Willawarrin Public School

Willawarrin Public School, a proud member of the Macleay Educational Community of Schools, is located in picturesque Willawarrin, just thirty kilometres north-west of Kempsey. It serves a diverse rural community. The welcoming physical facilities are located in well-maintained grounds. They include newly constructed hall, library and administration buildings. Students enjoy expansive playing fields, covered multi-purpose court, canteen, adventure play equipment and four modern classrooms. The school is part of the N.S.W. Priority Schools Program and joined the National Partnerships Program (Low SES) from 2011. The school's learning community fosters a caring environment in which students are nurtured as they develop academic, social, physical and living skills through their participation in a wide range of cultural and educational programs. This is achieved through the provision of high quality teaching and learning under the umbrella of the school's supportive Welfare Policy. The achievement of these lifelong learning skills reflects the school motto 'Pride and Friendship'. Willawarrin Public School is extremely well resourced with a strong focus on access via technology. Students enjoy using interactive whiteboards in all classrooms, with two 'Connected Classrooms' linking students with other schools and educational environments. The school has an extensive wireless network, which supports flexible Internet access for students via notebooks, iPads and desktop computers. Willawarrin students achieve outstanding outcomes in a wide range of academic, sporting and culture endeavours. In 2012 the senior classes gained first place in the Science and Engineering Challenge, competing against twelve other Macleay area school. In 2011 the school’s soccer team achieved State Championship status in the Small Schools Knockout competition. Student have also collaborated with author Mr Michael Davies to publish two books, the first entitled “The Star of the Yshan Kings”. One student also competed at the State Athletics Carnival held in October, gaining seventh place in Shot Putt. Our students’ NAPLAN results demonstrated strong growth from Year 3 to Year 5. These improvements were well above State and North Coast averages in most aspects. This strong 'value-adding' is also evidenced in Year 5 to Year 7 NAPLAN data. The four highly experienced teaching-staff place a strong focus on Literacy, Numeracy and Student Engagement. They are continually enhancing their skills through extensive engagement in focussed professional learning. Experienced and caring office staff, canteen supervisor, teachers’ aides, parents and volunteer parents/community members support the school’s teaching-staff. They all cooperatively work together and contribute to making this school a great place for students to work, learn and play. The schools mission continues to be one of service to the Willawarrin Community in providing high quality learning opportunities for all students.