Tuntable Creek Public School has gone into recess due to low student numbers | Lismore City News

For 100 years, kids have been going to school at Tuntable Creek Public School. This week came the sad news the school would no longer be teaching students.

In a letter to the community, the principal Alison Bath, communicated the decision by the Education Department.

“It is with great sadness that I advise our community that Tuntable Creek Public School has been approved for recess and is therefore non-operational as a school as of May 15th, 2023,” Ms Bath said.

The school had only three students enrolled at the time, who have been transitioned to The Channon Public School. Tuntable Creek School Zone will be incorporated into The Channon School Zone for future enrolments and other enquiries.

A Department of Education spokesperson said: “We understand this is an emotional time for the Tuntable Creek community and the former students of the school.

“The decision was not taken lightly, and prioritised social and emotional wellbeing as well as ensuring equitable educational opportunities for the three students enrolled for 2023.”

The spokesperson stressed a recess does not mean closure of the school, and should enrolment applications be received in the future, consultation would be undertaken regarding the school coming out of recess and resuming operation.

Consultation began with the wider school community in 2019, looking into the future of Tuntable Creek Public School and held off on making a decision while the community faced bushfires, the pandemic and last year’s floods.

Ms Bath said students from the school have been participating in a transition program to support the move to their new school.

“I would like to acknowledge the effort of the school in making the program possible and welcoming for our students.

Ms Bath said centenary celebrations would still be held later in the year.

“Tuntable Creek Public School has been serving this community for over 100 years. This year, (the school) is celebrating 100 years of education at its current site. This will be celebrated in kind by the Tuntable Creek Community on the long weekend in October.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to all staff, parents and community members, who have been involved in this beautiful school over the many years, supporting our students through their education,” Ms Bath said.