This week marked an exciting milestone for the Ginninderry community with Strathnairn School officially opening its doors to its first cohort of excited (and nervous) students from preschool to year two. 

Parents and carers were greeted at the front gates by Principal Nicole Nicholson before they made their way into the brand new, state-of-the-art classrooms. There were plenty of heartfelt goodbyes, a few tears, but mostly smiles. 

More than just a school

Strathnairn School is the first school in Ginninderry, purpose-built for this growing neighbourhood and designed from the ground up with sustainability, inclusion, and community connection at its core.

For families who’ve watched the school take shape over recent months – Monday’s opening was the culmination of anticipation and planning. And while sections of the school are still construction zones, the kids themselves are excited to watch as the builders put the final pieces in place around them. This school is simultaneously a major infrastructure achievement for the community and an intimate, personal milestone for dozens of families whose children will be the first to learn, play, and grow within its walls.

The culture 

Principal Nicole Nicholson and her team have taken it upon themselves to build a positive and warm school environment and culture from day one. The school’s commitment to “affective language” – helping children understand how their actions impact others through clear, caring communication – sets the tone for the community. 

For kindy students, this means entering an environment designed to help them develop not just academically, but socially and emotionally. They’re learning in a place that values them as whole people, where their feelings matter, and where kindness and respect aren’t just words on posters but the foundation of daily interaction.

The future for Strathnairn School 

The school is designed to grow, eventually serving preschool through to Year 2 students, with plans for expansion in subsequent years as the Ginninderry community continues to develop. A local public school also means convenience for families, with extended travel times no longer needed to reach school drop off. 

Congratulations to Principal Nicole and her team, to the families who’ve entrusted their children to this new school, and most of all to the students themselves who are starting or continuing their schooling journey — welcome to Strathnairn School.

This is where their learning journey begins, and it will be exciting to see where it takes them.