The end of the year has brought a special milestone for NextSense School, as the graduating classes of 2022 farewelled us to begin the next chapter of their lives.

This year, six students are graduating, one from Year 12 and five from Year 6 across our Spoken Language, Blind and Deafblind, and Sign Bilingual programs.

‘We are so proud of the students’ school achievements, it has been a privilege to watch their educational and social growth,’ Head of Education, Sandi Ambler told families at one of our graduation ceremonies.

‘Each student persevered and worked with determination to achieve their learning goals. They are a credit to themselves and their family.’

Year 12 graduate Lachlan, who is DeafBlind, has been a student at our school for his entire education. His mum Toni attended his graduation with family members and supporters.

‘When Lachie started at what was then the Alice Betteridge School, he couldn’t walk. But a year later, he started walking with the help of his teacher’s aid,’ Toni says.

‘Lachie has had an amazing team around him and a great team of therapists, teachers, and teacher's aids, who have explored what's possible for him. He flies ahead with the encouragement of such positive people.

‘We’ve also enjoyed the school community and his amazing teacher Hana.

‘We’re now exploring more fingerspelling after Lachie’s NextSense physiotherapist and teachers recently taught him some letters, which will expand his language.'

While Toni says it’s sad to see Lachlan’s time at school end, he will continue to be supported by NextSense allied health professionals.

After two years of cancelled in-person events due to COVID, students, teachers, families, and friends enjoyed the opportunity to come together to celebrate the students’ achievements—excited for the future but sad to be saying goodbye. This was the last cohort of Year 12 students to graduate, which was particularly special for students and school staff.

Congratulations to all graduating students for their hard work while at NextSense School. You will be missed very much but we are excited to see what you do next and how you use what you have learned during our time together.

And thank you, Qantas Pathfinders, who have generously supported our school graduations and activities.