The word "Yulinbal" means Come back, in the Gathang language. Yulinbal is an inclusive, new special assistance school campus coming to Taree for learners who have experienced challenges in traditional school education environments and would benefit from a specialised learning pathway.
Local artist Joshua Wood designed the logo and told us about its meaning.
'The centre circle with the yellow, orange, and red symbolises the raw emotions and feelings that we can have in the moment, and that no matter what we have done in our past that we still have a heart," says Joshua.
"The white symbols of people and dots represent the moral compass that helps us make the right decision and the path that we may follow. The shades of green illustrate the nurturing nature of the teachers and role models in their lives that influence and direct each student's journey on the right path.
"The meeting places in blue represent the river system in Taree, and like our river, we may branch off in different directions away from the channel, but at the end, we come together for a deeper understanding of our journey of our past."
Our students are not just learning, but they are growing and changing and becoming valuable members of our community.
Yulinbal uses the ALESCO model of alternative schooling pioneered by WEA Hunter in 2002 (the former Workers Education Association in Newcastle) and since then has proven to be a successful model for many young people across NSW who are ready and willing to take control of their own learning and their future. Alesco inspired more than 11 Special assistance schools throughout NSW auspiced through local Community Colleges. It is not politically or religiously affiliated and one of the significant common threads across all is their ability t adapt to the local community they serve. .
Many students find today's traditional school setting of highly structured timetable and academic pressure too much, while not feeling they can explore areas of life that they would like to pursue. They are challenged by sitting in ordered classrooms all day and having to move from one academic subject to another.
Yulinbal turns that upside down and allows learners to find their passions and explore options. The whole program is much less formal, but still very serious about supporting students to find their individual learning pathway.
Extra curricular Activities such as learning Gathang language, film making, hospitality, arts, information technology and innovation will all form the basis of strong learning programs enhanced with many outdoor experiences and field trips to different learning sites. This will give students the opportunity to explore different areas of life while also meeting the core requirements of the NSW Education Standards Authority.
Additionally, students receive support for their literacy and numeracy issues if these have been a previous challenge. Addressing these challenges is embedded in the program that engages and stimulates hands on learning.
Pastoral care is a centre piece of our College; a continuous process of support by getting to know each student, their needs and their family circumstances.
The College offers our students exactly the same school curriculum as found in any other traditional school, it is not an equivalent – it is identical. The difference is about how we deliver education to our students.
Yulinbal is not always the easy option that students think it will be; they can’t disrupt other learners; we will not tolerate violence, drugs or bullying of any kind; participating in learning sessions is essential.
In total Yulinbal is able to cater for approximately 55 students. With smaller classes, our students become part of our college and part of our community.
