Wellbeing & Inclusion 

at Willy

Neurodiversity

Schools are dynamic places. As teachers, we have the pleasure and privilege to be surrounded by children and adults who are all different, and who each have a unique way of looking at our world. The idea that everyone’s brain works differently is not new, however the neurodivergent child is now more than ever, being offered a stronger voice within the classroom and the broader community. 

At Williamstown Primary School, all brains are celebrated, and each child is given opportunities to engage in their learning in different ways. We have a large collection of resources and teaching strategies available to our Willy Kids to support their learning; from sensory items like wobble stools, sensory cushions, weighted toys and blankets, to brain breaks and movement breaks and various levels of adjustments to learning tasks. Parents, carers and teachers of neurodivergent learners are already aware of some of the challenges that their children face, but they are also learning that with neurodiversity comes incredible amounts of creativity, problem solving skills, empathy and curiosity. There is a lot to celebrate!

In 2018, Neurodiversity Celebration Week began globally, and we are looking forward to acknowledging and celebrating this during Week 8 here at Williamstown Primary School. Below is a timetable of workshops, seminars and Q&A sessions available for anyone interested in learning more. You can register for these sessions via the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/events. You can also ask your child what they have learnt about in their classrooms during Week 8 of this term, and look out for posters and displays around our school. 

While different brains are acknowledged every day, it is nice to stop and spend time during a dedicated week to discuss our brains, and all of their beautiful and incredible differences.

Kind regards,

Lisa Leydin                                                                 Anna Swan

Assistant Principal                                                   Learning Specialist

Disability, Inclusion & Wellbeing                         Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader(Wed–Fri)