Wednesday, 5 June 2019

 Ms BLANDTHORN (Pascoe Vale) (09:51): I would like to refer to my recent visit to Glenroy Specialist School, where I was delighted to meet their new principal, Mr Allan Waterson, who gave me a tour of their facilities and took me inside their classrooms. I was reminded yet again of what a wonderful school this is and the excellent educational opportunities and experiences the staff at this school are providing for their students. This is a fantastic school, which provides innovative and inclusive educational opportunities to students from the north-western suburbs of Melbourne from five to 18 years of age who have physical or multiple disabilities or complex health needs. Some of the needs of these students are very extreme.

All students deserve a great education regardless of their physical, mental or social abilities, and the students at Glenroy Specialist School are certainly getting this. The facilities and teaching throughout this school are world class. Every classroom presents its own unique teaching and learning benefits, whether it be in sensory equipment or audio-visual technology. As you walk through the corridors of this school you see firsthand the inspiring level of engagement in learning and opportunity. Staff at this school are interested in and understand each individual student’s needs and work hard to ensure they are given every chance to reach their true potential. I thank the Glenroy Specialist School community for welcoming me to their school yet again. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the new principal, Mr Allan Waterson. Can I also just take this opportunity to acknowledge the outgoing principal, Raelene Kenny. Raelene Kenny served this school community with distinction for many years.