A visit to Balgo Hills 

A True Kimberley Experience! 

What an amazing and eye-opening experience. I am fortunate to be here visiting the Killeen family (previous school family) who have moved here to experience the Australian Kimberley environment. 

John and Elisha work at the school and their girls (Mahli, Willow and Evie) attend. 

This school provides opportunities for all students to learn academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally and socially. They work hard to provide experiences for students to feel comfortable and to feel successful. 

Some of the main differences I have noticed include that school runs from 8am to 2pm. The day begins with aspects of sport and personal care. There is one play time for half and hour. Students have cooking sessions, culture and language lessons and science and the arts. Classes have termly excursions out to country where they learn more about the land and their spiritual connection. 

The school is central to this community of approximately 400 people. 

Students are very talented, including skills and talents with sport, art and dance. Their smiles and giggles are contagious! In in awe of the educators and volunteers who are here - they do amazing work! I am sure they will enjoy the holiday break as the end of term is next week (a week later than Melbourne).

On Monday, some of John’s senior students made contact with 3/4GR via Google Meet and they were able to ask each other questions to learn more about the differences between schools and geography. Mahli, Willow and I were  also able to see each other from across the country! 

I am grateful to John and Elisha for welcoming my visit.

Feel free to check John’s blog: https://primaryd.weebly.com 

 

Michella Pradel