2017 has seen the biggest kindergarten enrolment in its history with 85 children (four and a half classes) starting.

It brings the school, one of the fastest growing primary schools on the north coast, to 513 students.

That’s well up on the 353 students in 2010 when the current year six students started kindergarten and the 284 students 10 years ago.

“We are now a ‘big’ school however, I feel that we have managed to retain the 'village' feel,” said principal Deborah Scanes.

To accommodate the growing enrolments the school now has seven classes in demountable classrooms.

“It has impacted on our outdoor play space,” she explained.

The growth of the school reflects the population growth in Old Bar, which is set to increase again with more land being released.

Mrs Scanes, who has lived in Old Bar for 23 years and raised four children with her husband Gary, isn’t surprised more people are choosing to call the seaside village home.

“Old Bar is no longer a secret! Many of our new enrolments have relocated from Sydney. Affordable housing and proximity to city facilities must play a part.

“It's a wonderful community and a great place for children to grow up. We have the advantage of being a seaside village with all the facilities required to raise adventurous, robust, happy children.

“Apart from the beach, we have extensive sporting facilities - surfing, tennis, skate park, all codes of football, netball, cricket and martial arts. We have a dance school, yoga instructors, great music teachers, physical culture, and such a supportive business community.”

The kindergarten students have been settling in well and have been learning about jolly phonics (sounds), numbers one to 10 and a unit on ‘Me and our Families’.

Mrs Scanes praised the kindergarten ‘team’ which work diligently to “provide a rich, engaging kindergarten program for the students. 

“Frith Miller, as the assistant principal and leader of the team is an expert in her field. Ashlie Biega, Tori Pitman, Kristie Silvester, Tanya Greenaway and Kellie Heaslip are in my mind, the 'dream team.' 

“I am blessed to work in such a great learning environment, surrounded by enthusiastic teachers intent on providing excellent care and education for all our students.”

Mrs Scanes also gave credit to the ‘transition to school’ program.

“I’m so proud of it.

“We have forged strong links with the two local preschool facilities and spend a lot of time observing the children before they start their orientation.

“Kindergarten teachers and designated 'buddies' visit the children in their preschool.

“They then have several visits to 'big' school and become familiar with the teachers, the playground and the various facilities. 

“It's always lots of fun and we find that the children are really excited and ready to 'go' by the time they are here full-time.”

Mrs Scanes added the school receives great support from its families.

“Our 'fruit fairies' come in daily to prepare fresh fruit platters for the children to enjoy in their classrooms and we have lots of willing helpers - parents and grandparents - who provide classroom support. We are so fortunate!”