Students from Greenvale’s Keelonith Primary School are helping to raise awareness of autism.
The school’s student representative council (SRC) held an autism awareness event on June 27, raising $376 for the AMAZE foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing support and resources for individuals with autism and their families.
The day featured activities that educated students about autism and how to foster an environment of empathy and support for those with autism.
Year 5 student Ayda spoke about her older brother, who has autism.
“Having a brother with autism has taught me patience and understanding,” she said.
“Events like this help everyone see the world from my brother’s perspective and realise how important it is to be kind and inclusive.”
Three students from the school’s year 5-6 class took responsibility to create lessons for the day.
These lessons include included discussions about how important understanding that each learner’s brain is different and simulated games that helped students experience sensory overload.
Principal Loren Peavey emphasised the importance of such events in promoting a culture of inclusion.
“At Keelonith Primary School, we celebrate and support everyone, as we believe it is the right of every child, without exception, to be a valued member of their local neighbourhood school and community,” she said.
“The Autism Awareness event at Keelonith Primary School serves as a shining example of how communities can come together to support and understand one another, paving the way for more inclusive communities.”
Max Westwood