WELCOME TO SPENCER PARK EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTRE
Our centre strives towards the development of “Success” for all our students in many aspects of their lives not just in education and learning.
We have a strong relationship with our co-located school, Spencer Park Primary School, where we have worked together to develop a culture of inclusion allowing all our students to experience a wide range of inclusion in their social and learning programs throughout the day.
Our school is a specialist setting catering for students with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities or with extensive learning needs. We are a vibrant Independent Public School providing for students in their early years of learning with an Early Childhood Program that supports students in Kindergarten to year 3. Our primary program supports the develop of student’s independence and successful learning in life skills through our ASDAN program.
A key aspect to the school and providing a high level of care and success for students is in the expertise of our staff and the programs aimed at supporting all student to have a voice that enables communication beyond simple requests of needs. We are a proud PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) school with a philosophy of positive reinforcement with expectations for students and staff to “Be Safe, Be Friendly and Be Your Best”.
Home Learning
Play based home learning
Teaching tips for parents
WHAT MAKES US THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR CHILD
What makes our school exceptional is our Explicitly Trained Teachers and Enhanced Support Staff. Our passionate teachers are highly qualified experts with years of teaching experience and are specifically trained in special needs education. Our teachers are enthusiastic, lively, and very supportive of their students progress, meet our fantastic teachers:
Tarryn Cronje
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
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PASSION
I was born and raised in South Africa however extremely blessed to now call Australia home! I'm a passionate Early Childhood & Primary teacher who is committed to understanding children as unique individuals who have a right to a meaningful and memorable educational experience!
I'm a mum of 3 human and many many fur children. My ultimate favourite thing to do is spending time outdoors with my family and furbabies. We have a gorgeous collection of sheep, goats, pigs, a handsome steer, a cheeky joey, guinea pigs and dogs who are all very loved, individually named and cared for.
My ultimate teaching goal is for every child to know they matter and to incorporate their interests into their learning!
Room 22 |
Kelly Barton
I grew up in Albany and have been teaching around the great Southern and southwest region for the last 16 years. I like reading, cooking and dancing. I am a member of the Albany CWA and I have one very bossy cat.
Kristen McGregor
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Early Childhood)
Master of Disability Studies - Specialisation in Deaf and Hard of Hearing
1990-2017 Early Childhood Teacher
2017-2020 Special Education
Intermediate Auslan User
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Exercising at the gym
Walking
Canoeing
Building/ renovating/ design
Respite foster carer
Married with three adult children
Co-business owner with my husband
Involved with fundraising for Albany Hospice
PASSION
I have a passion for working with Deaf children and adults. Since working at SPESC, I have found a passion for working with children with additional needs. I have a strong interest in AAC - particularly Auslan Sign, bilingualism and biculturalism. Early intervention and play are my passion in terms of education.
Room 13 | All years | Art, Music, Dance and Visual Arts
Melissa Garcia-Wright
She/Her/Hers
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Arts in Education (K-6)
Certified English as a Second Language Educator (K-12)
I began teaching year 1 general education in Miami, FL USA, for 3 years. In 2007, I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. For the next 10 years I taught English as a second language to emerging bilingual students in Preprimary and year 1. In 2019 my wife and I moved to Albany, WA where I have been teaching special needs education at SPESC.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
In my free time I enjoy baking, crafting, reading and playing video games with my wife.
PASSION
I am passionate about Social Justice topics and education. I often spend time learning about centering and including voices that have traditionally been left out or marginalised. I work hard to bring this knowledge and experience to my teaching environment.
Room 23 | Early Intervention Centre
Shelley Redmond
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Diploma of Teaching
Bachelor of Education
Graduate Certificate in Complex Communication Needs
Team Tutor
I graduated in 1980, I taught mainstream (Junior Primary) and gained qualifications in Special Education in 2000.
I have worked in an Education Support Centres in Perth and Queensland before settling at SPESC.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
I am a Christian and enjoy being part of the children's ministry at my local church.
