Literacy Program
At Kalianna School Bendigo, students are provided with a comprehensive, explicit, sequential English intervention program created by our Literacy Learning Specialist, Ayshia Howden, alongside Professor Pamela Snow from La Trobe University.
Kalianna also has the support of a full-time speech therapist to assist teachers with individual and whole group adjustments required to support students with further communication needs and to also support the development of language skills including phonological awareness and vocabulary development across all levels.
Every student participates in four two-hour English intervention sessions per week. These intervention sessions are outlined as follows.
The levels for the Sounds to Words component are based upon a variety of assessments, such as the Little Learners Assessment of Reading and Spelling and the Sutherland Phonological Awareness Test. These assessments are carried out once a term and are delivered in a 1:1 student/staff ratio capacity to ensure students are focused and achieving accurate results.
Literacy Learning Specialist, Ayshia Howden meets with classroom teachers at the end of each term to review student data and assist with student placement in groups to ensure that students receive lessons at their individual point of need.
Camps & Excursions
School camps are a cherished and essential activity at Kalianna School, serving as an integral part of the school program. Students from Prep to Pathways participate in a diverse range of camps and excursions, encompassing beach, country and urban locations. This program offers students an opportunity to develop their social and independent living skills in a less formal environment, whilst getting to know their teachers and classmates.
Our camps and excursions program is designed to provide a unique and enriching experience for our students, with each trip tailored to suit the age group and interests of the participants. The locations and activities have been selected with great care, ensuring that students are exposed to different environments and cultures.
Throughout the year, details regarding the camps and excursions, including location, dates, and costs, will be communicated to parents and guardians. We understand the importance of transparency and open communication, and we strive to keep families informed and involved in their child's education.
At Kalianna School, we believe that school camps play a crucial role in the holistic development of our students, and we are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and educational experience for all participants.
Swimming
Kalianna Swimming Programs are professionally organised by the Physical Education Teacher for both primary and secondary students. The program takes place at Paul Sadler Swimland, Bendigo and offer a comprehensive swimming program designed to teach basic swimming skills and water safety to participating students. The program runs for two weeks (10 days) every year and is geared towards equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate water safely.
Prior to the commencement of the program, students will be provided with consent forms and information on the costs associated with participation. The Kalianna Swimming Program provides a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their swimming skills, build on swimming confidence and gain valuable knowledge on water safety.
The program is run by trained professionals who prioritise the safety of students at all times, with the support of Kalianna staff members who also get in the water. Students can rest assured that they will receive high-quality instruction and support throughout the duration of the program. The Kalianna Swimming Program is an excellent investment in the development of essential life skills for students, ensuring they are confident and safe when around water.
School Concert
The Kalianna School Concert is an eagerly anticipated program, cherished not only by our students and staff, but also by the broader school community. Throughout the year, students are given the opportunity to create and practice a class dance or performance, culminating in an unforgettable showcase at the prestigious Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo. The concert provides a platform for students to showcase their talents, entertain their loved ones and the wider school community, with up to 600 guests in attendance.
The concert typically takes place towards the end of term 3 or early term 4 and promises to be a vibrant and exhilarating event, with students showcasing their singing and dancing.
Further details on the Kalianna School Concert, including the date and all other relevant information, will be communicated closer to the event. The Kalianna School Concert is a testament to the school's commitment to fostering a well-rounded educational experience, with opportunities for students to develop their creativity, teamwork, and performance skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Art Show
The Kalianna Art Show is a highly regarded program that provides an excellent opportunity for our students to showcase their artistic talents. Throughout the year, our students participate in weekly art sessions where they develop their skills and create a range of impressive artworks that are later displayed at our annual Art Show. The exhibition features a diverse collection of artworks that utilize various techniques that the students have acquired over the year.
The exhibition is typically set up in our multipurpose room, and we encourage parents and members of the community to come and visit the school to view the impressive display. The Art Show usually takes place in term 3 and provides a wonderful opportunity for the students to showcase their artistic talents.
Once the exhibition has concluded, the students are able to take their artworks home with them. We will provide further details about the Art Show closer to the date, so stay tuned for more information. Overall, the Kalianna Art Show is an exceptional program that highlights our students' creativity and artistic abilities.
Sports Days
Kalianna School has developed a comprehensive sports program that includes a variety of sports days held on-site. The program is designed to incorporate the skills that students have learned during their weekly physical education sessions. As with all school events, families and friends are encouraged to attend and support the students.
Upon enrolment, students are assigned a house colour, which include red, blue, yellow or green. During sports days, students are encouraged to wear their house colours, which fosters a sense of community and healthy competition among students. The sports events that Kalianna School participates in include Cross Country and Athletics Days, which allow students to showcase their athletic abilities.
Additionally, Kalianna School provides students with opportunities to participate in other sporting events throughout the year, including netball and football carnivals, basketball tournaments, and regional athletics days with other special schools in the region. This enables students to develop their skills and interests in a range of sports while engaging in friendly competition.
Overall, Kalianna School's sports program provides students with a well-rounded physical education experience that promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love for physical activity.
BBQ events
At Kalianna School, we prioritise community and strive to create a connected environment that offers ample opportunities for staff, students, and their families to come together. As a result, we take pride in providing a range of events throughout the year that foster a sense of community and celebration.
Among these events are our popular BBQs, which include multiple Family BBQ nights, a Mother's Day Breakfast, and a Father's Day Breakfast. These occasions provide a fantastic opportunity for families to socialise with other members of the Kalianna community, and to connect with teachers and staff in an informal and relaxed setting.
Our commitment to creating a supportive and engaged community is at the heart of our school's culture, and we believe that these events help to build strong relationships and connections between families, staff, and students. We are dedicated to continuing to provide these opportunities for our community to come together and celebrate throughout the year.
Special Events
In addition to our comprehensive sports program and community events, Kalianna School is committed to providing a range of engaging whole-school events that students look forward to participating in.
These events include R U Ok? Day, Pyjama day, Book Week dress up days, and sports colour dress up days. We believe that these events not only offer an opportunity for students to have fun and express themselves creatively, but also provide a valuable opportunity to discuss important issues and themes in a supportive and engaging environment.
At Kalianna School, we believe that these whole-school events help to reinforce our school's culture and values, and foster a sense of community among staff, students, and families. By providing students with opportunities to connect and engage with each other and the wider community, we aim to support their social and emotional development and create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
We are dedicated to continuing to provide a diverse range of whole-school events that offer something for everyone and encourage our students to participate in the life of the school community.
Specialist Subjects
Kalianna School offers a comprehensive specialist day program that caters to the unique needs of its students. This program includes a range of classes, such as physical education, visual arts, and drama, all taught by highly skilled and experienced specialist staff. The program runs once a week, enabling students to partake in a diverse range of lessons that suit their individual requirements.
In addition to the specialist day program, Kalianna School also provides an outdoor education program that takes place on our Whipstick campus. This program offers a unique learning experience that combines education and adventure, and enables students to develop valuable skills while exploring the great outdoors.
At Kalianna School, we are committed to providing our students with a well-rounded education that caters to their unique needs and interests. Our specialist day and outdoor education programs are just two of the many ways we ensure our students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the future.