Thank you to all our staff who participated in the school survey, these surveys help guide our goals and directions of the school. It is very pleasing to see that our strong results have continued in 2024, and we are also able to identify some areas for improvement. A standout result of 100% indicates that all staff ‘believe engagement is key to learning’, our staff work hard on providing hands on education that is both educational and engaging to the students. It was also very pleasing to see results for Parents and Community Involvement as indicated by staff score 82%. Our staff appreciate the strong support we get from our families and community. In comparison to state and network results for School Climate we are exceeding other schools, which is a credit to our whole community.

Later Years returned yesterday from a very enjoyable if not tiring camp, they enjoyed a campfire, hikes, canoeing, and bowling just to name a few of the adventures. A great time had by all!

Middle Years camp is fast approaching also with their trip to Port Fairy planned in a couple of weeks, I’m sure they will all have a fantastic time as well, camps are an important and memorable part of school with happy memories the students can hold for many years.

Next Monday is a student free day for teachers to undertake further training in writing IEP’s, new assessments and the new Disability Inclusion funding Model due to roll out in 2025. The following day is the Melbourne Cup public holiday, so please enjoy the long, long weekend.

Take care

Kylie Carter

In the Middle Years throughout this term, the students have been focusing on Procedure Writing!

Students have conducted some experiments, such as the Skittles Rainbow and the Baking Soda Volcano and learned about the structure of how to write these experiments up. They have enjoyed hands-on activities and working together while learning about this writing style.

These photos show the students adding and mixing the materials to make their Baking Soda Volcano erupt. They then wrote a Procedure Text about it.

Middle Years students have completed their Cubist inspired faces, using collaged cardboard and textured papers. Everyone was proud of the finished results, well done!

Hello everyone,

My name is Misty Goodwin, and I am excited to introduce myself as the newly appointed NDIS Navigator at Hampden Specialist School. In this role, I am dedicated to supporting our students with disabilities and their families in navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to ensure they receive the resources and support they need.

NDIS Navigators work in Victorian government specialist schools and my role is to help parents/carers of students, in our school, get the most out of the supports available for their child.

As a parent who has accessed the NDIS myself, I understand that the journey can often feel overwhelming, with its many forms, assessments, and eligibility criteria. My role is to provide you with clear guidance, support, and practical resources to help you make informed decisions and access the services that best meet the needs of our students.

As a NDIS Navigator, I will focus on the following key areas:

• Information Provision: Offering clear and accessible information about the NDIS, including its processes, eligibility criteria, and available supports.
• Support Planning: Assisting families in developing effective NDIS plans that reflect their child’s unique needs and goals.
• Resource Connection: Helping families connect with relevant services, therapies, and community resources to support their child’s development and education.

(Please note: Hampden Specialist School does not endorse/recommend specific services or therapists. I am currently compiling a list of local providers/services/therapists for parents and carers to research, and engage with, independently.)

• Advocacy: Supporting families in advocating for their child’s rights and entitlements within the NDIS framework.
• Ongoing Support: Providing continuous assistance throughout the NDIS journey, addressing any challenges or questions that arise.

As a NDIS Navigator I am here to offer guidance and support, but there are some limitations to my role.

These include:

• Unable to provide individual case or crisis management for students.
• Unable to directly contact the NDIA or NDIS providers on behalf of parents or carers, except in specific situations after discussing with the principal.
• Unable to resolve issues with the NDIS or NDIA, but I can guide parents and carers on how to navigate the process.
• Unable to make decisions about NDIS therapy services in schools and advocate for specific outcomes. These are handled by the principal, in line with school policy.

I am looking forward to assisting families on their journey with the NDIS and ensuring that every student at Hampden Specialist School can thrive.

I am contactable on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am – 4.00pm via the school number (03) 5595 1995 or email: misty.goodwin@education.vic.gov.au

NDIS Navigators - Advice for parents and carers flyer

The Cooking with Kids Cookbook will be going to the printer early next week. If you would like to submit a recipe it needs to be done before the weekend.  Feel free to email any recipes that you would like to Kristie.simpson@education.vic.gov.au

The Hampden Specialist School Sports Carnival at the Terang Recreational Reserve next Friday the 8^th of November. Events start at 9.45 and the event will be finished by 2.15.  Family are invited to come and watch and even participate with a dress up dash open to an adult and child to participate and the adult event Tissue Box Ping Pong. The adult events will run in the afternoon from 1pm.

The lunch order list will be available in the next couple of days so keep an eye out. The return date is strictly the 6^th of November. There will also be a kiosk running on the day.

We will have available

Cupcakes                     $1.00

Cookies                               50c

Popcorn                              50c

Zooper Doopers              50c

Cans of Drink              $2.00

Bottles of Water         $1.00

Coffee                            $1.00

We are still chasing some big white buckets if anyone has some we can lend. Just let the school know.

 Medals and awards will be presented at around 1.30pm. We look forward to seeing you all there.

If you would like to assist for an hour or so on the day please get in touch with the school so that we can add you to the roster.

Next Parents Association Meeting is at 4.20 at Terang Campus on November 12^th. Happy to see any new faces