Useless Loop Primary School (5516)

School Overview


Useless Loop Primary School is unique in that it is situated in a small mining town which is closed to the general public. All students are children of employees creating a situation where transiency is a norm due to employment conditions and mining requirements changing. At the same time there is a sense of stability as all parents are fully engaged in employment and generally remain in the community for a few years. Student numbers range between 18-29.

Useless Loop is a very scenic, yet isolated community located approximately 850 km from Perth, and 450 km from Geraldton. The nearest town is Denham, which is 220 km by road, but 10 minutes across the water by plane. The town has a population of approximately 139 people including 42 children. Useless Loop is part of the Shark Bay Salt Joint Venture mining lease and as a result there is restricted access to the community by visitors. Shark Bay Salt supplies services and utilities in the town, with the nearest government agencies based in Carnarvon or Geraldton. The school was established in 1969 as a result of the Shark Bay Salt Joint Venture vision of establishing a community by attracting potential employees and their families.

Useless Loop Primary School caters for students from Kindergarten through to Year 6. The school is part of the Mid West Education District and is serviced by the Regional Education Office in Geraldton. Useless Loop forms part of the Coral Coast Network which includes Exmouth, Carnarvon, Gascoyne Junction and Burringurrah. It is part of the Remote Teaching Service which provides financial and leave incentives to encourage staff to remain in the school for up to four years at a time supporting continuity of learning programs.

Low student numbers allows for an individualised approach to learning and promoting a whole school philosophy of Success For All Students. This is addressed using a targeted approach to teaching based on a strong regime of standardised assessments enabling staff to correctly identify where each child would be placed in a larger school. Teachers regularly connect with other schools through professional learning opportunities and school visits. Whole school planning ensures that students are provided with work at their current year level, while engaging with students in multi-aged settings provides for remediation and enrichment.

There is a culture of high standards and expectations with all teachers regularly reflecting practice using the AITSL Professional Standards in their performance management, reporting to parents, parent meetings and informal conversations.

Student and staff health and wellbeing is addressed through a culture of respect and responsibility providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Parents strongly support the school in ensuring positive student behaviour and this is heavily reinforced in the community where there is a culture of safety first.

Useless Loop Primary School enjoys a sense of community through a very active Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) which meets at least once per term to discuss innovative ideas to actively engage students and raise funds for the school. They regularly assist the school with the purchase of resources, environmental improvements, working bees and student engagement. The School Council provide a strong leadership and direction by linking the community to the school and overseeing the general direction of school management.

The one line budget has generated opportunity for the school to manage finances differently, with a focus on providing effective teacher allocation regardless of student numbers. There are two classrooms, Early Childhood (K-2) and Senior (3-6). Staffing includes a Principal, two teachers, Manager Corporate Services (finance), library officer, early years education assistant and cleaner. Staff have good access to professional development opportunities outside the school to validate teaching practices.

T: 9948 1292
E: UselessLoop.PS@education.wa.edu.au