Student Support

Dear Parents and Carers, 

This term we have been fortunate to welcome three new Educational Assistants (EAs) to our team, Mrs Stephanie Simmons, Miss Jade Hewitt and Mr Alex Taggart. 

Mrs Simmons supports the Stage 2 class as well as students across the school who have newly arrived to Australia, with English being their second language. She is highly motivated and enthusiastic about making a difference. When asked about working as an EA at St Joseph's she said:

I've really liked the supportive staff members, the welcoming community and being able to help the students with their daily classroom activities. I particularly like working with small groups of students and really helping those that may need additional help with their learning, also, just being around them, spending time with them and seeing them excel and learn. 

Miss Hewitt supports Stage 1 and also runs some targeted reading intervention programs. She took the training for these programs in her stride and shows great initiative in the classroom. She commented: 

I'm really well-utilised in the classroom; working with students the whole time. I'm seen as equal to the teachers and really enjoy the opportunities to support students 1:1 in Maths and English. It's been easy to settle in and my colleagues have been so helpful. 

Mr Alex Taggart is the most recent EA to join us and has been facilitating some support programs in Stage 2 and assisting during break times on the playground. He commented:

I’ve really enjoyed how welcoming the staff have all been. It’s a great school community. I’ve really appreciated the guidance the Stage 2 teachers have given me in explaining really clearly what I’m expected to do when supporting students. I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the students and playing handball and soccer with them at break times has been really fun. They seem to be responding well to me and I hope I’m making a positive difference. 

We are so pleased that they are enjoying their roles at St Joseph's. I know you will join us in making them feel welcome. 

You would also be aware of some of the activities being held at school this week to celebrate NAIDOC Week. It officially falls during the school holidays, 7th-14th July. NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and is a great opportunity to recognise and learn more about our Indigenous communities.

SchoolTV has published a Special Report which offers suggestions on how families can celebrate NAIDOC Week together. You can access the report here. 

Kind regards,

Emily Sullivan

Inclusion Support Teacher