Eastern Fleurieu School

The Eastern Fleurieu School was formed in 1996 as a direct result of a review of education in the previously five separate schools: Ashbourne, Langhorne Creek, Milang and Strathalbyn Primary Schools and Strathalbyn High School.

Educational services have been provided in each of these communities for well over a century and the schools worked closely together but as separate schools.

In 1995 the Review of Education in the Eastern Fleurieu (REEF) was conducted by a committee representative of all local communities and schools in the district along with Education Department, the Australian Education Union and local government personnel.

The Review recommended to the Minister of Education in 1995 (with the support of all participating school communities) that

That R-12 education must be strongly supported in the district whilst maintaining all existing school sites

The needs of young adolescents will be best met through the establishment of a designated Middle Campus for students Years 7-9

Opportunities for improved effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of access to educational delivery would be best met through the formation of a R-12 school. In particular: Resource sharing (human, curriculum, equipment), Curriculum management, Staff training and development, Administrative services, Reconfiguration of the leadership model

The Minister approved the recommendations and sanctioned the establishment of the school as a three-year trial commencing at the start of the 1996 school year.

In 1998 the “Future Directions Working Party” reviewed the school. It sought information from the entire school community (students, parent/care providers and staff). This Review found overwhelming evidence that the outcomes identified by the REEF review had indeed been achieved earlier than anticipated through the commitment of staff and the school community. It also identified new directions for future development and improvement of the school. These subsequently became the basis for the school’s first Partnership Plan

In 2000 the Eastern Fleurieu School community decided to become a locally managed school in the context of the Department for Education Training and Employment’s (DETE) Partnership 21 project. This project aimed to extend the partnerships between the Department, schools and their community through clearly defined roles and accountabilities and shared decision-making. A strong community partnership would fulfil the shared responsibility for the delivery of high-quality learning for each student.

2009: A fire broke out in one of the art rooms in the Senior Strathalbyn Site, causing approximately $200,000 damage.[4]

2011: Trevor Fletcher appointed principal. Many changes happen throughout all the campuses, notably more sporting, science, and music activities.

2013: Centenary of the high school celebrated at the Strathalbyn campus.

2015: Construction begins on the school's $11 million upgrade for a new performing arts centre (now officially known as "The Trevor Fletcher Performing Arts Centre"), home economics, and science buildings.[2]

The school draws students from an area of over 6000 square kilometres centred on the town of Strathalbyn (population 7000). Demographic changes in both town and rural populations are impacting significantly on the school.

Each Campus has a Campus Advisory Committee (CAC) composed of elected parents/caregivers of students from each particular campus. The CAC provides advice to the Heads of Campus about matters relevant to the education and welfare of students at the campus. Heads of Campus provide information about developments in the learning programs, curriculum, student welfare and campus facilities

The campuses are set in the foothills and fertile plains of the picturesque eastern Mt Lofty Ranges. Agricultural pursuits include cropping, grazing, orchards, viticulture, and irrigation.

Strathalbyn is seen as a service centre for the smaller communities of Ashbourne, Langhorne Creek and Milang. Its proximity to Adelaide, 45 minutes away by car, is seen as an attraction to new residents moving to the district many of whom want a fresh country lifestyle at the same time wanting to work in Adelaide. Strathalbyn has four campuses of the school. Strathalbyn R-2 and Year 3-6 share one site with approximately 450 students. The Middle and Senior Campuses share one site with approximately: 550 students

Ashbourne is a small town 15 kilometres west of Strathalbyn in the fertile Ashbourne Valley renowned for its fruit orchards. The surrounding hills with patches of eucalypts and other native vegetation make this a beautiful setting for a school. Approximately 25 students attend this campus.

Langhorne Creek township 15 kilometres east of Strathalbyn is set amongst the vineyards of one of South Australia’s oldest wine making districts. The last decade has seen amazing growth of this industry in the area. Approximately 60 students attend this campus

The town of Milang is located 20 kilometres south of Strathalbyn on the shores of Lake Alexandrina, part of the River Murray system. It has a proud history related to the riverboat trade of the 19 Century. Approximately; 55 students attend this campus

Eastern Fleurieu School offers a range of subjects from Reception through to Year 12. From years R-6, students focus on 8 main curriculum subjects (Art, Technology, English, Health, Humanities, Science, Languages, and Mathematics) with access to specialist subjects including Art, Music, Drama, and PE. During years 7-12 the students gain more control over the subjects that they wish to focus on with continuous help from teachers to reach appropriate pathways for their future. As well as continuing on the 8 main curriculum subjects, students study Cross-Disciplinary Learning each year and have access to apply for VET courses run through TAFE South Australia. Students are also able to study through Open Access College, where applicable.[5]

School Moto

Excellence through Unity

Original Mission Statement

The Eastern Fleurieu School is a cooperative community where self-worth and mutual respect are valued in providing quality programmes for successful lifelong learning. The core business of the school is to provide the best quality teaching and learning in a supportive environment for all students.

The school's values of "Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Care and Compassion, Participation and Cooperation" underpin the behaviours that are positively promoted and explicitly taught at Eastern Fleurieu School.[6]

The Eastern Fleurieu School uniform is worn throughout all campuses. The basics of the uniform consist of a white and navy polo shirts, knitted and rugby jumpers and jackets, blue plaid skirts and dresses, and navy and grey pants and shorts. All are paired with fully enclosed black shoes. At the high school campus, a sports uniform and sports shoes are worn during P.E. and for outdoor education. There is also an equine uniform for those participating in Equine Studies.[7]