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 87 in 2008. We are actually limited by planning regulations to 100, but would like to reduce our numbers in future.

What grades do you cover?

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 don’t shout at the children — that’s important. 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 five to 15. 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 two periods of music a week, and one 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. We have a wonderful chef and the meals offer wonderful variety, but as well, students are welcome to raid the kitchen for a snack pretty much any time they’re going past. 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 science/IT teacher, for example, is a Ph.D. who was a research fellow at the University of Singapore and the University of Melbourne. 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. Our English teacher 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, platypus, 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, Claire, Swee, Basil, Jade, Roz, Mandy, Scott, Sam, Sarita, Taran, Andre, Heather (violin) ,and another John (piano). As well, there’s Jenny and Kris, to give extra help in classes. Then there’s the School Manager, Kathryn, the Business Manager, Michelle, and the Property Manager, Bob, with his assistant Tyson.

Do you have composite classes?

Yes, in some instances.In 2008, we have a composite 3/4, and 8/9 are combined for some classes.

How much does it cost?

In 2008, $8,600 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?

It’s not easy at the moment. We are determined to keep this a small school. We have waiting lists in the primary grades and in some the waiting lists have been closed, because they are too long. In particular, Prep in 2009 and 2010 is heavily over-subscribed. However, we may have a few secondary vacancies in 2009.