BEENLEIGH SPECIAL SCHOOL
Parent/Carer Information Booklet
2014
INDEX
INTRODUCTION TO SCHOOL
3
SCHOOL PROFILE
5
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
7
SCHOOL LOGO AND MOTTO
7
VALUES AND BELIEFS
7
WHOLE OF SCHOOL INFORMATION
1.
ABSENCES
8
2.
ACCIDENTS OR SICKNESS AT SCHOOL
8
3.
APPOINTMENTS
8
4.
ASSEMBLY
8
5.
CAMPS/SLEEPOVERS
8
6.
CLASS STRUCTURE
8
7.
COMMUNICATION
9
8.
COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS
9
9.
CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS
9
10.
END POINT OF SCHOOLING
10
11.
ENROLMENT PROCESS
10
12.
EXCLUSION TABLE
10
13.
GUIDANCE OFFICER
11
14.
HOLIDAYS FOR 2014
11
15.
HOMEWORK/HOME PROGRAMS
11
16.
ISPs/REPORTS
12
17.
LOST PROPERTY
12
18.
MEDICATION
12
19.
MOBILE PHONES
12
20.
MONEY COLLECTION
12
21.
PARENTS & CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
12
22.
PARKING
13
23.
RESPITE CARE
13
24.
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2014
13
25.
SCHOOL RULES
13
26.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
14
27.
SPORTS CARNIVALS
14
28.
STUDENT ARRIVALS/ DEPARTURES
14
29.
STUDENT SUPPORT
14
30.
THERAPISTS AND SCHOOL TRANSITION OFFICER
15
31.
TRANSITIONS ACROSS THE SCHOOL
15
32.
TRANSPORT
16
33.
UNIFORMS
16
34.
VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE
16
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PARENT INFORMATION BOOKLET
WELCOME TO BEENLEIGH SPECIAL SCHOOL
Welcome to Beenleigh Special School – a school of excellence within
Education Queensland. If this is your first year as part of our school
community then we offer you a special welcome and trust that your
connection with our school will be positive. We strive for excellence and the
best possible outcomes for our students and we ask that if you ever have
concerns about your son or daughter please share them with us. They are the
most important people in our school.
I trust that this booklet provides you with the information you need to know. If
you have any questions we are always willing to answer them for you. If you
have any feedback about this document or about our processes we also
welcome you to contact us.
I trust 2014 will be a great year for Beenleigh Special School.
Warm regards
Roselynne Anderson
Principal
GENERAL INFORMATION
Address:
52-74 Mount Warren Blvd
Mt Warren Park Qld 4207
Telephone:
07 3380 1111
Website:
Email:
Fax: 07 3380 1100
www.beenleighspecial.eq.edu.au
the.principal@beenleighspecial.eq.edu.au
Office hours: 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Term Dates for 2013:
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Term 1 commences Tuesday 28 January and ends Friday 4 April
Term 2 commences Tuesday 22 April and ends Friday 27 June
Term 3 commences Monday 14 July and ends Friday 19 September
Term 4 commences Tuesday 7 October and ends Friday 12 December.
School Hours: 8.45 a.m. to 2.45 p.m (drop off between 8:45-9:00 and pick up
between 2:45-3:00).
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Please Remember to:
1. Notify school of all absences either by letter or phone immediately including reason for
absence.
2. Notify school immediately any changes of telephone or address details.
3. Notify school immediately any changes to respite arrangements or to transport
arrangements (also notify respite provider and transport company directly)
4. Provide written details if student requires any medication during school hours and provide
medication with label from doctor or pharmacist stating child’s name, dosage and times to
be administered.
5. Immediately notify school class teacher if there are any health/ medication changes.
4
BEENLEIGH SPECIAL SCHOOL PROFILE
OUR SCHOOL:
Beenleigh Special School is located in Mount Warren Boulevard, Mount Warren Park, midway
between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It is set in the pleasant surroundings of landscaped
grounds with a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Beenleigh Special School is a facility that meets the needs of students with disabilities in a rapidly
growing area. It is centrally located in a wide catchment area that extends north to Loganholme,
west to Logan Village, south to Ormeau and east to Jacobs Well. The majority of students at the
school reside in the Beenleigh/Eagleby area.
