General News
25 January, 2026
Ararat North Primary School on the rise in 2026
ARARAT North Primary School is continuing its upward trajectory in 2026, with steady enrolment growth, expanded programs and major facility upgrades on the horizon. Principal Jessica Erhardt has seen student numbers climb from just 43 when she arrived at the school to 60 this year, a growth she attributes to strong community engagement and a clear educational direction.
She said enrolment numbers over recent years had consistently shown more students entering the school every year, with 15 preps starting in 2026.
“We’ve been getting really positive feedback from our community, which is great,” she said.
“Part of what we are trying to do, my team and I, is really keep an eye out for opportunities to involve our community. So we've increased a lot of our onsite events and showcasing our students and what they are doing to their families, which I think is getting people through the door to show them, what we’re doing here is really important and valuable.”
A house program introduced last year has also had a positive impact on student engagement, with weekly activities earning points toward end-of-term rewards.
“We found that’s been really positive, the kids can’t stop talking about it,” she said.
“It’s a big motivating factor and has really increased the cohesiveness and togetherness of the kids across year levels.”
Ms Erhardt said the program had also contributed to improved behaviour, as students worked together to earn points for their house.
Several new programs are being introduced or expanded in 2026 within the school, including circus and music programs, alongside the return of the kitchen garden initiative.
“We are starting up our kitchen garden program again. We introduced our veggie patch and chooks last year as part of the Active Schools Grant, so it’ll be great for them to start cooking again,” she said.
The school is also introducing new literacy and numeracy programs, supported by two learning specialists on staff.
“I’m really fortunate to have two learning specialists here in such a small school,” Ms Erhardt said.
“We are really lucky to have the staff that we’ve got, they are really passionate.”
Looking ahead, Ararat North Primary School is set to receive significant facility upgrades, with basketball courts and other facilities to be improved through a $1.03 million Department of Education grant.
“It’s really exciting because our kids love being outside,” Ms Erhardt said.
She said the school aimed to foster both academic success and lifelong wellbeing.
“We want to instil not only a lifelong passion for academic learning, but also a lifelong passion for physical wellbeing,” she said.
Ms Erhardt said she was proud of how far the school had come, a sentiment reflected in a personal decision.
“The biggest litmus test for a principal is ‘would you send your kids to your school?’” she said.
“I’m really proud to say that next year I’ll also be a parent at Ararat North Primary School. I think that says a lot about how I feel about the school, my staff, and the goals we’ve set, and what we’ve already achieved.”
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