On Thursday, November 14, Gateway Community High held its  2024 End of Year celebration , a vibrant and heartfelt event that brought together our students, their families, staff, and special guests to honour the achievements and growth of our incredible young people.   This celebration was more than just a ceremony; it was a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the transformative impact of education.  The End of Year Celebration ceremony was opened by Bella and Niyx, our fabulous MCs who kept us all on track and amused throughout the morning.   The event kicked off with an Acknowledgment of country by Cathi Fuller, a proud Wallumedegal w oman. Cathi, a staff member of the School, reminded us of the importance of connection to country and community as we gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.  Theresa Collignon , CEO of Macquarie Community College Group in her opening remarks gave a shout out to the students and their proud families.  "It’s my favourite day of the year because together we are celebrating YOU – more than 60 young people who took the brave decision to change schools, to set a new direction for your education pathway in a new school that does thing differently. This is a day to celebrate everything you have achieved and the incredible people you’ve become."   Theresa's enthusiasm was echoed by special guest Joe Kwon , who shared his remarkable journey of transformation.   At the age of 21, Joe was sentenced to 13 years in prison for directing a criminal enterprise. During his time in prison, he found a mentor who challenged his perspectives on life, education, and self-worth. Today, Joe is the Founder and CEO of Confit, a social enterprise dedicated to helping former inmates to transition successfully back into society. His story of redemption and growth left a lasting impression on all who attended.  A Year of Achievements  Natalie Creighton, Head of Campus, Emma Marshall and Danielle Collins proudly congratulated our Award winners, Year 10 Graduates and our first ever Senior 1 HSC cohort.  "As we reflect on another incredible year, we’re reminded of the outstanding progress made by our Year 9 students, who embarked on their journey at Gateway this year, and our Year 10 graduates, who are now ready to take the next step in their lifelong learning journey.  To our Year 9 students – Gateway is so proud to watch you grow and thrive in your first year with us, and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you.  To our Year 10 graduates – you’ve reached a significant milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything you’ve accomplished. Whether you’re heading into further education, vocational pathways, or the workforce, remember that this is just the beginning. You’ve shown that with determination and support, anything is possible.  To our Senior 1 students – we could not be more proud of you. It was inspiring to watch as you tackled every challenge and made every effort to get to and through your first HSC exams. We cannot wait to see you graduate next year!”  As proud families and students cheered looked on, students received various awards and their ROSA certifications. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and determination these young people possess, and the unwavering support of their families and the school community.  Students Reflection and Performance   Gateway students Brianna and Phoebe shared their reflections on being part of the Gateway community of learners. Both spoke passionately about their journeys highlighting some favourite moments.   Niyx wrapped this all up with a great insight:    "The collective progress we have all made, both academically and individually, is an outstanding accomplishment which we should all be proud of."    These words beautifully captured the essence of the day – a celebration of growth, resilience, and the endless possibilities ahead.  One of the highlights of the ceremony was the student performance of "Take Me Away"  by Peace Cult , performed by Olivia Turcolin , Abbie King , Andy Jurkowski , and Shane Butler-Sargeant . The energy and excitement of the performance showcased the creativity and talent nurtured at Gateway, leaving everyone in the room inspired and uplifted.  Words of wisdom from our Head of Campus  Natalie Creighton ’s address had two strong themes – cherish the memories and seize the opportunities.  “The accumulated snapshots of memories are what build the jigsaw puzzle that tells the story of our lives. It is these small moments that we need to learn to look for, recognise and cherish. And I have countless moments provided by the students and staff at Gateway. I want you to strive to cherish your moments.”    Through the lens of pride, achievement and a focus on the future she reminded all that  “To chase opportunities means to be open to possibilities. Opportunities come along all the time in our lives, but we sometimes fail to recognize them because the opportunity is disguised as hard work”.   A Bittersweet Farewell and Warm Welcome  At the end of the ceremony, we took a moment to bid farewell to Natalie, who has served as the Head of Campus at Gateway Community High for the past two years. Natalie’s leadership, dedication to student wellbeing, and innovative approach to teaching have made a significant impact on the School. We are grateful for her contribution and wish her all the best as she embarks on the next steps on her journey as a transformational educator.  We also welcomed Mark Burgess  as the new Head of Campus. Mark's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Gateway, and we are thrilled to have him lead the school into 2025 and beyond.  As Theresa Collignon summarised at the end of Celebration ceremony - Gateway is not just a school; it is a community where students thrive because they feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow as individuals.  "Gateway Community High is about more than just classes and certificates. It’s about creating a safe and supportive environment where every student can achieve, belong, and grow. That’s our promise, and we work tirelessly every day to make it a reality."   This year’s celebration reaffirmed what we already know: Gateway is a place where students don’t just learn – they flourish.  Looking Ahead  At Gateway Community High, we promise to continue offering a place where students can feel safe, supported, and empowered to take control of their learning. It’s a place where every individual can achieve, belong, and grow – and we look forward to seeing even greater things in the year to come.  We thank everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey – our students, their families, our staff, and all the supporters who make Gateway the unique and special community it is.  As we close year 2024, we leave our students with this message: "Go into the world and do well, but most importantly, go into the world and do good."   Here’s to another amazing year at Gateway!

Friday 8th December was a celebration event to remember for Gateway Community High. Nothing can be better than a room full of proud students, families, staff and supporters celebrating the hard work and achievements of our 32 Year 10 students who graduated with their ROSA - and our year 9 and 10 students receiving more than 20 special awards.    The event started with a beautiful Welcome to Country from Theresa Ardler, a proud Gweagal woman of the Eora region, educator, artist, and a friend of the School.  Theresa Collignon, CEO of Macquarie Community College, beamed as she welcomed students and their families to the celebration.  “It is fabulous to stand here looking at YOU – our amazing young people who we are celebrating today, at the end of our 3rd year of creating this wonderfully unique School. You made a brave decision to make a change and be part of the Gateway community -  where we are incredibly committed to being a School for you to Achieve, Belong and Grow. We chose those three words on purpose – we try to live and breathe them every day.”  Notable guests at the event included The Hon. Dominic Perrottet, Member for Epping, guest speaker James Ynson, representatives of the Member for Bennelong, Carlingford Rotary Club, and the Defence Force.   Natalie Creighton, Head of Campus at Gateway Community High, spoke from the heart about what she has seen and deeply appreciated in her first year at the School -  inclusion, diversity and persistence:  “Our students from Gateway Community High, every one of you has your own strengths, your own intelligence and your own way of doing things to be successful. It’s up to you to find the way that you need to swim, whether that’s with the current or against it.”  James Ynson, educator of 15+ years and special guest speaker, further echoed this idea of success looking different for everyone.  “I hope you realise that success takes on various forms for each individual journey. It’s subjective. If you surround yourself with people that add value, and chip away at attainable goals, you will find your own measure of success.”  Our student voices said it best   The students themselves echo a sense of community and appreciation of each other, the staff and the alternative approaches Gateway takes.  Students Max and Nyx delivered the student address at the ceremony, and their experiences at Gateway were shown to be nothing less than transformational.  Nyx reminisced on some favourite moments during Years 9 and 10 at Gateway.  “I started at the beginning of last year and it’s been an amazing journey, our teachers have been our guides, and not only have they taught us but they’ve also inspired us. For me, they guided a passion for learning so strong that I now aspire to be a teacher myself.”  Max also took a moment to compare his time at Gateway Community High with his last experience.  “At my previous school, it was a challenge for me to last the whole day without leaving early. At Gateway, however, that hasn’t been the case. To look back on myself around a year ago, it’s shocking to see how much I’ve changed for the better”   Max said.  The speech by Max and Nyx was a great showcase of the talents that the students demonstrated.   From a rendition of the Fleetwood Mac song  The Chain   by Mars and Molly   to an wonderful ceremonial Haka performance, the joy exuding from the community as a whole was priceless.  Proud parents and loved ones alike watched as their children, siblings, and friends received various awards, as well as their ROSA certifications. It was a beautiful morning of the power of community in action.  The closing message was simple:  “Congratulations on your achievements. We believe, and you have proven, that education is a game changer. Remember, when you are climbing the ladder of learning it doesn’t matter what rung you start on – just keep going, moving forward, whether it’s one rung or ten rungs at a time. You might drop back a couple of rungs, but keep climbing and keep on learning.”  With a final quote before the cutting of the cake our graduates and award winners were urged to “Go into the world and do well, but most importantly, go into the world and do good.”  The Gateway Community High difference   At Gateway Community High, we offer a supportive, personalised approach in a small school setting so that young people at risk of disengaging from their formal schooling in years 9 /10 can make a fresh start to complete their Year 10 studies. They can then pathway to their HSC or Vocational Education options and move into the world of work.  We pride ourselves on making sure that our students can thrive, because they feel valued and supported as a whole person. Our focus on wellbeing makes sure that we are able to create a place of safety and belonging, setting realistic goals, and creating a strong foundation for a strong future.   This celebration of community was one we won’t forget. We invite you to join us on our journey and help support our young people.

