Support Faculty

Welcome Back to 2026!

The Support Faculty warmly welcome our new students, families and carers; as well as those who are returning to FGHS for yet another exciting year! Things are already shaping up to be another eventful Term, but as a faculty, we are all proud of how our new students have settled in, as well as those who have stepped up to become role-models for our younger and newer peers - well done everyone!!

The Support Unit are fortunate to have gained not only three new demountable classrooms this year, but also wonderful new staff, and would like to welcome Mr Black and Ms Coffey to our team. 

Our staff for 2026 are as follows:

Annual Combined Schools Concert

Late last year, students had the opportunity to showcase their creative talents at the ‘Combined Schools Concert’ that took place at Callaghan College Jesmond. 

With the support of Ms Bardakos, students dove into their characters, taking the audience back in time to a classic vintage circus. With a ring-master, magician, tightrope walker, lion-tamer, strong-man, clowns, and dancing girls, the audience were captivated by the group. 

Students worked tirelessly leading up to the performance, with daily rehearsals, prop creation, and costume fittings, Ms Bardakos ensured these students were ready to take centre stage. Our students demonstrated immense commitment to their roles, and are to be applauded for their professionalism on the day. 

Students got to enjoy watching other local schools perform, and at the conclusion of the day had a silent disco to celebrate all their hard work. Special thanks to Ms Bardakos, Miss Julie, Miss Middleby, Mr Jones and Miss Emmy for all their hard work and involvement to make the day go smoothly. 

Wonnarua Language Lessons

S7 and S13 are having Wonnarua language lessons with Mrs Hunter every fortnight. These lessons are taught during throughout Geography lessons. As the students learn the features of biomes in English language, they are also learning the traditional name for them. Students are enjoying this topic of study and have been displaying core values at all times. Well done S7 and S13. 

Cooking Up Life Skills in Support!

Each week in the Support Unit, our students take part in a practical cooking program designed to build essential life skills in a fun and meaningful way. Students work together to plan, budget for, and prepare a complete meal using ingredients ordered directly from Coles. Before any cooking begins, students are given a set budget and must compare prices, calculate totals and find the best value options for the week. This process strengthens important numeracy skills such as addition, estimation, unit pricing and making informed financial decisions. The cooking and shopping program enables our students to engage in authentic, hands-on learning experiences that directly build independence and confidence for life beyond school.

From reading recipes and measuring ingredients to budgeting, food safety and cleaning up, every step of the process is an opportunity for meaningful learning.

Our cooking sessions focus on:

• Safe food preparation and hygiene
• Budgeting and making cost-effective choices
• Applying numeracy skills in real-world contexts
• Following multi-step instructions
• Working collaboratively in a team

• Developing independence and responsibility

   

Students rotate through roles such as Head Chef, Sous Chef and Kitchen Assistant, allowing everyone to practise leadership, communication and teamwork skills. They learn how to safely use kitchen equipment, handle food correctly, and prepare balanced meals from start to finish.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is seeing students try new foods, expand their tastes, and proudly serve meals they have created themselves. The sense of achievement when sitting down together to enjoy a meal they have planned, budgeted and prepared together is something truly special.

We are incredibly proud of the growth our students show each week, not just in their cooking skills, but in their independence, resilience and willingness to give new things a go. Well done to our amazing students for continuing to step up, take responsibility and build skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Return and Earn Program

Each Friday, students from S12 class collect cans and bottles from around the school to participate in the Return and Earn recycling program. This task no only helps the environment, but also provides students to practise meaningful social skills in a supported setting, and further their understanding of money. This Tuesday, students travelled to Raymond Terrace to recycle the large amount of cans that have been collected since the start of the term. Students utilised their teamwork skills and made just under $100 to save for future class initiatives. We're all so proud of their efforts and positive attitudes!

S7 and S13 Excursion

As part of our learning about Biomes in Geography S7 and S13 recently enjoyed a wonderful excursion filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. During the trip, students had the chance to taste a variety of new and exciting fruits, including dragon fruit and kiwi berries. 

Throughout the day, the students demonstrated amazing social skills and excellent social etiquette. They interacted respectfully with members of the public, listened carefully to instructions, and supported one another as a team. We are very proud of the positive attitudes and maturity they displayed while representing our school in the community.

Ashleigh Moy

Support Faculty