About Us
Banmira Specialist School is a vibrant school of more than 260 students and 120 dedicated staff who work tirelessly to progress the whole child. The explicit teaching of Literacy and Numeracy are key priorities as are the development of independent living and learning skills. The Arts and Health & Physical Education are an integral part of the curriculum. Students attend Banmira from 3 years of age in Early Education up to 18 years in Year 12 (Victorian Pathways Certificate).
Our Vision
Banmira Specialist School in partnership with parents, carers and the community provides the best opportunity for all children to have a meaningful and worthwhile education. We optimise talents and abilities and enhance self esteem and prepare each individual for a purposeful pathway into adulthood.
Our Purpose
Banmira Specialist School is committed to providing an education for children and young people with a mild, moderate or severe intellectual disability from age 2.8 – 18 years.
Many students have multiple diagnoses of disability. These may include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Down Syndrome. Students can also present with sensory, physical impairment and challenging behaviours.
We have a strong learning ethos with a belief ‘that all children can learn.’ Individualised Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely, (SMART) goals and teaching strategies are developed with parents / carers using Individual Learning Plans, with high expectations for all learners.
Our goal is the promotion of positive student behaviour, communication skills, emotional wellbeing and maximising independence in daily life and learning.
Our Values
- Be Safe – we are committed to the promotion of behaviours and creating environments that ensures the wellbeing of every member of the school community.
- Be Respectful – we are committed to accepting each other as we are and valuing our strengths and differences.
- Be a Learner – we are committed to all members of our school community having a go at diverse learning opportunities and by reflecting on our mistakes and not giving up, we build success.
Our School
Banmira Specialist School is a modern facility which includes specially designed classrooms, along with a Woodwork Shed, Art Room, Library , Sensory Room, Perceptual Motor Program Room, Spa, Multi-purpose Room, Home Crafts Room and large play areas.
Our student population comes from a wide geographical zone including Shepparton, Mooroopna, Numurkah, Murchison, Kyabram, Violet Town and Tatura Transport may be provided for all students who meet the criteria for our school.
Extra programs at the school include Riding for the Disabled (RDA), Swimming, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Massage Therapy, Speech Therapy, Integration, Home Crafts, Perceptual Motor Programs, Sensory Stimulation, Music Therapy.
Leadership Team
Senior Campus
Inclusion, Wellbeing & Allied Health
Junior Campus
Teaching & Learning
At Banmira, we have an agreed teaching model that is implemented in all our teaching. It includes a clear Learning Intention which determines the skill or knowledge the students will learn during the session.
The next stage is Explicit Teaching which involves activating prior knowledge, linking to previous learning and the teacher modelling, using ‘think aloud.’
Tasks are then set to meet the learning intention, these are differentiated to meet the student’s needs. Throughout the lesson feedback supports the learning. Task and process feedback is given and ‘praise’ directed to the learner is limited.
‘Wait time’ is crucial to the teaching model and ensures all learners are given adequate processing time during questioning.
Classroom observations are held every term. Every teacher is observed by a member of the leadership team as well as being involved in one Peer Observation every term.
Observations use the Elmore Model (2009). Observers note: What the teacher is doing and saying? What the students are doing and saying? What are the tasks?
Feedback is given to the teacher verbally and in writing.
Enrolment
Enrolment at schools like ours, as well as any select entry, specialist and specific purpose school, is determined based on the school’s local Enrolment policy
Once a decision to proceed with enrolling your child at Banmira Specialist School is made, we will provide an enrolment pack (including an enrolment form) that will need to be submitted with additional required documents including:
- Evidence of identity and date of birth (for example, birth certificate or passport)
- Immunisation Status Certificate (available from MyGov site)
You will also be required to provide information such as:
- Your contact details
- Emergency contact details
- Legal orders relating to your child (if any)