The Hopetoun Primary School is situated in the township of Hopetoun (population 600) in the Southern Mallee of Victoria and predominately relies on the farming community for its existence. The school has 42 students, three fulltime teaching staff a Business Manager and a part time Librarian.
There are presently four classrooms:-
Prep/2 - 13 students
Grade 3/4 - 11 students
Grades 5/6 - 18 students
The school also boasts a drama room, art room,
computer room and library.
The School purpose is:-
“The Hopetoun Primary School will provide a stimulating learning environment where sound values are fostered and students are given the skills and direction for independent life long learning.”
The school have excellent play facilities and is situated on a very large site with two ovals a redeveloped basketball court that has been plexi paved and a roof placed over the court. Further areas have been shade clothed to enable students to be protected from the elements. New playground equipment has been installed with a shade area over the top. The school has also been able to obtain water grants and installed a number of water saving devices as well as being able to install a sprinkler system on one of the schools small ovals, using water from rain water tanks. A fruit and vegetable garden and wormery has also been established. The Prep-2 students also have a number of fowl which they tend to and provide eggs for community members.
In recent years Hopetoun Primary School has worked closely together with seven other schools to form the Southern Mallee Cluster these comprise the Hopetoun and Rainbow Secondary Colleges, Beulah, Jeparit, Yaapeet Primary Schools and St Josephs Primary. The Cluster is keen to develop a collaborative and innovative educational provision that brings schools and communities together. Group days are held with these Primary Schools and Professional Development days are also shared.
The school has interactive white boards in all three classrooms and is keen to promote ICT within the classroom and the Cluster. The School has also become involved in the Netbook Program with all Grade 5 students receiving their own Laptop computers.
The school has a number of Specialist areas. These being Art, Health, Literacy, a Swimming and Athletics program, Drama, Bike Education and LOTE. The school also has an excellent Camps program for all Grades that help promote the school values and also enable students to have an awareness of other environments and what they have to offer. P-1 has an overnight camp to Yaapeet, whilst Grade 2-3 alternate between a Desert camp at Whimpeys near Nhill and staying at the Swan Hill Pioneer Museum. Grade 4-5 alternate between a Beach camp at Anglesea and a Snow camp to Mt Buller. Grade 6 have a Melbourne camp and an Outdoor Education Camp.
The School also prides itself on the annual School Production. This is a highlight of the calendar year. Students from Grades 3-6 put on the school production over two nights and a lot of time and effort from students and staff goes into making sure the production is a success. It is seen as a fantastic way of emphasising the Schools Values and showcasing to the community one of the great features of the school.
The school prides itself in also developing leadership within the school with Grade 6 students taking on House Captain roles, whilst all other Grades having nominated members on Junior School Council. The school has weekly Student of the Week as well as Aussie of the Month.