PARENTS from a select number of schools will have the option to apply for an exemption to keep their Year 7 child in primary education during a three-year transition period.
A number of schools across the Limestone Coast have been selected for the program following the State Government’s extensive consultation with regional communities.
Primary schools located more than 20km from the nearest area or high school are eligible, with the State Government also providing extra funding for schools which will have reduced class numbers due to the change.
Nangwarry Primary School principal Erica Hurley said there was a possibility the small school would lose around eight children with only four enrolments retained following the transition.
However the school leader hoped it would not have a significant impact.
“We have had such a huge growth in learning and the students have a wide range of educational benefits available to them,” she said.
“Enrolments depend on a lot of other things such as employment around the region or whether there are younger families moving to the area.”
Ms Hurley praised the State Government’s support and said the exemption considered each child’s individual needs.
“It also gives both high schools and primary schools time to adjust to the change,” Ms Hurley said.
“It gives parents a choice of whether they believe their child is ready for the transition yet or not.”
Ms Hurley said the community was surprised with the consultation process and said many parents felt as if their voices had been heard.
“Government officials did come to the area and spoke with parents and listened to their concerns at a consultation process,” she said.
“Some people were still unsure about putting a child on the bus to travel so far.
“The response I have had from parents following the release of the report was they were listened to and their concerns were taken on board.”
Ms Hurley said the transition was positive and encouraged parents to focus on the benefits on learning and wellbeing outcomes.
“There is no check box to say a child is ready, but the transition will bring us in line with the rest of Australia,” she said.
“There will always be struggles for small regional schools, but small schools can provide so many opportunities which is why I am here.”
The Year 7 to high school project will provide additional funding directly to country primary schools for extra transport costs for transition activities in 2021 when the double cohorts – Year 6 and 7 – prepare to transition.
Eligible schools will also have additional support for the regular process of updating bus routes in 2021 to ensure the changes are in place for the following year.
Other primary schools eligible for the exemption include Beachport, Frances, Glencoe Central, Kalangadoo, Kongorong, Padthaway, Robe and Tailem Bend.
