PARENTS of 11 to 12-year-old students with an autism spectrum disorder have been invited to an information session on Wednesday 4 June.
Aspect Hunter School, based in Thornton, NSW, is opening a new autism-specific high school class at St Paul’s High School from term one in 2015 to help students with ASD to experience mainstream school in a safe environment.
Students enrolled in the St Paul’s satellite class program will participate in most of the school’s education program, working toward and being assessed under the ROSA program. Aspect staff will provide support to help them to manage the workload and to negotiate the social realms of high school.
St Paul’s High School principal Peter Murphy said the school was delighted to have an Aspect satellite class working with the school in 2015.
“Students from both Aspect and St Paul’s will benefit.
“Teachers, too, will be supported through the interventions and additional training and support made available through Aspect,” he said.
“Currently, St Joseph’s Primary School, Port Macquarie is in partnership with Aspect with the school hosting a satellite unit known as The Rock Pool.
“Introducing a secondary school support option accommodates the secondary school needs for these students and other secondary students identified as being on the autism spectrum.
“The in-class support provided for these Aspect enrolled students will also benefit other students on the autism spectrum and those with additional learning needs in our school.
“A partnership with Aspect responds directly to our parish mission as it allows us to better serve all in our care, particularly those in need.”
The session, for students going into year seven in 2015, will be held from 10am to noon at St Paul’s High School in Port Macquarie.
Bookings are essential – email mdurie@autismspectrum.org.au.
