FAQ

1. What is a special assistance school?

A Special Assistance School provides an alternative educational setting for students with high-level needs, and caters for students with social and emotional disabilities, as well as students who are at risk of disengagement from education, or have behavioural difficulties that require specialist support and mentoring, or whose needs are better met by flexible learning structures that may not be available in other mainstream schools. The focus of a special assistance school is not all about curriculum, but developing social and life skills and equipping the young person with strategies that will help them overcomes normal day-to-day life challenges.

2. How many students are in each class?

Classes have a maximum of 16 students. However, in our vocational training programs this could be less depending on safety requirements.

3. How do I enrol?

Enrolment is by a referral only, and this must come from another school, youth service provider, or externally recognised youth support organisation. Schools and support agencies can contact the school to refer a young person for enrolment. Once an enrolment referral is received, the student and parent/guardian will be contacted by the school for a suitability for enrolment meeting with the Principal or Deputy Principal.

4. Do you accept all enrolment referrals?

The suitability interview prior to the enrolment is an important part of the process of working towards what is best for every young person. During this interview, it may be identified that a student may have better opportunities by accessing other learning pathways, particularly those in the senior phase of non-compulsory schooling.

5. Do I have to wear a uniform?

At Glendyne, wearing the school uniform is mandatory. However, the uniform that is mandatory only includes a school polo-shirt, shorts/skorts and school hat for outdoor activities and community events. Footwear is mandatory and must be suitable to undertake most school activities. Our vocational training workshops provide work boots, overalls and personal protective equipment.

6. I have missed a lot of school and did not pass some subjects how do I catch up?

We work with students and families to identify academic needs and abilities, and then support students with their academic goals. We deliver a school wide literacy program that ensures that all students, regardless of subjects studied at school, they are consistently working on their individual literacy goals. A learning support tutor is available to assist students with literacy development, and the support workers assist students during class time with learning activities provided by the teachers.

7. I do not have transport, how do I get to school?

Glendyne provides a bus service for students that live in Hervey Bay.  We can assist students in how to access public transport from home to school for those living in other local towns.

8. What is Therapeutic Crisis Intervention?

TCI is a trauma informed crisis prevention and intervention model designed to teach staff how to help young people learn constructive ways to handle crisis and regulate stressful feelings of hurt, failure, frustration and anger.

The purpose of the program is to use a negative situation as ‘learning in the moment’ to develop skills and strategies that the student can use and reflect on when they become frustrated or angry.

9. I am not a Christian can I still attend this school?

You sure can!  We accept all religions and love you for who you are!   Participation in school devotions about God and His word is encouraged. We want all students to have the opportunity to know God like many of our staff do.

10. Will I get one on one support? 

Our classes have a teacher and a Youth Worker in them, with reduced student numbers compared to a mainstream school.  There are times when you can get one on one support, but this is not possible all the time.

11. Can I get an ATAR score?

We can support you towards an ATAR pathway, usually through attending TAFE where an ATAR recognised course can be completed.

12. I was bullied at my last school.  How does this school handle bullying?

We take bullying seriously and will act on information forwarded to us.  We value communication from students and carers, and encourage our young people to have a voice on issues that concern them.  Being a peacemaker is an important part of our guidelines.  We understand that sometimes there could be conflicts between a student joining the school, and another enrolled student. We offer mediation services in these situations to resolve conflict before it has an opportunity to escalate. It is important that the school is a safe and enjoyable place for students and staff to ork together. Students that repeatedly bully others, are aggressive and abusive, threaten with violence, or create an unsafe high-risk learning environment will be at risk of having their enrolment cancelled.

13. What are the fees?

There are no school fees. However, we do charge each term a resource levy. This is invoiced at the beginning of each term.  This levy helps support the costs of providing all learning and vocational education materials. Other costs not covered by this levy include uniforms, technology for home, lunches, and some personal costs that students have during camping and excursions.

14. Can I bring a mobile phone to school?

At Glendyne, personal mobiles phones, tablets or music devices are banned. There is a time and place for technology in this technology driven world. However, all the technology required for learning is available at the school, and this provides ample access to the world wide web to learning and learning to use technology responsibility.

15. Do I have to purchase learning materials or books for my child to attend school?

At Glendyne, the resource levy that is paid by the parent/guardian each term helps us provide all learning resources. All that is required for your child to attend school is a willingness to attend, and to be activity engaged while present at school.

16. Does the school provide lunch and breakfast?

The school has a commercial grade hospitality kitchen, and very willing hospitality students that assist in providing healthy lunches every day. These lunches are not free but provided at a minimal cost to ensure that everybody can afford meals. However, if you do prefer to bring your own lunch, this is also encouraged. Breakfast is provided free every Friday.