ES Staff in the Spotlight
Of our 186 staff at Wantirna College, we have 111 teaching staff and 75 education support staff (ES). Primarily the role of our ES is to support teachers and students to achieve the best possible educational outcomes for students. Their jobs vary greatly, with some providing direct support to students in the classroom and some focused on maintaining our beautiful grounds and buildings, whilst others are in the General Office ensuring payments for camps, excursions and programs are processed accordingly.
Our school couldn’t operate without the valuable work they do which is often not as visible as the work our teachers do. However, it is just as vital in ensuring we provide the best possible opportunities for our students. This term, our Staff in the Spotlight will shine a light on the valuable work our ES do and the people in these roles who support our students and teachers.
This week we are spotlighting Kate Shannon.
Kate is one of our Inclusion Learning Aides who provides outstanding support in the classroom. Kate has an exceptional way of connecting with students and supporting them to achieve their best.
How long have you worked at Wantirna College?
Since Term 3, last year.
Briefly describe your role and responsibilities.
My role is to provide support to students that require extra help with their work. I could also be in a classroom as an emotional/behavioural support person. We try to really focus on building strong relationships with all the students we work with, to support them in the best way we can
How does the work you do support students and/or teachers?
We provide extra support and a set of hands for the teachers in the classroom! This could simply mean just helping them get around to more kids needing help
What is the best thing about Wantirna College?
The relationships you get to build with the staff but also the students, there’s so many fun characters around
What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
Getting students to understand that you have their best interest at heart, and what you’re doing is to benefit them
If you hosted a dinner party and had to invite 3 Wantirna teachers, who would they be and why?
So hard to pick only 3! But, I’d have to say Rhys Lewis, Daniel Stellato and Lisa Jones! If the laughs we have in the office is anything to go by, it'd be a very entertaining dinner.
If you were the boss of Wantirna College and had an unlimited budget to spend, what would you spend it on and why?
Therapy animals and their training! I love having Arlo, Courtney’s dog, on campus and have seen first hand the positive impact he has in a day
What’s your ideal holiday destination?
Greece & Albania. Definitely some of my favourite countries I’ve been to. Every time I’ve been, all I can think about is when I can get back!
What do you think is the biggest issue facing young people today?
The impacts of social media. Whether it’s online bullying, or the negative impact it’s having on young minds and self-esteem! As well as making unhealthy choices seem trendy.