Community

Community: It is incredibly important for Barvel Central School to assert its position within the community. By doing so, students can feel as though they are part of a community (even if it is only for a short period of time) and can learn how to utilise recourses readily available in their district. As BCS is one of the lowest socio-economic schools in the state, it is important for us to ensure that the reputation of the school is not lowered any further, hence why developing a greater relationship with members of the community should take place. If the school has a good relationship with the community, it is generally viewed better; therefore higher expectations are made of the school. This encourages students to perform at their best in order to uphold the good expectations that community members have of them, and fulfil their potential. The community generally has a good relationship with the school; however there are many ways in which this relationship can strengthen.

Developing more of a relationship with the community can also help rectify the growing numbers of males leaving school early. If they are helping members of the community in areas such as Agricultural Studies (as part of their schooling), they may be more inclined to stay at school to learn skills that will assist them with their future farming. It will also make school more interesting and relevant for the males as they will be doing something that they can hopefully enjoy. Other community projects that they may like to take place in could be: These ideas can be incorporated into many levels of the curriculum and also encompasses numerous subjects.
 * Assisting with the distribution of crops throughout the fields
 * Building/woodwork to make useful goods such as chicken coups
 * Working out mathematical equations for land and stock costs
 * Writing letters for the school letter on how they think they community can be improved
 * Painting murals or make large artworks for the community

A school fete could also help further develop the schools relationship with the community. The students could make art and craft items to sell, bake cakes, sell useful woodwork/sheet metal creations, play music, put on shows and interact with the community members. Other community members can also sell their goods at the fate, or work together with students on any art projects and baking. A fate would be a good way for the school to have some fun within the community, make new relationships and improve upon their talents. Various areas could also be set up for multiculturalism, to give the students and their families whom are from different backgrounds a chance to tell other people about their culture. This section could include:


 * A multicultural food selection made by parents and students of different cultures
 * Cultural art
 * Dance classes for Aboriginal dance
 * Language lessons for basic phrases
 * Foreign games

By giving students of different nationalities and cultures a chance to express themselves within the community, it enables the teachers and students of Barvel Central School to understand the differences between ethnicities more effectively. Teachers can also take lessons on cultural differences as a follow up to the fate, to see what children have learnt and what they would like to know more about. It is important that these lessons are ongoing. As the student numbers increase and decline, it is important for teachers to make sure that students of different backgrounds feel welcome and understood in their classroom.

Volunteers from the community would also be greatly valued in the classroom. For volunteers that would regulary be in the school, a Police Check would be required to ensure students' safety. Volunteers can benefit the students through a variety of ways, such as:
 * Assisting with guided reading
 * Assisting the teacher in L.O.T.E, if they are of a different nationality
 * English tutor for those students with foreign dialects
 * School sports days (working with individual groups or students, handing out ribbons etc).
 * Assisting in music or art classes, or any area where volunteers may have particular talents or interests

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