Welcome to Our School

Introducing our Principal

Suzanne Armstrong was born in Werribee and was educated at Werribee Primary School and Werribee High School. She attended Deakin University in Geelong, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Education, majoring in Music.

Early in her teaching career Suzanne developed an interest in the education of students with special needs and completed a Graduate Diploma in Special Education at Melbourne University. She has worked in a variety of Special Education settings in a range of leadership positions including as a Special Education Consultant, Officer in Charge of a Special Assistance Unit and Leading Teacher.

Suzanne has a strong academic background, and in addition to the above qualifications holds a Graduate Diploma of Educational Administration and a Master of Education (Educational Administration) from Deakin University. Suzanne was Assistant Principal at Warringa Park School, Hoppers Crossing, before being appointed Principal in July, 2006. She is married to Victor and has three children.

Principal’s Welcome

On behalf of the Colac Specialist School Staff, School Council, Students and Families I extend a warm welcome to you and your family.

Our motto “Where Kids Come First” and values Success, Committment, Respect and Quality underpin our school operations. We see our school as an integral member of the local education community and are considered a school of first choice by families of students with special learning needs.

Our dedicated Staff are experts in special education and work as a collegial team to deliver an individualised education that supports successful learning outcomes for the students in our care. Teaching and learning programs are based on student’s Individual Learning Plans, developed in collaboration with parents/carers, and relevant therapists.
 
We are a caring, innovative and progressive specialist school community. Through the use of  technology and real-life learning experiences we are aiming to prepare students for the challenges of life in the 21st Century.

As well as the provision of quality, specialised academic and therapy programs, a major focus is promoting positive student engagement and wellbeing through the implementation of a whole school Social and Emotional Learning strategy.

We also provide environmental education and undertake sustainability initiatives as we progress toward accreditation as a 'Resource Smart School'. As an accredited 'Kids: Go-for-your-Life' school we are committed to modelling and promoting a postive and healthy life-style.

Children enrolled in our Early Education Program are provided with a wide range of developmental early learning experiences. A feature of the program is strong home, school and community partnerships.

I look forward to your family joining our school community.

Suzanne Armstrong