Education Week 2003

Vistara Primary School: Where Kids can be Kids

Some of the happy, healthy students from Vistara Primary School playing in the beautiful school yards.

When you drive into the picturesque little schoolyards of Vistara, nestled in the rolling hills of Richmond Hill, just a seven minute drive from Lismore, it is easy to see why the student body has developed such a strong bond to their school.

Vistara has everything a small school has to offer and more - a friendly atmosphere, smaller class sizes, a high standard curriculum that integrates academia and the arts, all set in a stimulating learning environment.

Vistara also offers an insight and understanding of each child as a unique individual, which sometimes can get lost in a larger school.

Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and theirconsequences. The school's discipline strategies focus on The Virtues Project, enabling the student to grow through their experiences.

Didi Anandavitandra, the director/principal of the school said "At Vistara we are very proud of the school's achievements and of the children."

Parents Bruce and Cindy Taylor were very clear in their support for the school, saying "One of the most important aspects of our move to Lismore was finding a new school for our child. We were attracted to the innovative and inspiring philosophy of Vistara Primary School. Our daughter has blossomed under the guidance of her teachers, advancing her musical, creative and academic abilities."

Another parent, Lee McDonald, said "There's a tangible warmth between the children, staff and community at Vistara. I'm very glad I found this school for my son."

One of the features of the cultural year for the students is the presentation of the annual concert. Bringing together a diverse range of skills acquired through the school, the performance at the Star Court Theatre on Thursday, September 25 will be Vistara's 17th annual performance. The public is invited to attend this year's concert with tickets available at the door on the night ($8/4 with toddlers free).

The school will also be holding a themed open day, "Celebrating Spring", on Friday, October 24.

The school has a very caring and understanding attitude towards new students, particularly those entering a school for the first time.

To this end Vistara will be holding four Kindy Orientation Days during November, on Tuesday 4 and 11, and on Friday 7 and 14. This is a free service, but such is the demand that bookings are essential.

National honour to Lismore coaching centre

Master Coaching: Lismore has just been awarded the Master Coaching 'Excellence in Coaching' award for 2003. This is the fourth major award won by the Lismore centre since 1998, but by far the most prestigious. Mr David Hanley, the Director of Master Coaching: Lismore said, "It is an honour to be recognised for this award as there are over 40 Master Coaching centres around Australia and this award is very keenly sought after by all centres."

David opened Master Coaching eight years ago, following his dream to start his own business. David has spent most of his life as a teacher and cannot imagine himself in any other profession.

"I really love my work as a teacher," said David, "and Master Coaching has given me an extra opportunity to pursue my passion."

According to David, teachers are the most important people within our community.

"I admire teachers and the work that they do," he said In this district particularly, we are blessed with some of the best and most dedicated teachers in the state." Master Coaching is one of the few coaching centres that actually support the classroom teacher in their programs by actively praising the student's classroom teacher in the coaching situation.

David's main focus now is to retain the award next year, and in doing so he hopes to establish Master Coaching: Lismore as the number one Master Coaching centre in NSW. "That will take some effort as some of our centres have over 400 students attending each week."

Master Coaching, as a business, will have been operating for 20 years come the end of the year. During that time it has coached over 1000 high school duxes and taken countless more through to the top of their classes. More importantly, Master Coaching has given hope to many students who were without hope and not appreciating their own tremendous talents.

"Every parent wants the best for their child, and our schools are geared to providing that service," David concluded. If you feel as though your child has special needs or is losing confidence, then your first response should be to talk to their classroom teachers. These people are in the best position to help your child. As a follow-up you may also wish to talk over your child's future with David Hanley of Master Coaching.

HSC workshops will now operate throughout October school holidays. Bookings are essential.

The school at the end of the rainbow

The Rainbow Ridge School at Lillian Rock is set amongst some of the most spectacular Australian bushland imaginable.

The Rainbow Ridge School, located at Lillian Rock, is just a 15-minute drive from the heart of Nimbin.

The school's vision is "to offer a universal education in balance and harmony with the environment, embracing Rudolph Steiner's education philosophy and growing with the changing needs of time."

The school caters for kindergarten through to year eight and is set on seven acres of bushland.

Rudolph Steiner education aims to help children develop clarity of thought, warmth of feeling and strength of will. All facets of a mainstream curriculum are taught, drawing upon the children's natural strengths of creativity and imagination. Necessary skills in maths and language are learnt through storytelling, drama, music, art and craft.

There is a strong emphasis on caring for each other and for the environment in which they work and play.

Rhythm, discipline, respect and love support the children in their quest for self-knowledge, understanding of others and the world around them.

As Rainbow Ridge is a small school the children feel as though their individual potential is being nurtured within a family environment. They are safe and happy.

The teachers, staff and parent helpers are all incredibly committed to the growth of the children and the school itself. It's a wonderful place to be.

School buses commute from Lismore, Nimbin, Doon Doon and Cawongla to Rainbow Ridge daily.

The whole community is invited to attend the school Open Day, to be held on Saturday, September 20, from 10am - 3pm.

For details on enrolment or for general enquiries call the office on 6689 7033.

A commitment to excellence

Alstonville High School - a centre of excellence in a serene setting.

Alstonville High School captains for 2003 (l-r) Kees Tonkin, Emma Sharpe, Linda Van Donnelly and Nathan Taylor.

Alstonville High School is recognised throughout New South Wales as a school of excellence offering a great variety of courses.

The school, with its motto 'Integrity', has established an outstanding record of academic, sporting and cultural achievement as well as a reputation for teaching excellence.

These achievements are the result of a commitment to strong parent, teacher and student partnerships, constant attention to the welfare of both students and staff, and, more importantly, a focus on quality teaching and learning.

Key features of the school are the commitment of the staff to student learning and performance, the strong role of the Student Representative Council in programs, the broad curriculum to meet the needs of all students and the outstanding partnerships established between parents and the school.

It is a school where learning is the focus and a high level of student achievement is encouraged and recognised in an environment where striving for excellence is constant.

Alstonville High School is located in Cawley Close, Alstonville. Phone 6628 5222.