Where is the school?
Candlebark is located in the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, half an hour north of Melbourne airport, between Romsey and Woodend, not far from Hanging Rock. A second school, Alice Miller School, opened in 2016 on 75 acres in Macedon. We also have a 475 acre property beyond Lancefield, which we use for camps and educational activities.
How big is the school?
We started with 53 at the beginning of 2006 and have 164 students in 2023. We are limited by planning regulations to 196, but we feel that around 160 is as big as we want to get.
What grades do you cover?
Candlebark enrols Foundations (children who have turned five) to Year 7 in 2023.
Alice Miller School enrols Years 7 to 12.
What is the philosophy of the school?
That’s very hard to answer! 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 try not to shout at the children! 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, and in 2023 will range from 12 to 21 in number. We are out and about much more than 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. 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 can raid the kitchen for a piece of fruit 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 themselves in life, in both a literal and an abstract sense.
Our teachers are quite extraordinary, chosen for their unusual skills and interesting backgrounds. One was in the New Zealand Navy, another has taught in the Tiwi Islands, another is a marathon swimmer. One sailed a yacht from Sydney to the Suez Canal and beyond; another makes animated creatures – such as dinosaurs – for museums and galleries. Their hobbies include taxidermy, making-musical-instruments, yoga, cycling, theatre, and renewable energy. The Principal has written 40+ fiction and non-fiction books, including Letters from the Inside, and Tomorrow, When the War Began.
We don’t often seem to need to punish students, as generally everyone gets along very well, but more importantly, we see punishment as counter-productive. We all have a vested interest in making this a positive and successful community.
Perhaps the most visible difference between us and other schools is that we have what may be the largest school campus in the world. Candlebark spans over 1100 acres, most of which is natural bush, remnant vegetation, and home to many different species of flora and fauna. There are more than 60 kms 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 Principals John and Sarita, teachers Shaun, Joanne, Sam, another Sam, Nat, Steve, Andy, Andrew, Cam, Peta, Katy, Leeanne, Sarah and Nicky. Learning support teachers are Wendy, Louise, Aleisha and Cathy. Instrumental music teachers include Sasha (violin), Luke (guitar and drums), Jamie (bass and drums), Caitlin (woodwind), Daniel (piano), Zoe (cello), Kyle (drums and guitar) and Emily (voice). There’s also Librarian Geri, the Business Manager, Michelle, and the Property Manager Sam, assisted by Kyle, Cameron, Hunter and Hugo. Finally, there’s the Kitchen Chef Marisa and kitchen-hand Jenni.
Do you have composite classes?
In 2023 we have composite 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6 grades as well as “straight” grades Prep and 7.
How much does it cost?
The Fees for 2023 are: $14,040.00. A discount of 5% will apply each term for people who pay fees by the due date for that term.
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 optional 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 usually 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 throughout the school, but some lists are longer than others. It’s always worth getting in touch with us, for an update.
Offers for Foundation places are made about 15-18 months before the child is due to commence school, so applications should be submitted well in advance. For example, offers of places in Foundation 2025 will be made around September 2023. We also offer an orientation program one morning a week throughout the year for students enrolled in the following year’s Foundation class. This is free of charge, once a place has been accepted.