回复时间：2016-11-23 18:35:26

　　Merrimac State School was opened in 1917. The original one teacher school was set in a rural environment where students rode their horses to and from school. The school has grown significantly since 1917 and now features a range of buildings and facilities with the original horse paddock now housing a large multipurpose centre. The key environmental features of the first school continue to be cherished with a nature trail and major emphasis on a range of plants, trees and native flora and fauna.

　　Location:

　　Merrimac State School is a state primary school located on the Queensland Gold Coast between Surfers Paradise and the Hinterland. The school was established in 1917 as a one-teacher school and has grown over the years to a school with an enrolment of 810 students covering Prep to Year 7. Merrimac is a coeducational school.

　　Physical Features:

　　The school is characterised by its original one teacher school building which is backdropped by a bush setting set amidst international level golf courses. All other buildings are relatively new and are of open plan design. The school has carried the slogan ‘the country school in the city’ as it has maintained a country image during recent urban development. A Prep program commenced in 2008.

　　The learning environment is characterised by low set buildings with double classrooms and withdrawal rooms. A refurbished music block was completed in 2008 and caters for classroom music, choir and the instrumental program.

　　Staff:

　　Merrimac is staffed by 32 class teachers, specialist teachers in PE, Music, LOTE, Learning Support, Guidance and Library. The administration team consists of two Principal, Deputy Principals, Business Services Manager and two Administration Officers.

　　The school has eight teacher aides working in classrooms and in the learning support centre.

　　A number of visiting specialists support the school including Intervention Teacher, Speech Therapist, Instrumental Teachers and Advisory Visiting Teachers (Intellectual Impairment, Physical Impairment). Three cleaners and a full time and a part time Schools Facility Officer maintain the school facilities. School management is characterised by a School Council, various School Committees, Curriculum Coordinators and a Student Council. Senior teachers play an important role in management issues.

　　The majority of staff have been at the school for many years providing a relatively stable staffing mix. Staff include graduates through to senior teachers. There is a high ratio of female to male teachers. The majority of staff is active in pursuing professional development.

　　Teaching practices vary from cooperative teaching through to single classes with some composite classes. Cooperative planning and teaching is encouraged. The school staff is very supportive and professional in their approach and committed to the students and community.

　　Students:

　　The student clientele is characterised by a mix of middle class and sole supporting families. The majority of the school population is stable with many families passing local schools to attend Merrimac.

　　The school services a wide area including the communities of Merrimac, Merridown, Cararra, Worongary, Nerang, Clear Island Waters, Robina, Mermaid Waters and Mudgeeraba. There are an increasing number of students from southern states and New Zealand. Thirteen students currently identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Approximately 12% of the student population access a range of educational services and support such as:- Learning Support; Year 2 Net Support and Year 5-7 Intervention; Guidance Officer; Speech Language Pathologist; Educational Adjustment Programs and English as a Second Language.

　　An active Special Needs Com