JOY Burch has launched a partnership program between Cranleigh School and Macgregor Primary School.

The newly formed collaboration enables Cranleigh students in year one to year three to visit Macgregor Primary School each week to gain guidance and mentoring in the subjects of art, music and physical education.

“This collaborative relationship was formed by both schools, highlighting an opportunity to promote and support inclusive practices across both communities,” Joy said.

“This is a learning opportunity for Cranleigh students to further their communication and social skills, while also increasing Macgregor students’ awareness about diversity in their community.”

The Cranleigh and Macgregor partnership program has been successfully running since the beginning of Term 2 2015. Planning commenced at the end of 2014 and through Term 1 to identify spaces, and allow for teacher collaboration and student preparation.

“The partnership program supports social and emotional development for students in mainstream and specialist schools and I’m pleased with how students have taken to it.

“Teaching staff of both schools also have access to collegial professional learning opportunities to further develop support practices.

“Collaboration and support emerges and grows when real connections are made between students and teachers. I encourage and celebrate our schools in the Canberra public education system, who place great focus on developing community partnerships,” Ms Burch concluded.