The start of the school year marked an important day in Ripplebrook Primary School’s history, as nine new preps enter the school ready to take on 2015.

From a low of eight in 2009, the school’s enrolments have increased steadily over the past two years. There are now 32 students, numbers not seen in Ripplebrook

since the 1980s.

So dramatic has the change been that “A Current Affair” featured the school last week.

With many of the nine new Ripplebrookers travelling from Drouin and Warragul, principal Laura Caddy believes parents are seeing the benefits in a “tree change” for their children.

“Ripplebrook is a beautiful place and all our staff and students enjoy the calm and supportive learning environment that exists here.

“This increase in enrolments means that we now have additional resources to provide extensive sporting and music programs in addition to our strong literacy and numeracy programs.”

The school also has two new staff starting this week, a third classroom teacher, Heath Puddefoot, and a second integration aide, Rebecca Redley.

“It’s exciting times at Ripplebrook,” Ms Caddy said. “We just can’t wait for all the children to arrive so we can get started with our learning!’