The school where 'kangaroo' is so much more than a name

World Kangaroo Day has special significance at Kangaroo Valley Public School. Julee Brienen reports.

Students standing with sculptures in front of a bush. Students standing with sculptures in front of a bush.
Image: Students at Kangaroo Valley Public are proud to be associated with one of our most recognisable animals.

As the world observes World Kangaroo Day today, students at Kangaroo Valley Public School south of Wollongong have a unique reason to celebrate.

Nestled in a region known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, the school is visited by kangaroos that hop through the grounds almost daily, offering students a rare, close-up connection with one of Australia’s most iconic animals.

Kangaroo Valley Public School plays host to a mob of eastern grey kangaroos, including a friendly mother and joey, that regularly graze on the school’s grounds.

Relieving Principal Jen Arnott said these daily visits have become a welcome part of the school routine and have nurtured an appreciation for the native wildlife around them.

“Kangaroos visit our playground most afternoons, we have quite a few that can be found on school grounds in a part of the school known as ‘Kookaburra Creek’,” Ms Arnott said.

“There’s so much wildlife here. It’s one of the things I love most about working in a small school like Kangaroo Valley. It was quite a surprise when I first came to the school to see so many kangaroos here … as well as bats, wombats, snakes, and occasionally we have some sheep wander in from the paddock next to our playground.

“We have a mother and joey at the moment that are very friendly and are not too worried about the people around them. They’re often found behind our K-2 classrooms. The kids get very excited to see them each day through the big glass doors that open out onto the area where our resident kangaroos are often laying in the sun.

“The kangaroos were a bit upset when the students came back to school after the holidays as they usually have free rein of the grounds when the students are away. We definitely see an increase in the number of kangaroos on school grounds once the bell goes at 3.15pm.”

A kangaroo and joey. A kangaroo and joey.
Image: Kangaroos are regular visitors to the school.

Kangaroo Valley Public School students are keen to celebrate their local kangaroos and recently participated in sessions led by the Friends of the Brushed-tailed Rock Wallaby, a local conservation group dedicated to protecting Australia’s endangered wallabies and kangaroos. The conservation group, based in the valley, has been working closely with the school and community groups to educate people about the importance of protecting these species and their habitats.

Ms Arnott said students learn about the threats kangaroos face, including habitat loss, climate change, and the impact of commercial hunting.

“They visit to talk to students about their conservation efforts, and they also have QR codes and statues and silhouettes in the main street - and one located here at the school - for people to complete the walk and learn about the rock wallaby and other animals in Kangaroo Valley,” Ms Arnott said.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a close relationship with kangaroos here at Kangaroo Valley Public School.

“But we also want to teach our students that with that privilege comes a responsibility - to protect these animals and their habitats for future generations.”

Year 1 student Matilda Apps recently wrote a speech on kangaroos said.

“We are very lucky to have kangaroos visit our school every day. This isn’t something that all schools would get to experience,” she said.

“We have so much green grass around our school that kangaroos visit us often. My favourite part about seeing kangaroos visit is when I get to see their joeys and watch them grow.”

Ms Arnott said World Kangaroo Day was a reminder that while kangaroos are a national symbol, they are also vulnerable creatures that need our protection.

“Through education and action, Kangaroo Valley Public school is showing that even the youngest children can make a difference in conserving one of our most loved wildlife,” she said.

“We are very privileged here to live and learn among these lovely animals and know we are doing our small part to ensure their future.”

World Kangaroo Day

World Kangaroo Day is an annual event observed on 24 October to raise awareness about kangaroos and the challenges they face. Kangaroos are iconic animals, but face threats including habitat destruction, hunting, and being culled in large numbers. World Kangaroo Day aims to:

  • Celebrate kangaroos as a key symbol of Australia's wildlife and culture

  • Highlight the threats they face due to commercial culling for their meat and skin

  • Advocate for more ethical treatment and conservation efforts for kangaroos

The day is promoted by animal rights groups, conservationists, and wildlife organisations, emphasising that kangaroos are an essential part of Australia's ecosystem and deserve protection.

Supporters of World Kangaroo Day encourage people to learn about kangaroo conservation, participate in campaigns, and spread awareness on social media to help protect the species.

Students sitting under a sign and notice boards. Students sitting under a sign and notice boards.
Image: Kangaroo Valley Public School students recently participated in sessions led by the Friends of the Brushed-tailed Rock Wallaby.
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