Class jam packed with 31students

By Callan Date
A CLASS at Narre Warren North Primary School is among the largest in Victoria.
The grade five class is jam packed with 31 students – nine above the state average.
The Victorian Government released the figures this week that show, on average, class sizes at their lowest in 34 years.
However, the Narre Warren North class ranks as the equal third largest class in Victoria.
Principal Ian Norman said the big class was a one-off at the school and the average number was a lot lower across the other grades.
“They are not high across the board,” Mr Norman said.
Although Mr Norman was reluctant to discuss the issue in length, he said the school community was “well aware of the situation”.
“The students are in a big facility. It is a double classroom,” he said.
Mr Norman declined to comment when asked about the possibility of the class size being reduced in the near future.
Australian Education Union Victorian branch president Mary Bluett said 31 students in the one class was “certainly not a desirable figure”.
“What we need is a long term plan or commitment from the State Government to put a limit on class sizes across the board,” Ms Bluett said.
She said in high-growth areas, such as Casey, an increased amount of pressure is put on school facilities.
“Sometimes schools don’t have the choice. It’s particularly the case in your area where there is such a high population growth,” she said.
Ms Bluett said the educational benefits for students learning in a small class were significant.
“It’s not going to be cheap for the government but it needs to be done.”
A government spokesperson was contacted but did not return calls before the News went to press.
Mr Norman, however, said he encouraged anyone interested in looking at the school facilities and education program on offer at Narre Warren North to attend an open day next week.
“Everyone is most welcome to attend,” he said.
The open day will take place on 9 May from 9.30am to 3.30pm and from 6.30pm to 8pm.