General News
18 December, 2025
Small school, big opportunities
THE old saying “from little things big things grow” rings true at Natte Yallock Primary School, where a tiny enrolment has not stopped big ambitions. With just three students this year, and a fourth set to join next year, the school continues to thrive through personalised learning and strong community connection.
Principal Emily Fithall said operating such a small school comes with challenges, but also significant advantages.
“Being a small school. It has its own challenges,” she said.
At Natte Yallock, that one-on-one support is built into daily teaching.
“These kids really do get that close, teaching that is basically one on one, and you can really tap into their interests and tap into their needs and really structure your program to individually support all of the students,” Ms Fithall said.
With support from teaching staff and programs that allow for separated learning, students are taught at their appropriate year levels despite their small cohort.
“Even though we're small, we've still been able to make sure that the program that's getting delivered to these students matches their needs,” she said.
Partnerships with nearby schools play an important role.
“Our connection with the class, the schools, is so valuable,” she said. “That allows these students to interact with other kids from other schools.”
For many local families, the school provides the chance to stay connected to their community.
“We want these students to have the best opportunity,” Ms Fithall said.
“Their only alternative for them is to get on a bus and drive and get into Maryborough. This allows them to still go to school in their own community.”
She said the small-school environment can be the perfect fit for some children.
“For some of these kids, the small school environment is what they need. Like, I think they'd get lost in a bigger school,” she said.
Students also benefit from hands-on projects, from time in the kitchen to work in the garden, extending learning beyond the classroom and into practical skills.
Looking forward, the school is hopeful that enrolments will grow as some of Natte Yallock’s youngest begin to reach school age.
“We're very optimistic that our enrolments may change and increase,” Ms Fithall said.
“We're definitely encouraging people to come and have a look and see what we're about. Just because we're small, it doesn't mean that the students lack any opportunity.”
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