Founded to provide a safe, supportive environment for students who struggle in mainstream schools, Cire Community School has grown in ten years from one campus in Mount Evelyn to four across the Yarra Ranges and Casey regions. This milestone marks our decade of re-engaging students, fostering resilience, and offering tailored education to over 500 young people. As many traditional schools struggle to meet the needs of disengaged students, Cire stands out as a leader in trauma-informed education.
Special Assistance Schools (SASs) like Cire now represent the fastest-growing sector in Australian education, with a 21% enrolment surge in 2024. Cire Community School is determined to meet this need with our unique approach and plans for a bright future.
A Decade of Growth and Impact
Since 2015, Cire has supported students who face barriers arising from trauma, mental illness, neurodivergence, or disadvantage.
The first campus at Mount Evelyn welcomed 111 students, guided by 14 staff members committed to building a supportive learning environment. Over time, we have continued to learn and adapt. When students feel safe and supported, meaningful learning and successful outcomes follow.
This balanced, trauma-informed approach has guided our growth to four campuses (Berwick, Lilydale, Monbulk, and Yarra Junction) and helped many students take their next steps into further education, training, or employment. As national trends show a rise in school refusal and disengagement, Cire’s commitment remains steadfast: to deliver life-changing results through education that truly integrates support and learning.
Our success comes from a deeply compassionate ethos and innovative educational practices. Central to this is “Soft Hearts | Hard Feet”.
- Soft Hearts speaks to empathy, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every young person and caregiver. Holding Unconditional Positive Regard is a powerful stance; it means seeing beyond behaviour to the person beneath, and responding with kindness and respect, even in challenging moments.
- Hard Feet reflects resilience, consistency, and the courage to walk others through difficult terrain. It’s about setting and maintaining boundaries, being dependable, and modelling strength – not as rigidity, but as a protective force that allows the Soft Heart to flourish.
This duality is essential in trauma-informed practice, therapeutic care, and educational leadership.
With Soft Hearts | Hard Feet at the core, Cire Community School’s educational and wellbeing outcomes are guided by the R.A.I.S.E principles.
Respectful: We will show consideration and regard for people, places and property.
Attuned: We will be aware of and attentive or responsive to students and caregivers.
Innovative: We will embrace an innovative approach that introduces change and new ideas.
Safe: We will create an environment free from harm or risk.
Empowering: We will promote autonomy to help students take ownership of their learning and growth.
Through this holistic, trauma-informed practice, we nurture both academic achievement and personal wellbeing and readiness for life beyond school.
Our Model in Practice
Cire’s model centres on each student’s needs. Every learner benefits from an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that outlines clear goals based on unique strengths, needs, and aspirations. By developing these plans collaboratively, we foster student engagement and motivation.
With class sizes capped at 15, Cire Community School provides the attention needed for diverse learners. Without uniforms, and with teachers who treat students as equals, our culture is one of mutual respect and genuine inclusion.
Discover Cire Community School’s programs and philosophy here.
Looking Ahead: Educational Expansion and Innovation
As we reach this milestone, our leadership is focused on a future of deeper impact. Plans are underway for an innovative hybrid program that combines online and onsite schooling for greater flexibility. Students will benefit from the highly supported wellbeing, personal development, and community connection elements that are central to Cire’s approach.
Expressions of Interest are now open for our Hybrid program. Find out more here.
Plans are in place for two new campuses, opening in 2027 in Bangholme and Clyde North, will add over 400 student places and integrate Vocational Education and Training (VET) alongside our trauma-informed education programs. These expansions will further strengthen alternative education opportunities for young people in our region.
Celebrating 10 Years of Educational Transformation
In the past decade, Cire Community School has set a benchmark for what alternative and trauma-informed education can achieve. By blending compassion, trauma-informed practice, and innovation, we have helped hundreds of young people find their path forward.
Every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of the barriers they face. As the demand for alternative education continues to grow, Cire will remain at the forefront, shaping a more inclusive and supportive educational landscape.
Here’s to ten years of success, and to inspiring, educating, and uplifting even more students in the years ahead.
Interested in our school for your young person? Learn about our Application Process.
