Community in Focus: Tocumwal Public School ‘working together for good’

In the growing Tocumwal community there will be a large Year 1 cohort in 2027 and the readers were considered necessary so students could have access to books for both in class and ‘at home’ learning.

“Purchase of the books will help our school provide essential learning material to more students, more regularly, and for many years,” Ms Harris said.

While decodable readers are not a new phenomenon, or based on the latest technological advancements, they are considered a valuable resource for student learning.

Phonics-based reading has been recognised for its educational techniques for more than a century, with a resurgence in recent years. Many schools use decodable readers as a key part of systematic phonics instruction, because it allows students to practice sound-spelling patterns they have already learned.

The readers have carefully written texts that align with a structured phonics program, featuring words that children can decode based on the phonics skills they have been explicitly taught.

Children use segmenting (breaking words into sounds) and blending (combining sounds to form words) to read each word, reinforcing their phonics knowledge.

Decodable readers are recognised as providing a safe and motivating environment for children to practice reading, which can increase confidence and therefore encourage individual reading.

Specifically, the InitiaLit program purchased by Tocumwal Public School provides structured reading and writing instruction for young learners.

Since 2002 Tocumwal Public School’s Principal has been Darren White, who says the school team is committed to every student’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging.

“We work together to create a supportive and inclusive school where every child is set up for success,” he says.

Mr White describes it as a “community-enriched and well-resourced school which has a commitment to providing a caring, sharing, and effective learning environment for all students”.

“Our students are encouraged to have high expectations and to reach their full potential with a sense of responsibility, self-motivation and interdependence. It is a school that encourages and values positive interactions between students, staff and parents to achieve educational outcomes of a high standard,” Mr White said.

Playing a key role in the link between the school and parents is an active P&C Association, which raises vital funds to help support activities, resources and opportunities for students.

In 2026 a key goal of the P&C was raising funds for a whole new set of personal computers for students. While acknowledging this would be a significant cost, no stone has been left unturned to generate the required revenue.

Volunteer members are active in the community selling raffle tickets, with a major fundraiser this year being a ‘Cost of Living’ raffle where prizes included fuel, meat and groceries.

The P&C also receives significant community support for its annual Easter Egg Raffle, with donated prizes including a range of Easter-themed goodies.

“We are an active P&C … it is important to have family involvement to help provide the activities and learning supports that our students deserve,” spokesperson Eloise Harris said.

“We’re proud of our school and the contribution it makes to the Tocumwal community. The young people we support today are our leaders of tomorrow.”