Tara Murray
Hester Hornbrook Academy Sunshine campus students were able show off their new school last week as part of an open day.
Public access to the school, which opened earlier this year, has been restricted as a result of COVID-19. With restrictions easing, the school held an open day last week.
The academy provides young people aged 15 -25 with an opportunity to complete a senior secondary school certificate in a flexible and supportive environment.
According to the school, some students have experienced family violence, financial hardship, mental health concerns, learning difficulties and homelessness.
The school is run by Melbourne City Mission.
Melbourne City Mission’s Brendan Carroll said about 300 people attended the open day.
“The open day was student-driven and they created games and activities,” he said.
“Some were singing and playing guitars, it was beautiful.”
Mr Carroll said the principal said the students were starting to feel that it was their school and that they belonged and felt safe.
The school offers additional wellbeing support, flexible timetables and increased time for completion of the VCAL certificate, so students can concentrate on their wellbeing.
