Skene Street Specialist School

02/09/2026

Please enjoy our latest newsletter.

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

Please support our enterprise program and purchase a Father's Day gift.

28/08/2026

🌴🐊 DARWIN CAMP 2026 - Day 5 ~ last day in the NT. 🌞

27/08/2026

27/08/2026

🌴🐊 DARWIN CAMP 2026 – DAY 4 ☀️🌊

Today started at a much more relaxed pace after a few very busy days!

Students began the morning by independently preparing their own breakfast before we headed to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

At the museum, students learnt about the devastating impact of Cyclone Tracy, explored an extensive collection of maritime boats and vessels, and particularly enjoyed discovering the bugs, birds, reptiles and animals of the Northern Territory. 🐊🦎🦋 We also spent time viewing Indigenous artworks before heading outside to explore the beach and coastline. 🌊

As the Darwin sun warmed up, we headed back to our accommodation for a well-earned swim and some downtime. While everyone cooled off, Jordan and Tanaisha took responsibility for cooking a BBQ lunch for the group. Another opportunity to practise everyday living skills, teamwork and contributing to the group.

We were also very lucky that our visit happened to coincide with a Careers Expo! Students explored the different displays, spoke with exhibitors about a range of jobs, industries and future pathways, asked questions and, of course, were very enthusiastic about collecting the free pens and giveaways! 😂🖊️

It was a fantastic unexpected addition to our camp and particularly relevant for our senior students as they begin thinking about life beyond school and future employment opportunities.

🌅 We finished Day 4 at the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market.

There was certainly plenty to take in! Students explored the stalls and saw everything from crocodile skins and didgeridoos to souvenirs, artwork and an enormous variety of food from around the world.

With so many food choices, everyone found deciding what to eat a little overwhelming and eventually made the very sensible decision to skip buying dinner and use what we already had back at the house instead. Sometimes independence is also about recognising when there are too many choices, making a decision and changing the plan!

Before leaving, we enjoyed a beautiful Darwin sunset while watching the camels walking along Mindil Beach. 🐪🌅

Back at the house, the students looked at the food we had remaining and worked together to prepare their own dinner — a great way to finish the day and another real-life lesson in using what we have, reducing waste and being resourceful.

Day 4 was a little slower, but still packed with learning — independence, cooking, teamwork, history, culture, careers, decision-making and community access.

💙 Another fantastic day in Darwin!

26/08/2026

🌴🐊 DARWIN CAMP 2026 – DAY 3 continued 💦☀️

Another huge day in the Top End — and one filled with opportunities for our students to practise independence, teamwork, decision-making and everyday life skills.

The day started with students independently preparing for a full day out. They organised what they would need, packed their own lunches and made sure they had their bathers, towels, hats, water bottles and other essentials ready to go. 🎒🥪

Our first stop was the beautiful Berry Springs Nature Park. Students swam through the springs from one end to the other, and we saw some fantastic examples of persistence, courage and calculated risk-taking. Several students with limited swimming skills made the decision to challenge themselves, using pool noodles and staff support to safely participate alongside their peers. 💦

Next we headed to the Adelaide River for our Jumping Crocodile Cruise. 🐊 Students learnt about saltwater crocodiles, their habitat, behaviour and the importance of respecting wildlife in its natural environment. There was certainly plenty of excitement when the crocs started appearing beside the boat!

With the temperature climbing, it was time for another cool-off, so we headed to Leanyer Water Park. Once again, students challenged themselves. For many, simply climbing to the top of the waterslides was a big achievement — but they supported and encouraged one another, managed their nerves and braved the height and the scary slide! 🛝💦

Back at our accommodation, the learning continued. Rather than simply being served dinner, everyone had a job. Students worked together to prepare a two-course meal, set up, serve, clear away, wash dishes and clean the kitchen afterwards. 🍽️

Days like today demonstrate why camp is such a valuable part of our senior students’ learning. Throughout one day they practised:

⭐ Planning and organisation – preparing for the day and remembering what they needed
⭐ Independent living skills – making lunches, managing belongings and preparing meals
⭐ Personal safety – making safe choices around water and wildlife
⭐ Communication – listening to instructions, asking for help and expressing their needs
⭐ Teamwork – supporting friends and sharing responsibilities
⭐ Problem-solving and decision-making – working out what to do in unfamiliar situations
⭐ Resilience and persistence – having a go when something felt difficult or uncomfortable
⭐ Confidence and self-advocacy – knowing when to challenge themselves and when to seek support
⭐ Community access skills – travelling together, following expectations and participating appropriately in public places
⭐ Responsibility – looking after their belongings, their environment and one another.

A very full Day 3, but an incredibly rewarding one. We are particularly proud of the number of students who have chosen to step outside their comfort zones and discover that they are capable of more than they thought. 💙

26/08/2026

Enjoy what the staff and students are experiencing on the Darwin Camp. From take off to touch down it's been all systems go!

19/08/2026

Please enjoy that latest edition of the Skene Street newsletter.