About Tombolo Academy

Empowering Neurodiverse Learners to Thrive

At Tombolo Academy, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where neurodiverse learners can thrive. Our teaching ethos emphasises personalised education, innovative practices, and strong relationships. We believe in meeting each student where they are, fostering resilience, curiosity, and a love for learning. By embracing diverse teaching strategies and collaborative approaches, we empower our students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Principal’s Welcome

Welcome to Tombolo Academy,

We are passionate about challenging assumptions and shifting perspectives about our students. We aim to tear off the negative labels given to them and the labels they create for themselves.

Our students have often had negative experiences in their previous schools. They see the world in a unique way and have usually felt misunderstood in a mainstream setting. “I don’t quite fit” “I learn differently from other students,” or “I sometimes feel like I am dumb, but I know that I am not.”

Our students may arrive with little or no self-confidence after being rejected and labelled a failure. 

We want them to love learning and believe they can change the world when they leave. Every student deserves that pathway.

Tombolo Academy is a specialist school delivering a rich educational program for students with unique strengths and challenges.

We aim to create a sense of belonging in our school. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do at Tombolo, and we strive to build on the strengths and abilities of the young people we welcome into our community.

I hope you gain insight into our school from the blog and website. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Helen Barrett
Principal

Our Vision

We imagine a time when all our students recognise their boundless potential, embrace their differences and are accepted for their uniqueness.

Our Mission

Every day, and for every student, we deliver a rich educational program that emphasises the strengths, gifts and talents of our students providing the building blocks necessary to be successful throughout their lives.

School Values

Respect

At our school, we value respect in all its forms. We respect ourselves, each other, our community, and the world around us. We celebrate and support diversity, recognising the strength it brings to our learning community.

Humility

We embrace humility, acknowledging our personal achievements and strengths while remaining grounded. We take responsibility for our actions, making informed choices that consider the well-being of others and our community. We grow with dignity and integrity.

Resilience

Our students are resilient in the face of challenges. We encourage bravery and positive adaptation to change in various contexts. With commitment and perseverance, we build confidence to solve problems, seeing failure as a stepping stone to growth.

Curiosity

Curiosity drives our learning journey. We find joy in exploration and are eager to try new things. Developing a global awareness, we cultivate a sense of wonder and interest in understanding our place in the world.

Collaboration

We believe in the power of collaboration. Students, teachers, and our community work together to achieve success. By fostering strong partnerships and collective responsibility, we create positive outcomes for all learners.

Empathy

Empathy is at the heart of our community. We treat others with care and compassion, always considering their feelings. We celebrate cultural diversity and strive to understand how our actions impact others’ emotions.

Meet Our Team

At Tombolo Academy, our dedicated educators create a supportive and engaging environment for students. With diverse expertise and a commitment to personalised education, our staff collaborates to empower each student’s unique journey, fostering academic, social, and emotional growth.

Helen Barrett

Principal

Alex Newman

Assistant Principal

Josh Grierson

Mathematics Teacher

Kim McClounan

Specialist Intervention and Primary Teacher

Daniel Lewis

Sports Coach and Senior Assistant Teacher

Helen Fricker

Primary Teacher/Curriculum Writer

Dan McHugh

Art and Music Teacher

Torie Dixon

Science Teacher

Chris Niekamp

Assistant Teacher

Craig Fraser

Sports Coach and Senior Assistant Teacher

Matthieu Harte

Assistant Teacher

Daniel Sillar

Assistant Teacher

Matthew Newman

HR and Business Manager

Christine Yu

Finance Officer & Accountant

Melissa NeSmith

Senior Admin Assistant

Suzana McCarthy

Admin & Reception

Chris Hall

Occupational Therapist
Fraser Kirton English Teacher and Careers Pathways Coordinator

Fraser Kirton

English Teacher & Careers Pathways Coordinator

Remy

Tombolo's Support & Well-Being Dog

At Tombolo Academy, Remy, our trained support and well-being dog, helps create a calming environment for our students. By reducing anxiety and providing emotional support, Remy enhances focus, builds confidence, and ensures students feel safe and supported throughout their learning journey.

Hear From Happy Tombolo Families

“Thank goodness for Tombolo Academy! There are very, very, very few options for secondary education for children with high functioning autism, ADHD and/or anxiety (no matter how smart they are) because they either can’t get the right support at mainstream schools and/or they just can’t cope with the size and neurotypical demands of those schools. It has been an amazing experience for our son, providing him with support, understanding and tailored accomodations and learning that have helped him thrive… I couldn’t more highly recommend this school.”

Melim M

“Our lives have been transformed beyond our dreams since starting at Tombolo, my son comes home happy and fulfilled every day – he feels valued, understood, respected, extended and supported. My son now has the confidence to be himself, enjoys being at school and part of an amazing community.”

Rachael Simmelmann

Online Forms

Every day, and for every student, we deliver a rich educational program that emphasises the strengths, gifts and talents of our students providing the building blocks necessary to be successful throughout their lives.

School Policies & Info

At Tombolo Academy, the policies and procedures we implement serve as essential guidelines for maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. These principles are integral to our mission of cultivating a nurturing community that prioritises the well-being and growth of every student.

The Tombolo Academy
Annual Reports

School Board

The School Board at Tombolo Academy is composed of dedicated individuals committed to upholding our vision and mission while ensuring the effective governance of our institution. Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise, working collaboratively to support our commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students.

Democratic Principles

Tombolo Academy is committed to the principles of a liberal democracy.

  • We believe in an accountable, democratically elected government.
  • We respect and observe the rule of law and believe that no person is above the law.
  • We believe in equal rights for all before the law, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender or other attributes.
  • We believe not only in the freedom of religion, but also the need to practise tolerance and understanding of others’ beliefs.
  • We believe in the value of freedom of speech and freedom of association, but also acknowledge that we have the responsibility not to abuse this freedom.
  • We believe in the values of openness and tolerance, and value and respect all members of the school community regardless of background.

This Statement of Democratic Principles is communicated to staff, students, parents and guardians and the school community.

Tombolo Academy believes all Victorians irrespective of the school they attend, where they live, or their background—should have access to high quality education that:

  • Enables them to realise their learning potential and achieve their best.
  • Inspires lifelong learning.
  • Enables parents/guardians to actively participate in their children’s education.