I enjoy cross stitching
I have two adult children and four grandchildren
I live with my husband who is an avid photographer
I enjoy sitting by the river with my cross stitch while he takes photos of birds
PASSION
I have a passion for working with children with additional challenges, I am empowered by my training to work with people with complex communication needs.
I believe all children can learn given the supports they need.
Room 14 | Year 4, 5 & 6
Kristin Ellery
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)
Bachelor of Education - Specialising in Special Education
Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Graduate Certificate in Complex Communication Needs
I have taught mainstream classes from Kindergarten to Year 6 in NSW, Broome, Perth and in the UK as a classroom teacher and as a support teacher. I have been teaching at Spencer Park ESC for 12 years.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
I love spending time at the beach with my family and dogs. I am an active member of Albany Surf Life Saving and do beach patrols over the summer.
PASSION
I am very passionate about communication for all and empowering individuals to communicate their thoughts and opinions.
Room 22
Elise Parker
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Education Primary (K-7) | Murdoch University 2004
2004-2012 General Primary School Teacher
2012-2014 Learning Support Coordinator (Special Needs)
2014-2021 Special Needs Teacher - Student Services Co-ordinator
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Hiking
Swimming (in the pool! no sharks)
Vegie Gardening
Cooking with produce from my garden
PASSION
I am passionate about providing quality learning environments so our students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Student Services Co-ordinator
Mitchell Williams | Chappy
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Diploma of Youth Work
I began at Spencer Park Education Support Centre in 2015, before this I worked in both schools and Youth Work environments. I work at SPESC 2 days per week and am often supporting students and staff throughout the school program.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
When I am not at work I really enjoy riding my bike, playing guitar at my church, surfing, camping and hanging out with my amazing Wife and three children.
PASSION
I am passionate about supporting our students throughout their journey at SPESC. I am also passionate about supporting our hardworking, committed and compassionate staff.
Room 13,14 and 22 | School Chaplain | Rock & Water Program
AM I ELIGIBLE TO ENROL?
Information for parents regarding eligibility for enrolment in an Education Support Centre is available through the Department of Education website; Enrolling in school; or Education Support Centres and Schools.
Ready to enrol? To complete your child’s enrolment you will need to fill out an enrolment form and forward it to us along with a copy of your child’s full birth certificate, record of immunisation and diagnosis documentation. You can do this by email (see our contacts page) or by coming along to our office; our friendly staff are available to help you from 8.00am through to 4.00pm.
APPLICATIONS FOR EARLY INTENSIVE INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Students who are diagnosed Autism or Global Development Delay and waiting for diagnosis for Autism may be eligible to enrol in our EIP. This is an intensive 2-year program that places a strong focus on explicit and direct teaching for students with Autism in Kindergarten and Pre-primary. The aim of the program is support the development of the student to be ready for mainstream schooling. Throughout the program we work closely with your chosen mainstream school to facilitate effective learning and integration for your child ready for full time attendance in year 1.
Enrolment in the program is available at any time throughout the year, for more information about our Early Intervention Program please see our EIC page.
OUR SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Application to Enrol
ADDRESS
26 Hardie Road, Albany, WA 6330
TELEPHONE
08 6821 3050
STUDENT ABSENCES
SMS 0427 085 542
Positive Behaviour Support
Our school employs a Positive Behaviour Support philosophy for student learning expected behaviours of “Be Friendly”, “Be Safe” and “Be your Best” that helps them to achieve success.
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SCHOOL BOARD
The Board is comprised of:
- School Principal
- Parent/Community Representatives
- School Representatives
Members of the School Board are nominated by or from within the school community.
