Dandenong Valley SDS

Dandenong Valley SDS guiding principles:

■ We uphold the conviction that every child has the ability and the right to learn. It is with that conviction that Dandenong Valley strives to increase each student’s level of personal independence in all possible areas from communication to daily living skills, to movement and recreation.

■ Dandenong Valley explores every avenue to fulfil the individual student’s potential for supported employment and desire to pursue vocational and work options.

■ The partnership desired between home and school is achieved not only by daily communication, but also by regular parent/ teacher interviews and Student Support Group meetings where individual programs are developed for each student.

■ Our excellent educational programs aim to develop the talents and capacities of children and young people with disabilities to their maximum potential and in such a way that they are competent socially and culturally and contribute positively where possible to the economic needs of their community.

■ The promotion of all children and young people’s optimum level of learning will develop their confidence, self esteem, optimism and respect for self and others.

■ The promotion within each student of a sense of happiness, well-being, self-worth and a belief in their own capacity will enhance their participation in and contribution to their society.

■ There is a need for the school to be caring, supportive and to act as an information reference point for families, care-givers and the community.

Dandenong Valley SDS is a specialist school for students with moderate to severe intellectual disability. We are a foundation to year 12 school. Dandenong Valley SDS is located in Narre Warren in close proximity to Fountain Gate Primary and Secondary schools. The school stands in landscaped grounds that include outstanding playgrounds, a sensory park and a horticulture centre.

Our strategic plan priorities are to improve students’ communication, independence and social capabilities. Our students all have individual learning plans that reflect these goals.

The programs that Dandenong Valley offer in addition to our academic program which is based on the Victorian Curriculum levels A-F, are; incursions. program which includes speech, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and music therapy.

Students in their last two years of school are involved in our transition program which prepares them for life beyond the school gate. The key skills are functional literacy, functional numeracy, ICT, recreation and leisure, personal social skills and health, independent living and vocational learning.

Dandenong Valley endeavours to equip students with the capacity to manage themselves and their relations with others, understand their world and act effectively in that world.

For more information please visit our website, www.dandyvalley.vic.edu.au

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