Health Issues

Hearing
At any one time upwards of 60% of the younger students at Pipalyatjara School may have middle ear infection, otitis media, which means they are suffering from varying degrees of deafness. Not being able to hear the teacher properly creates significant learning difficulties which are compounded because the students are also English as a Second Language learners. To learn more click here.

Trachoma
Trachoma is a disease usually associated with third world countries but is also prevalent in Central Australia. Unchecked the disease leads to blindness. In 1999 it was found that 55% of the students screened at Pipalyatjara School had trachoma. Since that time the school has been involved in programs to combat this disease. To discover more click here.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome
It is uncertain how many students are affected by FAS as diagnosis is in its' infancy in this country. Those students that are identified, present with varying symptoms but all oblige the school to rethink its' approach, especially with respect to behaviour management. If you wish to find out more about FAS click here.