Kim's Corner- Supports and Services

Kim D’Angelis:  Our Wellbeing & Mental Health Support Specialist

At Lalor East Primary School, we believe that a happy, healthy and supportive environment is the foundation for successful learning and personal growth. 

Kim is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in supporting the emotional and social wellbeing of children and families. With a warm heart and a listening ear, she is here to ensure that every student feels valued, understood, and empowered to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

We encourage families and students to reach out to Kim, whenever you need support or guidance. She is in her office on a Monday and Thursday, or you can contact her via email at kim.dangelis@education.vic.gov.au or phone at (03) 9465 4350.

For every dollar you save, you will receive another dollar from ANZ to spend towards educational costs, up to $500.

Saver Plus gives you down-to-earth money talk – and a $500 incentive to build your savings! You can double your savings. If you reach your savings goal each month for 10 months, ANZ will match it up to $500. What can the $500 be spent on? Laptops and tablets Uniforms and shoes Vocational education Lessons and activities Books and supplies Camps and excursions Saver Plus was developed by ANZ and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and is delivered in partnership with The Smith Family and Berry Street. It is funded by ANZ and Department of Social Services. To join Saver Plus:  Be 18 years or older, Have a Health Care or Pensioner Card, Have a child in school, starting school next year, or be studying yourself, Get a regular income (you or your partner), Agree to join in free online financial education workshops. To join Saver Plus saverplus.org.au 1300 610 35.

How does Saver Plus help families?  Saver Plus helps parents save $50 each month over 10 months, with savings matched up to $500—providing $1,000 for educational expenses!

Saver Plus is offered in 6 languages:  Arabic, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Karen, Burmese, and Dari.

Families can check their eligibility via Saver Plus Enquiry Link or by calling 1300 610 355 for a callback from a local coordinator.

Wellbeing Resources (including financial resources) for Parents/Carers

As you may be aware there are many avenues and supports in the community for all parents to access, this includes financial supports.  In this space, over time, we will provide you with as much of this information as possible. Please see information below along with the attached flyers.  If you require assistance applying for any of the following, please contact Kim.

FREE NBN INTERNET UNTIL DEC 2025-School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)

The School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) is designed to boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide. This Australian Government initiative is providing up to 30,000 eligible families with school age children with no internet at home access to free nbn® until 31 December 2025.  (Your current wifi service can be cancelled to be eligible for the free service)

This is an amazing saving.

What is the eligibility criteria for the initiative?

To be eligible, a family must:

• Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school.
• Have no active broadband service over the NBN network.  (your current wifi service can be cancelled for 14 days and then you can be connected to the free service)
• Live in a premise where they can access a standard NBN service.
• Not have had an active NBN service during the previous 14 days.

UTILITY RELIEF GRANT SCHEME -DFFH $650 x2 

Relief grants for paying overdue energy or water bills are available to low-income Victorians experiencing unexpected hardship. What is the grant?

The grant provides help to pay a mains electricity, gas or water bill that is overdue due to a temporary financial crisis.

How much is the grant?

The amount of the grant is based on the amount you owe at the time of application. It is also based on the reasons you have given for applying in your application form.

You can receive a maximum of $650 on each utility type in a two-year period (or $1,300 for households with a single source of energy (for example, electricity only).

You can apply for separate grants for each utility (electricity, gas and water).

Who can apply for the grant?

An account holder who has one of the following eligible concession cards:

• Pensioner Concession Card
• Health Care Card
• Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.

If you don’t have one of these cards but are part of a low-income household, you may also be able to apply. Your retailer will ask you some questions to check if you are eligible before issuing a form.

The grant is available to renters and homeowners.

What are the criteria for the grant?

You must show that you have no way of paying the account without assistance and are at risk of disconnection, and

you must meet one of the following criteria:

• You or someone in your house has experienced family violence.
• You have had a recent decrease in income, for example, lost your job.
• You have had high unexpected costs for essential items, eg: medical expenses/car repairs.
• The cost of shelter is more than 30% of your household income.
•  
• How do I apply for the grant? Phone your electricity, gas or water retailer to request an application. Your retailer will ask you some preliminary questions before starting your application.

The application can be completed online, or your retailer will post you a paper form to complete. 

Phone your electricity, gas or water retailer or the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521 for more information.