By MELISSA MEEHAN
Purpose-built facility for integration students pledged…
A BRAND new state-of-the-art purpose built facility for integration students at Emerald Secondary College will be built, if the Labor Party wins the upcoming State Election.
Last month, the Mail reported that integration students at the school were forced to use an aged and crowded portable to get away from the hustle and bustle of the playground.
At the time, the School Council passed a motion that the college could only accept enrolments from integration students from primary schools within its local zone.
He said many integration students had needs different to other students at the school, and many on the autism spectrum preferred a quiet space to spend their breaks rather than the rat race of the playground.
“There simply isn’t enough room to accommodate the students during their breaks, so we have had to introduce a roster system for when they can spend time in the portable,” he said.
Last week, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Education, James Merlino, joined candidate for Gembrook, Collin Ross, to announce $1.5 million towards the facility. Student disabilities range from physical impairments to learning difficulties to behavioural problems linked to conditions like autism and the like.
Mr Merlino said he had visited the school on a number of occasions and pushed for funding to be made available.
“Like all other students, special needs students deserve the best start,” Mr Merlino said.
“Purpose built facilities will give them the best start, and the space they need.
“Labor has listened to parents and teachers at Emerald Secondary and we will upgrade these classrooms,” he said.
Gembrook Labor candidate Collin Ross said he understood the need for special needs students as his wife worked as an integration-aide.
“Local schools are so important for the future of our kids,” he said.
“This is a proud day for locals who have been working hard for this upgrade.”
Principal Wayne Burgess said he was delighted with the election promise, and hoped that both sides of government would support the project.
“We’ve done all the plans, got all the costings and we’re ready to go,” Mr Burgess said.
“We have an exemplary program here for both our integration and gifted students.
“This funding will allow us to provide state-of-the-art education in state-of-the-art facilities.”
He said a custom-made facility would help make all the difference for students who had difficulties but sat on the spectrum which meant they couldn’t always receive funding.
“We are able to offer those kids something that a special school might not be able to, some of our integration students are taking part in VCAL studies or even completing their VCE.”
