Old Noarlunga Primary School, 35km south of the Adelaide CBD, serves an outer metropolitan, semi-rural area. The surrounding community has high expectations of our school as a small school option. We play an important role by providing a nurturing small-school environment in the Southern Coastal area, with the student population being representative of several adjoining suburbs. In 2010 we changed the school name from Noarlunga Primary School to Old Noarlunga Primary School to better reflect its geographic location. We have a heritage of more than 150 years of public education and were one of the first schools in the State. Throughout this time our school has prided itself on providing an inclusive, caring, quality learning environment for students. Our core values are respect, responsibility and friendliness, which are embedded in our codes of conduct, school planning and school culture. Students have opportunities to achieve their potential in a safe, supportive and enriching learning environment. Classes are composite in nature and generally smaller than in larger, nearby schools. The learning programs prepare students to be independent and resourceful learners and effective participants in society. Students can be actively involved in decision-making through a Student Representative Council and school captains are elected each year. We have a very strong sense of family and community and encourage parental involvement in decision-making, volunteering in classrooms and on excursions and in the general life of the school. Due to our smaller numbers, all staff are able to get to know students well and develop trusting and caring relationships with them. Cross-age activities and older students mentoring younger students are common practices. Extracurricular activities include sports clinics, dance programs, excursions, theatre visits, swimming, aquatics, special celebrations (Book Week, Sports Day, dress-up days) and tending the school garden. The school has a strong focus on the explicit teaching of literacy..