BOMBALA Public School is celebrating a year of growth – and if principal Christopher Grasso has his way, the best is yet to come.

Mr Grasso, who moved with his wife and two young children to the area a year ago, said the school of 105 students is thriving with some excellent results across all areas of the school including a higher than state average attendance rate.

“I am excited, I have never been this happy going to work” he said.

“To see a school continually moving in the direction Bombala Public School is going and the positive outcomes for our students is just amazing.

“The school remains heavily invested in improving student growth and attainment, the wellbeing and learning culture, professional standards, and community engagement.

“Attendance is above 90 per cent, which is higher than the state average. This signals student engagement.”

Mr Gasso said the school community is committed to ensuring students attend regularly and actively participate in school life.

“Bombala Public School also offers a range of additional extra-curricular programs and initiatives across the school for all students. There is an extensive range of sporting competitions, and several wellbeing programs to promote holistic and authentic connection to the school," he said.

“Especially popular has been the school band and choir which occurs every Friday led by Mrs Sherri Olding. The band has been asked to play at the Bombala heat of the Australian National Busking Championships on October 26.

“We want our students to have opportunities to thrive in a variety of areas."

He said the school’s focus is more than just quality teaching of curriculum, it’s about the whole child.

“We focus on wellbeing extensively to ensure students are truly known, valued and cared for," Mr Grasso said.

“With a pledged commitment to excellence, our school places a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy across all year groups. The high-quality instructional delivery in our classrooms is underpinned by evidence-based teaching strategies.

“This is supported with an explicit high-impact professional learning agenda that all staff are committed to.

“The school prioritises learning outcomes, which is demonstrated by the appointment of Student Learning Support Officers collaborating closely with teaching staff in every classroom."

Bombala PS added an extra classroom at the beginning of the year to establish mainstream class structures and to minimise class sizes. Mr Grasso said the move is designed to provide a more supportive and individualised learning environment for each student.

Mr Grasso started teaching in Western Sydney. After 12 years he relocated to the South Coast and worked at Batemans Bay for several years before moving into the Department of Education’s corporate sector gaining further skills and expertise. He acknowledges all the experiences were invaluable when stepping back into schools in a leadership capacity as deputy principal and relieving principal.

“My family and I love it here; we have entrenched ourselves into the beautiful community and have felt so welcomed and supported. We’re so grateful and hope to stay for a very long time," he said.

“Like all learning, this journey has also been challenging at times, but that’s how we all grow.

“I also feel so lucky to be working with such a wonderful group of passionate staff (both past and present) who care so much and are dedicated to ensuring continuous improvement. It is the incredible staff, families, students and community working together that makes our school so special."

Mr Grasso said Bombala Public School remained committed to continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence by harnessing the collective energy and dedication of its staff.

"The school aims to further elevate its standards ensuring every student receives the highest quality education," he said.