Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Thank you for seeking to enrol your child at Bendigo Special Developmental School. Our school is committed to respecting the dignity and diversity of each individual and providing students with every learning opportunity to extend their intellectual, physical, social and emotional development.
All students having equal access to the subject areas and capabilities of the Victorian Curriculum, designed and implemented for each student from your input with the classroom teaching team. Learning happens in both classroom and outdoor based learning activities where classroom teachers focus on English, Mathematics, Personal and Social Capabilities, Respectful Relationships and School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Expectations, and our specialist teaching programs incorporate Health and Physical Education, Music, the Dramatic and Visual Arts, Swimming, Humanities, Digital Technology and STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics). Our teaching teams work in Professional Learning Communities to collaboratively plan and moderate student learning and achievement.
Communication and student agency development is a high priority across all areas of the learning programs, with every child having an Individualised Communication Passport. Students are supported to further express themselves through a range of multimodal communication methods including gesture, speech, Key Word Sign or more systemised Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods such as PODD books, which are used as a universal tool at Bendigo SDS, or personalised digital apps.
Teamwork, trust and communication between staff and parents is of utmost importance in our school. We recognise that your expert knowledge of your child is critical in fostering their successful educational and future development, and we welcome your involvement in all aspects of our school. Student Support Group meetings are held each term and support the preparation and review of the Individual Education Plan (IEP). External NDIS practitioners are encouraged to be a part of these meetings as part of the critical Team Around the Learner for each child, and the future post school options and pathways aspirations of each student will be a key long-term goal that is constantly being worked towards.
Parent and caregiver dialogue is supported by an online app to our databased know as Sentral, fortnightly newsletters, a Facebook page, email and telephone contact. Learning Programs are additionally supported by the school’s Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapists. Our Wellbeing Team comprises our Family Support Teacher, NDIS Navigator, Mental Health Practitioner and Mental Health Wellbeing Leader and these professionals are available to support both you and your child throughout your education journey.
As previously mentioned, Bendigo Special Developmental School uses a School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework to support student engagement and learning, and we have recently been awarded Gold Level Status, the highest possible, for our systems, processes and student achievement. Our mantras for SWPBS, which apply equally to all members of our school community are Act Safely, Show Respect and Be Your Best.
We are completely committed to the Child Safety Standards including ensuring cultural safety for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families, and all student from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds. Additionally, we are committed to the Safe School programs principles and in doing so we seek to always provide a safe, supportive and enriching environment, which respects and fosters the dignity, diversity and self-esteem of all young people and their families, which enables them to thrive in their learning and development.
We look forward to working with you to support your child’s successful transition to our school. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any stage if you should have any questions about any aspect of our school, and how we may further support you and your child to become a welcome and included member of our school community.
With thanks,
Kirshy McAinch
Principal
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At Bendigo Special Developmental School, we believe in celebrating every student’s unique abilities and creating opportunities for them to achieve their personal best. As the Assistant Principal, I am proud to be part of a school community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation in education.
Our approach is centred on the individual. Each student is provided with tailored learning experiences that build on their strengths and support their needs. From the foundational skills of communication and personal development to the exploration of STEM, the Arts, and Physical Education, every program is designed to empower students to engage meaningfully with their world.
Partnerships with families are vital to our success. We value your insights and contributions as we work together to support your child’s growth. Through regular communication, Student Support Group meetings, and collaborative goal-setting, we ensure that your voice is central to shaping your child’s educational journey.
A strong emphasis on wellbeing underpins everything we do. Our dedicated Wellbeing and Allied Health teams provide comprehensive support for both students and families, recognising the importance of a holistic approach to learning and development.
As a proud School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) community, we nurture positive behaviours and celebrate achievements across all areas of school life. By fostering a culture of respect, safety, and personal excellence, we help students build the confidence and skills needed to navigate their futures.
I am excited to continue working alongside you to create a school environment where every student feels safe, valued, and inspired to succeed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to discuss any aspect of our school or your child’s education.
Kind regards,
Dehne Anstee
Assistant Principal