From January 1974 to December 1982, the needs of students with disabilities in the local area
were met through a Special Education Unit that was located within the grounds of Beenleigh State
School. In January 1983, Beenleigh Special School enrolled its first students. It was officially
opened in October 1983 and grew significantly, resulting in new classroom buildings being opened
in 1991,1997 and 2010, an extension to the Administration block in 2003, as well as various
upgrades both to the administration block and facilities over many years.
Beenleigh Special School has a wide range of facilities and resources that enable the delivery of
quality student programs. These include Home Economics facilities, a school Library that
encompasses a learning technology area, Environmental Education facilities including a nursery
(opened in 1997) and recycling compound, and a Snoezelen Room. The school has three school
buses that are in constant use by students accessing community based programs. All of the
classrooms are air-conditioned and have Interactive Whiteboards installed.
STUDENTS:
The enrolment at Beenleigh Special School is consistently between 78 and 90 students who come
to us from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. The nature of the student population has
altered significantly in recent years and now consists of children aged between 4.5 and 18, who
have a wide range of disabilities. Most of our students have very high support needs and a
number also display severe and challenging behaviours. The school caters for students with
physical, intellectual, vision and hearing disabilities and students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Some students also require close medical/nursing care whilst at school.
The educational needs of students attending Beenleigh Special School are determined using a
statewide education adjustment process. Data from this process is used as a basis for enrolment
at the school.
STAFFING:
Beenleigh Special School has a staff led by a Principal and a Deputy Principal. Currently there are
15 classroom teachers, 1 Head of Curriculum, 1 Guidance Officer, and non-contact teachers. The
staff also includes over 20 teacher aides, a Business Services Manager, an Administration Officer
and an Education Program Officer. The grounds and buildings are maintained by a full time
Schools Officer and four Cleaners.
The school is used as a base location for therapists and advisory visiting teachers and currently
supports Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Regional Nurses, Speech Language
Pathologist, and Advisory Visiting Teacher School Transition Officer.
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PROGRAMS:
The programs offered by Beenleigh Special School focus on the long term goal of developing skills
to maximise students’ independence and to prepare them for life beyond the school environment.
The curriculum that guides teacher planning and learning experiences is the Australian Curriculum.
At the end of each semester, student progress is formally documented and reported to
parents/carers.
All students at Beenleigh Special School have an Individual Support Plan (ISP), or for Senior
Secondary students a Senior Education Transition Plan. This document contains measurable
priority goals for each individual student. These goals are specifically designed and developed by
specialist teachers in consultation with the parents/carers, school staff, students and support
personnel. Education teams work together to implement the ISP, and constantly monitor and
evaluate each student’s progress.
Students and staff at Beenleigh Special School access a variety of off-campus environments to
enhance the delivery of programs. These may include hydrotherapy centres, environmental
education facilities and practical pre-vocational centres.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
At Beenleigh Special School, we understand the importance of forming practical and positive
relationships with parents/carers and community members. For this reason we provide many
opportunities for formal and informal contact among members of the school community.
The school is well supported by a small but dedicated Parents and Citizens’ Association. The
school has received financial assistance from several community organisations which has assisted
to enhance the quality of resources and facilities used in the delivery of student programs. The
programs are effectively and regularly supported by the use of volunteer community members.
Beenleigh Special School also serves the community by providing valuable work experience and
training to students at various local high schools, workplaces and tertiary institutions.
CONCLUSION:
Beenleigh Special School is a positive and supportive environment in which to learn and work.
Since it officially opened in 1983, the school is proud of its achievements and the quality services
that have been provided to students and the local community. Our school is committed to
responding to future challenges in a highly participative and proactive manner.
