Jenna Woodland, Jas Dossetor and Angela Morris in WRCS’s unofficial striped uniform. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
The two newest head teachers at Griffith’s Western Riverina Community School (WRCS) say the school challenges everything people think they know about alternative education.
Opened in 2024, WRCS caters for around 40 students in Years 9 to 12 who are not well suited to mainstream education, providing a more personalised approach to learning.
Former Marian College educator Angela Morris and former Barellan Central School head teacher Jenna Woodland joined WRCS at the start of Term 3.
Ms Morris has been a secondary English teacher, career advisor, and pastoral leader, while Ms Woodland has worked as a primary teacher, literacy specialist and counsellor.
Between them, they bring more than 30 years of teaching experience, but both say the school offers something unlike anywhere they have worked before.
“Mainstream schools are often focused on preparing students for university or the workforce,” Ms Woodland said.
“The focus here is on developing happy, healthy young people who can become productive members of the community, while also preparing them for employment or further study.”
The pair share Year 9/10 and Year 11/12 English classes. For Ms Morris, one of the biggest advantages is teaching classes of just eight students, supported by two teacher aides.
“That’s about a quarter of the size of a typical mainstream classroom,” she said.
“You can really focus on each individual. The students are amazing. They’re here for the right reasons – they want to learn and they want to be part of a community.”
Ms Woodland said there was often a misconception that students at alternative schools were difficult or had behavioural problems.
“That’s absolutely not the case – it’s the opposite,” she said.
“The students are here because they’ve chosen to be here. They feel supported, they know people are advocating for them, and they feel like they’re part of something.”
Jasmine Dossetor and David Martin opened the school in 2024. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
She praised the work of the school’s founders, David Martin and Jas Dossetor, for creating a strong foundation.
“David and Jas have done an amazing job setting up the school. The systems they’ve put in place really set students up to succeed. They’ve left no stone unturned when it comes to attendance, wellbeing and academics.
“Because those systems are already there, we don’t waste time on bureaucracy. We can focus on the students.”
Ms Morris described WRCS as Griffith’s “best-kept secret”.
“This school isn’t for everyone, but the way education is delivered here is incredible. I’m amazed we have a place like this in Griffith,” she said.
“Once people have a clear understanding of what this school is capable of, I think there’ll be an influx of students.”
As a community school, WRCS relies on community support and funding to continue operating.
“I’d call on businesses in Griffith to get involved and support this school,” Ms Morris said.
“It’s in everyone’s best interest to help these young people fulfil their potential.”
Head of Teaching and Learning Jas Dossetor said the school was excited to welcome two highly experienced educators and hoped to continue growing with community support.
“We are very excited to have recruited two very experienced teachers whose skill sets fit perfectly with our vision for the school,” she said.
Ms Dossetor said the school continued to battle for proper recognition, pointing to efforts to secure a standard 40 km/h school speed zone outside the building – a fight that has been ongoing for more than a year.
Note: The author is married to WRCS head teacher Jenna Woodland, who is quoted in this story.
