FlexiSpaces are safe, supportive environments where students can reconnect with learning, build confidence, and discover a sense of belonging.
These purpose-built learning environments in state schools offer flexibility, smaller class sizes and tailored teaching strategies that respond to students' unique needs.
At the heart of this approach are passionate educators like Jacinta Delalande, Head of Special Education Services at Glenmore State High School.
Jacinta said her journey into teaching was influenced by her own school years which she described as challenging.
‘It wasn’t the academics that were the issue, but that sense of belonging was not strong for me,’ she said.
‘That has stayed with me and influences the work I do now.’
Throughout her career as a Drama, English and Music teacher, and later as Head of Department - Arts, she has always prioritised helping students feel seen, supported and included. It has been in FlexiSpaces where she found her true calling.
‘FlexiSpaces give me a way to make true change – not just academically, but holistically for the young people I work with,’ Jacinta said.
Jacinta sees first-hand how the FlexiSpace model helps students who are emotionally and socially struggling to re-engage, find confidence and start believing in themselves again.
‘In FlexiSpaces we get to work with students on every level – emotionally, physically and mentally – tailoring their education to their needs and helping them find their place again. We genuinely believe our students can achieve success.’
Jacinta said one of her biggest success stories is a student who will be the first in his family to graduate from Year 12.
‘That is massive. That’s a generational change that will influence that family’s life in so many ways.
‘I love that we’re reaching the type of student who might have been like me – at risk of disengagement, maybe ready to walk away from education. Being able to work with these students and provide them with supports and a sense of belonging in this community, they find trust. They see someone believes in them. It can change the trajectory of their schooling.
‘It’s really cool, the things we’re trialling – like reducing cognitive load and making cross curricular connections to reduce fatigue, while still meeting all the achievement standards. It’s having a huge impact on their ability to access learning.
‘When they feel like the learning is tailored to them, and they realise “this teacher appreciates who I am,” that’s when trust is built. Trust amongst our FlexiSpace community is the foundation of success.
‘When FlexiSpace is done well, it is life changing for our young people. And that is what we want right? To create great outcomes for every student who walks through our gates, and I’ll sing it from the rooftops.’
Jacinta’s story is more than a career journey – it is a mission to create real, lasting impact.
Interested in being part of this powerful initiative?
If you’re interested in teaching in our current or future FlexiSpaces,
submit an expression of interest via our short online form and a recruiter will be in touch.
For more information about FlexiSpaces visit
Supporting student engagement.