SPEARWOOD Alternative School will be hosting a fair next weekend to celebrate its 40th anniversary and its success as an independent public school. 

The school was founded in 1984 as part of the state and federal government’s Choice and Diversity in Education project. 

As a public school, Spearwood delivers the standard state curriculum, but in a more “holistic approach” to education. 

Put it this way: students get weekly yoga lessons while receiving the same education as their state school peers. 

• Spearwood Alternative School is gearing up for its 40th birthday open day.

School board chair Olenna Connell says Spearwood has a “big focus” on fostering an appreciation for the environment and Indigenous culture, as well as learning how to “take agency for their own learning”. 

“We do put a strong emphasis on literacy and learning, and making sure we tick all of those boxes,” Ms Connell said. 

“At the same time, we appreciate there are different elements to education. 

“Children also need to learn to be happy, content, confident curious human beings who are part of a wider community.” 

The school is small, but its size is what makes the education so unique: the community-based focus is present in the education experience itself. 

“Our school doesn’t have a uniform, and we don’t call our teachers miss or mister, we speak to the students and teachers by their first name,” Ms Connell said. 

“There’s a big respect and rapport built, as well as big emphasis on a restorative practice of justice.” 

Ms Connell says the school is acutely “aware” of its ‘alternative’ status being a last-chance place for students who may have struggled in the state school system. 

“It’s a conversation we have all the time at the school,” she said. 

“When the school was founded 40 years ago, the name attracted a different demographic of people that wanted to be ‘alternative’, so we’ve had that tag for a long time. 

“It’s interesting because the name ‘alternative’ is very polarising but at the same time, we now have to take local catchment, but our list is overflowing. 

“Our Open Day was loaded with people that want to be part of a smaller community.” 

The Spearwood Alternative School 40th Anniversary Fair will be held next Sunday, May 5 from 10am – 4pm, complete with markets, food, music, and school tours. The address is 370 Rockingham Road, Spearwood.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER