Special school’s solid foundation

A principal with experience providing “specialist education services” will lead Geelong’s new school for disabled children, State Government has announced.
Suzanne Armstrong would be founder principal at North Geelong Special Development School when it opened next year, the government said.
“It’s very exciting to be able to establish a school from the ground up,” Ms Armstrong said.
“I’m really keen to create the best possible curriculum and therapy programs for the students.”
Ms Armstrong was “more than ready for the role” after serving as principal at Colac Specialist School for almost 11 years as part of her 32-year career in schools, State Education Minister James Merlino said.
“Her vast experience will ensure North Geelong Special Development School gets off to a great start in 2018,” he said.
Local MP John Eren welcomed the early appointment as offering families certainty about the new school while allowing it to begin “reaching out and forming relationships with our community”.
The new school for 168 students would include a hydrotherapy pool, a games hall, a sensory gym area, a swing for children in wheelchairs and dedicated spaces for healthcare professionals, the government said.