EVERYONE in Stawell knows and is proud of the Skene Street Specialist School and now, Rotary Stawell is launching a campaign to offer even more support.
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Rotary Stawell recognises that Skene Street has a fine reputation, that is known and appreciated through the Grampians region.
Skene Street draws its student body around 50% from the Northern Grampians Shire, with a similar number from Ararat Rural City.
The redeveloped school commenced in 2011 with a capacity for 50 students. It bases its curriculum on the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Guidelines and incorporates Literacy, Mathematics, Physical Education and Recreation, Humanities and Art.
Special education has a long and proud history in Stawell including Pleasant Creek Special School. Skene Street School provides programs for students 5-18 years who have an intellectual and/or physical disability in an environment that enables them to reach their full social, emotional and academic potential.
"We focus on working with each student to develop their sense of self confidence and ability to be a valued member of their community," Principal Robyn Anyon said.
"We value our provision of individualised programs, ensuring the optimum development of each student.
"The family friendly atmosphere provides opportunities for open communication between school and parents with mutual respect between staff, students and parents providing a secure learning environment.
"We have a positive relationship with the Stawell and Ararat communities and agencies. Skene Street School moved into a new school, a renovated Living Skills Area and surrounds for the 2011 year."
Rotary has taken a keen interest in the school and has for a number of years made annual encouragement awards at the school's presentation evening.
This year with the help of the communities of Ararat and Stawell, Rotary wants to make a presentation to the school. When the school was redeveloped, provision was made for a large multi-purpose room. This room is used throughout the year including the annual award presentations. It has one deficiency, it does not have its complement of seating, so parents and guests have to bring their own for functions.
Rotary would like to change this situation and provide the school with appropriate permanent seating. Hence Rotary is asking the Stawell and Ararat communities, individually, collectively and through local businesses to "sponsor a chair" at $75 per chair. For 100 chairs about $7500 is needed. Rotary would like to complete the purchase in time for this year's presentation night in December.
Stawell Gold Mine has got the appeal off to a flying start with a donation of $2000, a number of individuals have put their names down to sponsor an individual chair at a cost of $75 each. Chair sponsors will be recorded on an Honour Board in the multi-purpose room.
To be a sponsor contact Stawell Rotary secretary Pauline Sherrifs 5358 1389 or John Launder on 5358 2171.