By BRIDGET COOK
IT’s not only the teaching staff at Kilberry Valley Primary School that are working hard to support the students.
The Hampton Park school’s education support team also provides integral assistance to help get the best out of the children.
That support team has now been recognised as one of the best in the state, recently being named a finalist in the Education Support Team of the Year category in the 2013 Victorian Education Excellence Awards.
The winner, who will receive a $15,000 professional development grant, will be announced at a presentation dinner on Friday 17 May at Crown Palladium, just ahead of Education Week.
Assistant principal Zania Cope said being acknowledged for their commitment to students with special needs made them feel extremely proud and valued.
“It is wonderful to have outside recognition for all our dedicated work,” she said.
“We are very passionate about our work, and it means a lot to have this acknowledged outside our school community.
The education support staff at Kilberry Valley have participated in a program designed specifically around developing skills in students with autism spectrum disorder and severe behaviour disorders, based on the model of Applied Behavioural Analysis.
“The rationale behind the development of these skills in the staff, was in response to the recognition of the needs of these students,” Ms Cope said.
“We have 21 support staff working with our integration children.
“Our staff’s dedication to the job has meant that our students are being individually catered for according to their needs.
“We run programs both during class time and during snack and lunch time to assist children with their development.
“We conduct brain gym, inclusion sessions, social groups, a life skill program and speech therapy.”
“Our support staff work collaboratively with the classroom teacher, parents and allied health professionals to make sure that the student’s goals set are achieved.
“Our support staff are highly respected within our school community due to their expertise and skill set.”
Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession, Peter Hall, said the Education Excellence Awards acknowledged the wonderful work of Victoria’s teachers and to showcase programs that make a real difference in the lives of young people in this state.
“The awards highlight the creativity and innovation taking place in classrooms across the state,” he said.
“As a former teacher myself, I know that teaching is a rewarding and challenging job.
“Each and every day, our teachers shape the future of Victoria.”