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Our Statement of Purpose:
Providing individualised learning, in a supportive environment, to maximise student
independence
Our Logo and Motto:
We value:
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students as learners
respect for one another
the dignity of the individual
parent, staff, student and community
participation
the right of all members of the school
community to feel safe
 cooperation
 sharing
 choice
 excellence in teaching and learning
 the contributions of others
We believe we should:
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provide safe, caring, challenging and
supportive learning environments
recognise and celebrate achievements
provide high quality programs
promote community awareness and
participation
efficiently use available facilities and
resources
strive to enhance facilities and resources
enjoy learning and teaching
pursue excellence
acknowledge and reflect upon feedback
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offer choices
be accountable and responsible
empower others
share responsibilities
maximise potential
trust each other and be trustworthy
communicate openly and positively with
others
consider future possibilities
recognize, understand, embrace and
value differences
7
GENERAL PROCEDURES
1.
ABSENCES
If your child is absent from school for any reason please notify the school office. This
may be via a phone call to the office (3380 1111) after 7.30 a.m. or a note to class teacher
the following day. Please explain the reason for the absence.
If your child receives transport assistance, please notify the bus or taxi providers also.
2.
ACCIDENTS OR SICKNESS AT SCHOOL
Parents/Carers are requested to keep a child who is unwell at home. Where it is considered
that a child is unfit to be at school, the parents/carers will be contacted by either the school
nurse, administration staff or the class teacher.
If an accident occurs, first aid will be administered and the parents will be notified. If the
accident is serious, parents/carers will be contacted immediately, and further action will be
discussed. An ambulance will be called if necessary.
Parents/Carers should ensure that the school has the correct current contact
telephone number (and emergency contact numbers) to enable contact to be made as
soon as possible when necessary.
On all occasions that a student is picked up from school early, Principal or Deputy Principal
will co-sign with the parent/carer that the student was collected early.
3.
APPOINTMENTS
Parents are invited to make an appointment to see relevant school staff at any time to
discuss issues pertaining to your child. Timely notice is desirable to ensure that necessary
arrangements are able to be made.
4.
ASSEMBLY
Assembly is held every Monday morning for Junior, Middle, Junior Secondary and Senior
Secondary School students. The program includes the National Anthem, student weekly
awards, notices from the staff and any announcements of special events to be held during
the week.
5.
CAMPS
During the year some groups may participate in camps in an external environment. If your
child is involved in a camp, you will be notified by the class teacher who will outline the
time, itinerary, transport, special requirements and the cost.
6.
CLASS STRUCTURE
Classes are organised across the Junior, Middle, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary
phases of schooling. The number of classes can vary from year to year depending on how
many new enrolments we have, how many students move to other schools, and how many
Senior students graduate.
Before the classes are finalised for the start of the next school year and students placed
within particular groups, a great deal of discussion and organisation needs to occur. It is
important to ensure that classes are structured to ensure that the best learning can occur
for all students. It would not be wise for example, to place all students who are in a
wheelchair in the same class, as it would be difficult to have all their physical and
educational needs met in this way. Some of the other issues that are taken into account are
any behaviour issues, appropriate role models, friendships, and co-dependencies that may
need to be addressed.
8
Classes are organised around the specific needs of each individual student in the school
setting. None of the teachers know which class they will have for the following year during
the process of designing the class groups. We ‘workshop’ the class groups as a whole staff.
This ensures that students are placed in a class with peers alongside whom they will
definitely perform to the best of their ability. Only when these discussions are finalised and
all the issues addressed, are final class lists shared with families.
As can occur, the best planning cannot foresee everything. At the beginning of the new
year, up to and including the official Department of Education,Training and Employment
Day 8, there can be changes made. This is when staffing is finalised, taking account of final
student numbers, and on occasions this can necessitate an unavoidable change in class
arrangements.
7.
COMMUNICATION
Communication between school and parents/carers is extremely important and valued
highly by all at Beenleigh Special School. Regular informal communication is encouraged
and is complemented by the following more formal methods of communication:
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Monthly newsletters
Parent Information meetings
P&C Association monthly meetings
Teacher – Parent communication books
Program planning (ILP or SETP) meetings
Please ensure changes of phone numbers, address, emergency contact numbers or official
care arrangements are communicated to the school promptly.
