Category: News

  • Beyond Mainstream: The Growth of Special Assistance Schools in Australia

    Beyond Mainstream: The Growth of Special Assistance Schools in Australia

    The term “special assistance school” is gaining traction throughout Australia, but what does it actually mean? Across the nation, independent special assistance schools are reshaping education for students who don’t fit into the mainstream systems. These schools are not about lowering expectations and are definitely not a ‘last resort’. What they are about is removing…

  • Building Resilience Through Safe Struggles: Learning Support at Allegra

    Building Resilience Through Safe Struggles: Learning Support at Allegra

    A Personalised Approach in Every Classroom At Allegra, learning support is not an add-on, it is part of how we ensure every student feels seen, heard, and empowered. With small classes of just 14 students, and a Learning Support Officer (LSO) in nearly every room, our students benefit from a unique level of personalised guidance.…

  • Creative Voices: How Allegra Students Are Learning to Speak, See and Shine

    Creative Voices: How Allegra Students Are Learning to Speak, See and Shine

    At Allegra, we believe learning comes alive when students are given the freedom to explore their voices, passions, and creative talents. This term, our Year 10 students have been doing just that by producing their own podcasts, experimenting with photography in art class, and visiting exhibitions at Yarrila Arts and Museum. These projects are more…

  • Rise & Shine: Celebrating Success Together

    Rise & Shine: Celebrating Success Together

    Rise & Shine: Celebrating Success Together At Allegra School, we believe success takes many forms and at our recent Rise & Shine Celebration Breakfast, this truth shone brightly. On Friday 5 September, students, staff, parents, carers, and community partners gathered upstairs at Allegra School Coffs Harbour to celebrate achievements both big and small, in ways…

  • World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10

    World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10

    World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10 What is World Suicide Prevention Day?Each year on September 10, communities across the globe mark World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind each other that reaching out can save lives. For young people especially, life can feel overwhelming at times—with…

  • A Contagion Outbreak Sparks Curiosity in the VIVA Classroom

    A Contagion Outbreak Sparks Curiosity in the VIVA Classroom

    Hands-on Science Comes Alive The VIVA classroom was buzzing with excitement today as students participated in a hands-on simulation that brought science to life. The activity, Contagion Outbreak!, invited students to step into the world of pathogens, disease transmission, and outbreak control and the results were nothing short of extraordinary. Staff Energy Ignites Student Engagement…

  • Celebrating Innovation: Year 10 Business Plan Awards

    Celebrating Innovation: Year 10 Business Plan Awards

    Showcasing Creativity and Entrepreneurial Spirit This term, our Year 10 Business Studies students have showcased their creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial flair through the Business Plan Awards. Over the course of Terms 2 and 3, students were challenged to identify a business opportunity and develop a comprehensive plan for a start-up venture located in Coffs Central…

  • The Importance of Work Experience for Student Wellbeing

    The Importance of Work Experience for Student Wellbeing

    Work Experience: More Than Just a Job Last week, our students completed their work experience placements, and they are now reflecting on the journey. For many, it wasn’t just about turning up on time and learning the ropes, it was about discovering what they’re good at, building confidence, and taking real steps toward the future.…

  • Building Confidence Through Connection: Allegra’s Senior College Transition Visit

    Building Confidence Through Connection: Allegra’s Senior College Transition Visit

    Supporting Students Through Change For many young people, thinking about life after Year 10 can feel overwhelming. Questions like What do I want to do?, Where should I go?, and Am I ready? can create stress and uncertainty. To support our students during this important stage, Allegra has developed a unique transition program in partnership…

  • Regulation to Reality: The Balancing Act of Compliance and Connection

    Regulation to Reality: The Balancing Act of Compliance and Connection

    In education, there is an ongoing tension between meeting regulatory requirements and responding flexibly to the diverse needs of students. Schools operate under the framework of the NSW Education Act 1990, which mandates that all children between six and 17 years of age must be enrolled and attend school regularly. This legislation exists for good…