After 136 years of education, Savernake Public School is to go into recess as from the end of this term, effective from April 19.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
A community meeting, with Department of Education attendance, was held at the school on February 9 regarding the reduced number of students, which stands at three, and future prospects.
Following that consultation, the Department of Education’s Deputy Secretary has determined to place the school into recess.
“Placing a school in recess means that, while the school grounds and facilities are maintained, there will be no staff or students attending the school,” the department’s statement reads.
“Should prospective enrolments rise, the decision to put the school into recess can be reversed, at which point the school will become fully operational again.”
Member for Albury Justin Clancy described the situation as “real sadness” as Savernake Public School has existed for so many years and has been a special place for so many students, teachers and parents over the years.
“I was a product of a small country school – Pleasant Hills Public School - and can relate to this sadness at Savernake,” he told The Free Press.
“At the same time, the community has to understand the practicalities of running a school with such low numbers.”
Immediate past principal of Savernake Public School Leonie Orr of Mulwala said the decision is “very sad, very sad for the community”. “It’s sad for families and disruption for them, but with economics’ rationalisation, it’s understandable,” she said.
Mrs Orr was principal from 2002 to 2016, with 23 students in her first year and numbers fluctuating thereafter and expressed some optimism about the school’s future.
“Recess means it’s not closed – just having a break,” she said. “If sufficient numbers do happen to occur, there will certainly be consideration to re-opening the school.”
Savernake Public School Parents and Citizen’s President and husband of the school’s principal Angelique Bruce, Stuart Bruce said it certainly is a sad time.
“We’re a third generation at this school and I hope the recess becomes a re-opening situation if numbers improve,” he said.
When current administrative manager Kate Gorman started at the school, there were 47 students in the early 1990s attending the 1885-established school which has hosted 86 annual Small Schools Athletics Carnival.
The Department of education has stated it will support current students to continue their education at another school.
“Memorabilia for Savernake Public School will be stored at Berrigan Public School. Educational resources and equipment will be offered to schools in the Hume network initially and then to other schools as appropriate. Records will be managed in accordance with the Department’s Records Management Procedures,” the statement reads..
7°C