At all times, telephone communication with school staff should be made via the school’s
main number. If it is after hours, a message can be left on the school’s answering machine.
It is not appropriate for staff to communicate with parents/carers from home or mobile
phone numbers or via text messages and this is discouraged.
8.
COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS
It is important that students are able to transfer knowledge and skills learned within the
classroom and school setting into the “real” community. Consequently, some of the
students will be involved in a variety of community-based learning programs throughout the
year. These will be linked to ILP/curriculum goals and designed to complement activities
and programs introduced at school. These programs will be discussed with parents through
the communication book, notes to parents and at ISP meetings. These programs are
carefully planned by teachers and must have prior approval of the Principal. Planning
covers learning goals, budget for the activity, and risk assessment and safety management.
All community-based learning planning occurs within the school day during the hours of
9:00 to 2:15, except for in the case of a school camp or other such alternative activity,
which must have prior approval from Principal.
If teachers deem it appropriate to ask parents/carers to assist for an outing, a parent/carer
might volunteer to assist. On such occasions, it is imperative that the carer/parent attends
individually, without siblings who also need supervision.
9.
CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS
It is important that relevant school staff be informed if there are changes to official care
arrangements. A court order must be presented if access restrictions apply to a parent.
9
10.
END POINT OF SCHOOLING
The Education (General Provisions) Act states that all students may access twenty four
semesters (twelve years) of schooling. Thereafter, after consideration is given to desirable
educational outcomes, the school principal may consider granting an extension of up to an
additional two semesters of schooling. The Executive Director of Schools may approve a
further two semesters of schooling. In exceptional circumstances, the Director-General of
Education may grant a further two semesters of schooling.
In order to facilitate a smooth movement from school to post-school options, students
formally participate in a range of transition programs as they approach fifteen years of age.
As students near completion of their schooling, it is likely that they will engage in
significantly more programs within the community (hopefully in the location/s and/or
programs managed by their preferred post school service provider) and less within the
school setting.
11.
ENROLMENT PROCESS
Enrolment of students into Special Schools is managed through a formal process approved
by the local Regional Education Office. The school is able to facilitate contact with the
relevant South East Region officers. The part-time school Guidance Officer participates
actively in the collection of student information that will assist with the enrolment process
supervised by the school Principal and/or Deputy Principal.
Education Queensland is committed to inclusive education for all students. Your child may
enrol at any State School of your choice. Special School is only one option available for
students who meet criteria for entry. When a student meets the criteria for special school
enrolment, parents/carers retain the right to choose to enrol them in any State School.
Parents/carers must be aware that a change in the residential address of a student will
necessitate a review of any transport arrangements through the transport assistance
scheme for students with disabilities.
12.
EXCLUSION TABLE FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The following is the Exclusion Table of Infectious Diseases approved by Education
Queensland.
DISEASE
Chicken Pox
PATIENT SHALL BE EXCLUDED
Should be excluded for five days after beginning of illness or until
fully recovered
Cold sores
Young children unable to comply with good hygiene practices
while sores are weeping
Conjunctivitis
Until discharge from eyes has ceased unless non-infectious
conjunctivitis
Diarrhoea
Excluded until there has not been a loose bowel motion for 24
hours
Hand, Foot and Exclude until all blisters have dried.
Mouth Disease
Hepatitis A
Exclude until at least 7 days after the onset of illness. Medical
clearance certificate required to be able to return to school
Measles
Should be excluded for at least four days from the appearance of
rash or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced. Medical
clearance certificate required to be able to return to school
Meningococcal Exclude until child is well and has received appropriate antibiotics.
10
infection
Mumps
Poliomyelitis
Rubella
(German
Measles)
Whooping
Cough
Ringworm/
Scabies/Tinea
Head Lice
Medical clearance certificate required to be able to return to
school
Should be excluded for at least nine days or until swelling goes
down
Exclude for at least 14 days from onset of symptoms. Medical
clearance certificate required to be able to return to school
Exclude until fully recovered or for at least four days after the
onset of rash
Should be excluded for five days after starting antibiotic treatment
has commenced or for 21 days from the onset of coughing.
