Mandurama Public School placed in recess as enrolment numbers fall

Like many small villages, the student numbers have been steadily decreasing, and when a large cohort left the school at the end of 2021 to attend high school, the school's days were numbered.

A Department of Education spokesperson said that the school had been put into recess at the end of 2021.

"Extensive consultation with parents, carers and the local community on the future provision of education in the area started in April 2021," he said in a statement.

"The decision was made at the conclusion of this process, noting that enrolments at the school have been falling for several years and only three enrolments were anticipated for 2022."

With schools such as Lyndhurst and Carcoar close by, Mandurama has long been finding it difficult to attract suitable numbers.

"Existing bus services will be able to transport students to other local schools including Lyndhurst Public School which is 3.9km away and Carcoar Public School 8.9km, direct trips of less than 10 minutes," the spokesperson said.

"School staff are being redeployed and the school's General Assistant will remain on site to maintain the facilities at Mandurama.

"Recess does not mean closure of the school. Should enrolment numbers increase, consultation will be undertaken in regards to the school coming out of recess."

On top of the Mandurama recess, the Euchareena Public School will remain in recess for the 2022 school year also.

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