General News
20 October, 2023
Principal assures "We will not close!"
MINYIP Primary School will not close, despite circulating rumours that falling teacher numbers would bring about the possibility of closure at the end of the year. Principal Julie Powell said she has been trying to recruit teachers this term, after...
MINYIP Primary School will not close, despite circulating rumours that falling teacher numbers would bring about the possibility of closure at the end of the year.
Principal Julie Powell said she has been trying to recruit teachers this term, after the previous Grade 3-6 teacher was sadly unable to return to work following a car accident, and the current Prep-Grade 2 teacher announced they would be departing at the end of the school year.
Mrs Powell is currently teaching the 20 Grade 3-6 students on her own, and said it has been a "stressful experience" - one which has kept her on her toes and has seen her regularly starting work early and leaving late.
"It is a difficult time for everyone, but the support has been amazing," Mrs Powell said.
"Closing the school is not an option - we will be staffed."
With 1,900 teaching positions available across Victoria, the school faces tough competition with many recruits preferring to stick close to urban areas.
For other Wimmera schools it's a similar story, with Rupanyup Primary School seeking a principal, and both Hopetoun College and Warracknabeal Secondary College seeking teachers.
Yarriambiack Shire Mayor Kylie Zanker said she believes teaching recruits may have a fear of the unknown when it comes to relocating to rural areas.
Although Minyip Primary School only has 38 students, it is based in a welcoming community which was the location for The Flying Doctors TV series and featured in Eric Bana's film "The Dry".
"The community is amazing," Mrs Powell said.
"The parents treasure their teachers and the students are all well behaved and ready to learn."
Buoyed by offers she has received from a retired university professor, and retired former teachers willing to re-activate their registration to assist with the shortfall, Mrs Powell said she is hopeful.