It is a public school with a perfect mix of old and new.

The school has a 148 year history, a setting in the countryside, but all the most modern provisions for a quality education.

It is not overcrowded. In fact, with only nine students currently enrolled, and a maximum capacity of 25, this school promises, personalised and attentive support from all three of the teaching staff plus the support staff.

And when former students send emails to the principal asking if they can drop in for a visit, because their high school has already finished for the term, the appeal of this little educational oasis is hard to ignore. That actually happened while I was at the school.

A lovingly framed picture of a person, shaped in stone with the words "Mrs Hancock, you rock" in the principal's office, drives home the appeal this school has to students, past and present.

The Avoca Public School is a secret that most parents would, no doubt, like to keep under wraps.

But it is difficult not to tout the great appeal of this little rural gem.

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The principal, Erin Hancock and her team are justifiably proud of the school.

You would expect no less from a group of people dedicated to their work, and most importantly committed to providing the best possible educational experience for their young charges.

As an outsider, looking in, I have to admit I was incredibly impressed, during a recent visit, with all this school has to offer.

It was quickly apparent that students at Avoca Public School were getting an edge simply by being part of a personal and connected educational environment.

My first association with the school began when I chatted over the phone with Julie Wills about dropping out to do a story on how the staff and students had coped through the height of COVID-19 restrictions.

Mrs Wills was a woman in the know and it was clear she loved her job.

She was so passionate about the school and all that it offered, I first thought she was the head honcho.

Then I met the principal, Mrs Hancock, when I dropped in to the school to lock down my story.

It quickly became apparent that the commitment to this school was far-reaching... and infectious. You see within an hour long visit, I too became impressed with the holistic and caring educational opportunities on offer.

Now, to be fair I am impressed with many schools across the Southern Highlands - this community is most definitely blessed with great choice.

However, one of the standout features of Avoca Public School was an extra special connection, and personal understanding of the individual needs of each and every student, that comes with a small school.

I mean, we are talking nine students, three teachers and support staff. That is almost on par with having a private tutor, but instead your child can enjoy the benefits of a classroom environment and socialise with other children.

Mrs Hancock, who is a teaching principal, was quick to share with me the many great academic qualities of the school including the fact that three students in recent years had been selected for high performance programs.

She said a student selected in this year's program had declined the opportunity because she believed she "got enough" through her education at Avoca Pubvlic School.

"We offer everything a big school offers," she said.

"We have academically gifted challenges, and we engage with extensive, educationally rich programs to develop skills.

"As a HP pavilion we have the most up-to-date technology, and every students has their own device.

"There are whiteboards in every class, touch screens and a fully supported platform monitored by teachers."

Mrs Hancock also sang the praises of the school's attitude towards a quality "entrance and exit plan for all students."

"We believe in the best start in kindergarten and the best exit to high school," she said.

"This has included the development of good relations with our feeding high school, Moss Vale High.

"It includes the provision of information and portfolios of each student as they start high school so that teachers at the high school have a better understanding of where a student is at and what they have learnt.

"There is a lot of collaboration involved."

A broad curriculum including science, agriculture and permaculture, delivered by different teachers on the staff, are features of the broad-reaching educational qualities of this school.

Involvement in inter-school activities, gala days and other sporting opportunities add to the holisitic appeal.

"We are nurturing the mind, and interests of every child not just the academics," Mrs Hancock said.

"We 100 per cent know each child and what they need to achieve the best outcomes.

"The staff are all future-focused, professional and up-to-date.

"We went through an external validation program and were highly rated."

Oh, and as far as coping during the height of COVID-19 lock down and learning from home is concerned, it would seem that this little school was a big winner.

Mrs Hancock said that because of the close connection between students and staff there were few, if any, challenges during online learning.

"We were so tight and communicated regularly all throughout [the restrictions]," she said.

"We were always able to work with the students one on one when needed."

This is a small school that clearly ticks all the boxes for a quality education in the 21st Century.

To learn more about the school go to the website https://avoca-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/

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