Above: Josh receiving the 2022 Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award. Gateway Community High students have experienced a 32% increase in self-worth after one year of attending the school, according to the recently released Huber Social Impact report. The report was commissioned by Gateway Community High during the school’s first full year of operation. Further follow-up over a 3-year period of this important research will ensure they are achieving their goal to improve the wellbeing and life outcomes of young people by providing transformational education. The school, an initiative of Macquarie Community College, launched in 2021 to cater to year 9 and 10 students who may have disengaged with mainstream schooling, and is expected to be able to offer years 11 and 12 in the future. It’s one of a growing number of independent schools meeting the need across New South Wales for an alternative education setting and has already seen transformative results for students. “Gateway Community High is different to other schools because we are much smaller, which enables us to have smaller classes. We have a higher ratio of educators to students, but we like to look at the student as a whole. We try to address their needs as individuals to enable them to participate in education and to succeed at their education while maintaining independent individual growth,” says Head of School, Natalie Creighton. How Gateway Community High gave Josh a reason to smile again Deborah was desperately seeking an alternative solution to mainstream school for her “shy” son Josh when she decided to try Gateway Community High in 2021. “Gateway was that something else we were looking for and never thought we would find. Josh became a happy child again, was keen to go to school and found a love of learning and life again,” Deborah noted. Deborah said the small setting of the school was nurturing and welcoming for Josh, with the teachers and support staff approachable, caring and understanding of her son’s needs. During the two years Josh was at Gateway, the School implemented an individualised learning and support plan which included a number of specific learning supports and other wellbeing measures for Josh. Supports included one-to-one in-class assistance for some specific subjects areas, as well as providing quiet zones and activities. Soon after arriving at the school Josh was thriving in the different learning environment. Josh, now 17, was awarded his Year 10 ROSA last year and is now on track to complete his HSC. In addition, he was awarded with the Long Tan Leadership Award, presented and sponsored by the Defence Force, a significant personal achievement for Josh. “I highly recommend Gateway to anyone looking for alternative education. It was a relief for us to see our son smiling again,” Deborah said. I belong here Current Year 10 student Bailey said Gateway Community High had changed her life and made her look forward to school again. “It got me out of depression, which is insane to think about. It's hard to believe that it did and now I just feel like I belong here,” she said. Bailey said at her previous school she would be lucky to attend once a week whereas now she never missed school unless she was unwell. “Students should come to Gateway Community High, because there's no judgement and looking down on you for who you are. You are always accepted, everyone's kind, and accepting, and they're there for you no matter what.” The Huber Social Impact report also found that: Students recorded significant improvements in their connections (31%). Attending Gateway Community High has a positive impact on overall student wellbeing, with wellbeing increasing by 15%. Gateway Community High addresses what matters most to student wellbeing. The positive, personalised and inclusive experience improves their engagement in learning about their curriculum subjects, themselves and important life skills. Students reported wanting to attend school more, with students sharing feedback that they have an increased desire to attend school at Gateway Community High in comparison to their previous learning experience. You can download the full report here. If you're interested in finding out more about Gateway Community High, please contact us or call us on (02) 8845 8835.

