By Dongyun Kwon
Lyrebird College in Coldstream has opened their new building for senior students funded through a grant from the Federal government.
The college is an independent school, pursuing excellence in the education of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder from foundation to year 10.
Principal Julie Kugler said the new building has changed the whole education opportunity.
“Now we can cater for students right through the primary into the secondary setting and offer a lot more programs in an art room, increased ICT and individualised access to different playgrounds and areas of the school,” she said.
Lyrebird College was established aiming to provide better education studies to the highest level of autism so that families could be in good hands.
“We wanted to create a really joyful, vibrant school community to offer a good quality of education with advanced facilities to children with the highest level of autism because we believed that our students can do what other children do,” Ms Kugler said.
After several years of operating, the school has been getting closer to its aim and students proved it during the event.
Easton presented a sketchbook which included the written form of the Acknowledgement of Country and Siddhu read the student’s address followed by James reading the written statement on behalf of Federal Education Minister Jason Clare.
“Today, the opening ceremony was phenomenal. Our students stood in front of the public and made a speech in their own way,“ Ms Kugler said.
“There was no way, in the first two years, I would have ever got a child to stand beside me to do what we did today. When we first opened, we saw our children all in their little separate faces throughout the school, just doing their own integration. Now they communicate and interact. That’s what our education is about.”
Many parents were deeply touched by the work and progress of their children.
Siddhu’s mother Kalpana Venkatesan said Siddhu has bloomed into a brand-new boy reaching his potential after he came to Lyrebird College.
“The learning is different for every kid and my son also learns differently. And I just wanted someone to give him an opportunity and have some patience to teach him,” she said.
“Lyrebird College is not just a place where he’s safe, but he’s also learning exponentially. His learning has just progressed so well and he’s very happy. He’s growing appropriately and having some friendships here. He’s having everything he needs.”
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence and Casey MP Aaron Violi attended the opening ceremony and were surprised by the development of the school.
“Every student deserves to reach their potential. I am happy to see the work and the dedication from educators and families for the students to reach their potential.” Ms Vallence said.
Mr Violi emphasised the importance of cooperation of the whole community to provide a better educational environment for young students.
“It took a vision and drive and determination of many people to bring this together.
“The more we can do as a community, as governments, to help all children have the opportunity that they require. That’s what we need to continue to do,” Mr Violi said.
The Federal government has contributed $880,000 towards the school under the Capital Grants Program.
