About Our School

Gladys Newton School is proud to be a centre of excellence, creating opportunities for success for students with intellectual disabilities, autism and severe mental health issues.

The school has embraced its shared purpose of ”Educating for a brighter future” in all aspects of its operation. Our commitment to achieving our purpose, vision and priorities is enhanced by an active and enthusiastic P and C, a supportive School Board, a dedicated and professional leadership team and staff and parents who are willing partners in their child’s education.

The Gladys Newton School was established as Balga Special School on the present site in 1971. The school was purpose built for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. It did not initially cater for students with physical disabilities but since the early 1990s the school facilities have been progressively upgraded and renewed to cater for our current student population.

The school has safe, secure and spacious grounds with well-established gardens and shady playground areas. The school offers a wide range of amenities, and programs not generally available in a primary school, including: a custom designed playground for students with disabilities, a gymnasium, an indoor heated pool, a health club, a perceptual motor program room, a work skills room, a library/resource centre, a home economics area, an art/craft learning area, a bicycle track, a multi-sensory environment, Bush Cadets and a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden.

All students at Gladys Newton have an Individual Education Program developed and reviewed each semester in collaboration with their parents, caregivers, and school staff. Students are provided with a comprehensive portfolio report on their progress each semester. Students have access to on-site therapy focus staff offering speech, occupational and physiotherapy. Students are the centre of a multi disciplinary approach involving teachers, education assistants, therapists and nurses. All students take part in a community access program to reinforce and practice the skills taught at school. All programs have a strong emphasis on communication, self-care, independence and social skills.

Gladys Newton parents are active partners in their child’s education. Our parent community is a diverse group, both culturally and socio-economically. Parents are encouraged to provide and receive feedback individually through enrolment meetings with the Principal, individual education planning meetings (twice annually), individual case conferences, daily communication books, surveys on specific aspects of school policies and operations, Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C) meetings and School Board meetings.