Just six minutes from Mooloolah and 10 minutes from Forest Glen, Eudlo State School is a small Hinterland school with a big heart.
Nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Eudlo State School has just 65 students and a permanent staff of five teachers, four Teacher’s Aides, and a Business Manager. This unique little school is rapidly capturing the hearts of many local families, being only a few minutes from several large Sunshine Coast communities and with no catchment area.
“Many people don’t realise that Eudlo is such a short drive away!” said Principal Ruth Machen. “And because we don’t have a catchment area, families from surrounding suburbs such as Forest Glen, Woombye, Glenview and Palmwoods are now realising they can benefit from our small class sizes and multi-age learning culture.”
A small caring environment
Eudlo State School prides itself on offering a well-balanced curriculum, whilst maintaining a caring small school environment. “Our students work in an inclusive setting, where the multi-age grouped classrooms facilitate a child-centred approach to learning,” Ruth said. “The class groupings allow for more flexibility than is possible in schools with straight grades. This allows us to be responsive to the needs of each individual student. This environment also prepares the students to be active Australian citizens with a life-long love for learning.”
Eudlo State Primary School is boutique in size, while still offering its students a wealth of programs. “A distinctive aspect of our school is that students enjoy and appreciate the environment and creative arts,” said Ruth. “We have an Aust-Swim based swimming program for all students, extension and tutoring programs. We also have specialist Japanese and music teachers, and a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. And yes, we even have a tuckshop!”
The nurturing environment is also evident in their strong parent community. “Our school has an active Parents and Citizens Association which contributes greatly to the student learning in our school.”
Behaviour management
The school’s individualised approach is also mirrored in its positive behaviour strategy. “Our School community believes that the Principles of Restorative Practice are the most appropriate model to use with our students when encouraging and maintaining positive behaviours,” explained Ruth. “Restorative Practice encourages students to learn the social and emotional skills they will use throughout their lives. These include active listening, problem solving, expressing emotion appropriately, developing personal awareness, empathy and taking responsibility. Within this model there is a strong focus on proactive strategies, including teaching and supporting the appropriate and expected positive behaviours to all students in the school.”
Aspiring in excellence in all that they do, it is easy to see why this unique little school is becoming such a popular part of the hinterland community.
Find out more at www.eudloss.eq.edu.au | 07 5458 0333 | Corner Rosebed Street and Highlands Road, Eudlo
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