Communities at Work Galilee School

For more than 40 years, Communities at Work has been a cornerstone of support in Canberra, providing essential services such as food and crisis assistance, disability programs, early childhood education and training. Snow Foundation has been alongside Communities@Work since 2008–09, a partnership now approaching 20 years. Communities at Work Galilee School plays a vital role as the region’s only special assistance school for young people in Years 7–12 who have disengaged from mainstream education. With smaller classes, individualised learning plans and practical pathways like food studies, woodwork and entrepreneurship, Galilee offers a learning environment that is learner-centred, strengths-based, relationship-driven and restorative. The school’s holistic model combines academic, vocational and wellbeing support, while wraparound services – from transport and meals to family engagement – help remove barriers to learning. In Galilee’s words, it is about helping students “realise their full potential and find a sense of purpose and value in themselves as productive and worthwhile members of the community.” This approach reflects Communities at Work’s broader mission to build resilient, sustainable and socially inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.