The Outpost program is an in-school support program for children with hearing loss and stretches over a network of 17 primary and secondary schools across Perth. Children in the program attend mainstream school classes from Kindergarten to Year 12, with Telethon Speech & Hearing (TSH) providing additional support and individual assistance in the form of teachers of the deaf and education assistants.
​
“Having students with additional needs included in mainstream classes, while still supported, is highly effective – not just for the additional-needs students. I’ve seen the benefits of a culture of inclusivity and understanding."
​
Richard brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent the last 17 years as a primary school head in Perth – at John Wollaston Anglican Community School, Christ Church Grammar School and Presbyterian Ladies College.
​
“I’m so excited to be here at TSH,” he said. “I’ve had exposure to the Outpost program in my previous roles and I’ve seen its success firsthand. Having students with additional needs included in mainstream classes, while still supported, is highly effective – not just for the additional-needs students. I’ve seen the benefits of a culture of inclusivity and understanding.
​
“I’ve always believed that any pedagogical and environmental changes that are put in place for kids with additional needs will support all kids in the classroom.”
​
Stepping into the shoes of the highly respected sector leader Geoff Reader, Richard joins a core leadership group that includes Principal Janene Hall and Associate Deputy Principals Karina van den Dries and Kendra Buss.
After more than four decades at TSH, Geoff Reader is not lost to the organisation but will take up a position as Community and Inclusion Lead at TSH. He’ll also be close on hand to offer advice for Richard.
​
“Geoff is a living legend here at TSH,” says Richard. “And he has been so generous with his time during the handover. I’ll probably never acquire all the knowledge that is in his head, but we do share quite a few similarities in how we approach education. We both believe that strong relationships with the schools and the families are key to success.”
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Telethon Speech & Hearing’s Chief Executive Mark Fitzpatrick welcomed Richard to the organisation, saying, “We are delighted to have Richard join our team at TSH. He is someone who brings valuable knowledge and experience to the role, particularly at time of strong growth in what is the leading education program in the country for children with hearing loss.
​
“We will never be able to replace the amazing person that is Geoff Reader, whose contribution has been extraordinary, but we are confident that Richard will make his own important contribution to TSH and the Outpost program, helping to ensure that the children and families we serve get the best support possible.”