Together with Westfield, Autism Advisory & Support Service have launched the Community Champion Awards. These awards are designed to acknowledge amazing members in our community who make a real difference in the lives of those with ASD.
As our first round was launched, the nominations came in fast. With so many amazing candidates it was going to be a tough choice, however there was one nomination that stood out and if you continue reading, you can see why.
Kelly Lysaght is the Deputy Principal Special Education at Miller Public School. She leads a team of 15 staff on a daily basis to teach, inspire and drive the learning, social/emotional, behavioural and communicative needs for our students. Kelly displays an unwavering focus on ensuring excellence and equity for her support unit, there are 43 students with autism enrolled. Kelly has worked over the past five years at Miller to develop communication tools to support our students to develop their communicative skills. In partnership with allied health providers, Kelly has developed a communication app. Our non verbal students can express their needs and wants and make choices and in an exceptional example of inclusive practice, they have hosted whole school assemblies utilising this app.
Kelly consistently advocates for our students and their families. Her knowledge of best practice drives teaching programs to afford our students their best educational outcomes. She has allowed her staff a voice and through collaboration has provided teaching and learning spaces that meet the physical and sensory needs of students. Visual communication tools, sensory equipment, playground equipment and teaching and learning resources are all selected to meet the individual needs of students. This year she has initiated a learn to swim life skills program for our class of students with the most complex needs. Kelly ensures students have a voice and are supported to express their views. She builds the capacity of students to solve problems, set goals, make decisions and self advocate.
In addition to the exceptional role Kelly fulfils at Miller Public School she has worked over the past two years as a mentor to new and aspiring leaders in the field of special education. She currently engages with two schools in Prestons, a school in Orange and Berala. She has established a network for Assistant Principals across schools with large support units.
Families know they can speak to Kelly for support and guidance. She accesses supports, engages with therapists and works on a daily basis to engage the team of people supporting our little learners. Kelly Lysaght is truly deserving of this award.
On Friday 12thh April, with staff from AASS & Westfield in attendance , Kelly was presented with her award at a whole school assembly. Everyone was undoubtedly very proud of Kelly and so are we. Thank you Kelly, you really are a Community, Champion!
Nominations for the next round of awards are now open and can be found here.