Medical clearance certificate required to be able to return to
school
Exclude until day after appropriate treatment has commenced
Must be treated immediately by the parents. Report cases to the
school. Students may be required to stay home.
School Sores
Exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced for 24 hrs.
(Impetigo)
Sores must be covered with a water-tight dressing.
Shigella
Exclude until diarrhoea has stopped for 48 hrs. Medical clearance
certificate required to be able to return to school
Streptococcal
Exclude until well and has received antibiotic treatment for at least
sore
throat 24 hrs.
(including
scarlet fever)
Tuberculosis
Written medical clearance required confirming child is not
(TB)
infectious.
Typhoid,
Exclude until there is written medical clearance.
paratyphoid
13.
GUIDANCE OFFICER
The Guidance Officer is based at this school on a part time basis. Any parents/carers
wishing to discuss matters with the Guidance Officer should contact administration staff to
organize a suitable time for an appointment.
14.
HOLIDAYS (PUBLIC) and STUDENT-FREE DAYS FOR 2014
Public Holidays-------27 January, 18,19,21,25 April, 25 April, 9 June, 6 October
Student Free Days ------------------------------------23,24 January, 7,8,9 April, 20 October
Brisbane Exhibition Public Holiday-------------------------13 August (TBC)
15.
HOMEWORK/HOME PROGRAMS
Some parents/carers have indicated a desire for students to be given homework or home
programs. All such requests will be accommodated, providing supervision at home occurs.
Unless both student and parent/carer are committed to the idea of homework, the value of
the homework is diminished.
It is considered that homework or home programs may be written, oral or physical in nature
as considered most appropriate for individual students.
11
16.
ILPs/REPORTS
Parents/Carers will be invited to contribute to the Individual Support Plan (ISP) process in
conjunction with the class teacher and other personnel working with the student. These
meetings will be used to help determine the priority goals for the students over the next six
months. Reports will be prepared at the end of each semester and will be used to review
and prioritise individual goals for the next ISP cycle, and guide curriculum planning.
Your child’s class teacher will inform you of the planning and reporting cycle for the school
year.
Students who are in the Senior Secondary Phase of Learning (16 years and over) will have
a SET Plan developed (Senior Education Transition Plan). This will outline the planned
progress towards post-school life and will be developed in partnership by teachers,
parent/carers and any other relevant personnel.
17.
LOST PROPERTY – PLEASE NAME ALL BELONGINGS
If each student has all belongings clearly marked, the return of lost property is made
easier. All items of unclaimed property are kept for each calendar year and parents/carers
are welcome to come to school to look for any lost items. Every effort will be made to
locate any property that has been lost but unfortunately this is not always possible.
18.
MEDICATION
If students require medication at school, medication must be sent with a pharmacy label
and a doctor’s written instructions as well as a written request from the parent/carer to the
class teacher.The school will request up-dated medical information from parents
throughout the year. It is crucial that the necessary forms are accurately completed and
promptly returned to school.
19.
MOBILE PHONES
Student mobile phones are not permitted at Beenleigh Special School throughout the
school day. If a student brings a phone to school and this is discovered by staff, the student
will be required to hand the phone in to the office and collect it at the end of the school day.
20.
MONEY COLLECTION
All money for class and community based learning programs are to be sent to the class
teacher.
Money for uniforms etc should be forwarded to Administration.
We have an EFTPOS facility in the office for payments also, but no cash out facility.
21.
PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOCIATION
The P&C Association Meetings are held from 1.00 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. on the first
Wednesday of each month. The current Executive is:
President: -----------------------------------Mr Shayne Doodney
Vice President:-----------------------------Mrs Eve Richardson
Secretary: -----------------------------------Mrs Leah Rooney
Treasurer: -----------------------------------Mrs Michele Kohn
The aims of the Association as defined in the Constitution are:
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to foster general community interest in educational matters;
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to endeavour to bring about closer co-operation between the parents of the students
attending the school, other members of the community and the staff and students at
the school;
to provide, if requested by the Principal, or if the association considers it desirable
to do so, advice and recommendations to the Principal of the school on issues and
concerns in respect of students attending the school;
to provide, if requested by the Principal, or if the association considers it desirable
to do so, advice and recommendations to the Principal of the school on general
operations and management of the school;
to provide or assist in the provision of financial or other resources or service for the
benefit of the students of the school;
to perform any functions, not inconsistent with the Education (General Provisions)
Act 2006, as the Minister may from time to time determine.
The meetings are very informal and social. This is a key forum where parents can ask
questions about school operations and decisions and have a say about processes and
future priorities for the school.
22.
PARKING
Parents/Carers are asked to park outside the school grounds or in disabled carparks where
appropriate when setting down or picking up students. Please be aware that there is no
parking in the bus zone at the immediate front of the school. The car park inside the front
gates of the school is reserved for permanent and visiting professionals and ancillary and
support staff. The school is unable to accept any responsibility for damage to vehicles that
are parked within or outside the school grounds.
23.
RESPITE CARE
Some families access respite care services during the school weeks. It is critical that
parents provide timely notice to the school administration officer if it is necessary to vary
transport arrangements at these times.
24.
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2014 (additional to vacation dates)
Every parent will receive a 2014 calendar with important dates that can be displayed
conveniently on the refrigerator at home.
25.
SCHOOL RULES
Rules and expectations of the family, the school and society are discussed with the
students as they progress through the school.
It is important that students understand that rules and expectations are made for a real
purpose.
Some rules are made to ensure the health, safety and protection of people and property
while others are aimed at promoting consideration and respect for those with whom they
interact and to be responsible for their own actions.
At Beenleigh Special School we will:
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Be a listener;
Be a word-user;
Be safe;
Be fair.
13
Students and staff also focus on virtues (such as friendliness, honesty etc), through
discussion and these are always presented in a positive and supportive way.
26.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
The school has an interesting and informative website. It is updated regularly to include the
latest school newsletter, news of special events, information from classes etc. It also
contains all the key school documents such as the School Annual Report. I invite you to
visit it regularly and also to direct friends and family to it so that they can see what happens
at Beenleigh Special School.
27.
SPORTS CARNIVALS
Beenleigh Special School holds its annual sports day in Term 3. The school has two
houses – Logan (blue) and Albert (red). To enable all students to participate to the best of
their ability, the day is divided into competitive and non-competitive events. The
competitive events are held before morning tea and include distance and sprint races. After
morning tea, students are grouped according to classes and participate in tabloid activities.
During the year, students from our school may be invited to participate in competitive and
non-competitive sports carnivals with other schools. Class teachers will determine the
appropriateness of the carnivals and advise parents/carers if students will be attending.
28.
STUDENT ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
All students are checked off on a roll on arrival and departure. Student arrival time is 8:459:00. Students arrive via the gate next to the admin building (accessed via the steps or
ramp from Mt Warren Blvd). Parent/carers are asked to ensure that the staff member
marks the student on the roll, and may either take the student to the classroom playground
or have the student wait at the waiting area and staff will escort the student to the
classroom.
Student departure time is between 2:45-3:00. Parent/carers are asked to pick up the
student from the parent/carer waiting area (same place as arrival area) and ensure the staff
member marks the student on the roll as they leave. Collecting students from the
classroom is discouraged.
Arrival or departure outside of these times requires the parent/carer to sign the student
in/out at the office.
29.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Staff are encouraged to be proactive and positive in the area of student support. Students
are given choices and are encouraged to be responsible for their own actions.
Individual strategies are designed and implemented to reduce inappropriate behaviours
and to teach alternative appropriate behaviours within a consistent whole school approach.
Individual needs of students will determine the most appropriate management strategies to
be used.
At all times students are encouraged to:
a.
respect the safety of all students, staff and property.
b.
show respect, both verbally and physically, to all members of the school
community.
