A Canberra success story: the local school with a unique mission

Posted on 29 May, 2023

Nestled within our southern suburbs is one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets—a school whose unique mission has captured the hearts of the community. This extraordinary place helps vulnerable young people on their educational journey.

The only special assistance high school in the Canberra region, Communities at Work’s Galilee School inspires young people in Years 7 to 12 to realise their full potential by offering authentic learning opportunities.

As the Senior Secondary College proudly celebrates its third year, Galilee School continues to redefine the educational landscape, offering an alternate path to success for students who face personal obstacles too complex to address in a conventional classroom. The school’s authentic and caring environment provides holistic learning, encompassing life skills like cooking, gardening, and nutrition.

“Many of the young people that have joined Galilee School in Years 7 to 10 have not found success in other environments. They believe a Year 12 Certificate is beyond their reach,” says Galilee School Principal Tim McNevin.

“We have a wonderful opportunity to turn that narrative around, to bring hope for the future, and to give them self-belief that they can achieve that level of education.”

Looking back on the last three years, Tim is incredibly proud of both his staff and students. Opening the Senior Secondary College in February 2021 was a hugely significant milestone. Finally, students could complete a range of accredited subjects to achieve their Year 12 Certificate.

Using ‘wrap-around care’ and a staff-to-student ratio of 1:5 that would be the envy of any school, Galilee provides high-level individual support unparalleled for the Canberra region.

“As unique as each young person is, so are the challenges they face. For some —particularly in our Senior Secondary College—that may include some mental health challenges. For others accommodation is an issue,” says Tim.

“As young people grow older, they need to connect with government and community services. Finding a way to do that is not always clear. We work with them to ensure they’ve got the necessary paperwork in place and connect with the services they need.  With so many pressing needs in their life, helping them requires some logistical support.”

“Whatever challenges a young person faces, sometimes Galilee School is simply a safe place where they can chat with someone they trust. It takes patience and trust to work through the complexities of life.”

Success takes many forms; it’s not just achieving an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate. That’s why Galilee School employs not only teachers, but also youth workers, learning support assistants, and other support staff who help students believe in themselves, and re-engage with their families and the local community.

The school has a strong emphasis on helping students transition to the workforce or further study. That’s why it provides training and job-ready support programs to increase education and employment opportunities for students.

“The important thing to emphasize is that success takes many forms. What might be success for one young person may be entirely different for another,” explains Tim.

“Transitioning to the workforce is a good example of that. We want to provide whatever they need to be confident and capable of making that transition. That could involve brokering vocational learning opportunities, work experience placements, and broadening their network of contacts and opportunities.”

According to Tim, many students don’t know where they’d be without Galilee School. The school—and its unique mission—saved them from going down a path of hurt and regret.

“It’s so humbling to hear their fresh perspective on life. They have a future and something to aim for. They have a credential in their pocket and the confidence to pursue new opportunities. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey.”

“For many of these young people, they might be the first person in their family to achieve an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate. We’re not just helping a young person; we’re also affecting their family and future generations. And that’s incredibly powerful.”

Now open for enrolments, Galilee School may be worth a look.