One of the smallest schools in the country has had a significant increase in students. The 20% rise has boosted student numbers to a grand total of six. There aren't a lot of choices for playground friendships, but attending a tiny school does have its advantages.
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00:00These six faces are the entire student population of Djerda Cut-Up Primary School.
00:09While there's only enough players for a tiny cricket team, these kids are perfectly happy
00:13where they are.
00:14Every day has something fun to do, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.
00:21Eight-year-old Sophia is the oldest student, a position she takes seriously.
00:26Jayden just forgot his hat, so I went and reminded him to get it.
00:30Guys, have you remembered to wash your hands?
00:33Everyone's so playful and nice, and it feels like we're not missing out on anything.
00:41Tyler Barlow was enrolled at Djerda Cut-Up midway through 2024, increasing the school's
00:46population by 20 per cent.
00:49It was a big change from his previous school in New Zealand.
00:52Here you say jumper, and you say Jersey and New Zealand instead of jumper.
01:00The school has been at the heart of the small community for decades, but the changing farming
01:04landscape has had an impact on enrolments.
01:07It's unfortunate that in these farming communities, the farms that have been traditionally family-owned
01:15have become more corporate-owned.
01:16The corporate entities will only employ people for short periods of time for harvest and
01:21for seedings.
01:22With so few students, one of the main challenges is ensuring the children have enough social
01:27interaction.
01:28The social skills is probably something that they struggle with a little bit, but it's
01:34a minor, I think, a minor issue.
01:36He's hopeful the school's population will continue to bounce back.
01:40The student population, I think, is going to grow, and the actual outlook for the school
01:44should be very bright.
01:46In 2024, the school celebrated its 60th birthday.
01:49With happy students and hard-working staff, it's hoped that it will stay open for many
01:53more years to come.