Warrah is one of those special places in our community, providing a specialist school, housing and support services for children and adults with a range of disabilities.
I was honoured to attend the official opening of two new purpose-built classrooms at Warrah Specialist School on 12th June.
This well attended event marked the culmination of renovations at Kaltenbach Cottage to create custom-designed classrooms to support students’ sensory regulation and enable small group learning and high staff-to-student ratios.
Investments like these enable Warrah to continue its 60-year vision to forge an exemplary community, way of life and education for people with intellectual disability. The rooms will help staff better meet the multi-faceted needs of their students and have a lasting impact of the entire Warrah community.
Full circle moment
It was particularly special for the many current and past school families, students, teachers and community members present to meet Hannelore, one of Warrah’s original founders. In 1965, Hannelore and Karl Kaltenbach established a suite of educational and vocational programs to provide support for adults and children with disabilities on a bushy block in Dural. Today, Warrah continues to create a welcoming space for its community and advocate for their needs.
Stronger together
Part of what makes representing the Hornsby state electorate so meaningful to me is witnessing the impact of what a community of values-driven individuals working together can achieve for the betterment of those around them.
Without the enthusiasm, sacrifice and dedication of those who contributed their time, expertise, finances, in-kind support and at times – weekends, these classrooms simply wouldn’t have been built.
This service to the community means 14 more students and their families will have access to Warrah – along with the respect, integrity, community and excellence that are its core values.
I encourage everyone to drop in and visit the Warrah organic farm shop and Waaia café soon.