Carenne Public School - Profile

Topic Index

• General Infomation
• Background
• Student Profile
• Staff Profile
• Curriculum
• Class Sizes
• Integration
• School Community
• Facilities
• Programs which complement the School�s Curriculum
• Conclusion

1: General Infomation

Few communities in N.S.W. can boast this success rate. Our success is based on the long term preparation of our students for independence and the close liaison the school has developed with community groups who willingly take over the responsibility and support of our ex-students in the post-school option of their choice.

This vital support is so necessary for our students if they are to move progressively and successfully towards an optimum level of independence in their adult life.

Jock Roxborough, Principal, 4/3/99

2: Background

Carenne is Special school (S.S.P.) located in Bathurst, N.S.W. The school Services a district which extends beyond Bathurst to Blayney, Oberon and surrounding rural communities.

The school has functioned for 37 years and has established a reputation for providing an excellent service for students and their parents and carers. Carenne has also gained a name for its willingness to support other schools, educational institutions, industries and businesses who work with or employ students, clients and workers with high support needs.

3: Student Profile

Currently 47 students with special needs are enrolled at Carenne. Their ages range from 4 to 18 years. The total enrolment is currently 47 which is made up of:

• 25 primary students
• 22 secondary students.

4: Staff Profile

The staff at Carenne are highly qualified and possess a strong professional commitment to maintaining the best education available for the students in their care. This commitment and expertise has allowed the school to implement a broad and comprehensive range of successful and innovative programs and service for students. These initiatives cover curriculum, teaching programs, assessment procedures, management practices and community participation.

Staff members maintain a strong level of ongoing professional development which is strongly supported by the school, the department and their own resources.

Two other groups need to be mentioned - our relief staff and volunteers. Without their support the school would find it difficult to provide many of our excellent programs.

The current staff distribution is:

• 1 Principal
• 1 Assistant Principal
• 7 Class teachers
• 5 Teachers� Aides
• 0.2 Teacher Librarian
• 1 Senior School Assistant
• 0.2 Library Assistant
• 0.4 General Assistant
• 1 District Guidance Officer
• 0.5 Transition/Post School Options Teachers
• 3 Itinerant Support Teachers (Hearing)

5: Curriculum

The curriculum includes Living Skills, Leisure Skills, Vocational Skills and Academic Skills. Where possible, the curriculum is implemented in realistic and integrated settings.

For more detailed information on our curriculum, see:

[Carenne School Curriculum]

6: Class Sizes

Currently there are 7 classes with an average of 6-9 students per class.

7: Integration

Carenne School has a commitment to the integration philosophy. Our involvement includes:

• integration of individual students back into mainstream schools
• integration experiences with local mainstream schools, e.g. pre-school, primary and high
• integration experiences into the local community, e.g. TAFE, use of community facilities and services.

In 1995 Carenne established an Outreach Class at a local primary school where students are fully mainstreamed either on a full or part-time basis at that school, and supported by Carenne staff members. The group proved to be highly successful. In 1996 a second Outreach class was formed at Bathurst Public School. The school has maintained this support for the last 3 years.

The school is student centered. The focus is on the development of independence for all students.

8: School Community

The parents and carers are directly involved with their child�s education, ie. on a day to day basis. The parents and carers are equal partners in the development and maintenance of our student�s Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.). Without this input and ongoing support from them, our model of Curriculum Development would not succeed.

9: Facilities

Our school contains:

• 7 well equipped classrooms
• Home Economics and Industrial Arts/Craft Areas
• Library
• Small Gymnasium
• Spacious Playing Fields (including Bike track)
• Access to 2 school buses
• Computers, T.V. and Video Equipment (for students and teachers use)
• "High tech" Communication Systems for students with communication disabilities
• Extensive teaching and learning materials

10: Programs which complement the School�s Curriculum

• Horse riding
• Swimming
• Transition Education (i.e. preparation for post school options)
• Early Education Program
• School Camps
• Inter-school Visits and Sports
• T.A.F.E. Courses
• Integration Programs
• P.D. Programs
• Participation in Eisteddfod and Local School Performances
• Student Welfare Programs

11: Conclusion

Carenne�s Mission is to provide "Quality Education Towards Independence". All our school leavers are successfully placed in a post school options of their choice, ie. with:

• Open Employment
• Supported Employment
• TAFE/Employment Now/Jobnet
• Bathurst Independent Living Services

Some students are accessing more than one of these options.