Photo: The first day of school kicked off with breakfast with the students, orientation and then a lunch BBQ. The start of this school year will be a very special day in the educational calendar for many of its inaugural group of students, as Gateway Community High gets set to open its doors. The initial cohort of year 9 and 10 students are about to make the most of a unique opportunity to re-engage with their learning and thrive in an alternative high school designed to be different to the conventional schooling system. "I am mainly feeling excited and happy to go to Gateway Community High, but I’m also quite curious as to how this first week is going to go. I have no idea what it’s going to be like, but I’m prepared to use this opportunity as best as I can. I am looking forward to the community that we will have, being such a close group, and I think that will really help all of us help each other to reach our goals." Gateway Community High Student, 2021 Since launching the school and opening enrolments late last year, the School has been overwhelmed with enquires. The demand has been such that only a few limited places remain for the 2021 intake. Gateway Community High has worked closely with its referral networks to identify young adults who would benefit from this unique educational opportunity. This collaborative approach has included mainstream public and private schools in surrounding areas and other professionals such as counsellors, support workers and career advisors. "I am really excited about going to Gateway Community High this year and having a new start - to catch up on my school work and get prepared for my future." Gateway Community High Student, 2021 Gateway Community High, an initiative of Macquarie Community College, is a special assistance school (not a special needs or behavioural school). The School offers tailored support and special assistance designed to meet the increasing community need for an alternative schooling model focused solely on adolescents who are at risk of disengaging from their education. Gateway Community High will enable students to complete the Year 10 NSW Record of School Achievement (ROSA), and provide a Gateway to ongoing education or training, whether that be Year 11 and 12 or vocational training. If you are considering options for a young person about to enrol in Year 9 or 10 and would like to learn more about Gateway Community High, please call (02) 8845 8835 or contact us to arrange a consultation.

Gateway Community High achieved another major milestone as we celebrated the Official Opening. We were joined on this momentous occasion by John Alexander, OAM MP, Councillor Bill Tyrrell from the City of Parramatta, distinguished guests and representatives from the education sector, parents, carers, staff and of course, our wonderful cohort of students! One of our indigenous students, Jorja, and her nan, Betty, opened the event with an acknowledgement of country, beautifully delivered in language. Theresa Collignon, CEO, reflected on the number of people, many present at the event, who helped make the dream of an inclusive and welcoming Special Assistance High school come to reality. ‘’It will be no surprise to many of you here that we genuinely believe that education is the pathway to empowerment. That’s why we decided about 3 years ago to set up an alternative high school advisory group….and started to investigate what this community might need. The answer became increasingly clear that there was a need for an alternative to mainstream schooling that targeted the middle school years when there’s a whole lot going on in the teenage years.” She continued, “One of the risks teenagers face is disengaging from their learning. We are student centred. We are not one size fits all and our goal is to be a place where every individual feels that they can achieve, and belong, and grow”. John Alexander, OAM MP, Member for Bennelong, reminded the students that education will be a continual part of their whole life throughout the many different careers they may undertake, whether that be a tennis player or a politician! Gaining education from a place that is tailored to their specific needs is of great benefit at this stage of their life. There was a great buzz in the air as we enjoyed a lovely BBQ lunch cooked by the students. Some parents and carers remarked upon the change in their child’s attitude to schooling since attending Gateway Community High. One father said his daughter had engaged more in her learning in her first 5 weeks at Gateway than in the last 2 years of her previous school, where she struggled to attend. Most importantly, he was encouraged that his daughter was looking forward to going to school each day. Check out the photos and videos from our event on Facebook. If you think Gateway Community High would be a place where your teenager could benefit and thrive, please contact us today at 8845 8835.

By Theresa Collignon, Group CEO and one of the Founders of Gateway Community High International Women’s Day is always a good day to reflect on the work we do here at Gateway Community High. Since the majority of our students, staff and directors are women, it is a fair to say that we learn, work and connect with women as a strong point. Our goal at Gateway Community High is to create a school that enables our students to Achieve. Belong. Grow – all of which empowers our students to reach their potential. Breaking the Bias The International Womens’ day theme this year is Breaking the Bias. In the words of the UN: “Imagine a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Imagine a gender equal world. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.” A Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity Because we are deliberately inclusive in our approach at Gateway Community High we approach the learning journey of our students without bias, and with a commitment to respect of diversity in all its forms. We are fortunate to have a small but diverse mix of students, both male and female, from many postcodes, a range of ages, viewpoints and interests. As a special assistance school our student cohort have experienced a range of barriers to full participation in their schooling. We celebrate the range of different cultural and language backgrounds, different beliefs, differing physical and academic abilities, socio-economic advantage and perspectives. We aim to practice our belief in diversity and inclusion every day so that the School is an equitable place to learn and connect with others. The Power of Learning and Connection We live our commitment to make our students feel welcome, supported and respected no matter where they are starting from or where they are heading on their learning pathway. We believe the power of learning and connection work together to enable students to set and achieve their educational and academic goals, create and benefit form a culture within the school that fosters a feeling of belonging, and provides a basis for personal growth and increased wellbeing. Learning can come about in many ways. It is not just what they learn in classrooms that helps empower the students but also through creating a safe environment that fosters a sense of belonging. We see the connections and friendships they make. We know they meet and see role models along the way. We hear about the boost to their confidence and self-esteem gained from re-engaging with their formal studies, acquiring new skills and knowledge. We see the pride in their achievements as they complete their classroom work and progress through their subjects towards their Year 10 ROSA completion. Connections are made to and between fellow students, with staff, counsellors, local community organisations, government agencies and to the broader community at large. Enjoy the day and take a moment to celebrate the fabulous women in your life that have made a difference, that have empowered you and helped you reach your potential – and while you are at it pick up the phone or send them an email to say 'Thank you'!

