Principal at Lucas Gardens School, Jenny Zagas: ‘We put the person before their disability’

·

From a very young age, Jenny Zagas, was passionate about helping people. She tells The Greek Herald how she always used to translate for newly arrived Greek migrants such as her uncle, or “helped the old lady at the supermarket who couldn’t be understood.”

“I didn’t have to try. It just came naturally to me,” Ms Zagas says.

So naturally in fact, that Ms Zagas decided to become a teacher in special education. In this role, she provides educational programs for students with high and moderate support needs, including intellectual and physical disabilities, sensory impairments and complex medical conditions.

This is something, Ms Zagas says, that wasn’t always easily understood by those around her.

“In those days you didn’t really talk about disability… the older generation didn’t really know that special schools existed. So I needed to explain to them my philosophy that every child can learn, and every child has the right to an education,” Ms Zagas explains passionately.

Jenny Zagas at Lucas Gardens School. Photo supplied.

Of course, Ms Zagas’ parents were incredibly supportive of her decision to work in special education and because of this support, she was able to complete her primary teaching degree and a special education course.

Ms Zagas then started working at Caroline Chisholm special school for ten years, before moving to Marrickville Public School and later becoming Assistant Principal of the ‘support unit’ at Gardeners Road Public School. But then, after 11 years, Ms Zagas was lucky enough to become the Principal at Lucas Gardens School and she has never looked back.

‘This is not a hospital. It is a school’:

The first task which Ms Zagas took on as Principal of the special education school, was a complete rebuild of the premises in Canada Bay, NSW. The school community was already fundraising for a hydrotherapy pool when Ms Zagas took up the role, but they were short by $250,000.

Cue a supportive Greek community who rallied around Ms Zagas and, with the help of George Zakos and his wife Barbara, organised a dinner dance at La Montage to raise the necessary funds.

Hydrotherapy pool. Photo supplied / Evolving Picture.

“We got the money for the hydrotherapy pool, which was $1 million. So then I had a discussion with the Department of Education and said, ‘look we’re getting this state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, what’s the possibility of getting a new school’?” Ms Zagas explains.

“Later, in the 2015 Federal Budget, it was announced that Lucas Gardens School was going to get a rebuild. So that was amazing.”

As Principal, Ms Zagas played a significant role in the rebuild as she was always on site choosing “the finishing touches” and “every piece of furniture.” This, Ms Zagas says, was a privilege as it helped her maintain her ultimate educational goal.

Hydrotherapy pool. Photo supplied / Evolving Picture.

“One of my biggest commitments is to move away from a therapy model… So it is a teaching facility. It is not a hospital. It is not a rehab centre. It is a school,” Ms Zagas states.

“And you know, when people come to Lucas Gardens, the first thing they say is that it looks like the school down the road, like Trinity Grammar. It doesn’t look any different, apart from the wheelchairs you see, because the focus is teaching and learning.

“So it was a privilege to build the next type of special education facilities for kids with disabilities and young people.”

Males in special education and leadership:

In this state-of-the-art facility, Ms Zagas and her team of committed teachers work hard to ensure their special needs students have the best of everything.

Alicia is receiving the principal award. Photo supplied.

In most cases, there are environmental adjustments for some students, such as those who are legally blind. In high school there is also a shift to a “life skills curriculum,” where students can learn to be as independent as possible. Some students who are non-verbal are also assisted with accessing communication devices to help them with their education experience.

“90 percent of the students at Lucas Gardens are non-verbal, so one of the things I’ve really instilled in my school is that every child must leave in Year 12 with a communication device. That could be hand signing, an iPad with pictures… or even eye gaze,” Ms Zagas says.

With such ground-breaking initiatives taking place at Lucas Gardens, we just had to ask Ms Zagas how she manages to pull it off. Her answer? It all comes down to leadership and of course, putting the person before their disability.

Richard is using his iPad to communicate. Photo supplied.

“One of the things we do with the high school is hold talks around appropriate language… putting the person before the disability. Not saying, ‘the autistic child,’ but saying ‘the young child with autism.’ So one of the things that we do a lot at Lucas Gardens is disability awareness,” she says.

“I [also] have to make some strong decisions about the school, but you have to lead by heart and show that empathy and connection to the students and the families.”

Is this a role which can only be done by females in special education? Ms Zagas believes that’s not the case and says she hopes to see a positive shift in the female to male ratio in special schools.

Jenny hopes to see more males working in special education. School grounds at Lucas Gardens School. Photo supplied / Evolving Picture.

“I know the Department of Education embrace females… I’d love to see more male teachers in special education,” Ms Zagas says.

“One of my jobs as a Principal is to look at the next generation and really encourage our aspiring leaders, both male and female… to take the next step.”

With such clear passion for special schools, there’s no doubt that the future of this unique educational field is in good hands with Ms Zagas.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Prime Ministers of Greece and Israel discuss security and peace efforts in meeting

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Israel on Sunday, March 30, emphasising the strong defence ties between the two nations.

Professor Maria Makrides appointed executive director of SA medical institute

Professor Maria Makrides has been chosen to be the next executive director of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

The story of Greek migrant Thomas Papadopoulos who is searching for his long-lost friend

Thomas Papadopoulos is searching for his long-lost friend, Nikos, who he travelled with on the ‘Patris’ during in 1962.