About our school
Welcome to Pooraka Primary – a small R-6 school situated in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. Our school community of approximately 190 students brings a rich diversity of many cultures and languages of families from a range of countries all over the world. Pooraka Primary School has a rich heritage, and first opened on the 14th April 1914, formerly known as the Abattoirs School.
The school has developed strong links to all areas of the community, including the local Unity Park, nearby tennis club and our local kindergarten and childcare centre.
Our approach at Pooraka Primary School is to ensure both staff and students are thriving learners. We approach public education through the “Strategy for Public Education”. The strategy is based on 4 key areas of impact: Well-being, Equity and excellence, Learner agency and Effective learners. We believe that every child is immensely capable and when the right conditions for learning are created, every child will thrive.
At Pooraka Primary School, students have voice and agency over many aspects of our site, such as play spaces, learning programs, significant leadership opportunities through the Ambassador Program and running activities for other students. We pride ourselves in how we support small groups and individual students to ensure they have the well-being and academic support they need to thrive.
Our beautiful, extensive grounds and site, houses a range of nature play equipment and kitchen gardens, specifically designed to develop, creative and critical thinkers that learn through play and problem solving.
We currently have 9 classes and 1 special options class, where students are treated with respect and equity and inclusion are important priorities.
As Principal of Pooraka Primary, it would be my absolute pleasure to share our school with prospective families and students. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to organise a tour.
Michelle Parkes
Principal
Current enrolments
Our School currently has 182 enrolled students (term 3, 2025)..
Our vision
Students are empowered to become effective, resilient, critical, and creative thinkers. We provide an environment that nurtures the develop of skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary for students to solve problems, enabling them to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
Our values
- Friendship – being kind, caring and friendly to others.
- Respect – actively listening, using good manners and considering others’ needs.
- Integrity – honesty, trustworthiness and taking responsibility for our actions.
- Support – encouraging and helping others to achieve their best.
- Determination – always trying our best and never giving up.
Our facilities
Hall
Our school hall is a large heritage building with state-of-the-art facilities. These include rooms equipped with portable devices for students to use, including tablets and iPads.
Oval
Our oval is fully fenced and equipped with toilets, a playground, BBQ facilities, soccer goals, football goals, netball court and 2 shelters.
Gymnasium
Inside our gym is a full basketball court, kitchen, toilets and a stage. The gym has heating and cooling so it can be safely used across all seasons.
Playground and gardens
We have 2 nature-based playgrounds that provide a fun outdoor learning environment. Surrounding each playground is a nature garden where students can plant, nurture and learn.
“The learning experience at Department School is fantastic. There’s full support from the teachers, who encourage and challenge my children to always do their best.”
Parent of Department School Student