By Theresa Collignon, Group CEO Are you here, reading about Gateway Community High, because you’re finding life tough, and school is more than you can handle? We need to talk. I know for some young people, there are days, weeks, months, when they can’t face walking through their school gates - they’d rather stay in the comfort and safety of their bedroom. There are school terms when they haven’t handed in a single assessment item that they’re proud of because…well, how can anyone think about English and Science or Maths when things are overwhelming? Does that describe you? Have you almost given up on yourself? Do you think others have given up on you? You’re not alone. The isolation and uncertainty of COVID has made levels of anxiety and depression among young people higher than usual. It’s ironic, isn’t it, that we miss company when we can’t see our school friends, but when we think about seeing them again, we feel unsure, fearful of not fitting in, concerned about our place? The fact is that regular school is a difficult place for some young people when life gets complicated. And Years 9 and 10 are turning point years. This is why Gateway Community High focuses on Stage 5 and helping young people like you get their Record of School Achievement (RoSA)—all so that you get back on track for a better future. It’s why we are deliberately small, with small class sizes and individualised learning plans that focus on individual needs and learning styles, interests, and knowledge/skill gaps. We cater to young people who want to get back on track in life and school, get help with pointing their wheels in the right direction and building momentum at a very important time, when the decisions they make affect the rest of their lives. Gateway is where young people get extra help and get focus on their wellbeing. It’s a place they can focus on their present and manage their future. At Gateway we are committed to building personal wellbeing and active health. We are here so that young people like you can thrive, achieve, belong, and grow. I see our students get a real sense of confidence because they feel welcome, supported, and respected. With each ingredient in place, young people like you can get in the zone and start to flow. What your day looks like at Gateway Community High Your day at Gateway Community High starts just before 9am. Yes, this might feel a touch earlier than usual! I realise this may be shocking at first! The 8.30-8:55 Gathering - This is a time you can check in, catch up, grab breakfast (if you haven’t already eaten), and get into a positive mindset. Evidence is that learning is better in the mornings and body clocks adjust. When that happens, we are healthier and happier, and our minds are clearer. Mornings are for the fundamentals - Maths and English. We have stripped the curriculum back to compulsory subjects and these are the ones we know you need to nail as they set you up for learning success in all subject areas. The Midday Mix - includes HSIE and Science (the two other compulsory subjects), and some unscheduled (personal) time. During personal time, you might catch up on work, complete or extend your learning in an area of interest, chill out or do some personal development—this depends on your individual needs and starting point, and is something we will discuss with you. The Afternoon Energy Burst - is all about pursuing useful skills for the present and future, developing your skills and interests, and being physically active with PDHPE and enrichment activities targeting social and emotional skills, health and wellbeing. We may play games, go for hikes, do a fitness class…the goal is to practice teamwork, develop skills, and get fresh air, exercise, and blue sky! Because Gateway is a part of Macquarie Community College and co-located on the Carlingford campus, Gateway has unique access to different activities that may become new hobbies and personal passions. Do you belong here? Starting at Gateway will mean a big change - I get it. I really do. You, like every other student, will be nervous starting something new where you don’t know everybody. Changing schools in the middle years of High School is challenging. But you’ll have time to adjust, and you’ll have our attention and support. You’re a young adult now - and we treat you as such. We don’t sweat the small stuff because we’re focused on the big picture. And just to remind you of this every day, you won’t be wearing strict uniform, you will know the staff by their first name and you won’t be getting homework. We don’t charge huge fees either, even though we are a private school. This is a unique opportunity for a limited number of students. In 2022, we will have a maximum of 40 students. So, if you’re interested and want to find out more, why don’t you contact us? Take control of your future and bring your parents or carers in for an interview. Be the driver of your destiny. Pursue your own life dream. Be part of a real community of learners that want you to achieve and grow. Find out more by calling me on 8845 8835, contact us or come along to one of our upcoming Open Days.

