For the last three years I have been a part of the Kahibah Public School Community and I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience. I can recommend this school without hesitation to any parent looking for a safe and caring educational environment for their child.

We were new to the Newcastle region when it was time for my eldest child to start school and as I was unfamiliar with the area, I spent a lot of time investigating the local schools. At first I didn't realise that there was a school in Kahibah, I was looking around the Charlestown area. It was only when a neighbour told us about the school and told us how great it was, that we went up for a visit.

My daughter loved the school instantly because it was painted green (her favourite colour). From a parent’s perspective though we needed a little more convincing. We were attracted by the cool, leafy surrounds of the school and the quiet peaceful atmosphere. As the school is away from major roads and shopping centres and is surrounded by trees, it's easy to imagine you are miles from anywhere. As it is only a small school with around 240 children, the buildings are not big and imposing. There are murals on the walls, no graffiti, great play areas and bright play equipment. The shaded main quadrangle is brightly decorated with painted hopscotch, chess board and other spelling games. This all creates a great sense of children belonging there. There is nothing intimidating for little people, just the prospect of hours of fun. My daughter was generally shy and not particularly sure of herself but she couldn't wait to start school.

We had missed the official orientation day for new starters and it was with a little trepidation that we headed up to the office to ask about enrolling. To our delight we were warmly welcomed, not at all chastised at being late to enrol and the principal herself took us on a private tour of the school and its facilities. We were shown the main areas of the school including the Kindergarten room and generally shown every possible courtesy. We were introduced to the Kindergarten teacher who we instantly liked and taken back to the office where we were given a myriad of information about the school, getting our child ready for school and so on. We left that day happy and content and left in no doubt that we had found our school.

Our eldest daughter is now in Year 2 and our youngest started Kindergarten this year. We couldn't be happier with our decision and our experience with the school over this time. The teachers have proved to be highly motivated and have a genuine desire to help every child in their care. Every effort is being made to use the latest techniques in assisting children who find it a little difficult to pick up the basics. Those children who show extra ability are also offered individual programs to stretch their capabilities and make their learning experience more challenging and fun. No child is forgotten at Kahibah. We have always been kept well informed of our children's progress and when we have approached the teachers with any concerns, we have felt that they really understood our child and made every effort to assist us.

The Principal, Mrs Richardson (or Richo as the children call her), is an enthusiastic manager who inspires her staff and students with her zest for life. She has always been available to discuss any concerns or questions we may have and her open door policy also extends to the children. She makes an effort to be involved in the children's activities, getting dressed up for the book week parades and generally encouraging the children in all their ventures.

Apart from the usual reading and writing, children are encouraged to pursue a broader range of skills including art, music, drama, sport, public speaking and debating. Kahibah has achieved outstanding results at the regional level in sports and debating. For a small school the children still have a large range of facilities at their disposal including great computer facilities.

We have been made to feel that we are a part of a community at Kahibah Public School. Our contributions to the school in terms of time and ideas are always welcomed but never expected. Our girls are achieving high standards of work and have both been treated as individuals having their particular needs met. Most importantly though, they love school. This early introduction to education is so critical in setting behavioural patterns and instilling a love of learning. For a fun learning experience, I thoroughly recommend Kahibah Public School.