Yalingbu Yirramboi – Royal Children’s Hospital School has officially opened, giving children and young people with chronic and acute health issues the opportunity to stay engaged in their learning.
Delivered through a $3.6 million investment by the Victorian State Government, the school will provide hospital patients with a full education from Prep to Year 12.
The school will ensure that children and young people who spend extended periods of time in the hospital stay on track with their education and can achieve their full potential.
Governed by a School Council and led by principal Naomi McBride, the new school will initially employ 22 registered teachers and six education support class staff.
Students will receive individualised teaching and learning programs aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and VCE via flexible teaching modes, including classroom sessions, small group sessions and individual bedside support, depending on individual patient needs.
Yalingbu Yirramboi – Royal Children’s Hospital School will also provide remote learning opportunities for students recovering at home but not yet well enough to attend school.
When a child is well enough it will support students to transition back to their original school once they leave hospital.
Traditional owners were consulted about the permanent name of the school. Yalingbu Yirramboi means ‘today and tomorrow’ in the local languages of the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung peoples, representing the idea of continuing health services to the community.
Establishing a registered school at the Royal Children’s Hospital will create a more consistent approach to operating Victorian hospital schools, aligning it with other models of hospital-based education in Victoria, such as the Monash Children’s Hospital School.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the opening of the new school at the Royal Children’s Hospital will ensure that young patients don’t miss out on the good quality education they deserve.
Acting Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt said no child should miss out on the education they need if they’re unwell.
“We’re giving Victorian children access to a world-class education, easing the burden on parents to keep their child on track while they are unwell or recovering.”
