In 2018, our Learning Centre will be in its 18th year of operation. The centre has a full time teacher, two teacher aides and an administrator/teacher called our Head of Special Education Services (HOSES).
The basic premise of our program in the Learning Centre is to provide support for academic and social learning as well as life experiences appropriate to the development of each individual. We support and facilitate each student’s physical, emotional and social development as well as cater for individual learning styles. We model and encourage respectful and caring interactions between all students and staff members inside and outside the classroom.
All Learning Centre students have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Learning Plan (ILP) developed for them whilst at the school. Meetings are held twice a year (one of them is a review) to discuss each student’s goals and progress at school. The IEP focuses on three or four areas – Communication, Social Competence and Self Management for students diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as Functional Academics for students diagnosed with an Intellectual Impairment. An ILP may be developed for those students functioning well below their current year level. An Educational Adjustment Profile (EAP) is also completed for our students. The Profile assists in focussing on the type and extent of teaching adjustments necessary for students to achieve their goals within our school setting. We endeavour to maintain an open and positive relationship with our parents, students and teachers and provide regular feedback concerning all areas of learning at school. School reports are delivered twice a year reporting on academic outcomes. Learning Centre reports are also issued twice a year but report on the achievement of IEP goals.
To cater for the individual needs of our students we have flexible timetables, and most learning is completed within their mainstream classroom. Our students attend classes with specialist teachers, such as music and physical education, whenever possible.
In the Learning Centre we encourage positive behaviours and value the rights of others. We offer our students opportunities to explore, consolidate and extend their understanding in a safe, productive learning environment.
If parents require a letter outlining their student’s progress for the purpose of a medical appointment, the school needs at least five school days’ notice.