Lomandra School, the largest Specialist Support School (SSP) in New South Wales, serves students with severe behavioural challenges, trauma backgrounds, and complex mental health conditions, from Years 5 to 12. Located in Campbelltown, Lomandra is committed to a trauma-informed approach to education, understanding the profound impact of trauma and socio-economic hardship on our students and their families.

Our students often come from lower socio-economic backgrounds, facing limited opportunities and generational poverty. Many have never experienced simple joys, such as getting an ice cream from an ice cream van. At Lomandra, we believe education extends beyond academics; it's about preparing students for life. We address the holistic needs of our students, helping them develop practical skills, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility. Through programs focused on healthy lifestyles, self-regulation, and adapted sports, we empower our students to build resilience and face the challenges of the world.

To celebrate our students' achievements and resilience, we want to make our end-of-year presentation special. For many of our students, having an ice cream from a van would be a first-time experience and a meaningful way to honour their hard work and dedication throughout the year. By bringing an ice cream truck to this event, we aim to provide more than just a treat; it will be a celebration of their perseverance and a joyful occasion for students and their families. This small gesture will recognise their efforts and create a lasting positive memory, reinforcing the value of their commitment to school.

Our idea will make the city of Sydney more awesome by helping at-risk youth reach their full potential. By keeping high-risk students engaged in school through positive experiences like our sports program and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, we reduce the likelihood of them roaming the streets, which in turn decreases crime and critical incidents in the community. These initiatives provide a safe, supportive environment where students can build resilience, learn valuable life skills, and enjoy enriching experiences they might otherwise miss. By investing in these students, we not only improve their futures but also contribute to a safer, more vibrant city for everyone.