Sherbrooke Community School was established in 1985 after a long
struggle that commenced in 1982. The need for a community school
in the hills area was perceived by a group of parents and teachers
in the area. The group was encouraged by Croydon Community School,
who had a long waiting list for entry into their school. Quite a
few Croydon students came from the hills.
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The group called a public meeting and a steering committee was
established to develop the concept of the school and to seek support
from the Education Department to establish the school. This meant
developing a submission, sending deputations to the Regional
Director, central administration, educationalists, politicians and
ultimately the Minister of Education.
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The group called a public meeting and a steering committee was
established to develop the concept of the school and to seek support
from the Education Department to establish the school. This meant
developing a submission, sending deputations to the Regional
Director, central administration, educationalists, politicians and
ultimately the Minister of Education.
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Once the school got the go ahead an interim school council
was formed and this group had to oversee the design and construction
of the school and further develop the school's educational philosophy.
The school opened in 1985 with 33 students in years 7 and 10 and five
teachers.
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The school was situated on the Boronia school support centre
site and stayed there for fifteen months. We moved to Sassafras during
the Easter break of 1986 and used the cottage and three portables.
At this stage we had 90 students from prep through to year 11, with
11 teachers and a bursar.
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While we had a grant to establish buildings for the school, the school
community had to put money, time and energy into the building program.
The pine lining in the school rooms was done by parents, students and
teachers as was the internal painting of the building. These are two of
a number of jobs undertaken by the school communitty. The procedures
developed by the school reflect a commitment to opening up all aspects
of the school's operation to the community (parents, students and staff).
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The structures developed enable all sections of the school community
to be part of the decision making precesses. There are a variety of forums
where parents, students and staff can talk together, make decisions and have
a real influence on the direction of the school. In the day to day activities
of the school, visitors, particularly parents, are welcome to the school.
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There is a tremendous spirit of cooperation between members of the
school community. Amongst the students, older students and younger students
mingle in much the same way they would in a family, rather than a school.
The school is also developing links with its wider community and is
seeking to establish itself as a valued part of the educational resources
of the hills area.
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