Partnerships

Philanthropic/Business Partnerships


As a government school PPSS is primarily funded for basic day to day operational costs.  There would not be any of the “extras” (services and resources beyond the government model) if it wasn’t for the way in which partnerships have been developed with other government, corporate, community and individual entities to raise philanthropic support for the school.


Through tireless networking and the belief in the motto “just do it”, the school has been transformed from an under-resourced “needy” school to a thriving school community that would rival any private college for resources, teaching and education programs and facilities.


Projects established in partnership with philanthropic support include:



·          PPSS in partnership with the Pratt Foundation and State Government have developed a fully serviced performing arts centre including: performance space, audio/visual recording studio, arts room and gymnasium.


·          The Lady Brockhoff Music Centre


·          Helen Macpherson Smith Dental Clinic


·          The Thiese Independent Living House


·          The Nell Griffin Information Technology Centre


·          The Elaine Paul Paramedical Centre


·          Variety Club of Victoria/Port Phillip Specialist School


·          Josh Sady Honda (Essendon) Multi Sensory Room


Our principal, Mrs Bella Irlicht, speaks regularly at forums, conferences and functions to raise awareness and coordinate functions that not only raise income but raise profile.  At every stage students are involved and enmeshed in every function, i.e. the Choir sings, children’s’ art work is utilised.  At every opportunity Bella “sells” the benefits of being a partner with Port Phillip Specialist School. 


Educational Partnerships


·            Appointment of Prof Carl Parsons, Assoc Dean of Research, Latrobe University.  Prof. Parsons organises speech programs for 22 schools in Inner South Region.


·            Partnership through Australian Research Council with Port Phillip Specialist School, Latrobe University, Victoria University and Fildes Foundation to research Brain & Visual patterns of children with disabilities.


·            Partnership with Victorian College of Arts (VCA) and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to facilitate opportunities where all parties (and PPSS students) can learn from each other and work together to develop a greater understanding of the arts and people with disabilities. 


Community Partnerships


·            Establishment of community dental clinic at PPSS in conjunction with Dental Health Services, Victoria.


·            In partnership with Invergowrie Foundation, PPSS run personal development workshops for women to help them “re-invent” themselves.  The aim is to help women know who they are in the context of the world ( i.e.  after raising a child with a disability/loss of a partner, etc).


If you or your business is interested in exploring how you can become a PPSS partner, please contact Bella Irlicht directly on +61 3 9646 0855 or irlicht.bella.b@edumail.vic.edu.au.