At Drysdale Primary School we have a strong belief in providing learning opportunities for all students. Our inclusion team offers a range of educational programs to support individual students achieve their personal best. A combination of support within the classroom and outside the classroom ensures each student is given every opportunity to thrive and enjoy a healthy childhood. At Drysdale Primary School we work closely with parents and carers, educational specialists, therapists and additional support services to ensure our students access all support possible on their educational journey. We provide Individual Learning Improvement Plans for those students who require additional support or extension. We also run regular Student Support Group meetings to ensure regular communication between all stakeholders in the child’s education.
The Barwon South Network provide access to psychologists, social workers, speech therapists and hearing specialists who are able to support our students. We welcome NDIS therapists to work with students within our school. All therapists are encourage to book appointments through our main office.
Wellbeing support is provided within the school by Assistant Principal, Kate Wojcik. Parents are encouraged to contact the office to seek support for individual students or families. A representative from Down Syndrome Victoria visits our school once per term and Hearing Australia representatives visit frequently to support our students with hearing needs.
We provide a number of additional programs to support our DPS students:
Fine Motor Group
Our fine motor skills program enhances development of coordination essential for classroom and everyday activities. This is done via a fun and varied range of activities where children learn through play. Classroom teachers identify students who will benefit most from this additional support.
Life Skills Program
Drysdale Primary School recognizes the need for a life skills programme to enhance personal development. A combination of incursions, excursions and hands on experiences enable students to participate in real life situations to support their learning. Areas covered include gardening, personal grooming, cooking, and using community facilities such as the library, post office and bank.
Lunchtime Clubs
Lunchtime activities provide alternatives to playground play. Each day offers specific activity enabling students to choose whether they participate. A range of interests are covered, offering semi-structured play where students can develop their social skills in a smaller setting.
Social Skills Groups
Social skills groups are run, where possible, during lunch breaks. These groups learn about specific social and communication skills and are able to put these into practice in a small group provided with support by one of our inclusion teachers.