INTRODUCTION

Dederang P.S. is 48 kilometres south of Wodonga on the Kiewa Valley Highway in the picturesque Kiewa Valley. The school boasts a superb rural setting and serves the rural communities of Dederang, Upper Gundowring, Glenn Creek, Kancoona and Kergunyah. The school has a new double classroom plus older style classrooms located in the main building, a portable classroom and a converted shelter shed that serves as an Art room. Enrolment normally ranges between 40 and 50.

While the district is predominantly a farming community, there is a gradual increase in people driving to Albury/Wodonga for work. Two buses bring children to school each day. One from areas south of the school (Gundowring, Kancoona, Coral Bank, Dederang), the other delivers children from Kergunyah and Glenn Creek.

FACILITIES

Buildings The school has developed a master plan that emphasizes the heritage and character of our school. A huge effort has been made by parents to ensure that facilities in this older style school are not wanting. Parents have built an art room and staff/library room. We have been able to convert a smaller classroom in the main building into a computer lab. The school enjoys reverse cycle air-conditioning throughout.

Grounds The school grounds consist of a flat-grassed area, a sloping Landcare area, a paved and covered assembly area, asphalt games area, shaded playground equipment area and a car park. Many native trees have been planted in the Landcare area and on the school perimeter. A shallow and hugely popular creek runs down the northwest side of the grounds and is in year round use by children. We are committed to caring for our rural environment and we are a WATERWATCH coordinating school for the Wodonga District network of schools.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Our school values working in partnership with parents and we seek to continuously develop this aspect. We want children to be happy, to be safe, to 'have a go' and have a positive attitude. We seek to provide:

a future oriented and relevant approach to curriculum and teaching with learning experiences that cater for children at whatever stage of developmentthey might be.

for children to develop positive attitudes and values.

for children to develop skills and gain knowledge.

a learning environment that fosters self-discipline, confidence, courteousness, cooperation and pride in achievement. We aim to produce feisty and resilient individuals ready to face whatever life puts before them.

a learning environment that fosters independent learning.

STAFF

Applicants for positions at Dederang P.S. need to be committed and enthusiastic. We are child focussed with high expectations on both academic performance and social behaviour.

We value positive staff morale and expect a team approach in the day-to-day organisation and curriculum provision of our school.