Dookie Primary School is unlocking new horizons for students in more ways than one.
When opportunities come a-knocking, the small school of Dookie Primary does not hesitate to answer.
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The reason? Community and collaboration.
Principal Julie Jerome said partnerships with neighbouring schools enabled Dookie to engage in excursions and experiences that would otherwise be out of reach.
Already this year, Dookie students have taken part in a joint science day at Harston Primary School and enjoyed combined sporting events.
But the highlight so far has been a shared camp at the Cottage by the Sea in Queenscliff — made possible because several small schools joined forces.
“Together, we are stronger,” Julie said.
“We’re stronger together to give our kids the opportunities to go on camp, and to have excursions, because excursions cost the same regardless of how many kids you have, so we all join in.”
While sharing costs is a benefit, the true value goes far beyond that.
Socialisation. Friendship. Education.
These three outcomes are all encompassed in the linking up of small schools seizing these opportunities, with the sense of connection alone central to Dookie Primary’s vision for students.
“It gives them that expansion — an opportunity to be part of different communities, but also meet other kids their age who are living in the same rural situation and go to similar small schools,” Julie said.
“Then, when they do attend secondary college, they will know some people who are going there too.”
Looking ahead, the school plans to organise more shared adventures, including an upcoming camp in Melbourne to give students a taste of city life.
“It’s really focused on what the needs of our kids are, and also how we can best get there together,” Julie said.
Through collaboration, Dookie Primary is proving that small schools don’t mean small opportunities — and that when schools work as one, students thrive academically, socially, and personally.
