Mil Lel Primary School

Mil Lel Primary School was opened in 1867 and is located among picturesque farmlands on the outskirts of Mount Gambier. The school is committed to providing a high quality education for students from Reception to Year 7 within a supportive learning environment. Our values of Respect, Participation and Success are encouraged through a broad, balanced curriculum and a variety of extra-curricular programs. Our teachers use a range of high quality teaching methodologies that promote student engagement and learning, including the development of problem solving skills and the application of ICT perspectives in the curriculum. We have a strong focus on literacy, numeracy and the arts. To support literacy and numeracy outcomes, a key priority is intervention and support programs to maximise student learning in these areas. Students also have the opportunity to learn French as a second language. Students are involved in the local eisteddfod where they are encouraged to participate in speech and drama, debating and music events. Our Upper Primary students have maintained a high standard in the debating competition, winning this event numerous times. Music has a strong profile within our school. All students from Reception to Year 4 participate in recorder lessons, while middle and upper primary students may access singling, guitar, piano and wind instrument lessons. We also join with other small schools in our area to form a choir that performs at the Mt Gambier and Adelaide music festivals. Students have the opportunity to develop their leadership and collaborative skills through participating in our 'Jump Rope For Heart' skipping demonstration team, the Student Representative Council and other school activities. Participation in sporting activities is encouraged through physical education lessons, out-of-hours school sports, cross country and other sporting initiatives such as the Premier's Be Active Challenge and SAPSASA. Each year we hold an internal Sports Day and compete in the district Small Schools Sports Day.

Our school grounds are well maintained with open play spaces and vegetable gardens that are maintained by the students as a part of their learning activities. Students are also able to access the local tennis and cricket club areas. We have inviting and modern classroom facilities that provide an excellent learning environment for our students. All classes are equipped with interactive LCD screens as well as access to laptops and ipads. We have a flexible learning area with kitchen facilities that provides space for art and technology lessons. This space is also utilised for student cooking activities. We value parent involvement in school life and have a high level of participation from our families through a variety of outlets, including assisting class activities, Parent Club and Governing Council.

Student wellbeing is a priority. We regularly provide opportunities for students to interact across all year levels to help build a sense of belonging and attachment. This is facilitated through curriculum activities and celebrations, including our end-of-year concert and school camps. We hold a school camp every two years for Year 3-7 students and students in Year 6 and 7 also attend a camp to Canberra. Other whole-school events include participating in the Mt Gambier Christmas Parade, involvement in the local Spring Show and Clean Up Australia Day.

The student population has grown in the past 5 years with the school having a positive reputation in the wider community. We pride ourselves on being a proactive and positive community, with parents, staff and students working together to provide an environment that promotes student success and wellbeing.