MRIS (Nyindamurra Family School) began in 1982 as a result of over a year of planning by about ten local families, who were motivated by a desire to be deeply involved in their children’s education. In many ways it was a product of the times. Many of the original parents had moved to the area seeking a quieter rural lifestyle and a greater sense of community. It was a time of questioning and experimentation with alternatives to previously accepted notions of many aspects of society. The way in which children were educated was just one of these. In this context a delegation of these parents visited various “alternative” schools operating in Perth. From their recommendations Nyindamurra (now MRIS) took shape.
At Margaret River Independent School, each child is helped to fulfil his or her potential in an atmosphere of respect, cooperation, self-discipline and creativity. The teaching in small classes is structured to provide for each child’s educational and emotional needs, ensuring scholastic achievement and self-development. The school aims to make children feel good about themselves, to be self motivated and to continue the enjoyment of learning. Since the school’s inception in 1982, parents and teachers have worked closely together to develop attitudes and behaviours promoting The Virtues such as truthfulness, consideration, courage, compassion and open-mindedness, which create a happy and harmonious school environment.
At MRIS we believe everyone is capable of learning in a safe and happy environment where children and their families feel welcomed, encouraged, respected and included.
We provide a dynamic learning environment which is purposeful, challenging and connected to a student’s experience, stage of development and background. We understand that children learn in different ways and at different rates. Each child is unique with individual strengths, abilities and preferred ways of learning. We recognise that teachers and parents are critical factors in a child’s learning success and we all share in the “learning journey. Our core values are the foundation for all learning, teaching and life – Our children achieve their best. Education of the Whole Child includes the following developmental areas:
At our school we follow the STEP principles guided by the Virtues Programme and Restorative Practices. A major difference in our school is the focus on “Intrinsic rewards.” We believe that intrinsic rewards or benefits lead to task engagement and increased wellbeing. Intrinsic rewards increase motivation: the more we become aware of the benefits of what we do, the more we want to do those things. MRIS staff members have the role of supporting our students’ development (rather than controlling it). They support our students by helping them to identify the intrinsic benefits in what they do, and help them to develop an awareness of the process of learning, rather than the benefits of garnering approval. Encouraging positive behaviour and a love of learning is a more challenging process than the instant compliance obtained from a desirable reward, but the research tells us it pays dividends in the long term.
At a recent PD with GB & Staff we explored the ‘new’ concept of the 21st Century Learner: a balance of knowledge, Skills, Character. We will further unpack this, but it sounds like the rest of the world is tuning in to one of the founding premises of our family school with the focus on Character being about “the acquisition and strengthening of Values & Virtues and the capacity to make wise choices for a well-rounded life and a thriving society. Our Vision is to provide an environment that caters for the whole child in the development of lifetime learning skills as well as academic and creative excellence. Our Mission
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