SCHOOLS across Orange are reporting stable and increasing enrolments this year in both public and private sectors.
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Catherine McAuley Catholic Primary School principal Michael Croke said although the school does not have a waiting list, enrolments were as healthy as they’ve ever been reflecting stability in the Orange population and desirability of Catholic education.
“We’re the biggest Catholic primary school in the area, we’re the biggest Catholic school in the diocese,” he said.
Mr Croke said there are 87 kindergarten students this year and about 550 students in the school, up from 525 in 2014.
Although the public education system does not finalise enrolment figures until later this month, early indications have suggested numbers are up in some year levels.
Orange High School principal David Lloyd said the school has capacity for 1100 students and has a waiting list for year 7, which has 205 students.
He said the school is expecting an increase in students and staff compared to last year, and with about 175 students starting year 11 the senior school will be the biggest it’s been.
Canobolas Rural Technology High School, which launched several learning programs including Big Picture Learning and the STEM this year is also increasing its attendance.
Orange Christian School has 359 students from prep to year 12 and reported a significant increase in junior school enrolments.
To accommodate the growth new staff Kelly-Ann Chambers, Genevieve McMahon and Linda Filmer have come on board while Len Elliott will lead the senior school.
Several public primary schools have also reported growth with Clergate Public School acting principal Natalie Philpott saying the school is anticipating 108 students to begin in 2016, up from 92 students in 2015.
“This year we have enrolled 25 kindergarten students to begin the new year, which is an increase on last year’s 15 kindergarten students,” she said.
Bowen Public School is up slightly on last year with 225 students following a trend of recent years, there were 175 students in 2014.
Nashdale Public School is planning for 112 students including 24 kindergarten students, which is up on last year with new in-zone enrolments and siblings.
Canobolas Public School is about capacity with 118 students, about same as last year and Calare Public School is also about the same.
Anson Street School has 96 students this year with 19 students in year 7, which is up on previous years.