Learning Support Officer Appreciation Week

As we approach Learning Support Officers (LSO) Appreciation Week next week, we want to take a moment to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make a world of difference in the lives of our students. LSOs are the unsung heroes of our school community, bringing a unique blend of professionalism, flexibility, and unwavering passion to their roles. They are the backbone of our support system, ensuring that every child receives the care and guidance they need to thrive.

The Role of Learning Support Officers

LSOs play a critical role in our school, working closely with teachers and students to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Their responsibilities are vast and varied, including one-on-one support for students with additional needs, assisting with classroom activities, and helping to implement personalised learning plans. LSOs are always there to offer a helping hand, whether it’s providing extra attention during lessons, assisting with behavioral challenges, or simply being a comforting presence for a child who needs reassurance.

The Difference They Make

The impact that LSOs have on our students’ lives is immeasurable. They are often the first to notice when a child is struggling and the first to celebrate when a child succeeds. Their ability to connect with students on a personal level and adapt to their individual needs makes a profound difference in the educational journey of each child. This dedication and professionalism means that no student is left behind, giving every child the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Professionalism and Passion

What truly sets our LSOs apart is their professionalism and passion. They approach each day with a positive attitude, ready to face any challenge with flexibility and creativity. Nothing is ever too much for them—whether it’s adjusting their schedule to meet the needs of a student or finding innovative ways to engage a child who is struggling. Their passion for supporting our kids is evident in everything they do, and it’s this passion that drives them to go above and beyond, day after day.

Always Putting Our Kids at the Centre

At the heart of everything LSOs do is a deep commitment to the well-being and success of our students. They understand that each child is unique, and they work tirelessly to ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and understood. Whether it’s through academic support, emotional guidance, or simply being a trusted friend, our LSOs put our kids at the center of all they do. Their dedication to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment is what makes our school a place where every child can flourish.

As we celebrate LSO Appreciation Week, we are reminded of how essential our LSOs are. Their contributions often go unnoticed, but their impact is felt every day in the lives of our students. We would be lost without their expertise, kindness, and dedication. So, let’s take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for all that they do.

Please join us in celebrating our LSOs next week by showing your appreciation for the incredible work they do. Whether it’s a simple thank-you, a kind word, or a gesture of support, let’s make sure our LSOs know just how much they mean to our school and our students.

Swimming Continues

Thought we would keep this here for those who might need it. Some useful tips on surviving the swimming weeks.

Prepare the night before

We can’t stress this enough: have the swimming bag ready to go the night before. Ensure it contains a towel, swimming cap, goggles, underwear, and slip-on shoes to wear to and from the pool. Swimmers should be worn to school to save time at the pool. Don’t forget a plastic bag for wet swimmers. Make sure everything is labelled, including school clothes, socks, and underwear. From my experience, having two swim bags on rotation works best, allowing time for towels and swimmers to dry.

Pack some extra snacks

Swimming makes children hungry as it uses up a lot of extra energy. Feel free to pack some high-energy snacks for an afternoon boost.

Minimise after-school activities and demands

Your children may come home feeling quite exhausted. It’s perfectly fine to take a week off from extracurricular activities to maintain a sense of calm at home. If necessary, speak with the classroom teacher about reducing homework demands.

Keep the routine the same

Where possible, keep the routine consistent. This will help things run smoothly and reduce any anxiety that may arise during the week.

Focus on the positives and the opportunity to learn

When we’re out of our comfort zone and feeling tired, it’s easy to slip into a negative mindset. Try to keep conversations focused on what’s going well or the opportunities that arise from the experience, rather than on what is difficult or challenging. Some children will approach swimming with great enthusiasm and a positive attitude, while others may feel anxious and worried. We have a social story that you can read together about what the swimming week will look like, which might be helpful. Please reach out if you need extra support.

Thanks for all your support,

Peggy McDonald & Steele Anderson

Deputy Principals

Secondary School Information

St Mary's College