The privilege of the small school

Every year, as Christmas approaches, I find myself becoming more and more thankful as I reflect on the immense privilege of being the Principal at Lobethal Lutheran School.  

Four years into this journey, the sense of honour and blessing remains as profound as ever. By accident rather than design, I’ve spent my career – and raised my children – in rural schools and communities. These environments have been an extraordinary blessing for both my children and me. They offer something rare in today’s world – the closest thing to the wholesome childhoods of the past.  

I often joke that not only do I know every student’s name, but I also know the names of their pets. I don’t just know their parents; I know their grandparents, and even the nicknames they call them. It’s a small detail – but it’s also a big reminder of the deep connections that make this community so special.  

Here, parents encourage their children to take risks and embrace the joys of unstructured play. After school, our kids climb trees, ride bikes, and head to the cricket nets with their friends until the sun sets. They form genuine, joyful friendships – the kind where mistakes are opportunities to grow, and learning how to be a friend is just as important as any lesson in the classroom. These friendships become the cornerstone of rich, meaningful lives. Parents trust us as educators, and together, we share the stewardship of their children in a true partnership.  

What’s remarkable about small schools is how they prepare students for the wider world. On paper, it might seem counterintuitive – how can a smaller school ready a child for the challenges of a big high school or a bustling city? But the reality is that small schools offer something priceless – a safe, supportive environment where children learn to navigate challenges, embrace responsibility, and build meaningful relationships.  

In a small school, leadership isn’t reserved for a select few. Every child has the chance to step up – whether it’s mentoring younger students, organising fundraisers, or simply being a role model. Leadership here isn’t just a title; it’s a habit. By the time our students move on to larger schools, they already have the confidence, resilience, and interpersonal skills to thrive.  

When I reflect on what makes small schools like Lobethal Lutheran so special, one word always comes to mind, connection. Small schools aren’t just places of learning; they’re living, breathing communities where every voice is heard, every talent is noticed, and every child is valued. Our students learn to relate to people of all ages, resolve conflicts, have fun, and truly care about their school and community.  

There’s a kind of magic in small schools. Walk through our gates, and you’ll feel it immediately. Visitors often tell me how “happy and friendly” our school feels, and I would have to agree. It’s in the way students greet each other by name, how teachers know every child’s quirks and passions, and how parents linger after drop-off, chatting as though they’re old friends – because often, they are.  

In small schools, no one is invisible. No one gets lost in the crowd. Every child has their moment to shine, whether it’s presenting at assembly, helping a peer in the playground, or baking cupcakes for a school fundraiser. A parent once told me, “Small schools see the individual, not just the student,” and that truth resonates with me every day.  

Our school is so much more than a place of learning. It’s a vibrant, supportive community where relationships bloom, and every person plays a vital role in the shared life we enjoy. I see it in the little moments – parents staying (sometimes for quite a while!) after school to chat, building friendships as authentic as those of their children. I see it in the big efforts too, like volunteering long hours to sell donuts at fundraisers or passing down cherished family recipes during our whole school Christmas baking day.  

Of course, no community is perfect, and ours is no exception. Like any family, we face challenges. But what makes Lobethal Lutheran remarkable is how we rise to meet those challenges – together. Whether it’s addressing issues in the classroom, on the playground, or within the broader community, we tackle them with compassion, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on what’s best for our students.  

Small schools don’t have vast leadership teams or abundant budgets. Staff wear many hats, and resources can be stretched. But what we have in abundance is a shared sense of purpose and a deep well of collegial support.  

Recently, I was inspired by these words from Neil Schiller, a retired principal:  

“Small Schools are very special and provide wonderful opportunities to build a very supportive community and offer opportunities for students to grow exceptional relationship and leadership skills. In a small school the Principal has a much greater role in charting the course for learning and connects with the students and parents more closely than is possible when the school increases in size. While it is a heavy work load it brings great outcomes in the relationships built and the satisfaction in seeing students thrive. Small school Principals are a gem in the Lutheran School system!”

I couldn’t agree more. Being the principal of a small school like Lobethal Lutheran isn’t just a job – it’s a privilege. Every day, I witness the joy on a child’s face as they master something new, the pride in a parent’s eyes as they watch their child grow, and the deep bonds that form between everyone in our little community.  

Small schools may not be large in size, but their impact is monumental. They shape futures, build leaders, and create memories that last a lifetime. And for me, there’s no greater honour than being part of it all.  

So, here’s to small schools – places where childhood is cherished, connections run deep, and every student gets the chance to shine. It’s a privilege to lead such a community, and I look forward to the many blessings and adventures that lie ahead.