Meet our Leading Teachers

In this issue we meet Lisa Wilson : Leading Teacher Secondary Years. 

My focus as the leading teacher of the secondary school is to support the continuity of learning as students transition into secondary school, moving through their learning journey as teenagers and towards adult life. Both the initial and final years of the secondary school mark significant milestones for our students and families.  

The secondary precinct at Yarrabah includes 3 purpose-built learning areas:

• the lower secondary building, comprising of 6 classrooms,4 of which are designed to open into larger learning spaces. There is a central hub and kitchenette where students can come together for small or larger group classes as well as individualised learning nooks. 
• the upper secondary life house includes a purpose-built student learning kitchen, and laundry as well as an open and a closed learning space.  
• the manual work building is specifically designed to provide school-based work skill programs in a safe environment emulating a formal work atmosphere.  

Our garden space is in the early stages of a wonderful transformation.  It is an exciting project to watch unfold in the secondary years and will provide further opportunities for pathways work in horticulture. it is also an important space for students to access for self-regulation, for finding peace and enjoyment. 

This term, the primary focus is on transition; preparing our students for 2022.  Our 2021 graduates, over the course of term 4,  will transition into the pathway of their choice for 2022 and beyond. In December the lower secondary staff will be running a transition program for grade 6 students to transition into the lower secondary home groups and environment. Plans for Graduation ceremonies and celebrations for both our grade 6 and final year students are underway as well as other special activities for our students to help celebrate the year coming to a close. 

With life getting back to a sense of normality, 2022 will see the re-introduction of a number of community-based pathway and partnership programs as well as embedding some new pathway initiatives. Building partnerships with local community provides access to a wider range of programs and experiences for our students. This has a twofold benefit for both Yarrabah and the community in regards to achieving an inclusive society. Inclusion is necessary to assist the empowerment of young adults with a disability, encouraging them to have positive self-worth as well as a supportive feeling of having a valued role within the wider community. 

I am very much looking forward to 2022 and our Secondary curriculum. With a great staffing group allocated to secondary, I am excited to say that we have the perfect balance of experience, newness, skills, and interests.