It’s hard to believe that it’s already been almost a whole year since Nirimba State Primary School first opened its doors. As this fledging school celebrates its first birthday, we head back to the rapidly growing Aura suburb to see how much the school community has evolved.
Designed from the ground up to best educate the kids of the future, this 21st century school was meticulously planned—from the innovative layout to the textures and colours in the classrooms. Seeing the campus now buzzing with life is certainly exciting.
The large sustainability precinct is now growing, with the community garden taking shape. The play spaces and pathways are established, with growing trees providing shaded spots for break time.
What does this milestone mean to Nirimba State Primary School?
“Turning one is definitely cause for celebration. We have already come so far as a school in such a short period of time,” says Principal Steven Moore.
Nirimba State Primary School opened at the beginning of 2022 with 161 enrolments. In the space of a year those numbers have almost doubled, with over 300 students due to commence in 2023.
“It has been a very successful year with students enjoying everything that the school has to offer. We are looking forward to building upon the great work that has been achieved in our first year. Expanding projects and initiatives as we continue to grow.”
Mr Moore believes that the whole school community has played a part in the success of the first year.
“I am extremely proud of our students, staff and families. Staff have gone above and beyond in providing a great education to students and providing them a range of extra-curricular activities. Students have embraced the opportunities that have been presented to them and really helped to shape the long-term vision for the school.
“Parents and, in particular, our P&C committee have been extremely supportive of the school and we have valued the contributions that they have made throughout this year,” says Mr Moore.
“There have been so many positive achievements throughout our first year that have been identified through our School Review and our Inclusion Scan Assess. It has been wonderfully affirming to have external teams visit our school and confirm that we are providing a great educational service to our families.”
What has the first year meant for the curriculum at Nirimba State School?
With a motto of ‘Embracing opportunities of today, inspiring futures of tomorrow’, this future-focused school has included many innovative elements in its inaugural curriculum, such as:
- Japanese is offered to all students from Prep to Year 6;
- it is a 1-to-1 iPad school from Year 1 – 6; and
- all five areas of the arts are taught to all year levels—Visual Art, Dance, Drama, Media Arts and Music.
Looking towards 2023, there are more additions in store, including:
- plans to provide Visual Art and Dance and Drama extension classes in 2023;
- the school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) approach will expand to have its own dedicated space. One that promotes the elements of design and encourages creativity and solutions for the real world;
- plans to expand the Arts, Coding and Robotics initiatives;
- plans to partner with external organisations to provide a variety of sporting opportunities for students; and,
- partnering with PCYC to implement a Community Playgroup from 2023, for local families and children who are not attending school yet.
“This year we have had the opportunity to engage all stakeholders of the school community. Their voices have helped us to craft our first long-term strategic plan. The main focus for us will be ensuring that our broad curriculum offerings, student and family support services and high-quality teaching and learning keep pace with the increase in student numbers.
“Our plans will continue to focus on ensuring that our school is a warm and welcoming school. One that values diversity, is inclusive, and provides an excellent education to students enrolled at the school.”
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