Individual classes and School Leaders continually support and encourage student
achievements and behaviours through the use of awards, prizes and recognition.
14
For a very small number of students who display severe and challenging behaviours, a
formal plan of intervention that is in line with Education Queensland policies is prepared by
classroom staff in conjunction with parents/carers and other support personnel. It is
important to stress that any action to intervene physically is extremely carefully considered,
used as a last resort, follows an agreed-upon plan generally unique to an individual student
and is carried out to minimise safety concerns for the student and others.
The School’s Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students is provided to all parents/carers on
enrolment. It is also available on the school website.
30.
THERAPISTS AND SCHOOL TRANSITION OFFICER
Beenleigh Special School is the base facility for Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and
Nursing services in the South East Region. One of the two Senior Transition Officers for the
region is based at Beenleigh Special School.
Therapy and classroom staff work together to determine appropriate therapy intervention
for some students (the demand for therapy services in the district often exceeds the
available level of service). It is vital that parents are aware of therapy programs so that
appropriate follow up work can be done at home.
31.
TRANSITIONS ACROSS THE SCHOOL
Relevant legislation from the State Government and guidelines from the Department of
Education and Training shape how we structure the phases of learning across the school.
Some of the guiding policies that you may or may not know of include:
Disability Standards for Education (2005, Commonwealth)
Education General Provisions Act (2006, QLD)
Disability Discrimination Act (1992, Commonwealth)
Utilising these as our framework (under the Department of Education, Training and
Employment (DETE) Strategic Plan), not only do we adhere to an inclusive age appropriate
model of education, but we provide individualised support to access a well rounded
curriculum for all students.
As students start school and move through their education, they will go through four phases
of learning and these are:
Junior
This phase is for students in prep to Year 2.
Middle
This is for students in Year 3 to Year 6.
Junior Secondary
This phase is for students in Years 7 to Year 10.
Senior Secondary
This phase is for students in Year 11 to Year 12.
These four phases form the starting point for class organisation which is based on age
appropriate placement. Transition activities occur across the school in Term 4. These
transition processes are for those students who will be moving onto a different phase of
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their learning in the following year. This ensures a smooth process for those students for
whom change is challenging, and it also enables the teachers and students in the other
areas of the school to get to know the students transitioning in preparation for the following
year.
32.
TRANSPORT
It is the responsibility of all parents/carers to transport their sons/daughters to school.
Some students who attend Beenleigh Special School may be eligible for transport
assistance if it is required by parent/carers. The criteria for this support is increasingly strict
and assistance is reviewed each year. Transport can only be considered if it is determined
that it is the only reasonable manner in which the child can travel to and from school. This
is determined through stringent guidelines provided by Education Queensland.
Taxi or supervised bus transport is arranged through the Regional Education staff and
Education Queensland, and requires that a formal enrolment process is completed before
an application is lodged through the school. This approval process might take some time. If
transport support is approved, parents/carers must ensure that school administration is
informed well in advance of any permanent or temporary changes that may be requested
to travel arrangements (including transport to Respite Centres), as this will take several
days to arrange.
If a student is absent from school, it is important that parents/carers notify the relevant bus
or taxi driver as early as possible, as well as the school.
33.
UNIFORMS
Unisex -
Green polo shirt with Beenleigh Special School logo
Green knit shorts with drawstring
Socks and shoes
Green legionnaires cap, bucket hat or wide-brimmed hat
Further information regarding uniforms can be sought from the school office.
For health and safety reasons the wearing of jewelry is not permitted and we seek support
from parents/carers to ensure students abide by this. If jewelry is worn to school, the
student will be asked to remove the jewelry and collect it from the office at the end of the
day.
34.
VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE
From time to time individual teachers may invite a parent/carer to assist in the classroom or
on a community-based program where adult assistance is invaluable.
Some parents/carers have also expressed interest in volunteering at school in a classroom,
on trips, or in the library. If any parents/carers are interested in volunteering their valuable
time, please contact our Education Program Officer through the school office. Regular
parent volunteers are not placed in the same phase of schooling that their child attends as
per school policy.
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