Alumni Visit 

Keziah Glenane & John Burt OAM

 

 

What a great way to start a Tuesday, with former Principal of the Ballarat Specialist School, John Burt OAM and Keziah Glenane, Down Syndrome Australia Employment Ambassador, visiting us. 

 

Kez finished up at BHS in 2008 and John completed his high school journey in 1966. The alumni spoke to our Vocational Major students about diversity, a theme they're currently studying as part of their curriculum.

 

Kez is an employee at Harris Scarfe in Ballarat and spends her spare time on the Down Syndrome Advisory Board and the Belonging Matters Commitee. She emphasised how important it is to give a voice to those with a disability and spoke about the struggles she faces on a day-to-day basis. She is passionate about speaking out and even voiced her concerns to the Prime Minister when she met him in Canberra. 

 

John completed 50 years with the Education Department before his retirement, 21 of those at the helm of the Ballarat Specialist School. 

 

A key message our students took away from John, was how important it is to focus on 'ability' when it comes to all people. He provided a historical perspective on our school, stating "Education has been my professional life's journey. I believe that was influenced with my great time spent at Ballarat High School".

 

We thank Kez and John for their time, what an inspiring session for our students!

 

Eliza Hopkinson - Alumni and Marketing Co-ordinator