Principal’s Message
Welcome to Jonah Special School. I became Principal in September 2014. I have been teaching in Jonah Special School since 2011 where I am honoured to work in collaboration with a very specialised and professional team of dedicated staff.
I believe that children are precious and that schools are very special places. Here at Jonah Special School, we provide specialist instruction for students with Autism and Complex Needs between the ages of 4 and 18 years. Jonah Special School is a vibrant, warm and happy school where children are celebrated and cherished.
Our Curriculum is broad and balanced and we pride ourselves in providing evidence based teaching and learning with a characteristic reflective type of practice that makes us strive for excellence. We aim to provide a caring, learning environment which facilitates the nurturing and development of each student’s full educational potential. We focus on the development of Communication, Social and Independence skills, as well as, Literacy and Numeracy that are functional and age appropriate. We aim to provide our students with as many tools as possible to achieve independence and functionality in life.
Ultimately, I wish for each student in Jonah Special School to have a happy, safe learning environment where they are challenged and supported. I have high expectations for every student and our experienced staff ensures that each student’s individual needs are met through small classes and group teaching. I believe that working in partnership with our parents is fundamental and we operate an ‘open door’ policy. Parents and families like to be part of their children’s lives in school.
As Principal of Jonah Special School, I am excited and honoured to lead the development of our school to benefit children and their families. My ambitions are for our students to achieve their potential, for families to feel supported and connected to the school and for work colleagues to feel proud of our school and happy in it. I am very appreciative of the wonderful students, families and staff at our school and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the next phase of joyful learning in our school.
Caitríona Barry
Principal, Jonah Special School