By Molly Magennis
Yarraville Special Developmental School (SDS) is finally going to be celebrating their 30th birthday after the original event in June was postponed.
Yarraville SDS has 61 students and caters for the educational needs of students aged between 5 -18 with moderate to severe intellectual disability.
The school will now be celebrating its 30th birthday on Thursday November 25.
Assistant principal Davina D’Menzie said the school is very excited to finally be able to celebrate this milestone together, and that having missed the event due to the lockdown makes it even more special now.
“We just missed our students so, so much,” she said.
Ms D’Menzie said the event will be a celebration of all past and present students’ hard work and achievements over the past three decades.
“Some staff have been working here for up to 20 years and listening to their stories brings tears, laughter and joy,” she said.
The school’s purpose is to engage students in a friendly, caring environment where learning is fun, Ms D’Menzie said.
“We aim to achieve the highest level of progress for each individual, enabling them to communicate effectively, develop independent living and social skills, self-manage emotions, manage transitions, develop friendships and become confident citizens.”
Ms D’Menzie said her favourite memory in the five years she’s been at the school is seeing the bonds formed between staff and students.
“From the time I entered the school in 2016, I was struck by the bonds shared by staff and students and this has only strengthened through the years.”
To celebrate, the school will be hosting activities such as face painting and will have photo booths, bubble machines, an animal farm and a school disco.
“It will be lovely to see past students, their families and staff coming together with our current school community to reminisce about their time with Yarraville Special Developmental School,” Ms D’Menzie said.
