FAQ

Where is the school?
How big is the school?
What grades do you cover?
What is the philosophy of the school?
In what ways is your school different to others?
How many teachers are there?
Do you have composite classes?
How much does it cost?
Do you have a selection policy?
How do you get in?

Where is the school?

In the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, half an hour north of Melbourne airport, between Romsey and Woodend, not far from Hanging Rock.

How big is the school?

We started with 53 at the beginning of 2006 and have 100 in 2010. We are limited by planning regulations to 100, but we are currently going through the  process of seeking to increase that number, with a view to perhaps including some other year levels, such as kindergarten.

What grades do you cover at the moment?

From Preps (children who turn five during the year) to Year 9.

What is the philosophy of the school?

That’s very hard to answer! We try not to shout at the children! We encourage students to be adventurous without being stupid. “Take care, take risks” could be seen as the school motto. We are keen on the highest possible academic standards, good manners, and a friendly, comfortable, affectionate atmosphere. We see learning as an energised affair, where students engage with the world in ways that are active, stimulating and motivating.

In what ways is your school different to others?

There is no school uniform, and everyone is on a first name basis. Classes are small, this year ranging from seven to 14. We are out and about much more than most other schools. We have lots of sleepovers, camps, excursions and activities. We are quite a musical school – everyone has a period of  music every week, and a period of dance. As well, there is one period a week where everyone plays chess. There is plenty of free time — for example, every Wednesday afternoon, from lunchtime onwards. The students bring no food to school, as everything is supplied.  The meals include a wonderful range of choices, but as well, students are welcome to raid the kitchen for a snack as they go past to their next class. At the end of each day the students and teachers clean the whole school, as we believe that people should be responsible for cleaning up after them in life, in both a literal and an abstract sense.

Our teachers are quite extraordinary, chosen for their unusual skills and interesting backgrounds. Our art teacher is a well-known and successful artist, and a published poet. One of our music teachers has had works commissioned by Opera Australia and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Three teachers have published works of fiction – the Principal has written 30+ published books, including Letters from the Inside, and Tomorrow, When the War Began.

We don’t seem to need to punish students, as generally everyone gets along very well, but more importantly, we see punishment as being counter-productive. We all have a vested interest in making this a positive and successful community.

Perhaps the most obvious difference between us and other schools however is that we have what may be the largest school campus in the world. Candlebark spans nearly 1100 acres, most of which is natural bush, remnant vegetation, and home to many different species of flora and fauna. There are more than 50 km of tracks and trails, and the property is home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, wombats, possums, Powerful Owls, wedge tailed eagles and other remarkable creatures. We also have quite a few farm animals.

How many teachers are there?

The Principal, John, and teachers  Wendy,  Zan, Shaun, Basil, Scott, Sam, Claire, Taran, Brent, Melissa, Jess, Heather (violin), Francesca (cello) and another John (piano). As well, there’s Kris, to give extra help to some students. Then there’s the Business Manager, Michelle,  the Property Manager, Bob,  the Grounds Supervisor Matthew, and yet another John, who drives the big bus.

Do you have composite classes?

Yes, in some instances.In 2010, we have a composite 5/6, and some other classes are combined occasionally;  for example,8/9 for maths.

How much does it cost?

In 2010, $9,600 a year. These fees include all camps, excursions, food, text books, stationery, activities and bus travel to and from school for most students, as required. In other words, the fees cover everything except individual music lessons. Parents receive no other invoices from us.

Do you have a selection policy?

Not really. We have said no to a few people whom we feel are not right for us, not for academic or behavioural reasons, but because they or their parents don’t seem geared to this kind of education. Generally however when we say no to someone it’s because we don’t have any spaces. We do give absolute priority to siblings of children already here.

How do you get in?

We are determined to keep Candlebark a small school. We have waiting lists in every primary grade, but some lists are longer than others. We may have a few secondary vacancies in 2011.