Accessing specialist services to support student engagement, wellbeing and learning

At Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns, we are committed to providing comprehensive support services to enhance students’ learning and participation. Our school teams have access to specialist support from centralised Catholic Education Office personnel. Here are the key services available:

Consultants Diversity – Inclusive Education:

These consultants provide a consultative service to schools, teachers, parents, and professionals.
Their focus is enabling students with disabilities to access and participate in the curriculum.
Services include assistance with equity of access through supported enrolments, programming for learning goals, adjustments for students with disabilities, and teaching strategies.
Specific expertise in supporting students with intellectual disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Consultants Diversity – HI and VI (Hearing Impairment and Vision Impairment):

These specialists specialize in areas related to hearing and vision impairment.
They work closely with students who have specific needs in these domains.

Supporting Multilingual Learners (EAL/D)

Students speaking languages other than Standard Australian English may require language support.
Our schools develop personalized programs and strategies in consultation with families to enable all students to participate fully in school activities.
Assessment of language needs through Bandscaling.

Speech Language Pathologists (SLP):

SLPs provide consultative services to schools, teachers, parents, and professionals.
Their focus is enhancing students’ spoken language skills.
They identify and plan for students with significant educational needs related to speech and language difficulties, including Speech Language Impairment.

Occupational Therapists (OT):

OTs offer consultative services to enhance students’ independence and participation within the school environment.
They work with a diverse range of students, including those with disabilities.

Psychologists:

Our school psychologists primarily support mental health, thinking/reasoning, and learning.
They address social, emotional, and educational impacts.
Services aim to improve students’ well-being and overall participation in school life.

School Counsellors:

School Counsellors focus on fostering the development, mental health, and resilience of all students.
They work with at-risk students and those with special needs.
Through guidance and counselling, they contribute to equitable educational access and positive outcomes.
If your child requires specialist support, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.