AddressMerri River School is a special school in Warrnambool which caters for students who have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. The school was founded in 1989 with a student population of 30. The current student population is 174.
In 2020 the school moved into brand new premises on a 7 hectare site situated between Wollaston Road and the Merri River.
Merri River School is a centre of excellence providing individualised programs for students with an intellectual disability. The school caters for children aged between 5 to 18 in a small group environment in line with the Victorian Curriculum. Each student has an Individual Learning Plan.
The school is divided into four sub-schools: Junior Primary; Senior Primary; Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary.
The school is well supported by therapists (speech, OT, physio and allied health), student wellbeing counsellor, and teacher assistants. A Hands on Learning program provides additional support to students who are at risk of disengagement.
We also offer a variety of specialist programs, including: Physical Education, STEM, Art, Music and Food Technologies.
Some of our students have dual enrolment at a mainstream school when this has been deemed beneficial for the student¿s learning program.
The oldest students either undertake VET or VPC program. Students are also involved in a comprehensive work experience program.
Curriculum
Programs are delivered within Department of Education guidelines and reflect the Victorian Curriculum. Emphasis is placed on the development of programs that address individual student needs, through Individual Learning Plans. Educational goals and priorities are reviewed every six months.
Non-Negotiable for Every Learning Environment
- Commitment to enacting the schools agreed Instructional Model and teaching practices
- Strong Relationships with all children and understanding of high level student needs
- High expectations and excellent classroom practice
- Excellent Presentation ¿ Classroom displays and well organised learning spaces
Class groups are comprised of 6-8 students, with a teacher and teacher assistant, to ensure a safe and effective learning environment, where individuals are respected and self-esteem and dignity are strongly advocated. The school has a multi-disciplinary approach to student learning with input from educators, therapists and parents. Teachers case conference students with their allocated Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist each week.
Our school philosophy is reflected in its programs and based on the belief that children learn best in a cooperative environment that is happy, challenging, supportive and non-threatening. Merri River School has a School Wide Positive Behaviour Program and has developed a school culture that is reflected by the ideals of positive behaviour support.
An emphasis is placed on students attaining skills and knowledge that they will use as young adults when graduating at 18 years of age.
Staffing
The school is staffed with classroom teachers, specialist teachers, literacy specialists, teacher assistants, occupational therapists, speech therapists and physiotherapists. The school accesses additional support through the Visiting Teacher Services for Hearing and Vision Impairment and a Guidance Officer. Current staffing includes over 95 staff including a team of therapists and therapy assistants.
Merri River School provides educational programs for primary and secondary school aged students with a moderate to severe intellectual disability who may also have sensory, physical impairments and autism spectrum disorder.
The school is a modern purpose-built facility located in Warrnambool and provides an attractive and safe environment. Learning areas include well-equipped classrooms, dedicated specialist spaces and outdoor learning zones. Merri River School has a current enrolment of 174 students. Students attend school daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Eligible school-aged students living within the designated transport zone have access to free transport to and from school.
