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Form of workAvocaAvoca PSPrimary School is set in the rural township of AvocaAvoca, at the intersection of the Pyrenees and Sunraysia Highways, approximately 70 kilometres from the nearest regional city of Ballarat. The town¿s population is approximately 1500. Over the past few years industry and private enterprise in the township and surrounding area has declined, which has encouraged some families to move from Avoca in the search of employment. The growing wine and tourism industries provide seasonal employment for many families.
Avoca Primary School has a current enrolment of 101 students who are drawn from the township and surrounding areas, with the majority of students travelling to school by private car. A school bus service is available to those students who live outside the town boundaries. Prior to attending Avoca Primary School, the majority of students attend the local kindergarten, and graduating students from Avoca attend secondary school in Maryborough, approximately 25 kilometres to the east.
Over the past three years Avoca Primary School enrolments have remained steady around 105 students in 2023. It is likely to remain between 100-110 students for the next few years. There are a similar number of boys and girls at each year level and a limited no of students who come from non-English speaking backgrounds. The proportion of families in receipt of the CSEF is about 50%. There are 3 students on the Disability Inclusion Program.
Current school staffing includes the Principal, five classroom teachers, four specialist staff (AUSLAN, Art, Music and Science), a School Services Officer (admin), an SSO who oversees the STAP Speech program and 4 part-time integration aides. The staff are working exceptionally well as a team and support each other professionally and personally.
Avoca Primary School consists of a main building which is Heritage Victoria listed and houses two classrooms, the administration area and the staff room. A BER building that houses four classrooms. The buildings surround a courtyard, in which weekly assemblies, school BBQ¿s and simple performances are held. The oval, two playgrounds, sandpit, basketball court, bat tennis courts and a quiet area make up the remainder of the playground. Many favourable comments from visitors are received in regard to our beautiful buildings and grounds and the general atmosphere of welcome, inclusion and cheerfulness at our school.
In organising the curriculum, teachers work and plan regularly together. Specialist instruction is given in the areas of Science/Technology, phys ed and Auslan. To compliment the key learning areas, Avoca Primary School also provides students with additional experiences through an extensive camping and excursions program, Literature Groups, an extensive sporting program including swimming and athletics.
The level of parent support is heartening, with parents helping regularly in the classroom, on School Council and assisting on camps and excursions. The Parents¿ and Friends¿ Club has a small band of enthusiastic parents who coordinate fundraising.
