Kate's Story
On the May 25, 1993 our beautiful daughter, Kate, was born. She was perfect, just like a porcelain doll. I started to worry when Kate wasn't reaching her milestones but my mother would tell me to be patient, that all babies were different and reached their milestones at different ages, so I shouldn't compare. By the time Kate was 6 months I knew things weren't right so we were referred to Campbelltown Hospital for physio and things started to improve but Kate was still way behind. By 11 months Kate was sitting up, crawling at 18 months and finally walking at 22 months. It was at this time we received the diagnosis of a global developmental delay. At 3 Kate started talking and, according to Michael (Kate's dad), she hasn't stopped
since!
Throughout Kate's entire life she has had a fear of animals. Owning our dog, Scrappy Doo, was impossible. So when Kate was 9 we started her at "Riding for the Disabled". Getting Kate on a horse was agony and I worried that I was doing the wrong thing. She was terrified but eventually she overcame her fear and she is now an accomplished horsewoman having weekly riding lessons and attending Wollondilly Pony Club. She has formed an inseparable bond with the love of her life Joshua John, an Australian Stock horse stallion, and her fear of animals is a distant memory.
In 1999 Kate started Kindergarten at Mawarra public school but by Year 2 things were getting hard. She struggled to keep up and was transferred to the IM class at Camden public school. Finally she was happy and had friends.
Looking for a high school was exhausting. We went for interviews at various schools but Kate really wanted to go to Mater Dei. She said she felt comfortable there when we visited and it was obvious this was the perfect place for her. I had my doubts about sending my child to a "special" school but I knew it was the best thing for Kate. She has blossomed at Mater Dei and she is a very popular young lady with many friends. What more could a parent ask for?
The support and friendship Kate and our family have received at Mater Dei is
something we will all treasure forever. I was particularly touched by the way the Mater Dei community genuinely showed their care for all of us after the recent passing of my beloved dad and Kate's grandad, Ron. Dad was a regular visitor to Mater Dei and a great advocate for the wonderful work that they do. It was clear that the staff, students and families thought of dad as a valued member of the Mater Dei family.
I feel so lucky to have Kate as she has taught me that no matter how hard things can be, there is always a way to get through. She has matured into a young lady that we are very proud of.
since!
Throughout Kate's entire life she has had a fear of animals. Owning our dog, Scrappy Doo, was impossible. So when Kate was 9 we started her at "Riding for the Disabled". Getting Kate on a horse was agony and I worried that I was doing the wrong thing. She was terrified but eventually she overcame her fear and she is now an accomplished horsewoman having weekly riding lessons and attending Wollondilly Pony Club. She has formed an inseparable bond with the love of her life Joshua John, an Australian Stock horse stallion, and her fear of animals is a distant memory.
In 1999 Kate started Kindergarten at Mawarra public school but by Year 2 things were getting hard. She struggled to keep up and was transferred to the IM class at Camden public school. Finally she was happy and had friends.
Looking for a high school was exhausting. We went for interviews at various schools but Kate really wanted to go to Mater Dei. She said she felt comfortable there when we visited and it was obvious this was the perfect place for her. I had my doubts about sending my child to a "special" school but I knew it was the best thing for Kate. She has blossomed at Mater Dei and she is a very popular young lady with many friends. What more could a parent ask for?
The support and friendship Kate and our family have received at Mater Dei is
something we will all treasure forever. I was particularly touched by the way the Mater Dei community genuinely showed their care for all of us after the recent passing of my beloved dad and Kate's grandad, Ron. Dad was a regular visitor to Mater Dei and a great advocate for the wonderful work that they do. It was clear that the staff, students and families thought of dad as a valued member of the Mater Dei family.
I feel so lucky to have Kate as she has taught me that no matter how hard things can be, there is always a way to get through. She has matured into a young lady that we are very proud of.