“A lot more than just teaching the curriculum goes on in our school,” says Jon Rheinberger, acting principal of Carlingford’s new special assistance school Gateway Community High. “There’s an equal and parallel curriculum of social-emotional learning: developing relationships, understanding ourselves and others, and recognising the factors that play into our interactions.” Photo: Our Gateway students have enjoyed and been highly engaged in remote learning during lockdown. The Stage 5 special assistance school (for students in years 9 and 10 only) is on a mission. That is, to tune in to the needs of adolescents who are deeply depressed or anxious, who are avoiding school and who may be experiencing chronic academic failure as a result. Slower paced, with a step-by-step process of building on current skills and knowledge, and more time for one-to-one instruction, the academic program is stripped back to essentials, which gives students more time to pursue individual interests and engage in resilience building activities. At the same time, Gateway works with Allied Health professionals to assist in rebuilding individual’s mental health. “We’ve found that as soon as students start to cope better with their life challenges, they also reconnect with and reprioritise learning,” says Jon of the blended, individualised social-emotional learning and academics program that helps students face life challenges. At the heart of the Gateway philosophy are the values Belonging and Respect. “We go out of our way to know each individual and treat them as young adults. When they know they belong and feel valued, the hurdles of life and education success become much smaller.” Unlike mainstream school, Gateway doesn’t sweat the small stuff. Teachers are not interested in inconsequential details like uniforms and nose piercings. As well, ‘flying under the radar’ gets you noticed, not forgotten, and unsubmitted assignments or unexplained absences are treated as symptoms of a much larger issue, not matters for discipline. Gateway teachers are given a privileged and comprehensive understanding of student challenges and experiences—so they can predict the pitfalls and focus on ways of building stronger mental health. The long period of Sydney’s lockdown has meant that these students, who already find school challenging, have encountered an additional curve ball. “When students need special, one-on-one assistance,” says Jon, “lockdown can potentially create another barrier to progress.” However, Gateway responds to COVID-19 by elevating connection and the importance of mental and emotional health to an even higher level. Where once a check-in with each student was face to face, now it is by phone or video conference, and virtual, townhall-style conferences between the principal and parents are part of an ongoing schedule. Maintaining interaction and enjoyment is vital when it comes to keeping students engaged in learning; however, it can present a logistical hurdle during COVID-19! This saw a recent hands-on terrarium project packaged and sent home to students. Using a glass jar, two types of rocks, charcoal for filtration, and soil, the project encourages students to be creative in assembling their terrarium. Key learning areas involve science, maths, and literacy. Chips and a chocolate bar were a surprise bonus in the package—a treat (perhaps?) for their long walks through the neighbourhood gathering plants for their glass ecosystems. The excitement built as students progressed with the project and had students interacting regularly with each other and their teacher. A competition element was embraced by students who added their own decorative embellishments to their terrariums. Gateway is uniquely positioned to take in its stride the additional barriers to learning presented by COVID-19 for two reasons. Gateway does not act alone, it has a head start to success because it draws on more than 70 years of adult learning expertise accumulated by sister institution Macquarie Community College. Additionally, Gateway Community High draws on years of knowledge and experience acquired by special assistant schools serving other communities, pioneers in educating adolescents with models that are already proven to work. If you’d like to know more about what Gateway Community High can potentially do to help your child, come along to one of our upcoming Open Days. Feel free to also contact the school on 8845 8835 or to arrange an enlightening conversation with Principal Jon Rheinberger.

Our students have adapted well to remote learning in term 3. The teachers are doing a great job keeping the students engaged with interesting activities. The school is open for students that choose to attend, with the majority staying home and joining in online lessons. Packages were recently sent to each students with the components to create a terrarium (plus some yummy treats!). It was great to see each student's personality shine through their unique creations. Over the weeks, we will watch the microcosm at work across Science, Maths and English lessons. The students also students conducted a DIY science experiment at home using common items around the house. In this experiment, celery and food dye were used to learn about the photosynthesis procedure within plants. In their study of 'Ecosystems', the students were able to see firsthand how water travelled through their celery stick to dye the tops different colours. We look forward to seeing the wonderful experiments and creations that the students make over the next few weeks of term 3. Gateway Community High is a new alternative high school in Carlingford for up to 50 students in Yr 9 & 10. Gateway offers an opportunity for students to thrive by gaining a real sense of confidence and belonging. Our alternative approaches are unique - our students are expected to be the drivers of their own educational destiny. It’s a place of flexible, engaging and practical learning where students can reconnect with their learning. If you think Gateway Community High would be suitable for your teenager, come along to one of our Open Days. Book now at https://www.gatewaycommunityhigh.nsw.edu.au/open-day or call 8845 8835.

