Dear Mudgeeraba Special School Families,

At Mudgeeraba State Special School staff are committed to ensuring that all our students have access to their ‘voice’ and we like celebrating student and staff achievements when it comes to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

AAC plays a crucial role in empowering our students with communication challenges, offering them a means to express their thoughts, needs, and emotions. AAC tools like Proloquo help bridge the gap between non-verbal and verbal communication. Through the use of AAC our students not only have enhanced opportunities for social interaction and independence but also help to improve educational and employment opportunities. Ultimately, AAC provides out students with the autonomy to communicate effectively, supporting their dignity and enhancing their quality of life.

AGOSCI

Last week two of our dedicated teachers, Emily and Michaela, attended the AGOSCI (Australian Giving Opportunities to Students with Communication Impairments) conference in Adelaide. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to deepen their knowledge and connect with professionals in the field of communication support. We look forward to hearing about all the ways Mudgee staff can continue to enhance the learning experience for our students with communication needs.

School Planning

Over the last few weeks, we have been working on our school Annual Improvement Agenda. In 2025 our 2 school focuses will be on Quality Reading and Student Potential. With all our school planning we always endeavour to take on a collaborative approach. By doing so we are able to:

• Learn from one another by welcoming and maximising the contribution of diverse team members.
• Engage in cycles of inquiry and reflection to identify, implement and evaluate teaching and learning approaches for the benefit of all our students.
• Cultivate environments that encourage openness, trust and a safe space to innovate, collaborate and share.

 Harmony Day

Today we celebrated Harmony Day our students engaged in a variety of wonderful activities that celebrated diversity, inclusion, and cultural understanding. Students created a whole school mural which looks amazing!

Having a sea of orange across the school was truly a heart-warming sight! It symbolises unity, inclusivity, and the celebration of diversity. Orange is the colour that represents social harmony and respect for all cultures, and seeing it worn by everyone—from students to staff—creates a sense of togetherness and shared purpose. It’s a visual reminder that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same community. The vibrant orange fills the school with positivity and energy, making the day feel even more special as everyone comes together to honor and appreciate the unique backgrounds and experiences that make our school so diverse. It’s a beautiful expression of solidarity and mutual respect!

Look out for photos on Facebook and Seesaw.

Until next time,

Renée Zhu

Principal