Waratah West Public School

Waratah West Public School, situated on Awabakal land, serves a diverse population of 120 students and prioritises strong community partnerships. The school features four mainstream classes and three regional support classes, supporting 32 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and 11 students with English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D). The Family Occupation and Education Index (FOEI) is currently 121, reflecting the broad spectrum of the community it serves.

The school actively celebrates Aboriginal culture and ensures it is embedded in the curriculum in collaboration with the Muloobinbah Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG). Waratah West Public School believes that the best educational outcomes come from inspired teaching in an environment that embraces and celebrates students and their families. With a focus on creating a culture of diversity, the school tailors approaches to meet individual needs, enabling students to connect, succeed, and flourish.

Waratah West prioritises quality teaching, especially in literacy and numeracy, with an emphasis on collaborative practices that foster the academic and emotional wellbeing of students. The dedicated staff work to support children’s agency, encouraging them to make decisions and develop a sense of responsibility for their learning. Play-based learning and outdoor education initiatives enhance engagement and wellbeing while feedback indicates strong community satisfaction with these programs.

Additionally, Waratah West maintains connections with the University of Newcastle and participates in various programs aimed at supporting positive academic and social outcomes, including the Children's University Program, which promotes lifelong learning. The school is part of the Callaghan Education Pathways (CEP), fostering a continuum of learning and innovative educational experiences.

Embracing diverse learners and nurturing success - everyone is welcome at Waratah West Public School.