The South Gippsland Specialist School is situated with in the Leongatha education precinct, on an attractive 22-hectare site that we share with the Leongatha Primary School, Leongatha Secondary College, TAFE Gippsland and South Gippsland Bass Coast LLEN & Trade Skills Alliance.
Our school caters for students aged between 5 – 18 years who have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. It was purpose built in 2009 and facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, multipurpose hall, extensive fruit and vegetable gardens, generous sized classrooms, allied health centre and a café style kitchen that has doors that can be opened up to a generous courtyard for celebrations.
The South Gippsland Specialist School is committed to providing all students with access to a rich and supportive learning environment with access to variety of high-quality educational opportunities so that they become empowered members of society. We operate within a strong framework of values and behaviours based on respect, learning, safety, teamwork and social justice.
South Gippsland Specialist School is committed to providing all students with access to a variety of high quality educational opportunities so that they become empowered members of society. We operate within a strong framework of values and behaviours based on respect, learning, safety, teamwork and social justice.
South Gippsland Specialist School community sees the provision of a respectful, safe and learning environment as its most important goal. Our dedicated staff adopt a flexible approach to teaching and learning bringing with them a variety of skills, interests and experiences to enhance programs. There is strong commitment to the development of the whole child and we are sensitive to individual student abilities and circumstances. Our supportive environment encourages students to be enthusiastic learners.. The school provides a diverse and engaging curriculum that incorporates the Victorian Curriculum and functional Life skills. South Gippsland Specialist School has been accredited by AMAZE Victoria as being an “Autism Friendly”. The school is also a resourceSMART school where looking after our environment is an embedded practice in our classrooms
South Gippsland Specialist School fosters the involvements of the wider school community in its programs and activities. We value the partnerships between home and school and work intensively with our students to assist them in understanding their role as community members.
School Wide Positive Behavior support principles are employed to support the school community commitment to providing a curriculum that challenges student learning through achievement and positive attitudes to learning.
Class sizes are kept small to support high staff:student ratio’s. Each student has an Individualised Education Program.
Every classroom has a minimum of one teacher and one education support worker. This allows for flexibility of learning for each student.
The school, where possible, employs teaching staff who have completed their special education qualification or studying their special education qualification.
All ES staff have completed Disability studies. The school employs a social worker, speech pathologist and an occupational therapist to support student programs to ensure that realistic, achievable goals are set and consistent strategies are developed, implemented and reviewed to allow students the opportunity to experience success.
Ensuring your child is happy and safe at school is important, The South Gippsland Specialist School community is committed to providing a safe, caring and positive environment where student and parent concerns are listened to and acted upon.
We believe strongly in the teaching of social skills to establish, maintain and develop positive social relationships. We aim to teach children to manage interpersonal difficulties, to contribute collaboratively and constructively to peers, family, school and the community.
At South Gippsland Specialist School, the whole school community supports the use of positive behaviour support strategies to teach our students how to act in an appropriate manner.
Positive Behavior Support is a term encompassing strategies and methods that aim to assist a person to reduce challenging behavior and increase the person’s quality of life through teaching a person new skills and adjusting their environment to promote positive behavior changes.
The Code of Conduct for students is consistent with Department of Education guidelines and regulations and is based on the principles of:
The principal and staff have the responsibility to implement the Code of Conduct fairly and consistently.
Parents and guardians have the responsibility to support the school in its efforts to maintain a safe, productive teaching and learning environment.
The students have the responsibility to work, learn and play to the best of their ability and to be polite, fair and friendly.
The school provides a broad curriculum that is designed to foster opportunities for students to reach their full potential academically, socially and emotionally. Student progress is assessed using the working towards level 1 (pre-VELS) and V.E.L.S. under the ABLES framework designed for reporting the progress of students with additional learning needs.
Our dedicated staff adopt a flexible approach to teaching and learning bringing with them a variety of skills, interests and experiences to enhance programs. There is strong commitment to the development of the whole child and we are sensitive to individual student abilities and circumstances. Our supportive environment encourages students to be enthusiastic learners. Our broad curriculum aims to encourage our students to function independently and cooperatively within the school and local community maximizing potential in all areas of development.
Students have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of programs that allow them to have an enriched experience throughout their years at our school.
Some of these programs include Literacy, Numeracy, Communication, Art, Science, P.E., Sport, Swimming, Music, ICT, Kitchen Garden, Life Skills, Sensory, Community Access and Work Experience.
The school runs the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) at foundation level, over three years and has an extensive work experience program for senior students. Where possible, students are encouraged to gain a school based Apprenticeship and we have close access to GippsTAFE and Community Center Gippsland allowing for a range of Vocational Training opportunities.
South Gippsland Specialist School fosters the involvements of the wider school community in its programs and activities. We value the partnerships between home and school and work intensively with our students to assist them in understanding their role as community members. Volunteers can enrich the learning experiences of students and make a difference to the school community. We welcome enthusiastic persons interested in this role.
The student transport division of DEECD provides buses and taxi’s to students who meet the eligibility criteria for transport. The designated transport area is within the South Gippsland Shire. Currently, we have buses and taxi’s running from Welshpool, Nyora, Mirboo North and Pound Creek.
Please check with the Principal to determine if your child is able to access the current transport system.
Students are encouraged to reach their full potential in a safe learning environment that fosters positive community relationships. We pride ourselves on providing a caring, stimulating environment for all students and welcome you to visit our school at any time.
Please call (03) 56624496 during office hours to arrange a tour of the school.
Transitioning in and out of school can be difficult time for students and their families. We aim to make the process a smooth and positive one for all by implementing orientation, liaising with relevant professionals, schools and agencies and providing transition plans.
