Deputy Principal - Students, Ms Gabrielle Smith
Waverley Council Safe Routes to School Survey
Waverley Council is kicking off our Safe Routes to School program, which aims to make walking safer and easier. We’re also looking to encourage parents/carers and children to choose walking, scooting or riding to school.
The well-understood benefits of walking to school include increased physical activity, better concentration in class, and improved wellbeing through a degree of independence. This is in addition to reducing car congestion around schools.
Waverley College has joined in our first round of the program. Achieving this requires teamwork. Council can improve footpaths, install crossings, improve lighting, and other infrastructure and safety upgrades where it’s needed most. We would like your feedback about the most important upgrades needed so your child can safely travel to school.
Please do so via the survey and map at https://haveyoursay.waverley.nsw.gov.au/safe-routes-school-survey by 30 August 2023.
You can use any existing Waverley Council Have Your Say login or create a new one by clicking “Join” on the Have Your Say homepage and following the prompts.
This Month on SchoolTV – Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity emphasises the natural variation in how an individual’s brain functions and how they perceive and interact with the world, leading to diverse ways of learning and communicating. While most young people are neurotypical, some exhibit variations in brain development, such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, making them neurodivergent.
Embracing neurodiversity involves accepting, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents without attempting to change or treat their differences. Using respectful language, challenging unhelpful attitudes, avoiding assumptions, and actively promoting inclusivity can help embrace neurodiversity effectively.
Acknowledging the unique ways neurodiverse young people do things and then adapting tasks and activities to ensure their full participation will encourage them to develop strategies that feel natural to them. It will help improve their mental health, wellbeing and sense of self. By recognising and nurturing their strengths, parents and caregivers can contribute to building an inclusive and compassionate society where all young people can thrive.
Learning more about neurodiversity, equips caregivers with insights into effective communication techniques, educational strategies, and parenting approaches tailored to the specific needs of their neurodivergent child. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek help from a medical professional.
Click here for this month's edition of SchoolTV
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
