MacKillop Education aims to provide an environment that empowers students to re-engage in education and supports them academically and socially so they can experience success in learning and either continue their education at MacKillop or return to their host school.
MacKillop Education enrols young people who meet specific eligibility criteria. Generally, the school the child or young person is currently attending makes the referral. We refer to this school as the Host School. It may be the parent/guardian who requests the referral is made or it may be the Host School, or other agency, that recommends MacKillop Education.
The referral process explores the individual needs of the young person, in collaboration with the referring school or agency and family.
Young people who have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from their education setting. Our schools are suited to students whose learning needs and social and/or emotional behaviours cannot be adequately supported in a mainstream setting.
MacKillop Education will take referrals from a variety of sources. A young person can be referred by:
Step 1: The host school, department or agency initiates or supports the referral by completing the Referral Forms.
Step 2: MacKillop Education reviews the referral and makes contact, to organise an interview.
Step 3: The parent/guardian, student and host school and/or agency representative must attend the interview.
Step 4: At the interview, the focus is on understanding the student and their learning needs.
*A tour can be organised separate to the referral, if families or agencies would like to assess suitability prior to referring.
Referrals and enrolments can happen, at any time, throughout the year. At times, there may be limited spaces in the suitable class; if this is the case, a young person may be placed on a waiting list, until a place becomes available.
MacKillop Education is a specialist school that individualises programs based on the child or young person’s needs. Decisions around transition pathways are made in collaboration and consultation with MacKillop Education, the young person, the family, and the host school.
MacKillop Education will assist with individualised pathways and ensure transitions are carefully considered and supported.
Pathways may include:
MacKillop Education works collaboratively with host schools to enhance the educational outcomes for all students. If a student is enrolled at MacKillop Education, the host school, or agency representative, will continue to be a critical support person and will remain involved in the following ways: