The little school that could

It’s about the smiles and the looks of enjoyment on the young pupils faces when they accomplish something, says Melville Primary principal Diane Williams.

Diane has worked at Melville Primary as the principal for more than 17 years. And every day of those 17 years she has faced the challenges of the children and their different backgrounds (there are 17 ethnicities on the roll) in an underfunded, understaffed and under-resourced education sector.

Although, alongside working with these students come many joys. Diane mentions the smiles and hugs from the children, the looks of pure delight when they achieve something, and their enthusiasm to learn.

Melville primary is a virtues school with their motto “Strive for the Highest” helping everyone focus on aspects of the big R. Respect for oneself, others and the school and environment. Other values the school holds close are resilience and integrity.

Melville, Diane says, accepts everyone for who they are and all students are taught that everyone has a say and is valued for who they are, something that teaches the students to be part of society later on in life

Melville as a school community sets out to nourish, nurture, and prepare the student for the next steps of their journey along with skills that help them out in the community.

Give the school a visit – you will not regret seeing the smiles and character.