PARENT/COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES
Our current Board members are:
Amanda Baxter
Megan Gardiner
Jeremy Hadlow
BUSINESS/INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES
Viv Gardiner
SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES
Bec Wheatley Principal
Sharon Hall Manager of Corporate Services
Melissa Garcia-Wright Teacher
Jo Kellett Education Assistant
STUDENT SERVICES TEAM
Bec Wheatley – Principal
Maree Dawes – School Psychologist
Elise Parker – Student Services Teacher
STAFF & CURRICULUM
TEACHING PRACTICES
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Spencer Park Education Support Centre teaching and learning programs are prepared and delivered by highly experience and specialist teachers and education assistants
SCHOOL BOARD
The School Board plays a major role in providing an effective and efficient link to our wider school community. It supports the school in ensuring we are meeting expectations of the students, parents and community members through our resourcing and priorities.
STAFF
All our teaching staff are qualified in Early Childhood Education and/or Special Education with education assistants having completed a certificate through TAFE for working within education support.
Our staff continuously participate in training and development to maintain a high level of knowledge of sound educational and social programs. We are supported by a senior school psychologist who meets regularly with our student services team to provide intensive support for any student needs.
Staff training and development has been in the areas of:
- TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related handicapped Children)
- ABA & DTT (Applied Behaviour Analysis and Discrete Trials)
- AAC (Augmented Alternative Communication including PODD [Pragmatic Organised Dynamic Device]; Auslan & KWS [Key Word Sign]; Prolo2go)
- Team Teach
- Manutention Practitioner Training
- Talk 4 Writing
- Yumi Maths
- Drumbeat
- Rock and Water
- Hydrotherapy
- Protective Behaviours
Hear what our staff have to say about SPESC:
CURRICULUM
The educational programs are determined by student level of knowledge and understanding as well as their level of sensory and social-emotional need. In the development of each students Individual Education Plan a goal for the development of a social or life skill or concept is made in conjunction with parents, carers and other stakeholders.
Teaching and learning programs then are scaffolded to support the development of this goal while being embedded in the Western Australian Curriculum outcomes from the alternative curriculum tools of the Special Education Needs Assessment Tool (SENAT) and Abilities Bases Learning Education Western Australia (ABLEWA) tools.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT
STUDENT SERVICES
Spencer Park Education Support Centre has a strong focus on providing positive successful education. Our student services team is key in the providing the best possible in high quality and care for students through the implementation of our school wide Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
The team is instrumental in providing support to students, families and staff who experience difficulties in self-regulation and engagement. They meet regularly and provide a case by case support for development of Sensory Plans, Functional Behavioural Analysis with specific program adjustments, Behaviour Support Plans and Comprehensive Autism Planning Systems.
ATTENDANCE
It is important that every student attends school every day unless they are unwell. Missing days of school adds up quickly and can result in your child missing out on important learning. Regular attendance is set at 90%, which means that your child should not be missing any more than 1 day per fortnight. Please make an effort to ensure that your child comes to school each day that they are well and enforce it!
Regular attendance is critical for students to achieve optimal learning at school. Missing school adds up:
- If a child misses an average of five days a term (years 1 to 10), they miss out on approximately one year of school in their learning
- If a child misses one day a week of school (from years 1 to 10), they will miss almost two years of school in their learning
- If a child misses two days a week of school (from years 1 to 10), they will miss almost four years of school in their learning
- If a child misses five weeks a term (years 1 to 10), they miss almost five years of school in their learning.
Please do not give in to the many excuses that our children provide at different times. Please contact the school if we can assist with helping your child to attend regularly. School is the EXPECTATION and staying home is the EXCEPTION.
The school is obliged to follow up on students with poor attendance and there are a range of processes and steps that the school will follow including:
- Contacting parents/caregivers to provide satisfactory reasons for absences.
- Home visits by Badged Attendance Officers.
- Referral to Attendance Advisory Panels.
DOCUMENTATION
BUSINESS PLAN
2021-2024 School Business Plan
ANNUAL REPORT
2021 Public School Review Report
Spencer Park Education Support Centre Public School Review report March 2021
LOCAL AREA INTAKE
Spencer Park Education Support Centre does not have a local intake area.
