What is an Independent School?

Independent schools are non-government schools. They are set up and governed independently.

Some Independent schools are affiliated with a particular values based system or religious group. Tambelin is a non-denominational school.

Tambelin was established at the end of 1978 by lecturers from the former Goulburn Teachers College, local families and friends.

Tambelin Independent School differs from most in that it is the parents of the students who run and administer the school, in consultation with the teachers. The school is an incorporated association.

All parents/guardians are encouraged to become members of the association. Members of the association elect the school committee at the annual general meeting (AGM). The school committee legally holds the responsibility for administering the school; however, all members of the association (the parent body) are valued participants in the running of the school.

Tambelin Independent School is a member of The Association of Independent Schools (A.I.S) NSW. The A.I.S. is an umbrella association from which the school takes industrial, legal and managerial advice.

Tambelin’s Constitution

Tambelin Independent School as an incorporated association is run according to its Model Rules and the Constitution. These are available in the foyer and library. All members of the association agree to abide by these when they pay the membership fee and sign the membership form.

History

The school was temporarily located at St John’s Boys Home and in late 1979 it was relocated to the Fenwick Crescent site (vacated by The Crescent school). Eventually Tambelin purchased the property.

Since then, the school committee has self funded as well as successfully applying for available grants which have allowed for many improvements and additions to the schools resources.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the school is for children to be happy in the learning environment. Crucial to this, is that each child is regarded as an individual. A low student to staff ratio and limited class numbers provides the opportunity for focus on the individual. Children are encouraged to develop at their own pace and to realise their full potential in a non-competitive atmosphere. In this way, it is possible to extend gifted children and to reduce pressure on the less able. Tambelin is modelled on a small country school where children of different ages interact and learn within two classroom groups. The two groups are Years K–2 and Years 3-6.

You can read more about Independent Schools on both the Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales and Independent Schools Council of Australia (ISCA) websites.