Rosalyn J says enrolling both her children at Emerson School has changed her life and is one of the best decisions she and her husband have ever made in relation to their sons.
Storm, who will turn 10 years old this month, commenced at Emerson in 2022, with eight-year-old Rocky joining the school in 2024.
Both have different disabilities and health care needs, and their individual journeys at Emerson reflect those differences, but Rosalyn says both boys are thriving in an environment where inclusiveness and kindness is paramount.
“As a parent you want the best for your child,” she says. “Emerson is a beautiful place where everyone is kind, and there are so many opportunities for my boys to learn and grow.”
Storm, who has autism, has adapted extremely well to life at Emerson, with Rosalyn noting a substantial increase both in his self-confidence and his ability to verbalise his needs.
“Storm has just started music lessons and is loving them,” Rosalyn says. “He is particularly enamored of the piano, with his music teacher commenting recently that he’s a natural.”
Rocky has congenital heart disease plus a cognitive disability and had a rough couple of years with multiple hospital stays for his physical condition. Despite the disruptions, Rosalyn says Rocky has also settled well at Emerson, and with a pacemaker recently fitted, has a newfound energy for everything the school has to offer.
“Rocky is loving life at school, enjoying things such as cooking, gymnastics, and all the activities that he previously wasn’t well enough to participate in,” Rosalyn says.
“Both my sons love their school and happily share their experiences when they get home each day. They feel the inclusiveness and are thriving at Emerson.”
Rosalyn says that, as a parent, it is a huge relief not to have any worries about her children in relation to school. “Initially I was a little concerned about the distance we live from the school, but the staff at Emerson helped facilitate travel on the school buses, and honestly, since the day each of my boys started at Emerson, I’ve been able to relax and not worry.”
She says the culture at Emerson is one of inclusion and acceptance and is one of the main reasons she believes her children feel so happy there. “The community is diverse, with people of all different backgrounds and abilities, yet it is inclusive and accepting of all. We are very happy with our decision to join the Emerson community.”
[interviewed June 2026]
Photo credit: family photo supplied by Rosalyn J with permission to use granted
