About the school
Wiripaang Public School is situated in a pleasant, leafy setting in Lake Macquarie, catering to 205 students across 11 classes from Kindergarten to Year 6, including a Support Unit. Established in 2013 through a community-based amalgamation of Gateshead West and Gateshead Public Schools, the school showcases a diverse community with 31% Aboriginal representation, alongside students from various cultural backgrounds. An Aboriginal Education Committee and a permanent Aboriginal Education Officer are integral to the school, promoting enhanced opportunities for Aboriginal students.
The school prides itself on a dedicated teaching staff that utilises the latest educational research to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment. With a strong focus on Literacy, Numeracy, Community Engagement, and Wellbeing, key initiatives include Early Action for Success (EAfS), which emphasises teacher mentorship and impactful teaching strategies. The 'Wonnai' school readiness program has also received community support, aiding Kindergarten students in preparation for their educational journey.
Wiripaang Public School fosters a positive behaviour culture through Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL), integrating classroom management with wellbeing and attendance support. Students enjoy a variety of sporting, cultural, and environmental activities that enrich their curriculum experience. Leadership and peer support opportunities are encouraged, preparing students for future success. High satisfaction ratings from parent-carer surveys highlight strong community support. The school actively collaborates with the Waiyarang Community of Schools, providing further learning opportunities through partnerships with local educational institutions, businesses, and community organisations.
Mission
Wiripaang Public School is committed to preparing students for a rewarding life as engaged and informed citizens, ensuring that every child feels safe, included, and ready to learn from their first day.
Location & Catchment Area
- Wiripaang Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Hunter Sports High School 148 m
- B Lakeside School 1.3 km
- C Windale Public School 1.5 km
- D Charlestown South Public School 1.9 km
- E Charlestown East Public School 1.9 km
- F Charlestown Public School 2.2 km
- G Mount Hutton Public School 2.3 km
- H Whitebridge High School 2.4 km
- I Dudley Public School 2.4 km
- J Hillsborough Public School 2.9 km
- K Kahibah Public School 3.0 km
- L Newcastle Junior School 3.0 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 182 (79 girls, 103 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 182
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 853 (percentile 5)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 72% / 18% / 10% / 1%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 177
- Indigenous students
- 37%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 13%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 17
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 7.1
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 27 |
| Year 1 | 25 |
| Year 2 | 20 |
| Year 3 | 29 |
| Year 4 | 22 |
| Year 5 | 33 |
| Year 6 | 26 |
| Total | 182 |
Year by year
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.
| Year | Enrolments | Girls | Boys | Attendance % | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 182 | 79 | 103 | - | 853 | 17 |
| 2024 | 171 | 74 | 97 | 88.3 | 838 | 16.8 |
| 2023 | 179 | 77 | 102 | 89.9 | 826 | 15.7 |
| 2022 | 176 | 75 | 101 | 89.1 | 833 | 15.2 |
| 2021 | 191 | 83 | 108 | 89 | 837 | 15.5 |
| 2020 | 197 | 87 | 110 | - | 839 | 15.8 |
| 2019 | 201 | 88 | 113 | 89 | 837 | 14.5 |
| 2018 | 208 | 97 | 111 | 87.8 | 825 | 14.8 |
| 2017 | 223 | 105 | 118 | 89.2 | 846 | 16.7 |
| 2016 | 233 | 114 | 119 | 88.3 | 843 | 16.7 |
| 2015 | 228 | 106 | 122 | 87.5 | 850 | 16.6 |
| 2014 | 222 | 105 | 117 | 90.5 | 841 | 16.3 |
| 2013 | 194 | 91 | 103 | 90.2 | 863 | 15 |
| 2012 | 125 | 54 | 71 | 91.4 | 849 | 10.1 |
| 2011 | 125 | 60 | 65 | 91.9 | 811 | 11.4 |
| 2010 | 122 | 52 | 70 | - | 811 | 10.9 |
| 2009 | 125 | 61 | 64 | - | 907 | 12.5 |
| 2008 | 139 | 70 | 69 | - | 907 | 13 |
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.