SCHOOL DESCRIPTION
Holroyd School is located in Merrylands and provides Individual Educational Programs (I.E.P.’s) for students between the ages of four and eighteen.  All students have intellectual and/or multiple disabilities.  The school serves the needs of students residing in eight local government areas and is becoming a focal point for the provision of support services to students with disabilities, their parents and caregivers.  The government provides additional funding to the school through the Priority Schools Funding Program.

During the year, the school maintained an enrolment of approximately 175 students.  This is consistent with the past two years.  Seventy one per cent of students have severe intellectual disabilities with the remainder assessed as having a moderate intellectual disability.

The school is organised into two distinct sections.  The Junior School consists of preschool to Year 6.  The Senior School consists of Year 7 to 12.  The classes are multi-grade.

The schools current staffing establishment consists of a Principal, two Deputy Principals, two Assistant Principals, to Executive Teachers, twenty eight classroom teachers, twenty six teachers aides (special), a school counsellor, administrative staff and a general assistant. 

The staff is comprised of a wide cross section of ages ranging from newly trained to mature experienced teachers.  Staff have varied exposure to and experience in sport.

YEARLY SEQUENCE OF ACTIVITIES
Kindergarten – Year 6 Combined “Special Olympics” Schools Program

RESOURCES
The Special Olympics Co-ordinator, provides the sporting equipment and activity information cards.  She provides on-going individual coaching for both students and staff as she circulates around activities.

Extra staff support is provided through the resource team.  Teachers apply each term and the staff support is allocated to those classes with the highest student needs.  The school has purchased some sports equipment after being successful in the application for a sports grant.  This enables staff to individually timetable Special Olympics activities into their weekly timetable continuing the program and reinforcing skill development.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Special Olympics Co-ordinator is the only regular external development officer for Special Olympics.  She attends both sessions every week.  Parental involvement is sporadic and limited.  One volunteer is a regular resource team member.  He assists in the Special Olympics program and in class walking programs.

OTHER SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES
The school organises a sports and swimming day, and the junior school have previously held a 2-week swim school through DET School Swimming Scheme.  We have had visits by soccer and baseball NSW personnel.  Students undertake regular swimming, rollerblading, bike riding and walking programs.  Classes also conduct additional Special Olympics programs and use the school mini gym within their class timetable.  As part of Community Access, students have the opportunity to participate in such activities as bushwalking, park visits-walking and using play equipment: ice skating; Ten Pin Bowling; carpet bowls; aerobics; gym.  These activities run for 45 – 90 minutes per week, per student, according to the priority of their needs.  A few selected students are able to undertake mainstream sports programs in selected schools for integration.

REASONS FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM
The Special Olympics Co-ordinator is instrumental to the success of the program.  She sets up and packs equipment away so staff are solely concerned with class participation.  Her efficiency and flexibility in meeting the schools needs and providing specialised equipment ensures all students can be actively involved.

The decision to participate in the program was a whole school initiative; hence, staff consensus has increased the commitment to the success of the program.  As staff and students have become more familiar with the routine and activities, confidence and enjoyment has increased.  The weekly program allows regular practise of skills.  There is no pressure to perform; the emphasis placed on the specific individual needs and abilities of the students.  This is reflected in the programmed outcome statements and indicators throughout the school. The activities are fun and varied and appeal to the students.  The allocation of extra resource support staff to classes with most needs assists these students to participate to the best of their ability, plus ensuring that staff are not overburdened.  As skills improve students may progress, putting skills into action by participating in group games.  It is possible that students will move through the stages according to their abilities and needs.

Special Olympics is a program that provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of sports for people with an intellectual disability.  The focus of the organisation is on participation, with opportunities provided for improved athlete physical fitness and skill development.  Nine sports are offered to athletes throughout Australia – Athletics, Swimming, Basketball, Tenpin Bowling, Tennis, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball and Floor Hockey.  Athletes compete in divisions according to their ability level.

Stage 1: Motor Development Sports Program – basic movement and sports skill development.
Stage 2: Structured Sports Training sessions.  Progressive weekly units of skill development for specific sports.
Stage 3: Competition (sporting exchange) between local schools.

Schools interested in participating in the Special Olympic School Sports Program should contact Special Olympic Australia on 02 9552 6188.