Always learning at Oaklynn

Always learning: Oaklynn Special School's new principal Louise Doyle, centre, with (clockwise) teacher's aide Tracey Dufton, students Adeline Tuafafo and James Hewlett and teacher's aide Angela Vaughan.

By Rani Timoti

Louise Doyle never has the Monday morning blues.

She loves being the new principal at Oaklynn Special School where she first started work as a reliever 16 years ago.

"Oaklynn feels like a family and people get a lot of support here - it's a very friendly, caring place," she says.

The school caters for students with disabilities and autism from five to 21.

It also runs a bridging programme for older pupils going into the workforce.

Many of its pupils are based in satellite classes at the New Lynn, Fruitvale, Chaucer and Glenavon primary schools.

There are also classes at Avondale Intermediate and Green Bay High.

"Being in the satellite classes gives them the best of both worlds because they can access mainstream schools as well as have the specialist support from Oaklynn staff," Ms Doyle says.

The school supports about 110 children and has nearly 90 staff, including teachers, therapists, specialists and teacher aides.

Ms Doyle gained her teaching degree in England and worked with disabled adults.

The mother of three says the school provides a stable environment for young people to learn in.

"We see our role in supporting families as vital to students' wellbeing," she says.

"It includes things like connecting people up with agencies and trying to find respite care."

Western Leader