The Nature School unveils 2018 primary school plans to meeting

Lloyd Godson said about 100 people – including parents and children – were at the Lake Innes Community Centre to hear about the expansion plans.

“We informed families about our plans to expand into a primary school, how it will run and the differences we will offer,” he said.

“The day was about inviting people who are interested in joining our vision for this primary school.

“The meeting also attracted potential teachers, parents and volunteers as well as those already part of our early years program.

“The turnout certainly exceeded our expectations. I think that was due to having a lot of positivity around what we are achieving.”

Mr Godson said people are ‘hungry for something new and something different for their child’.

World-wide research is highlighting the benefits to a child of an education that is nature-based, he said.

The Nature School has applied through the department of education to operate the primary school. They expect to hear some positive news in about a month’s time.

“We are taking enrolments and we have a wait list,” he added.

Mr Godson said about half of those attending Saturday’s meeting were not part of the existing early years program but had heard about The Nature School and its vision.

“The feedback we have received (from the department) is that ours was one of the strongest applications received in some years. I think they want us to proceed and the department has been really positive.”

Mr Godson said the first intake across kindergarten to year 2 will be limited to 25 students.

The plans are to start ‘relatively small’ with a mixed class and then expand the primary school over ensuing years.

Mr Godson said The Nature School would operate out of the Lake Innes Community Centre.

For information on Saturday’s meeting or about The Nature School go to www.thenatureschool.org.au