Our Visit to St. Lucy's School, Wahroonga

VISIT TO ST LUCY’S SCHOOL, WAHROONGA

Last Thursday a small group from our club were privileged to be able to visit St Lucy’s School and enjoy a guided tour, afternoon tea, and be present at their weekly school assembly together with a number of parents. We were most efficiently hosted by Rebecca Welsh, the Development Manager at the school. We took the Trailer with us and while we were otherwise occupied, parents and staff managed to purchase $150 worth of tickets! In addition, they have taken 2 books of tickets to sell also.

Our tour was a real eye opener in that we quickly were introduced to the security which is necessary to ensure that the 120 students are kept safe (and within the school grounds) each day. They have a total of 167 students, however 47 are in 3 satellite classes in mainstream Catholic schools in Narabeen and Naraweena. As all of their students have mild to profound disabilities, their staffing ratios are necessarily much higher than regular schools. Indeed, they have 70 staff, with classes having 9 to 13 students with atleast a teacher and teacher’s aid in each class. Where disabilities are more severe, the staffing level is increased.

We were able to witness the children during their half hour play time following lunch. It was interesting to observe the different reaction from them to a group of visitors walking around the school grounds - some naturally ignored us, while others were keen to meet us and talk with us. One couldn’t be other than impressed with the array of equipment and facilities in the grounds to keep the children occupied and active. We also got to see an area where the school is looking to refurbish the  ground cover and landscaping. This may well be where the funds our raffle raises will be applied. We were shown a very impressive library facility which included their computer laboratory. This latter facility they hope to move to a dedicated computer facility at some time in the future.

We then experienced the weekly school assembly in their multi-purpose hall, courtesy of the past government’s Building the Education Revolution. It was a very impressive addition to their facilities. We were again impressed by the involvement of the children and the dedicated and caring attitude of the staff. It was a delight to see how the songs and music were so popular with the children.

I am sure I speak for those who were there when I say that there could be no more deserving recipient of the proceeds from  the Christmas Trailer Raffle.