KINGSDENE SPECIAL SCHOOL CELEBRATE THE SUCCESS OF THEIR SPECIAL KIDS
For the past 32 years, ANGLICARE’s Kingsdene Special School and Residential Service at Telopea has provided a unique educational and caring environment for children aged 10-18 with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. On Thursday, September 11 the school celebrated their successes of the last 12 months at its annual Open Day.
Families and carers of students that attend Kingsdene enjoyed the fun-filled day and were able to wander in and out of classrooms and observe the children learning and contributing in class activities. The day ended with a ‘Special Olympics’.
Kingsdene School’s Principal, Anna Green, says the Open Day is just like any other open day listed on most Australian school calendars.
“We have an open day because it is the norm for schools to have them. Yes, Kingsdene is not a mainstream school, but we are still an educational facility in which parents and the community are involved. So this open day really gives the public and families of our students an opportunity to have fun with their kids and to witness their participation in the classroom,” Ms Green said.
The children focused on their tasks that were set throughout the open day. The school assembly was first up and became very lively thanks to some popular kids songs and the excitement of student and class awards.
MaryLou Carter is the mother of Kingsdene student, Nicholas, aged 17, who has the mental age of a three to four year old. She says the open day is a real blessing for her and her son.
“It is great to see Nick sitting at his desk and interacting with both his teacher and classmates, but what is more refreshing is the excitement I see in Nick’s face because I am in the classroom watching and cheering him on.
“Kingsdene really has helped Nick to be the best he can be. The changes I have seen in him over the years are phenomenal and it has come about because of the love, support and determination provided by the teachers and carers at Kingsdene,” Ms Carter said.
Archdeacon of Western Sydney and member of the ANGLICARE Council, The Venerable Ken Allen, says Kingsdene is a service that holds a soft spot in his heart.
“I believe you measure the quality of society by the way it cares for its most disadvantaged and therefore Kingsdene is a place that should be imitated and emulated”.
“I am really happy I could be a part of the 2008 Kingsdene Open Day, it allows me to witness the talent and excitement inside all these kids, it also shows me the professional skill and persistence of the staff,” The Venerable Ken Allen said.
The Kingsdene Open Day was a great success with families, staff and students socialising, playing and celebrating their achievements over the past year. Ms Carter says that watching her son fit in somewhere is truly rewarding.
“I have worried about my son and whether or not he would ever feel a part of this world. To watch him today communicate with his teachers, learn from his experiences and play with his friends really shows me his happiness,” Ms Carter said.
“When he is at home and I say we can go anywhere he wants, he always points to the left side of his chest where the Kingsdene School logo is – Kingsdene has helped him realise that he does belong”.
For more information about Kingsdene School or to help Kingsdene financially by becoming a Kingsdene Care Partner please call 02 9630 7877.
