Leaning Tree Community School has a very special history. The idea of a community school in Geraldton was not new, it had been talked about for years and even attempted by a small group of mums some years ago.

In 1997, a group of like-minded mums got together and discussed the need for an alternative playgroup in Geraldton, a playgroup that nurtured both parent and child. It would be a community environment and have a home like feel where the parents played an active role; where families held similar values and beliefs; where the environment was respected and simple natural toys were used; and where parents and their children could go for one morning a week to be inspired and have magical stories told. 

This dedicated and passionate group formed a Steiner inspired playgroup called Rainbow. 

Nine years later Rainbow is still flourishing, and although our wonderful families have come and gone over the years, the dream of one day having our little ones move on to a sister school never faded. Talk of opening a community school continued and in 2004 a new team of mums from Rainbow Playgroup formed the Working Party. 

The Working Party set about gaining permission from the Hon. Minister of Education to open a community school. It was no easy task, in fact it took the group 2 years to achieve their goal.

However all the hard work came to fruition and in 2007, Leaning Tree Community School  opened its doors to the children of Geraldton-Greenough for the first time. The dream became a reality.

Leaning Tree Community School is currently housed at the Old St Pats grounds. Although the space is very convenient, we are planning to build a school on our own premises in the future. 

The Governing Body is working towards raising funds to design and construct our purpose built school. This is a very exciting initiative that has created many hours of discussion amongst the group. 

The site we are seeking needs to be beautiful and fit into Leaning Tree values and philosophy. Once a site is secure, we will employ a suitably experienced architect and permaculture specialist to design the school buildings and grounds. We will then use these plans to develop costings and seek the necessary funds.

The buildings will be very special, using natural materials and harnessing the energy of the earth. The grounds will be beautiful, useful and productive. Recycled material will be utilised wherever possible and there will be animals such as chickens for the children to tend. 

The school will have a special home like feel, where the children feel safe and secure and where they are drawn to develop an inquisitive mind and love of learning through exploration and creativity. This vision will require at least 5 acres for the permanent site.

The Governing Body is committing much time and thought into this development ensuring we get it right. Comments, questions and offers of help are most appreciated.

Our priority is to provide students with a well balanced and individualised program of learning. At the core of our class structure is a belief that students are encouraged to collaborate with class mates of all ages, while still experiencing the usual opportunities to work with peers of the same age.

This is why we apply the Multi Aged Grouping approach (MAGS). Students are grouped according to their individual levels of development and needs are specifically targeted through our low teacher-student ratio. The Western Australian Curriculum Framework underpins our outstanding educational standards.

Learning at Leaning Tree follows an inquiry approach. Students are encouraged to pose questions and be actively involved in researching and investigating. Through experiential learning and being engaged with their immediate environment, the students gather knowledge, skills and values through real-world experiences.

Therefore students are engaged in hands-on experiences with the natural environment, learning about issues and being actively involved in making decisions about their learning.

Learning is meaningful and motivating as programs are developed through the arts and the environment. For example, in planting and maintaining a vegetable garden, students gain knowledge, skills and values across all Learning Areas - English, Maths, Science, Society & Environment, The Arts, Health & PE and Technology and Enterprise.

One of our core beliefs is that parents of Leaning Tree students are encouraged to play an active role in the school community, through for example the Family Commitment Scheme. 

Examples of how your family may help to become apart of our school community include: helping in the classroom, undertaking general repairs and maintenance, working in the school shop, cleaning, gardening, running a special activity for the children (music, art, woodwork, language), coming along on excursions or school busy bees.

Fundraising not only supports the school financially, but also culturally and socially. For instance the school community spent many hours supporting local community festivals selling 100% fruit ice-creams. 

Future fundraisers may include Spring fairs, market days, harvest festivals and a school tuck shop. It is imperative that parents, grandparents and friends become involved in this vital part of our school life.

What can parents do?

Be there on the day of the event! The more hands there are to share the load, the easier it is to make a successful event. Even if you can only make it for an hour, all help is greatly accepted and needed. If you can’t make it on the day, doing prep work such as baking, craft or organising is always warmly received.

As we are a new school, there is much that we need to purchase. If you would like to make a lasting donation to Leaning Tree, you are able to put your suggestion in writing to the Governing Body. 

As an example, donations may be made toward the construction of our purpose built school. Plans and updates may be found on our notice board as this project develops. 

You may instead like to contribute toward the cost of educational items, play equipment, student resources or specific furniture items. We also welcome donations of quality second hand goods that may be used in the classrooms. Please see the Principal for suggestions or check the parent notice board.

