Community - Sir Eric Woodward School
Community Service
Community Service - Sir Eric Woodward School
Sir Eric Woodward Memorial School
The Rotary Club of St Ives has been involved with the Sir Eric Woodward Memorial School (now Sir Eric Woodward School - SEWS) almost since its inception in 1971. The Club held some meetings there in the early days, and since then, have answered the calls for assistance that have occurred over the years. We have been involved in creating the garden area, and providing overhauls of the reflection area as required.
Principal's Message - John F. Paterson
Sir Eric Woodward Memorial School and Distance Education Support Unit is located in the leafy northern suburb of St Ives. The school population includes students with severe intellectual disabilities and high support needs. Students who meet criteria may enrol from four years of age.
The school caters for students until they reach the end of formal schooling. Individual education/transition plans form the basis of the school’s programming methods. These Programs are conducted within the framework of the key learning areas (KLAs). The school also incorporates the Distance Education Support Unit which is a state-wide special education service providing educational programs for students in their own homes who have an intellectual disability and who are isolated for various reasons and unable to attend a mainstream or special school on a regular basis. The students are either located in New South Wales or travelling throughout Australia or overseas with their families.
Both programs provide transition plans are used to ensure a smooth pathway to the student’s next environment in the community.
The school would love to hear from people who are willing to spend an hour a week or more reading to the students or helping in a variety of other ways.
Contact details of the school are 9449 6003 The school is situated in Ayres Road on the corner of Acron Road.
October 2005
A working bee was held at the school on the weekend of the 15-16. There was a big turn out on the Saturday, by lunch time the trampoline had been dismantled as it was not safe to use and the hole that it sat in was filled. A tree with borers was taken out, the pump for the water fountain was once again working. Many of the areas of the garden were uplifted with new plants, this meant digging out the old soil and re palcing it with new which was donated to us by Australian Native Landscapes.
The three sensory planter boxes took on a new life and the paved area around the boxes was cleaned up of all the weeds which had grown amongst the pavers.
On the Sunday the rest of the garden beds were finished and some members got stuck into some painting of some play equipment which had started to rust. Anti rust primer was applied and a coat of paint.
The teachers and parents were astounded at the work which was completed and a letter of thanks was received from Dr John Paterson the principal.
Letters of thanks were sent out to Australian Native Landscapes, Bunnings for the supply of paint and Rast Bros for their time in choosing plants and giving a generous discount.
December 2004
Dr Patterson gave a talk to the Rotarians of St Ives in December 2004 and has asked for help to improve the condition of the school grounds.
This is a very worthwhile project and many hands make light work.
Community Service will be looking for your support this year.
We are hoping to get a Backyard Blitz team to come and assist. If anyone knows anyone who can donate plants or any other equipment please let the Community Services Director know.