Class is in session: Sam Sweeney, Cat Palmer, Jade Beaman, Kat Essex, Tish Okely and Liz Withall make up the staff of Shepparton’s Indie School.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
With the school year now upon us, Shepparton’s Indie School has welcomed new teachers and students to its fast-growing community.
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After opening its doors last year, the school has expanded to accommodate two classes this year, and continues to take enrolments for interested Year 10 and Year 11 students.
The school is based on adult education, and offers an alternative for young people that have grown detached from mainstream schooling options.
Head of school Liz Withall said she was thrilled to welcome a number of new teachers to her team this year, as they looked to build on an exciting new venture.
“We’re really excited to offer this opportunity to young people and slowly build upon it this year,” Ms Withall said.
“I’m really excited to have some great new staff and they’re all really excited to be here.
“We’re all on the same page about supporting young people and giving them the best opportunity to be successful.”
Indie School offers smaller class sizes of 12 to 15 students, individual learning plans tailored to students’ strengths and interests, a shorter school day, and a focus on wellbeing.
After a number of years in the state system, Ms Withall said she jumped at the opportunity to teach in an environment that catered to students who did not fit mainstream models.
Teamwork: Sam Sweeney, Cat Palmer, Jade Beaman, Kat Essex, Tish Okely and Liz Withall of Shepparton’s Indie School.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“We’re all about strength-based learning and supporting young people to be their best,” Ms Withall said.
“I’ve been in mainstream schools for a long time and I was excited to come and work in a school where my values align, by putting wellbeing first and building relationships with young people and ensuring that they can succeed.”
Kat Essex, who joined Indie School this year from Greater Shepparton Secondary College, said she too was looking forward to the chance to teach in a smaller, supportive setting.
“Being able to provide more significant care for these kids, being able to work with them and build their skills and confidence and ensuring they’re supported during their education is really, really important,” she said.
“Often our students haven’t gotten the support that they’ve needed or have fallen out of mainstream education — being able to provide that support to them is amazing.
“It can make a big difference to their lives, beyond schooling as well.”
This year, Indie School is offering the Victorian Year 10 curriculum, the VCE Vocational Major and VET, with a commercial kitchen being built at the Indie College next door.
Indie School is federally funded and there’s no cost for students, with breakfast and school essentials also supplied.
Enrolments are open for Year 10 and 11 students this year, and anyone interested is encouraged to visit the school for a tour of the facilities.
The school is also still on the lookout for an experienced teacher.
Indie School Shepparton is located at 575-585 Wyndham St, Shepparton. For inquiries, contact Liz Withall by emailing liz.withall@indie.edu.au
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