These evenings are important get togethers where information may be shared and activities and developments in the classrooms are discussed. It is also an opportunity for everyone to meet in a social sense.

Parent evenings are an opportunity to learn more about the school Learning Programs, and are especially important for those parents who are not able to join class activities due to work commitments. We invite you to suggest particular topics for discussion and encourage your participation.

Our school encourages direct two way communication between all members of our school community. If you have any matters you wish to discuss, please make an appointment with your class teacher or Principal. This helps busy transition times, such as pick up and drop off, run smoothly.

All members of the Leaning Tree community are required to uphold a tight standard of behaviour. Please refer to the 'Code of Behaviour' document outlining everyone’s rights, responsibilities, rules and consequences. You will find this in the school enrolment pack.

Urban bus service (pay as you go)

Operated by Geraldton Bus Services, includes all city routes and the Drummonds Cove contract. Ring 9923 1100 to check your nearest pick up point.

Rural contractors (free orange buses)

Includes service to all outlying areas. Ring Coralie Cream from the Midwest District Education Office on 9956 1600 for a registration form and route map.

There are designated areas for parking, pick up and drop off. Please refer to the notice board for more information. Please take care while driving on school grounds.

Parents are asked to ensure that children arrive at school in time for the commencement of class. Teachers are on duty from 8.30am to 3.30pm each day. Please do not leave your child/ren unattended outside school hours.

The Leaning Tree Community School uniform is for sale in our school shop, 'The Gum Leaf' and at the Geraldton Trophy Centre. We have rainbow coloured polo shirts, navy blue bottoms and a navy blue wide brimmed hat. Cost of this uniform is kept to a minimum.

School uniform is compulsory for Pre-Primary to Year 7. Kindy children are asked to wear sensible, comfortable clothing for an active day of activities. Pastel coloured clothing preferred, with minimal black clothing and no labels please.

The school hat must be worn by all children. The wide brim hat is available for purchase at The Gum Leaf shop.

We maintain a strict No hat - No play policy.

Shoes are very important in our surroundings and we require that your child/ren have strong sturdy sandals for summer and covered shoes for winter. Flat shoes are a necessity and please, no thongs. Slippers are allowed for indoors during winter to keep precious little toes warm. Children may create these beautiful slippers themselves during a handcraft activity.

Jewellery is a treasured possession, so it is best kept at home. Sleepers and plain studs in the ears are fine, but please keep these to a minimum.

It is ideal that sunscreen is applied before coming to school. Sunscreen is however provided by the school and used during outdoor play. If you do not wish your child/ren to use the schools supply, please provide your own.

Birthday celebrations are very special occasions for everyone. You are very welcome to bring a wholesome cake or cupcakes to help us celebrate your child’s birthday. This may be on the actual day or closest to it. Please arrange a time and day with your child’s teacher.

Meal times are shared social times within the school community. To help our children learn and be happy, we believe a healthy and active approach to life is very important. We therefore ask that parents pack a delicious, wholesome lunch for your child each day. 

Junk food and lollies are best saved for special times at home with family and friends. Please pack a water bottle rather than cordial boxes and sweet pop tops. We have suggested some healthy lunchbox ideas on the notice board. We welcome your yummy recipes and ideas.

If your child has any allergies, it is very important to complete the appropriate section on the enrolment form. If your child requires any extra special care, please attach the appropriate information and speak to the teacher and Principal.

We currently do not have a Tuck Shop. If there are any willing parents keen to get one up and running, please see a member of the Governing Body with your proposal.

Leaning Tree Community School does not follow any one religion. We welcome families from all religious backgrounds.

We explore various festivals, cultures and beliefs throughout the primary years. Students grow to understand and appreciate the values of our wonderful Australian multicultural society, thus living our school ethos of tolerance, respect, compassion and courage.

We encourage parental and community participation, if you can help in this area please let us know.

The Leaning Tree Newsletter will be sent home with your child on a fortnightly basis. Please also check the Notice Board in the foyer for any special events, information and special business. Information on upcoming busy bees will be periodically sent home with your child.

We have a lost property box in the foyer, please check it if your child has misplaced anything. Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of each term.

To help minimise lost items, please label your child’s belongings.

If your child is unwell, it is much better that s/he is lovingly nurtured at home. Please phone the school early in the morning so we know your child will be absent. If your child is absent for any reason, please write a note for the teacher.

Children who become unwell while at school will be taken care of on the school's healing bed until you are able to collect them.

The school must be notified immediately if your child is diagnosed as having a contagious illness. You are asked to keep your child at home until the contagious period has passed.