Welcome Note
The Learning Co-operative is a small, independent, progressive primary school situated on 17 acres of beautiful bush land close to the township of Hurstbridge, Victoria. Our school has an experienced Co-ordinator, a team of trained generalist and specialist teachers as well as support staff who work closely with parents to provide a more holistic, individual education than is possible at larger schools. Our school focuses on flexible, child-centred, play based, outdoor learning to enable our children to develop the creative critical thinking skills and resilience they need for a happy, healthy future.
Community and wellbeing are key values. The Learning Co-op is unique because of the important role parents play in all aspects of running the school. The Learning Co-operative was established in 1973 and is one of the oldest progressive schools in Australia.
OPEN DAY
TERM 1 - 2025
Date : To be advised
RSVP: HERE.
**Please note: we are a very small school and may have limited spots available. We continue to hold our Open Days for future families and interest as our capacity changes on occasion throughout the year. We recommend to come along without kids for the Open Day if you are able to. This gives you the opportunity to chat to teachers and other parents on the day and decide if the school could be a possible fit for you and your family. You must visit us in person before going on the waitlist.**
Playgroup 2024
Join our friendly playgroup at our beautiful bush school for fun activities.
When: Thursday mornings 9.15 - 11.15am
Cost: $20 per term
BYO snacks or a small plate of something to share
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For more information please email us at:
HundrED, Victoria Spotlight
In 2018, we were recognised by HundrED.org as 1 in 10 innovations in education chosen from Victoria.
We are a Child Safe School
The Learning Co-operative is committed to promoting child safety, children's wellbeing and protecting children from abuse. This is achieved by implementing the 11 child safety standards outlined in Ministerial Order 1359. The Learning Co-operative is committed to accommodating the needs of all children (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disabilities, and children who are vulnerable) when creating a child safe environment. All staff, parents, volunteers, visitors and contractors must comply with the Learning Co-operative child safety code of conduct, child safety and wellbeing policy and related policies and procedures, uphold the overarching principles and values set out, and take all reasonable steps to promote the safety of children.
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We are a Culturally Safe School
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At the Learning Co-operative, we welcome children from a diversity of backgrounds. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and positive space where children from all cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and their families can comfortably express their culture, spirituality and belief systems, and feel supported by a community who respect their culture and encourage expressions of cultural identity. Racism is not tolerated at the Learning Co-operative, and we have policies and procedures to ensure racism is identified, confronted and addressed immediately.
Acknowledgement of Country
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We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we come together to learn, and we pay our respects to their Elders both past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that this land was never ceded and that Australia’s colonial history has caused significant trauma and hurt that individuals, families and communities still feel today. We respect the deep resilience of Victorian Aboriginal communities and are committed to helping to educate our community to acknowledge and appreciate the strengths of Aboriginal culture and understand its importance to the wellbeing and safety of Aboriginal children and students.