What’s your name and position?
Tim McNevin, Principal of Communities at Work Galilee School

Tell us about Galilee School and how it fits within Communities at Work?

Galilee School is the Canberra region’s only special assistance school, supporting young people in Years 7–12 who have disengaged from mainstream schooling. With smaller classes, hands-on pathways like woodwork, food studies and entrepreneurship, and strong wraparound support, we create a safe space for students to re-engage in learning and move forward with purpose.

Galilee is part of Communities at Work, one of the ACT’s largest not-for-profit organisations, which has been serving the Canberra community for more than 40 years. Communities at Work delivers essential services such as food relief, crisis support, disability programs, community development initiatives and affordable clothing. They are also the region’s largest provider of early education and care, and through their Registered Training Organisation (Cple) offer qualifications in Early Education and Business.

What’s at the heart of your approach with students?
Our approach is learner-centred, strength-based, relationship-driven and restorative. Every student has an individualised learning plan so they are met where they are as learners, asking “what’s next for them?” and delivering learning that is targeted and relevant. We focus not only on academic growth, but also on helping students understand themselves and others, manage relationships, and develop the skills and resilience that life requires.

What’s something that’s stayed with you recently?
One mum recently told me her son was actually looking forward to going to school for the first time in his life. She said she was so grateful that he is going to school feeling safe – she wanted me to know how much of a weight this was to get off her, off her son, and off their family.

The barriers that exist for so many of our young people in attending and engaging in school are not of their own making nor their own choosing. I believe that every young person, given the right opportunity, in the right environment, with the right support, can find the success that has possibly been eluding them for way too long.

What challenges do people outside the sector often not see?
Adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, household dysfunction or exposure to violence can have profound and lasting impacts on a young person’s development and wellbeing. These early traumas can affect emotional regulation, cognitive and social functioning, and are linked to poorer educational outcomes and higher risks of mental health issues. With trauma-informed care, stable relationships and targeted support, the negative effects can be mitigated and resilience built.

How do your staff make the difference?
Research shows the presence of one trusted adult can change a young person’s trajectory. At Galilee School, our 1:5 staff-to-student ratio means strong relationships are possible. Our staff reinforce the message: “You matter, and you are not alone.” We see every day that these connections alter a young person’s life trajectory in profoundly positive ways.

What would more support allow you to do?
Demand for Galilee is growing. We already remove barriers by providing transport, food, materials, family support and charging no fees. But our model is resource-intensive. More support would help us expand services, reach families on Canberra’s north side, and deliver initiatives we can’t currently progress.

What do you wish more people understood about your students?
Our young people are heroes. They are overcoming adversity and challenge on a daily basis – challenges that many of us may never face. They are courageous in putting their trust in us, stepping toward the opportunities we put in front of them.

For many of our students, being at Galilee School means becoming the first in their family to obtain a Year 10 Certificate or a Senior Secondary (Year 12) Certificate. That can change the trajectory of a whole family, even across generations.

How can people help?
Galilee School is grateful to the many community members, businesses and government partners who stand alongside us. Their contributions of funds, materials and time help ensure we can continue our work with young people.
If you’d like to get involved – whether through donating or simply spreading the word – you can learn more here https://www.commsatwork.org/get-involved/donate/ or contact Principal Tim McNevin on (02) 6293 6314.