Education Support (ES) staff in schools play an important role in facilitating administrative operations and learning support in the form of non-teaching positions. These staff members work in various areas of the school such as, the school office, library and science lab, as well as supporting teachers, students and families as student assigned integration aides.

This year, Covid-19 brought about new challenges for the school community. Staff and students were required to transition their classroom learning to learning from home. However, having an empty school yard did not spell an empty workload in the school office. In fact, administration staff faced the significant task of processing over 500 refunds from cancelled excursions and camps planned for the school year.

Integration Aides (IA) embraced the task of adapting their learning support for assigned students to an online environment. To assist the IA - Student relationship to continue to thrive, a degree of parent supervision at home kept household distractions at bay, allowing students and aides to continue their partnership of learning within the online classroom and highlighted the value of parent partnerships in school.

With these unprecedented Covid-19 times in mind, it was important to keep alive and celebrate the annual Education Support Day. Usually celebrated with a morning tea in the staff room, this year on 16th May 2020, ES staff received a collage of over 100 well-wishes put together by colleagues and parents who, without hesitation, embraced an opportunity to recognise the contributions made by Brighton Primary's ES Staff.

Brighton Primary's ES team is made up of: Integration Aides, Administration Staff, Library Manager, School Nurse, Science Coordinator, Communications Manager, Uniform Shop, Groundskeeper and our Computer Technician

A selection of the sentiments expressed on Education Support Day 2020 is listed below:

‘Front of House’ ladies - the 1st port of call for many - you stay afloat regardless of all the action around - you are highly valued and the grounds are looking fantastic!

You know what they say …’behind every great teacher is a team of amazing ES staff!’ Thank you! You are appreciated!The library is such a wonderful place to visit and explore.

One of the first staff members to meet our new families - and you certainly meet their needs...always with a HUGE smile - thanks for this warm welcome!

Your vision for a sustainable school is admirable. I hope we can all work together to fulfil your vision. Thank you for your help, support and advice, not only for your work with the students but with us staff too!

Thanks to ALL the very special ladies who ‘aide’ our students on their learning journey - you are MARVELLOUS!!

Thanks for quietly instilling a love of matters-scientific in the students...as well as on a culinary front.

Parent Messages to our Integration Aides

In appreciation of our school's education support staff, I would like to provide some heartfelt appreciation of my daughter's wonderful aide, Cecile. Not only is Cecile a much loved and valuable school nurse, but in these difficult times she has become my daughter's integration aide to assist her with the distance learning. Cecile has been kind, patient, encouraging, and so positive all the time!

I would to say how grateful Noah and I am to have Michelle, Cecile and the team at Brighton Primary working with Noah. Without them, Noah would not be able to learn, grow and enjoy his school experience. Michelle has given Noah so much enjoyment during our daily online sessions. Everyday she finds new ways to engage with him, integrate the class daily activities to make relevant to Noah's abilities and he loves his time with her. Noah is receiving not only an education but also genuine care and empathy from Deb, Michelle, Cecile and all the team. We can’t thank you enough!

I would like to say a huge THANK YOU for all the one on one help that both Lyn and Nish provide for Asha. This last period of time through Home Schooling has been difficult to maintain attention span for Asha but with their presence it has been manageable as they have been able to provide that extra bit of direction. Great job girls – we couldn’t have done it without you!

Kelly is really patient and kind. She helps me learn and is interested in what games I play like Monster Trucks. When things are hard she helps me focus on what I need to do. Having Kelly helps me be my best.

We are extremely grateful for all the hard work that the aides do and the time they put into helping and supporting our child to grow.

A big thank you for all our lovely messages of support on Education Support Day.

The ES team felt truly humbled and enjoyed a lovely day reflecting on the rewarding experiences they encounter while working at Brighton Primary School.

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