SPESC is a specialist primary school that provides modified learning programs for students in years Kindergarten to Year 6 with variety of disabilities and learning needs. We accpet students from all over the Albany region.
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EARLY INTERVENTION CENTRE
The Early Intensive Intervention Program is specific to meet the needs of children diagnosed with Autism or Global Developmental Delay and are in their early years of school. It provides a “wrap around” service linked to your chosen primary school, therapists and other service providers. The program is a 2 year program beginning in kindergarten through to pre-primary. It is open to any child at any stage within these first two years of their schooling. This program is designed to serve students whose parents intend the child to attend general education by Year 1 at their local primary school.
OUR EARLY INTENSIVE INTERVENTION PROGRAM PROVIDES:
Focus on school achievement:
All students have the right to enroll, access and participate in schooling which meets their individual needs.
Staff and Support:
Early Intervention is key to the successful enagagment of a child with ASD to develop a foundation of success that sets them up for the later years at school. Our classroom programs have strong teaching and learning foundations. Students are taught in small groups and in an individual 1:1 settings with a staffing rate of one staff member to two students.
Philosophy and Priorities:
Using evidence research based practices, from Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and play based learning. We operate with the underpinning philosophy of never a moment wasted. Every opportunity is an opportunity to engage the children in learning something new or practicing a learned skill.
EIP Context Specific:
The EIP program has a specific goal for development of skills for school readiness, providing intervention for children in communication, social skills, sensory learning (including protective behaviours and sensory self-regulation), and physical fine and gross motor skills.
CLASSROOM ROUTINE:
Classroom routines include regular mat sessions, group and table work, guided play, singing, story telling and writting, and outdoor play. All routines are developed to encourage and engage children in development of social skills and emotional wellbeing competencies. Communication, vocabulary and language are taught and developed through Augmentative and Alternative Communication structures, specifically designed to support students with minimal verbal skills.
Classroom routines include regular mat sessions, group and table work, guided play, singing, story telling and writting, and outdoor play. All routines are developed to encourage and engage children in development of social skills and emotional wellbeing competencies. Communication, vocabulary and language are taught and developed through Augmentative and Alternative Communication structures, specifically designed to support students with minimal verbal skills.
LEARNING PROGRAMS:
Spencer Park Education Support Centre provides students with a high level of support ensuring best possible outcomes for every student. With learning programs structured to meet the individual needs of students using principles of TEACCH, ABA, Explicit and Direct Instruction models and PBS, each student is encouraged to achieve at a high standard and work towards becoming independent in their learning.
SESSION TIMES:
Kindergarten Session
Monday | 9:00am to 12:00pm
Tuesday | 8:50am to 3:10pm
Wednesday | 8:30am to 3:10pm
Pre-Primary Session
Thursday | 8:50am to 3:10pm
Friday | 8:50am to 3:10pm
We can support you and your family and understand that it may be necessary for you to drop off and pick up other children at different locations. Please come and speak with the Principal or classroom teacher if you need support around pick ups and drop offs.
OTHER NOTES:
Toilet Training
- On occasion, if your child is slow to use the toilet with independence, we are able to facilitate a toilet training program. Talk to your teacher about your child’s needs and how our program works.
Your child will need to bring
- Morning tea, lunch and a drink bottle
- Nappies and underwear
- Change of clothes including socks
- Personal communication device and other equipment
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PROGRAMS
Spencer Park Education Support Centre provides students with a high level of support ensuring best possible outcomes for every student. Our learning programs are structured to meet the individual needs of students using principles of TEACCH, ABA, Explicit and Direct Instruction models and PBS. Each student is encouraged to achieve at a high standard and work towards becoming independent in their learning.
