Korowal School, Hazelbrook School Reviews

Korowal School, Hazelbrook

School Reviews

By Student - 18 Aug 2023, Rate: bad

At this school i was bullied, but not by the students by the teachers. When I was having trouble instead of helping me they would make me feel worse. Sometimes i didn't feel safe. Do not go there.

By Parent - 09 Aug 2023, Rate: average

It was great in the early years with teachers that are very engaging and supportive but as my kids progressed the small classes became socially limiting. They have some strange policies around not using positive reinforcement to reward good behaviour etc. Plenty of families I know of whose kids really thrived after they left, mine included. The lack of focus on academic achievement made it hard for my child to catch up when he changed to a different school but after some hard work he’s doing better academically and socially than he ever did at Korowal.

By Student - 25 Feb 2022, Rate: poor

More students should write reviews from their inside. The picture painted by the ONLY student who reviewed is accurate. This stuff happens daily. Doesn't set you up for real life

By Student - 21 Jun 2020, Rate: average

Playtime bullying in older years is ignored. Same people do it all the time in front of teachers and nothing happens. Push in and shove same people all the time. Won’t do it to others in their groups but if you are one of their victims it will happen every day. Obvious physical punch not allowed – get expelled rest is ignored by teachers. Classes are really loud as everyone ignore teachers and make noise such that anyone not at front might as well not be in the lesson. Tantrums ignored, talking/shouting is ignored – not sure they even realise it’s a planned game or just given up. Beware standing out from groups. Get on with them or You will be bullied. Good thing it is small – helps get through all the bad. Others say katoomba and Springwood is worse but I don’t know – might be because they got kicked out of Katoomba or Springwood and can do what they want here. Some teachers are nice, but don’t do anything. Everyone behaves when Principal is around but teachers either shout to teach or carry on as though bad behaviour is not happening even though I cannot hear them.

By Parent - 24 Feb 2020, Rate: excellent

Korowal is an exceptional school, with caring and talented teachers who focus on the positive and are dedicated to helping kids grow into the best people they can be. My child has happily attended primary school there for six years after a not so great year at our local public school and is determined to stay there until the end of high school. It was a big financial commitment to make the change to Korowal ( though the fees have declined substantially recently) but 100% worth it.
If you're considering Korowal I recommend you first be completely honest with yourself about what your child really needs. This school is not for everyone. At Korowal they focus on the important stuff, not on things like whether a child is wearing a uniform or a particular colour sock or shoe. Boundaries are present but they are less rigid. This suits the kids who are quirky, think a bit differently and need space to be themselves in a non-judgemental environment. It doesn't suit kids who like/need conformity or have the kind of challenging behaviours that respond best to firm boundaries and strict rules. It's also a small school with only one class per year and this means there is a smaller pool of kids with which to form friendships - this works for some but not for others.
For my son, enrolling him at Korowal was definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made.

By Parent - 17 Apr 2016, Rate: excellent

Korowal is a beautiful school. We are so happy with the education our children receive, and love being a part of such a wonderful community. Our children are supported as they grow and learn, and every hurdle and bump is dealt with responsibly, empathetically and wisely by the wonderful staff. We are proud and honoured to be giving our children this education, and this opportunity to be a part of something that will be with them all their lives, guiding them into unique adults who are confident in who they are, and where their place, and responsibilities in this world lie. Thank you, to everyone involved in Korowal; Staff and Families all.

By Parent - 11 Dec 2015, Rate: excellent

This school is amazing. Its emphasis on relationship can be abused by parents with problems but this happens in the best of schools. My children include one with special needs. The school has been incredible. All small schools attract people who are ejected by the bigger schools. Korowal needs to hold it's ground in such cases, and this takes courage. Pity sites like this don't give you a sense of that context. The hardworking, dedicated staff deserve better. The school is beautiful. The staff includes so many of those 'special' teachers. The principal is excellent.

