Testimonials

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Below are testimonials provided by the families of some of our current and past students.

The Oeti Family

My journey with my beautiful and precious grand children 

Amaziah and Rose to Narbethong Special School.

The first time I visited Narbethong was when Amaziah was 3 or 4 years old at the time I think. We were referred to the school by Lady Cilento Children's Hospital.

It wasn't an easy journey, as there were a lot of heart aches and tears from me of course. To be told that your grandson has Lebers congenital Amaurosis which is total blindness just broke me. The thought of not being able to see his mother's beautiful face and her smile among other beautiful wonders in the world just broke me. Amaziah also does not speak and he displays autistic mannerisms yet to be diagnosed.

In 2015 my beautiful grand daughter Rose was born (Amaziah's younger sister) and she too was diagnosed with Lebers congenital Amaurosis. My heart broke again.

BUT ... there was hope. I firmly believe that at the end of the tunnel our Heavenly Father guided us to where we are today.

Rose has been attending Narbethong since she was a baby. Rose is 5 years old now and absolutely loves going to Narby twice a week. Rose is independent, very outspoken, bright, energetic (sooooo much energy) and shines like a star. Amaziah is 9 years old now and it is a delight to see him smile, make singing sounds and shine like a diamond.

Narbethong Special School gave me hope and I have a lot of love for ALL the Teachers, Management team, Support workers, school Nurse, Librarians and the Music department who have taught them to do amazing things and beyond.
The support Narbethong has given me is just overwhelming. Vision Australia has also been involved in my grandchildren's learning development and I am also grateful to Townsend Bus Company who provide transport for my precious GEMS.

I am so grateful and blessed.

The Keighley Family

We started attending the playgroup at Narbethong when my daughter was two years old. It was great to meet other families who knew what life was like for us. When it was time for our daughter to start school we knew that Narbethong was going to be the best fit for her, so we moved and changed jobs to make it happen. Over the years I have been amazed by the genuine care that staff have for the children. They're creative in the way they teach and inspire the kids. They're easy to talk to and listen to our cares and concerns. My daughter has learnt to do things that I never would have thought possible and has gained so much independence. The way the teachers, in collaboration with families, set goals for the kids and then put so much effort into helping the kids achieve those goals means we are always amazed at the new skills she is learning.

The Milne Family – Alex Milne, Narbethong Student 1996 to 2007.

Established the “Alex Milne” award for communication.

Alex Milne attended Narbethong between 1996 & 2007. He had a dual sensory deficit being profoundly deaf and also blind.  Communication was therefore very difficult for Alex. He never learnt to speak and had limited signing.  However, one of his teachers said he was the best communicator she knew.

Communication is really the key that opens doors. It’s the key that allows you to learn, to share and to make friends. 

At the suggestion of teachers, Lisa Ottosson and Carly Turnbull, we decided to commemorate Alex by presenting the Alex Milne Award.  This is presented to the Narbethong student who has shown the greatest improvement in their communication skills during the school year.

Andrew and Genevieve Milne 

The Campbell Family – Hamish Campbell, graduating student.

Established the “Mish the Fish” award in 2018.

Our journey with Narbethong started while we were living in central Africa when Bronwyn from the visual impairment unit based at the Narbethong school campus supported us remotely. When Hamish was three years old we settled in Brisbane and came to see Narbethong. That first visit was so overwhelming, my enduring memory was seeing a young boy under the echo bucket and thinking that is soooo weird.