About this Short Film
All About The Students is a heartfelt and intimate short documentary that invites audiences into the vibrant world of a specialist classroom, where ability is seen through a lens of strength, individuality, and connection. Through a series of personal portraits, we meet five remarkable students—Gracie, Finni, Kyra, Amra, and Katerina—each sharing their story in their own unique way. Using assistive communication, expressive gestures, and the support of dedicated staff, their voices come to life, revealing rich inner worlds often overlooked. Gracie, a Year 9 student, finds joy in sensory play, music, and routine, while working toward her goal of building strength in her standing frame. Finni, in her final year, embraces community life, friendships, and her love of music and adventure, all while navigating communication with persistence and courage. Kyra radiates warmth and curiosity, thriving on social connection and exploration, with a gift for expressing herself beyond words. Amra’s story highlights culture, belonging, and the comfort of community, as she shares her Afghan heritage and love of togetherness. Katerina, a determined Year 13 student, demonstrates resilience and adaptability, finding happiness in movement, routine, and the people she loves. Set against the daily rhythm of school life—gardening, learning, therapy, and community outings—the film captures not only the students’ individual journeys but also the powerful support system surrounding them. Teachers and support staff are ever-present, fostering independence, dignity, and growth in an environment built on care and respect. More than a glimpse into a classroom, All About The Students At The Palm Unit is a celebration of communication in all its forms, the beauty of diversity, and the importance of truly seeing each person for who they are. It challenges audiences to shift perspective—from limitation to possibility—and reminds us that every voice deserves to be heard.
Film Details
Film Transcript
My name is Gracie and I am a Year 9 student. I use a wheelchair. I communicate visually using signs and my pod device. At home, I am happy spending time with my family. I like sleeping, watching ABC Kids shows with bold colours like Matty and Tri and Hey Duggee. I also enjoy swimming, listening to animal sounds, playing with my pink toy, using my plastic sensory tube, and going outside. My dislikes include brushing my hair, getting out of bed, some spicier, and loud noises. I am good with my left hand, and I am also good at using interactive educational game apps. I am kind and friendly, and I have many classmates at school. My daily school routine includes watering the garden, conductive education, English, art, maths, science, EIF, etc. My lovely SSOs help me with all of these, and they take very good care of me. My current goal is to use the standing frame and build up to staying in it for longer periods of time.
My name is Amra. I am in Year 9. I like coming to school to meet my friends, SSOs, and teachers. I like being around people. I don't like being alone. I also love my family. I use yes and no signs and a high contrast part to support my visual processing and to communicate with others, especially during lesson time. I can also communicate through facial expressions and body language. My background is Afghan. My favourite activities are gardening, painting, conductive education, going to the playground, listening to Pashto music and watching music videos. My strengths include my ability to stand in my standing frame, my smile, kindness, and friendliness. People say that I am happy and easygoing and that I get along well with others. I love eating banana, yogurt, egg, rice, naang bread, curry, and noodles. I celebrate Ramadan.
Hi, my name is Finey and I'm a Year 12 student. I enjoy school because the staff are all so kind and take great care of the students. I love spending time with my family and my pet dogs. I also enjoy swimming both at home and on school excursions. I like taking part in community access activities such as visiting the central market, museums, the Royal Show, variety events, and playing boia. My favourite singer-songwriter is Taylor Swift. I think she's so cool. I love going to concerts and watching footy. To communicate, I use signs and my pod device, and I try to use my pod as often as I can. I also use my walker as much as possible. I'm happy, kind, thoughtful, giggly, persistent, and always open to meeting new people. I'm also a loyal friend, and I like trying new things. One thing I dislike is being the centre of attention in new situations or around new people.
All about Katarina. Hi, this is me, Katarina. I'm a Year 13 student. I enjoy school and I always try very hard. I understand a lot and follow instructions very well. I love going for a drive with my mum. I like playing with water and swimming is definitely my favourite sport. I love my mum very much. I really enjoy watching High Five, getting hugs and pats on my back, and eating cheese. At school, I like using the parallel bars and walking around the school. My strengths are adapting to changes, understanding and responding well to instructions, using part effectively, communicating my personal choices, and engaging in school activities.
Hello, this is me. I am Kira. I am in Year 10. I like my school and the staff are amazing. I love my family, too. I communicate using signs, pod, body language, facial expressions, and gestures. During lessons or conductive education, I enjoy using my walking frame. My favourite things are social interaction, being surrounded by people, receiving attention, experiencing freedom, exploring, standing, walking, lying down, sensory play with water, swimming, and going out on community access. I dislike lightning, loud sounds, and dinosaurs. My strengths are giving the best hugs, having beautiful hair, using my walker, being friendly, kind, happy, confident in trying new things, exploring, and having sensory curiosity. I can nod my head to say yes and shake my head to say no. I can touch objects to make a selection.
Filmmaker
Rany Thach is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Rany Thach.
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