By ALESHA CAPONE
PUPILS at the Sunshine Special Developmental School have been left devastated after heartless vandals destroyed their beloved trampoline.
Acting principal Rosie Hayes said staff arrived on 3 February to discover the trampoline had been wrecked by unknown intruders.
The school council’s president, Anne Mallia, said the sight of the slashed trampoline material has been upsetting for pupils.
To make matters worse, the school will now have to find $1155 to replace and install a new trampoline mat.
“We will have to hold a couple of fundraising events to find the funds for that and in the meantime the kids are really distressed,” Ms Mallia said.
Ms Hayes said even after the trampoline was ruined, students have been lining up hoping to use it.
“Probably one of the most critical aspects is that the trampoline is not just for their play time or leisure – it helps with the learning process for children in the autism spectrum,” Ms Hayes said.
“It is also embedded in the learning system and it’s a very important part of the routine for many students – and with many autistic pupils, keeping to a routine is important.”
The trampoline was installed at the school during 2012, after volunteers from the school’s fundraising sub-committee helped raise money for an equipment upgrade.
Medical studies have shown trampolines can help regulate the sensory skills of special needs children, which in turn assists them to concentrate in class.
“It’s a crucial part of their day-to-day learning,” Ms Mallia said.
Ms Hayes said the trampoline vandals “just don’t realise the significance of their destruction”.
“It’s really sad, whoever did it would know we’re a special school,” Ms Mallia said.
“I would say to them why would you do this to kids who really don’t have a voice and can’t always stand up for themselves?”
The vandals also broke into the school’s bicycle shed and stole bike tubes.
The crime has been reported to police. Anyone who can help the school with a donation towards replacing the trampoline can contact Ms Mallia by calling 9311 4804.
