I CAN School Mentoring Program
[Chris Varney, Chief Enabling Officer, I CAN Network]
So, when I started school, I was very determined to be invisible. I was really afraid of other kids in my year level. I was very nervous to ask for help. I just wanted very much to blend in. And I was really lucky that I had a Principal and a Head of Junior School that were determined for me to take risks.
And by the end of term one, Year 7, I had this lovely confidence that kept growing. And when I got to the end of my degree and met people who hadn't had the same experience at school, I thought, this does not have to be. We can turn this around.
And so that's why I was moved to create I CAN Network because I wanted every single autistic, neurodivergent student to have an adult mentor, who could come in and say, school can be great. There's nothing wrong with you. All your uniqueness is going to make you awesome. And that's what I CAN is wanting to deliver.
[James Barger, Principal, Seaholme Primary School]
We decided to partner with I CAN because we identified a group of students who had the common goal of developing social connections and building pride in their identity.
We decided to join the I CAN program with Western Autistic School because we identified that there was a great chance to work with another school, to create an authentic environment for our kids, to build those social connections.
Doing the I CAN program, we have 16 students participate. It's half from Seaholme, half from Western Autistic School. And that happens on a weekly basis that they join those mentoring sessions.
[Adele Field, Principal, Western Autistic School]
For us as a specialist school, it's really important our students find a community in the local area. So, building that strong sense of belonging and connectedness.
One of the most noticeable things I see when I come and observe the students is their confidence. When they walk into Seaholme Primary School, it's a new environment for them, but over time you see them light up when they enter the room. They have a strong sense of comfort and confidence that they have ownership over the space, that they feel like they belong. They have friends here.
[Devine, Student, Western Autistic School]
How do you feel at Seaholme? Excited.
Do you like going to Seaholme? Yes.
[Alesha, Student, Seaholme Primary School]
It does actually kind of make me feel more confident. Like sometimes I'm a little scared to talk to people, but I'm a little brave now.
I have a feeling that all people are literally the exact same thing, even if they're born different.
[On-screen text]
Disability Inclusion, Education for All
Education State / Victoria State Government / Education logo
Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne.
[End of transcript]
Updated