Cabbage Tree Island Public School
Nyaa Gungalair - Look and Listen
About the school
Cabbage Tree Island Public School is a unique educational institution located at the eastern end of the Cabbage Tree Island Aboriginal community, approximately 22km south of Ballina. The school caters to around 40 Aboriginal students, ranging from pre-school age to Year 6. As a small yet vibrant school, it employs a dedicated staff including a permanent teacher, a teaching principal, an Aboriginal education officer, and various administrative support personnel, with a focus on employing Aboriginal educators to provide culturally relevant teaching.
Educational Approach
Cabbage Tree Island Public School offers a comprehensive education that ensures every student feels safe, included, and prepared to learn from their first day. The school promotes a strong connection to the local community and embraces its rich cultural history, which has been integral since its establishment in 1893.
The school implements a Transition To School program, which is supported by an early childhood teacher and an Aboriginal teacher’s aide, facilitating a nurturing environment for younger learners. The educators are committed to quality teaching and strive to empower students through a curriculum that reflects their cultural identities.
Recent Developments
Following significant flooding in early 2022, efforts are underway to rebuild the school. This project is not merely about restoration but aims to enhance resilience against future challenges, embodying hope and renewal for the school community. Through these enhancements, Cabbage Tree Island Public School remains dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that champions academic excellence and cultural pride.
Mission
We help every student to learn, grow and succeed.
Location & Catchment Area
- Cabbage Tree Island Public School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Wardell Public School 1.0 km
- B Empire Vale Public School 5.9 km
- C Broadwater Public School 6.5 km
- D Rous Public School 9.9 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 21 (10 girls, 11 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 21
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 694 (percentile 1)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 88% / 9% / 3% / 1%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 193
- Indigenous students
- 100%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 3.9
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 1.9
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 2 |
| Year 1 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 1 |
| Year 6 | 5 |
| Total | 21 |
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 | 21 | 10 | 11 | - | 694 | 3.9 |
| 2024 | 23 | 8 | 15 | 79.8 | 695 | 3.7 |
| 2023 | 23 | 10 | 13 | 80.4 | 718 | 3.7 |
| 2022 | 30 | 12 | 18 | 75.3 | 631 | 3.3 |
| 2021 | 32 | 15 | 17 | 81.2 | 697 | 3.1 |
| 2020 | 38 | 22 | 16 | - | 684 | 3.1 |
| 2019 | 29 | 14 | 15 | 78.5 | 687 | 3.1 |
| 2018 | 25 | 11 | 14 | 80.2 | 637 | 2.5 |
| 2017 | 16 | 8 | 8 | 84.6 | 598 | 1.9 |
| 2016 | 14 | 3 | 11 | 89.5 | - | 1.9 |
| 2015 | 16 | 3 | 13 | 83.1 | - | 2.4 |
| 2014 | 19 | 4 | 15 | 87.5 | 675 | 2 |
| 2013 | 21 | 5 | 16 | 93.6 | 677 | 2.4 |
| 2012 | 19 | 7 | 12 | 89.7 | 663 | 1.8 |
| 2011 | 20 | 5 | 15 | 86.5 | 643 | 2 |
| 2010 | 24 | 7 | 17 | - | 643 | 3.1 |
| 2009 | 31 | 11 | 20 | - | 717 | 3.1 |
| 2008 | 26 | 13 | 13 | - | 717 | 2.9 |
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.