WUGULARR SCHOOL

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Location & Climate

Wugularr is situated 107 km south-east of Katherine, on the Central Arnhem road. Access is via the Stuart highway for the first 51 km, then taking the Barunga road for a further 56 km, Waterhouse River and the Eva Valley (Manyallaluk), the latter being 75 km from Wugularr by sealed road. Temperatures range from 10 degrees overnight in the Dry season (May to September) through to daytime temperatures of 40 degrees during the buildup (October to December) to the Wet season (January to April). The annual rainfall is approximately 1000-1200 mm.

Communication & Travel
Wugularr is a closed Aboriginal community of approximately 350 people. The community Government Council is the major employer. Training and employment through CDEP consist of clinic, shop and council. A reasonably stocked store operates at the community, and diesel can also be purchased. Beer can be purchased and consumed at the Social Club. A 'six can' limit applies. A permit is required for the consumption of alcohol by people in their homes. Most people receive either a training wage or social security benefits.

There is a Health Clinic staffed by three Aboriginal Health workers and two qualified Nursing Sisters. Mail and freight to Wugularr is by courier each day.

Police Officers from Maranboy patrol the community, in addition to a community based indigenous police aide.

Accommodation & Living Conditions

Teachers at Wugularr are housed in modern, air-conditioned buildings, furnished by the Department of Education.

Community

The school receives excellent support from the Community Council and School Council. There are 85 students enrolled in the primary section this year. In July 2001 the school received $20 000 from the Indigenous Education Branch for a Secondary Pathways Project Ð for six months wages for one secondary teacher.

Features

Wugularr School has an enrolment of approximately 110 students from Pre-school to Secondary, and is staffed by a Teaching Principal, four Band 1 teachers, two Assistant Teachers, ATAS tutors, an Administrator Officer and Cleaner. Recently, facilities for Preschool and Secondary students were opened.

Attractions in the area

Wugularr is well-placed to access a range of recreational venues, including the Waterhouse River, and Mataranka and Katherine townships and surrounds. Katherine is only approximately an hour's drive from the community on sealed roads. Beswick Falls is an attractive fishing and picnic/camping spot located about 14 km from Wugularr Community on 4WD tracks.

Specific Allowances

Wugularr is classified as a Category 2 School. The following are conditions of employment for any teaching staff living at Wugularr.

75% Rental Concession
3 study leave points for each completed year of service in this locality. 20 points must be accumulated in order to receive 6 months paid study leave, which is subject to CEO approval.
Fares Out of Isolated Localities (FOILS). 2 FOILS Fares per year to Darwin ie. Km Allowance + 2 Nights Accommodation.
Family Travel Assistance Program
Household Contents Insurance Premiums
Professional Isolation Allowance
Business Days 4 days per school year on Group School Principal's Approval