Concerned by falling enrolment over the past year, the school and community will host a Sustainable Living Festival this Sunday in an effort to raise money for new programs and lift the school’s profile.

In April, parents met with Department of Education representatives to discuss fears the school would close down by the end of the year.

But relieving principal Gillian Irvine said this week she was confident the school’s numbers would increase in 2009.

“We already have three kindergarten enrolments, plus some older children are coming to the school as well,” she said.

“Exact numbers are hard to say as some parents are still making up their minds.”

Ms Irvine said recent activities at the school had lifted its profile.

“The Penrose community has got together to improve the school’s image, and we’ve aimed to involve parents and the community on the direction the school can take,” she said.

“The sustainable garden is nearly completed which has been lead by our permaculture expert David Johnson, and we’re introducing a new music and arts program that is being partly subsidised by the P&C department.”

A series of permaculture workshops conducted since July has attracted consistent high numbers, according to Penrose resident Johanna Davidson, who has enrolled her child to Penrose Public School for next year.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Friday, September 26

vas.v@ruralpress.com