s debating competition, so there’s nothing that students miss out on.
“Some people don’t even know we exist, or they think we might not offer all the things other schools do, but we offer absolutely everything.”
A community meeting was held last week which was well attended by past, present and future families as well as locals who are passionate about keeping the school going.
“It’s been operating for 102 years, in the existing building for 100 years, and we had our centenary of education in Martindale two years ago. We’re not ready to die yet, so we were going to keep fighting on to try and get some new kids in,” Shannon said.
“If you’re out there make contact with the school, let us know you’re there and interested, we’ve got great opportunities, great resources, and we’d love to share it with more people.”
Prospective families are encouraged to reach out to the school as soon as possible, as a formal meeting will be held on June 15 to assess the school’s future viability and having future enrolment prospects will help in the community’s case.
Contact the school by phoning 6547 3502, or email ma*****************@*********du.au, public school zoning has been relaxed so out of zone enquiries are welcome.