There was already a great selection of high schools in Port Macquarie when Mid North Coast Community College opened Special Assistance School, Nautilus College, a not-for-profit high school for students in Years 9 and 10. Why another school? For the same reason that Macquarie Community College will open the doors to Gateway Community High in Carlingford this year. To meet the increasing community need for an alternative schooling model focused solely on adolescents who have faced barriers to participating in learning. The school supports teenagers to help them stay on track and re-engage with their school education at a time when they are most at risk. “No entry score or uniform is required. Our goal is to plug them back into education so they can experience how it can be of benefit to them.” Valerieanne Byrnes, CEO Nautilus College, initiative of Mid North Coast Community College “It’s important to help them in these fragile teenage years, when young people are at risk of dropping off the ‘conveyor belt’ and not transitioning to a successful adult life.” Helen Zwicker, CEO Shoalhaven River College, initiative of Kiama Community College Tailored Support for Students Community Colleges were amongst the first to pioneer Special Assistances Schools in Australia. Running adjacent, rather than in competition with mainstream schools, the objective is deep social impact. The purpose? To improve the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Having honed a learner-centred approach in the decades they have worked with adults, Community Colleges now bring this individualised approach to adolescents, too. “We believe that everyone has a story and a lived experience, and this enlightens the conversation and contributes to learning.” David Martin, CEO of Western Riverina Community School, initiative of Western Riverina Community College, Griffith Special Assistance Schools employ a higher ratio of staff to students and the same teachers are involved in most of the learning. The tailored curriculum allows time for questions and discussion, learning support, and individual case management for students with social welfare needs. At the same time, students meet the curriculum requirements for Stage 5, graduating with their NSW Year 10 Record of School Achievement (RoSA) qualification. Special Assistance Schools follow the syllabus but not with the frenetic rush, rigid structure, and multi-teacher timetabling found in most mainstream schools. “Many of the young people we’re assisting were not going to school and therefore not accessing the student welfare supports that come with that.” Helen Zwicker, CEO Shoalhaven River College, initiative of Kiama Community College Not Just Another School Gateway Community High and its sister schools, are more than merely just another school. Theresa Collignon, Group CEO Macquarie Community College and Gateway Community High notes: “Education is the pathway to empowerment. Community colleges are in a unique position to fill that need in the community because meeting the needs of their community is in the community college DNA.” The expected benefits of Gateway Community High for the North Western Sydney community are enormous, especially with numbers of students disengaged from education skyrocketing due to COVID-19. Post school outcomes are important and encouraging. Of the 2020 cohort from Western Riverina Community College’s Special Assistance School, 60 percent have moved on to work, trade apprenticeships and/or TAFE. Fifteen out of 40 of Nautilus College graduates have decided to do further education at the TAFE, back in mainstream schools, or at the local vocational high school. Some have aspirations to earn a degree. The majority are now engaged in work. “We find out what’s going on and then spend time getting them ready to learn—which is only when they’re emotionally and mentally ready. Then we see them pick up and learn really well because they’re engaged in more meaningful learning, in a smaller cohort, with less anxiety in the environment.” David Martin, CEO of Western Riverina Community School, initiative of Western Riverina Community College, Griffith “It’s a legitimate and credible activity to say that you are learning something to improve your life. If employment is scarce because of trauma or literacy, it is a way to rejoin society. Education breeds hope.” Valerieanne Byrnes, CEO Nautilus College, initiative of Mid North Coast Community College Working Closely with the Community Special Assistance Schools like Gateway Community High have close ties with key stakeholders in their immediate surrounds, including mainstream schools and other youth professionals such as counsellors, support workers, and employment agencies. These are important referral networks and community agencies that, through collaboration and engagement, work together to provide students a pathway to further education, employment and social inclusion – creating and empowering better futures for young people. Find out more There's only a few spots left for our 2021 intake of Yr 9 & 10 students. Find out more about Gateway Community High at www.gatewaycommunityhigh.nsw.edu.au or call 8845 8835.