Melbourne, VIC – The Yalingbu Yirramboi – Royal Children’s Hospital School has officially opened, providing a significant boost to education for children and young people undergoing treatment for chronic and acute health issues. This initiative made possible through a $3.6 million investment by the Victorian Government, ensures that hospital patients can continue their education from Prep to Year 12.
“The opening of the Yalingbu Yirramboi – a new school at the Royal Children’s Hospital will ensure that young patients don’t miss out on the good quality education they deserve,” Minister for Education Ben Carroll said in a statement.
The school will provide individualised teaching programs tailored to each student’s needs, whether through classroom sessions, small group sessions, or bedside support.
The school is governed by a School Council and led by principal Naomi McBride, with an initial staff of 22 registered teachers and 6 education support staff. Students will follow the Victorian Curriculum and VCE, with flexible teaching modes designed to accommodate their health conditions.
“No child should miss out on the education they need if they’re unwell,” said Acting Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt.
“We’re giving Victorian children access to a world-class education, easing the burden on parents to keep their child on track while they are unwell or recovering,” Stitt said.
For students not yet well enough to attend school in person, the Yalingbu Yirramboi School will offer remote learning opportunities, ensuring continuity in their education. The school will also facilitate a smooth transition back to their original schools once they leave the hospital.
The name Yalingbu Yirramboi, meaning ‘Today and Tomorrow’ in the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung languages, was chosen after consulting with traditional owners. This reflects the ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive health and educational services to the community.
Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt highlighted the significance of the new facility: “This new school ensures that our young people staying at the Royal Children’s Hospital have access to a world-class hospital school in a world-class hospital.”
This development aligns with other hospital-based educational models in Victoria, such as the Monash Children’s Hospital School, creating a more consistent approach to operating Victorian hospital schools. The school’s mission is to help children and young people achieve their full potential by staying engaged in their learning despite their health challenges
