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History
The Ballarat Deaf Facility started in 1952 as Ewing House. It was located at Gregory St, Wendouree and was named after Sir Alexander Ewing (Professor) and his wife Dr Irene Ewing, who were the driving force behind the planning of the school. It started with 10 children, 2 teachers and a Headmaster. During the 1950s, the student enrolment remained steady between 14-19 students.
In 1958, the school became a registered State School - no 4834. Extra grants were awarded and more land was purchased for the building of a hostel to house small groups of students.
1n 1958 The Premier of Victoria, Henry Bolte, visited the school and it's 21 students.
Enrolment continued to climb from 23 in 1960 to 46 in 1968.
During the 1970s, many more staff joined the school, and enrolment hovered between 28 and 39, as many students began joining nearby Secondary schools to do practical subjects such as woodwork, metalwork, cooking and sewing.
As more secondary students began to attend regular Secondary Schools, number declined in the 1980s. By the late 80s, students were involved in a variety of programmes in many kindergartens, primary and secondary schools.
In the 1990s, there were upgrades to the school grounds and computers were introduced as part of the school programme. In 1996, there were discussions as to whether the school remain a standalone school or become a facility based in a regular school. Colourful playground equipment was added as well as other recreational facilities.
In the 2000s, the old sheds were removed and replaced with play equipment. More computers were purchased as well as digital cameras. The future of the school again became and issue for discussion and negotiations began with Forest Street PS and Ballarat Secondary College with a view to establish facilities in these settings beginning by 2003.
The 50th anniversary of the school was celebrated in 2002.
The Ballarat Deaf Facility now operates across campuses at Forest St PS and Ballarat Secondary College.
Students are supported by specialist staff to participate in all areas of the curriculum.
In 1958, the school became a registered State School - no 4834. Extra grants were awarded and more land was purchased for the building of a hostel to house small groups of students.
1n 1958 The Premier of Victoria, Henry Bolte, visited the school and it's 21 students.
Enrolment continued to climb from 23 in 1960 to 46 in 1968.
During the 1970s, many more staff joined the school, and enrolment hovered between 28 and 39, as many students began joining nearby Secondary schools to do practical subjects such as woodwork, metalwork, cooking and sewing.
As more secondary students began to attend regular Secondary Schools, number declined in the 1980s. By the late 80s, students were involved in a variety of programmes in many kindergartens, primary and secondary schools.
In the 1990s, there were upgrades to the school grounds and computers were introduced as part of the school programme. In 1996, there were discussions as to whether the school remain a standalone school or become a facility based in a regular school. Colourful playground equipment was added as well as other recreational facilities.
In the 2000s, the old sheds were removed and replaced with play equipment. More computers were purchased as well as digital cameras. The future of the school again became and issue for discussion and negotiations began with Forest Street PS and Ballarat Secondary College with a view to establish facilities in these settings beginning by 2003.
The 50th anniversary of the school was celebrated in 2002.
The Ballarat Deaf Facility now operates across campuses at Forest St PS and Ballarat Secondary College.
Students are supported by specialist staff to participate in all areas of the curriculum.
