NEW HOPE SCHOOL CREATING OPPORTUNITIES TO FLOURISH

Neurodiversity Celebration Week was from 15-19 March. This campaign and others like it aim to raise awareness of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD or other learning differences or disabilities. Many students with certain differences can find the school experience difficult. They can often feel frustrated or embarrassed and despite the tremendous efforts of staff and parents, they are often reminded of what they can’t do.

It is important that each student is provided with opportunities to flourish. By focusing on what students can do, we can contribute to the way students with special needs are perceived and treated at school and the way neurodiverse students feel about themselves. What we want for all students is for them to feel valued and accepted and recognise that they are loved by God. We need to recognise students’ creativity, innovation, ability to think outside-the-box and their unique insights. It is critical that a student’s potential is not threatened by the misconceptions many people hold.

I have had the privilege recently to meet with the parents of our Year 12 students to discuss goals and plans as these students transition to post school opportunities. Here are two examples of the feedback that we have received:

“The teachers have always been extremely caring and have a good understanding of my son’s needs. He loves coming to school.”

“Our family has appreciated the ongoing nurturing and support provided by New Hope School. We have enjoyed the true partnership with school staff in regard to our child’s high school journey. We have always felt that our child’s needs were paramount, and we were not only welcomed to, but encouraged to provide input. The consistency this approach has afforded, means our child will transition to the post school world as a happy and curious young man.”

At New Hope School, our hope is that all students have happy, positive and fulfilling school experiences where their strengths and talents are celebrated. We continue to show God’s grace to all in our New Hope School community as we recognise the potential in each individual. We recognise each person for who they are and not what we think their diagnosis means.

DIANNE DOWSON

Director, New Hope School

The Lord alone is our radiant and we trust in him with all our hearts. His wrap-around presence will strengthen us. Psalm 33:20

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