Enrolment

Each DSS student has a different pathway to, through and beyond their school experience. Many have approached the school themselves, while others have been referred by their previous schools, by allied and mental health support services, or by parents and/or carers.

After an inquiry is made to DSS, either by the student or on their behalf, information and a referral form is sent out. Once DSS has received a referral, the student, families and/or support workers will be contacted. If there are current places available, the student will be offered a meeting at the school with the intake team. Where possible, it is beneficial for students to have a supportive adult – such as a parent, carer or support worker – involved in the intake process.

The DSS model intentionally takes a strengths-based, capabilities approach to maintain a positive experience for students. This student-centric approach is supported by three domains:

The school is not exclusionary in its intake process but does prioritise students who: 


• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• have lived experience of out-of-home care
• face mental health challenges + have had encounters with youth justice
• have experience of family violence
• face employment challenges and/or financial hardship
• are homeless or at risk of homelessness and/ or experiencing insecure housing
• undertake caring and/or parenting responsibilities.