But that's the way it's always been for Newlyn Primary School, whose new principal learnt all his students names in just three days. 

There are only eight of them, after all. 

And with a huge playground and toys fit for dozens, Mr Tait said the students didn't realise how lucky they were. 

"We have one big room where they all learn together and coming from schools with 200 to 600 students in Ballarat, this is certainly a change," he said. 

"The kids even walk to school together and it's fair to say, it's like a little family."

It really is like stepping back in time when you visit the school - young students being mentored by those just a few years older and just two teachers educating on all things from maths to music. 

And Mr Tait said with the smaller numbers, there was greater freedom to experiment with the curriculum. 

The small school has survived through community support, with parents often helping out with reading or cooking at the school.

Mr Tait said it was this spirit he would continue to build on. 

"To be honest, the school is going so well there's not much to improve on in this role," he said. 

"The community is important for the school, but the school is just as important for the community.

"I have no doubt we will continue to flourish, for sure."