AT Kerang South Primary School, inclusiveness isn’t just a word – it’s a culture, a commitment, and a way of life.
Nestled in the heart of the Kerang community, the school has built a reputation not just for academic strength, but for something deeper: a profound sense of connectedness.
Principal Lyn Veall said the school’s character is what makes it truly special.
“I’ve been here a very long time, and that’s the thing that I’m probably proudest of – that it has retained that very warm and welcoming feel,” she said.
“We like to think our size is a good boutique size.
“We’re big enough to do what big schools do, but small enough to have that family feel where everyone knows everyone’s name.”
Under the school’s umbrella value of ‘respect’ sit two cornerstones: ‘inclusiveness’ and ‘community spirit’.
These values are embedded in everything from the curriculum to student wellbeing programs.
‘Inclusiveness’ at Kerang South is approached holistically, beginning with learning.
Teachers design differentiated lessons that cater for students of all abilities, across subjects from literacy and numeracy to integrated projects that blend science, history, economics, geography, arts and cultural understanding.
“There’s a strong focus on making sure every child can access learning at their level,” Ms Veall said.
“We also provide a broad range of activities to engage students, because every child has different interests – and if they’re engaged, they’ll want to learn.”
The school also has classroom aides in every room and a tutor program that supports both students who need extra help and those requiring extension.
‘Inclusiveness’ also extends deeply into wellbeing.
Kerang South has a dedicated wellbeing teacher and is a Berry Street trained school, meaning social and emotional learning is part of daily life.
Each morning, students check in with their teachers and talk about the school values they will focus on for the day. But it’s not just a tick-the-box exercise.
“The teachers will specifically ask the kids, ‘What does that look like? What does that sound like?’ So it’s really explicitly taught,” Ms Veall said.
“We want kids who are not just good learners, but good citizens.”
And there’s one very special staff member who’s become central to that mission: Louie the Spoodle wellbeing dog.
“He’s worth his weight in gold,” Ms Veall said.
“He makes us smile, he calms classrooms, and he helps teach children how to care for others.”
Each Monday, Louie visits every classroom with Ms Veall, helping deliver lessons on respect, regulation, and empathy.
“We talk to the kids about how we didn’t just get a dog like Louie and he behaved like this automatically,” she said.
“We actually had to train ourselves – and the students – in order for Louie to be Louie.
“The lessons we teach through him are really lessons we’re trying to teach each other.”
Whether comforting a student who’s feeling sad at morning drop-off or lying quietly among children during reading time, Louie plays a subtle but powerful role in promoting calm, connection, and care.
“Calm classrooms are good learning classrooms,” Ms Veall said. “Louie helps set that tone.”
Kerang South also makes a point of recognising and celebrating cultural diversity.
With students from a range of backgrounds, the school promotes cultural understanding through its Indonesian language program and participation in community events such as Lunar New Year.
“We take on any opportunities we can. Sometimes access to cultural activities is limited in our area, so we bring those experiences into the school,” Ms Veall said.
“People often comment that our students are happy, respectful and engaged – and that the staff join in with enthusiasm too.
“That doesn’t just happen by chance. It’s high expectations, good communication, and hard work.
“But it’s also just what you do when you want everyone to feel like they belong.”
