Who Are We?
Margaret Jurd Learning Centre is a registered special school providing full curriculum education up to the award of School Certificate. The students we target are those students who are unable to access or maintain mainstream schooling due to challenging behaviours and or life circumstances. Among the young people we service are some of the most marginalized and disadvantaged students within the community. Our students display challenging behaviours due to limited attention spans, high energy levels, disjointed and inconsistent educational histories along with mental health diagnosis, histories of neglect and or abuse, families with alcohol or other drug issues, homelessness etc. Margaret Jurd Learning Centre comprises a student body of 20 students broken up into two classes of 10 students at varying levels and stages in years 9 and 10.
History
Margaret Jurd Learning Centre was born out of a vision to empower young people through supported education and care. Newcastle Youth Service (NYS) was a street service supporting young people at risk within the Newcastle Area. Established as a ministry of the Hamilton Uniting Church Parish the service quickly became a vital part of the Youth Welfare Sector in Newcastle. In 1985 the board of NYS commenced a Tutorial Service in an old pub in Carrington as an extension of the service. The need for supported alternative education comprising an accommodation service became quickly apparent. Margaret Jurd Learning Centre was moved to its current location and grew from a tutorial centre to a registered school 1996. The vision and drive from the beginning came from a Dr of Psychology who was integral in every step of the NYS story. Dr Margaret Jurds' reputation for her work with disadvantaged youth has established her as a widely respected figure among the community. The Centre was named in her honour after her passing and continues to grow in the direction inspired by her.
Vision Statement
Creating Positive Futures Together
Mission Statement
Providing young people with an option of alternative, holistic education in a caring, supportive environment that empowers them to make confident, positive choices.
Values
| Faith: | Confident hope in effectiveness of compassionate action |
| Justice/Equity: | Never settling for disadvantage |
| Respect: | Unconditional acceptance of individuals |
| Enrichment: | Creating enhanced opportunities |
MOTTO
We do what others won’t. We care when others don’t
Location
Margaret Jurd Learning Centre is centrally located in 22 Belford Road Lambton. The school is located near public resources that ensure that students have access to the vital resources necessary for their physical needs. Within a five minute walk from the school we have two large public parks including soccer fields, tennis courts and football fields; a large public swimming pool and a public library. The central business area of Lambton is also a short walking distance from the school where we find banks, shops, chemists, medical practitioners, newsagency and post office. The public transport routes are also very close to the school with the local busses coming as close to the school as the corner of the street. The train station is a five minute drive or a fifteen minute walk from the school.
The office can be contacted via the following
Ph: (02) 49575698
(02) 49571437
Fax: (02) 49 570121
Email: enquiries@mjlc.com.au
Hours of Operation
Margaret Jurd Learning Centre opens for business on Monday Mornings at 8:30am and closes on Friday afternoons at 3:30pm.
The actual days of school operation are Mon –Thur with students in year 10 using Fridays to access work experience options.
The School office hours for enquiries are 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday –Thursday and 9:00 – 3:30 Friday.
School day commences at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm
Communication
Communication with staff and parents/caregivers is encouraged. All staff encourage parents to maintain open, honest communication in supporting the students’ needs. The following forms of communication are encouraged and welcome:
| Telephone: | Staff can be contacted by Phone on during office hours. If staff are not available please leave a message with the Schools Secretary and they will return your call. |
| Email: | All staff have individual email addresses. The addresses are the staff members name followed by @mjlc.com.au e.g. fredblogs@mjlc.com.au |
| Meeting: | A meeting can be arranged through the Schools Secretary. |
Governance Structure
Margaret Jurd Learning Centre is a Ministry of The Uniting Church in Australia under the auspice of Hunter Presbytery and governed by the Board of Governance appointed by the Hunter Presbytery f the NSW Synod. The Governance structure of the Centre is as follows.
