CDSS welfare co-ordinator Bec Einsporn’s role supports student engagement, assists new students as they transition into the school and helps ensure they feel comfortable and settled.
She said her favourite part about her job was working with students to support “positive outcomes”.
“It’s about helping students become more independent, despite their challenges, by providing opportunities for them to be included in the community,” she said.
Bec also works as an NDIS navigator, assisting students and families to access funding and connect with support services.
“Just to see everyone from when they started to when they exit and how far they come, that’s the most rewarding,” she said.
Mental health practitioner and occupational therapist Celine Collins-Bye is in her fourth year at the school. Celine works across the school supporting students and staff through occupational therapy strategies, including improving accessibility and ensuring safe use of mobility equipment.
“We have a really strong focus on getting kids moving and building their upper and lower limb strength, core strength, and overall development,” she said.
“Being in their environment five-days-a-week means you see the big changes they make ...” she said.
Celine also works as a mental health practitioner through a Victorian Department of Education initiative in secondary schools, providing counselling, staff training and referrals.
CDSS Inclusion outreach coach Max Makowski said working in special education had been far more rewarding than mainstream teaching.
His role focuses on closing learning gaps, reducing barriers and supporting student inclusion and engagement.
One of his most popular programs at CDSS is African drumming, used as a wellbeing activity.
“You drum your feelings, you drum to the beat, with your heartbeat or to calm down,” he said.
Sessions are adapted to student needs, incorporating breathing exercises, calming rhythms and structured games.
CDSS disability inclusion co-ordinator Hannah Kavanagh is a classroom teacher and PBS leader, with a strong focus on student wellbeing and behaviour support.
She leads the school’s School-wide Positive Behaviour Support framework, a tiered system designed to guide and support student behaviour.
As part of the approach, the school encourages positive behaviour throughout the day, aiming for a ratio of six positive interactions to one correction.
“So we’re always encouraging and supporting,” Hannah said.
Last year, the school achieved a silver SWPBS award through the Victorian Department of Education after submitting evidence of its practice.
