Philosophy & History

At Hawkesbury Independent School, the teachers provide an active learning environment where:

• each child is respected and valued as an individual and as a member of the school community.
• each child's enthusiasm for learning flourishes. The emphasis is on "doing", investigating, exploring and solving problems with the opportunity to pursue individual interests.
• individualised programs ensure that each child is challenged, makes progress and feels good about what he/she is doing. There is a strong emphasis on the basic skills of literacy and numeracy.
• small class groups ensure each child receives personal attention - he/she is not "lost in the crowd".
• the program relates to the whole child - his/her intellectual, physical, creative, emotional, spiritual and social development.
• cooperation rather than competition is fostered. Each child is expected to do his/her best work and his/her progress is measured against his/her own previous achievements.
• positive steps are taken to break down discriminatory attitudes evident in the wider community based on gender, race, religion, disability and age.
• parents are invited to take part in the day to day activities and the management of the school.

The school opened its doors to students at the start of 1993, with 11 enthusiastic students, from 5 committed and adventurous families. We operated from an old farmhouse in Kurrajong. In October 1995, the school relocated to its current site, providing better facilities and room to expand. With the assistance of a Commonwealth grant, the School Committee purchased the property. A major upgrade of the school facilities was completed ready for the 2002 school year. This upgrade included an extra classroom, administration facilities and the downstairs activity area. These facilities were financed from school funds with the help of a grant from the Commonwealth government. During 2002 additional toilets were built and our playground equipment was installed. As part of the Investing in Schools Program, there were further improvements made duirng 2007, including the refurbishment of the original classrooms and toilets and the installation of interactive whiteboards in each classroom.