🌿 Learning Beyond the Classroom

Learning extends far beyond the walls of the classroom at Croydon SDS. Throughout the year, students participate in a wide range of authentic learning experiences that enable them to apply, practise and generalise the knowledge and skills they are developing at school.

Recently, our Secondary students enjoyed learning through camp experiences at Blackwood and Clifford Park. These programs provided opportunities for students to build confidence, develop independence and strengthen their communication and teamwork skills while participating in a variety of enjoyable outdoor activities.

Across the school, students regularly engage in learning opportunities beyond the classroom. These include participating in the Eastern Special Schools Sporting Network (ESSSN) programs, sightseeing and community excursions, and accessing authentic learning environments within our own school. Programs such as Student Kitchen, the school pool, and Mini Woolies provide meaningful opportunities for students to practise literacy, numeracy, communication and personal and social capabilities in real-world contexts. These authentic experiences support students to transfer and generalise the skills they are learning in the classroom, building greater independence and confidence across a range of environments.

Providing meaningful learning experiences in a variety of settings helps students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to participate successfully at school, at home and within their community.

🤝 Student Support Group (SSG) Meetings

Student Support Group (SSG) meetings will take place during Week 5. These meetings provide an important opportunity for families, teachers and allied health professionals to work together to celebrate student progress, review learning goals and discuss priorities for the coming semester.

If you have not yet booked an SSG meeting and require assistance, please contact the school office and our staff will be happy to help.

Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for Semester 2 will be available on Compass from Friday 14 August. We strongly encourage parents and carers to share their child's IEP with any external therapists or support professionals they work with. Working towards shared goals across home, school and therapy settings helps provide greater consistency for students and supports stronger skill development and generalisation.

Families who would prefer a printed copy of their child's IEP are welcome to contact the school office, and a hard copy will be provided.

✏️ Curriculum Day – Supporting Every Student to Become a Writer

Our upcoming Curriculum Day (26/8/2026) will focus on strengthening writing instruction across the school to ensure that every student is supported in becoming a confident and capable communicator.

Writing is a fundamental life skill that enables students to organise and express their ideas, communicate their opinions, share information, reflect on their experiences and connect with others. Whether students use spoken words, communication devices, or alternative forms of expression, every student deserves opportunities to develop their voice and communicate with purpose.

During the Curriculum Day, staff will work together to further develop a consistent, evidence-informed approach to teaching writing that meets the diverse learning needs of our students. This professional learning will explore strategies to support students at all stages of writing development, ensuring that instruction is engaging, explicit and accessible for every learner.

By continuing to strengthen our teaching practices, we are helping every student develop the communication skills they need to participate confidently at school, at home and in the wider community. We look forward to sharing more about this important work with families throughout the year.

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