Lismore Campus

Caldera school has two campuses. Our Lismore campus is located within Kamala, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit located at Lismore Base Hospital.

Kamala is an 8-bed acute mental health inpatient facility which provides diagnostic assessments, therapeutic programs and management of children and adolescents (12-17yrs) with severe and/or complex mental health presentations.  Its catchment area stretches from Port Macquarie in the south, to the Queensland border in the north and west of centres such as Casino. Students admitted to Kamala remain enrolled in their census schools and are not enrolled at Caldera SSP.  Admissions to Kamala are managed through NSW Health processes.

Caldera staff provide access to educational programs for students during their admission to Kamala.  Where possible, teachers prioritise continuity of education from students census’ schools throughout their admission.  Staff adjust academic work daily to match the current needs, interests and ability level of each individual.  Staff support students from all educational contexts, including Private schools, Independent schools, Government schools, Catholic Education and TAFE.  Patients who do not attend school are encouraged to participate in class with a focus on meaningful learning experiences to align with their career goals or personal interests.

Caldera staff form an essential part of Kamala’s multidisciplinary team, alongside psychiatrists, nurses and allied health.  Teachers liaise with each student’s school to provide relevant information to the multidisciplinary team and aid in coordinating the student’s return to school upon discharge.