Tucked away in the heart of a tight-knit town, Dookie Primary School is proof that a school is more than classrooms and books — it’s community, growth and pride.
Dookie Primary School stands as a pillar of its community in its own right.
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Students can dart joyfully from one playground to another, dig in the sandpit, nurture their own produce in the garden, and then cook it as part of the school’s Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.
In a small school environment, learning and friendships flourish across all year levels, creating a sense of family as much as education.
But as principal Julie Jerome points out, “The school does not stand alone in this town.”
“When you’ve got the community behind the school, it can flourish and it can grow,” she said.
Dookie Primary School embodies the collaborative spirit that defines the town, supported by dedicated volunteers and residents, who are regulars on campus, lending their time, skills and encouragement to students.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Off-campus and just a stone’s throw away from the schoolyard fence is the Dookie Men’s Shed.
Each week, senior students head across to pick up tools, guided by mentors eager to share both craft and conversation.
“Some don’t have exposure to woodwork or older generations, and some don’t have a lot of men in their lives,” Julie said.
“The Men’s Shed is a great support for our kids, where they build relationships and learn skills.”
Perhaps the school’s greatest strength is its all-inclusive approach to learning, offering a balance of academic focus and hands-on experience.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Alongside literacy and numeracy, students explore Italian, express creativity with a visiting art teacher, and foster curiosity through a mobile library.
Wellbeing programs are entwined throughout, supporting each child’s growth beyond the classroom.
“Having that mix of academics as well as hands-on learning, we do that well, and we do that with our community, which has a bigger impact on our kids and their education,” Julie said.
“The kids feel like they belong – they’re proud of their town and that sense of pride is there constantly.”
With the capacity to grow, Dookie Primary School is ready to welcome more families seeking a well-rounded education rooted in connection.
Because here, learning is more than books.
It’s about skills, relationships, and strong community ties woven into the school’s fabric.