Our programs include:
- Protective Behaviours
- Hydrotherapy
- Swimming
- Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC)
- PATHS
- Learning through the Arts, Dance, Drama, Sing & Sign Music
- Functional Life Skills Learning
- Interactive Multi-Sensory rooms
- Drumming
- Rock and Water
- Horticulture
- ASDAN for year 5 & 6 students
- Specialist Sporting Programs
FACILITIES
Toilets, Gates and Fencing
Our School offers secure fencing along with security gates that can only be operated by our staff to ensure all students safety. We have private fully equipped toileting facilicties seperate from the mainstream accessable to all students.
Library
Our School has its own library full of the latest educational materials along with an extensive range of childrens fictional books.
Heavy Work and Resting Room
The Resting room offers our students an environment where they can decompress and feel safe, we also have a Heavy Work room offering students an outlet to do heavy work exercises.
Playground
Our School has a natural wooden playground featuring swings, climbing frames, slides, interactive boards, balancing frames, water play, trampolines, bike paths and a nature hut. Our playground area is undercover and has many interactive activities to engage students of all ages.
Multi-Sensory Room
The Multi-Sensory Room at SPESC gives our students the opportunity to learn in a highly interactive and engaging experience-based learning. Our sensory room is equipped with floor to ceiling bubble tubes, fibre optics, ball pit, and sensory lights with patterns.
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THE BUZZ MAGAZINE
2021
2020
KEY WORD SIGN SERIES
Key Word Sign is a type of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) used at SPESC, we use hand signs to represent the main or key words in a sentence at the same time as the words are being spoken. Here are some videos of our staff using Key Word Signs:
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
We understand that it is not always easy to make it to the P&C meetings or be part of the school board. However, we value your input and would like to provide you the opportunity to be involved. Please join our coffee and croissant mornings for a catch up on news from the P&C and other committees (such as the PBS and AAC) across our school.
All that we do we do for your child.
Our next coffee and croissant morning will be TBA.
P&C SPENCER PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL & SPENCER PARK EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTRE
The P&C meets twice per term, Monday evenings at 7.15pm in the school staffroom. Fundraising is the main focus although the group also has a role in giving feedback and providing input in relation to decisions about policy and planning. P&C members have also organised busy bees to help out in a range of ways including grounds development and minor facilities improvements. A well attended regular end of year social gathering highlights the positive, cohesive and popular nature of this group.
Our current P&C office bearers are:
Erika Leak – President
Jessica Gallantino – Vice President
Mary Mcleod – Secretary
Amy Sims – Treasurer
Home Learning
Play based home learning
Teaching tips for parents
CANTEEN AND LUNCHES
The canteen is open daily between the hours of 8.15 am to 1.00pm. Please note our online canteen shut off times for daily orders are 9.00 am.
VOLUNTEERS
We are always keen to have volunteers in our canteen if you can spare a hour or two once a week, fortnight or month. Give us a call or drop in; you’re always welcome.
Our Canteen is also looking for volunteers if you are interest then please speak with the front office ladies
BOOK LISTS
Ours booklists are different to mainstream, please contact the office to collect yours.
UNIFORMS AND SCHOOL DRESS CODE
Students at Spencer Park Education Support Centre wear the same uniform as Spencer Park Primary School. The uniform shop is open on Monday mornings in room 6.
Any queries to the Uniform Shop, open Monday 8.45am to 9.15am in Room 6 or you can telephone/SMS:
Melissa 0400 579 397
Perdie 0408 102 585
Emily 0401 479 237
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SPENCER PARK EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTRE FACEBOOK PAGE
EARLY INTERVENTION CENTRE FACEBOOK PAGE
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SPENCER PARK EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTRE AND EARLY INTENSIVE INTERVENTION CENTRE CONTACT
CONTACT DETAILS
ADDRESS
26 Hardie Road, Albany, WA 6330; PO Box 517, Albany DC WA 6331
TELEPHONE
08 6821 3050
STUDENT ABSENCES
SMS 0427 085 542
ADMINISTRATION CONTACTS
Bec Wheatley – Principal
Sandra Pinner – Manager Corporate Services
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