By Parent - 08 Dec 2015, Rate: excellent

My child has just graduated from Korowal after 13 years so I have experienced many changes. I have been happy with the management! I am impressed with the changes bringing the school into the 21st Century. The high school coordinator is new this year so I am not sure what the previous post is referring to. I think it is always hard for a small school that tries to work with families to be all things for all people. Sometimes it is just not the right fit. Friday afternoons became class teaching time many years ago and now it so the activities did change and parents work. Things change! I think the school does well trying to work with precious parents.

By Parent - 13 Nov 2015, Rate: poor

I have 2 children on the autism spectrum who attended the school after claims and promises the school could help and understood the disorder, they said they knew what they were doing. I removed my children after they were miss treated and one was assaulted(the term the police used). We found out later this teacher has done this before to other students whom also left with special needs, with no action by the school. I was informed the teacher responsible would be dealt with, she is now the co-ordination of the high school section of the school. It's extremely concerning this teacher is teaching children and advising other teachers how to do their jobs. We didn't press charges with police as the school stated they would deal with teacher internally. Waste of our money and time lost helping our boys. They are still traumatized and become upset when we mention the school.

By Parent - 20 Oct 2015, Rate: poor

The school used to be excellent. Then the current management took over.
The school has lost so much of the vitality and community it used to have. Friday afternoons used to be community get-togethers of high morale. Now they're just more classes. Parent engagement has dropped to the point that it's hard to find volunteers.
The management is often unresponsive to parents' problems. The school says its values include communication, respect, empathy, relationships; but too often, problems are resolved by the exercise of pure power, to the satisfaction of the management but not the parent.
A significant number of families have left the school over the past few years. If the principal put into her relations with parents the same energy she puts into making herself the centre of attention, things might improve.

By Parent - 06 Aug 2015, Rate: average

Its interesting that there is reference to a post of Nov 2014, which seems to be missing. I would love to see what it says.

By Employee - 01 Apr 2014, Rate: excellent

November complainant
Madam
I am one of the teachers who have the privilege to teach your delightful children and it is they who have both commented often how much they love their school. Your daughter spent a delightful lesson and lunch session with me yesterday and commented ' that was the coolest day!"
I am so relieved that they have the opportunity to be with us and we value them as part of our community. what a shame you feel this is your only forum
Have you thought of coming to see us face to face? Or is it easier to write anonymously on a blog?

By Parent - 03 Mar 2014, Rate: excellent

The Korowal review above made me cry (Nov.201l4) My children go there and it is such a wonderful school. I suspect someone has their own problems.. Now I have seen it I will raise it at a parent meeting and invite parents to give their honest reviews. Anne. I'm happy to deal with queries on the meantime. Leave a message. The thought that anyone would miss out on this extraordinary place because of that review appeals me. It devalues this site... Please make further investigations yourself. My 18 yr old graduated last year with outstanding academic achievement as well as being a person who will help work for a better and more equitable and sustainable world. My 11 year old is constantly identified as a Korowal child because he is confident, interested and engages with the world around him. He has little interest in distracting himself with digital fun when he finds it in so many different ways. Thank you Korowal and your dedicated and caring staff.

By Parent - 02 Mar 2014, Rate: excellent

Why is it that people who are disgruntled seem to dominate these sites? Korowal is a great school, small, caring and gets amazing results. If you are not happy, leave, and if you don't have a choice, deal with your ex-partner! The previous entry is full of assumptions and judgements.

By Parent - 13 Aug 2011, Rate: good

A wonderful school for our kids. Quite unlike any other school we have seen. Not perfect but overall the world needs more Korowal kids in it.

By Parent - 15 Jun 2010, Rate: average

We experienced bad communication between staff and parent.
Believed it would be a nurturing environment for our child, but it proved ,on many levels, Not to be so.
Sadly very disappointed.

By Parent - 15 Jun 2010, Rate: excellent

So many great things to say about Korowal... teachers give 110%...beautiful environment..they take time with every child... they try to counter the pressure for measuring and ranking and competing

By Parent - 25 Aug 2007, Rate: excellent

Korowal is a unique school. It is small, so no-one get lost. Teachers know every student. High school students have meaningful relationships with kindergarten students. The curriculum is integrated, rather than fragmented into little bits. Multiple age classes allow students to be both supported and extended. Creativity is nurtured. Korowal is a school with a heart!