Mackay Special School Benefits from Mastermyne Generosity
Students at Mackay District Special School now have access to new technology to make their learning experiences easier, thanks to a donation from Mastermyne.
Eight new iPads have been given to the school by Mastermyne which will be used in classrooms in line with the curriculum. They are also invaluable tools which help keep students engaged and improve concentration.
The idea came from Mastermyne Human Resources Assistant, Emma Caslin when a friend told her of the benefits iPads have for the children at Mackay District Special School. Ms Caslin then approached Mastermyne management with her proposal to donate iPads to the school which was readily accepted.
Ms Caslin and Mastermyne Financial Controller Chris Kneipp attended a morning tea on Wednesday 5 October at the school to officially handover the iPads and watch the students as they interacted with the new technology.
“It’s really fantastic to see this idea come to life, and see how the kids use and interact with the iPads,” said Ms Caslin.
Mr Kneipp said “Mastermyne is always keen when it comes to assisting anything to do with kids in the local community. We’re proud and glad to be able to help the kids out. It was also great to have the opportunity to spend time with them at the morning tea and see how much of a difference the iPads make.”
Mackay District Special School Acting Deputy Principal, Sue Proud said “this is a truly brilliant opportunity. The iPads help give the students independence and the difference they make to students progress is outstanding.
“Some of our students are non-verbal and through the use of iPads and an app called Proloquo2go it has opened up whole new avenues of communication.
“With the new donation from Mastermyne, this brings the total number of iPads in our school up to 11. They are such a valuable resource and we are trying very hard to secure one for every student. We’re so grateful for Mastermyne’s donation and truly appreciate it.”
Mackay District Special School has 75 students enrolled with varying intellectual impairments and the majority also have diagnoses of physical, visual, hearing, speech, behaviour and/or autistic disorders.
