Berry Street Web Docs BEST Centre Annual Report 2009 | Page 4

Outcomes For B.E.S.T. Centre Students

B.E.S.T. CENTRE - Noble Park Campus

In 2009 the B.E.S.T Centre provided evidence and
successfully qualified for re-registration with the
Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority.

In 2009 we were successful in accessing targeted
funding for 17 students to support their needs
under the ‘severe behaviour disorder’ category.

The B.E.S.T. Centre continued to focus on the
development and implementation of appropriate
and meaningful Individual Education Plans for the
students attending our school.

We provided an education program for 34 students
and their outcomes were as follows:

These students come from highly disadvantaged
and vulnerable backgrounds and have complex
learning, emotional and social needs. Often they
have been disengaged from formal education for
a significant time prior to coming to the B.E.S.T.
Centre.
Our practice is informed by a knowledge and
understanding of the impact of trauma and neglect
on the development of these young people and on
their capacity to engage in learning.
Integral to our work is the provision of a safe,
understanding and empathic environment which
assists our students to regulate their emotions and
behaviours, develop supportive relationships with
others at the school and engage successfully in
their learning program.
The structure of the school day at Noble Park was
changed in Term 3, with a focus on the literacy
and numeracy program in the morning and a move
to electives in the afternoons. This was planned
to maximise the student’s engagement with these
fundamental elements of the school program.
There were a number of staff changes at the Noble
Park campus during the year, including the
resignation of the Manager, Emma McCarthy. Sue
Nilsen was appointed as the new Manager late in
the year, to commence in 2010. During 2009,
the B.E.S.T Centre in Morwell welcomed the
appointment of our new Team Leader, Mara
Strante, who commenced at the Morwell Campus
in July 2009.

Page 4

• 19 completed the year and intended to
return to B.E.S.T. in 2010 (8 of these
students were incarcerated at the end of
2009)
• 4 students completed Year 10 and enrolled
at a TAFE in 2010
• 6 students were unable to continue
attending B.E.S.T. due to a change in
placement or a move away from the area.
• 2 students were supported by the CIRC
program whilst at the school as they
struggled to engage in the school
environment.
• 1 student attended B.E.S.T. from another
educational program to take part in the
motor program as part of his education plan.
• 1 student attended B.E.S.T. to take part in
the Art Program as part of a transition plan