A positive start to the year has been reported at Toorloo Arm Primary School, with students settling in quickly and embracing a busy opening term.
Principal Alli Hopkins said the school community had returned with a strong attitude towards learning, with new Prep students adjusting particularly well.
“The preps have settled in incredibly well and all school students have been busy with many activities,” she said.
Swimming sports for students in grades three to six have already been held, with a focus on participation and inclusion.
Fifteen students have qualified for the next division, to be staged in Orbost.
Junior classes have been exploring a Winter Olympics theme as part of their learning program, while visiting coaches recently introduced prep to grade two students to hockey through a hands-on session.
Senior students have also taken part in open-water swimming, an activity Ms Hopkins said was particularly important given the school’s coastal environment.
“The grade five/six have had a session in open water swimming which is very important in the environment we live,” she said.
The school is introducing new student leadership roles this year to build on its existing leadership structure, and a STEM specialist subject has also been added to the curriculum.
Teacher Mr Layborne is leading the program, with students currently focusing on engineering concepts.
Meanwhile, the popular Brekky Club — run with the help of senior students — is being refreshed, with a healthy eating specialist scheduled to visit to promote positive food choices.
Ms Hopkins said the school was pleased to begin the year with a stable teaching team, with the same staff returning from 2025 to provide continuity for students.
