A mother was in tears when she was told her son would finally be able to attend Gralee School for children with special needs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The news came just after the school was "rebadged", meaning for the first time in Gralee's history they'll be able to take in students with just an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.
Previously children with autism also needed to be diagnosed with a moderate-to-severe intellectual disability to be let in, but the rules have been relaxed with the school's recent rebadgeing.
It's a big deal for Gralee principal Carly Dunn, who said she was delighted to be able to accept the students that they had previously been forced to turn away.
"It's great for Leeton, because it opens these facilities up for more families," Mrs Dunn said.
"We have some great facilities in Leeton."
Now the school has set aside a classroom tailored to the needs of students on the autism spectrum, and they're currently accepting new enrolments.
Some of the school's current students are on the autism spectrum, and they've already made a place for themselves in the new classroom.
Mrs Dunn is hoping to enrol students of a younger age, which is the critical development period for children on the autism spectrum.
Over the years she's seen many young children develop to the point where they're ready to make the transition to a mainstream school.
Mrs Dunn said it's always an emotional moment when it comes time to wave goodbye to a student they've cared for throughout the years, but it's those moments that stick with her the longest.
Parents who have questions about enrolments and eligibility can call Gralee School on 6953 3350.