Learning and Support

Our learning support team at Windang Public School work side by side with students and educators to assist students to reach their potential emotionally, spiritually, behaviourally and academically. Our learning team love working with small groups of students both inside and outside the classroom. 

This year we have had a wonderful learning support teaching team of early career teachers working as Student Learning Support Officers (SLSOs), Learning Support Teachers and Assistant Principals who work with students in varying roles. This week we check in with Mr Roberts to find out how he has supported students throughout the year. 

Check in with Mr Roberts

Why do you love being an SLSO? 

I love being an slso because I get endless opportunities to help students grow and learn whether that's inside or outside the classroom and am able to support them mentally, socially and emotionally.

How do you support kids at break times?

I support the kids at lunch and recess by starting group games that anyone of all ages and skill levels can join in, while joining in myself. I support those who need it to join in games or find a friend with the same interests.

What do you enjoy most about working with Kindergarten?

I enjoy everything about working with Kindergarten students. I love building positive relationships and friendships with the younger students , gaining their trust, watching them grow and achieve their goals. They always make me laugh and smile. 

Can you tell us about the art project you are working on with our Aboriginal students?

We meet weekly and we are learning about and recognising their culture while getting the opportunity to explore this through art and dreamtime stories. We have read Aboriginal strories, learned more about Aboriginal symbols, and painted illustrations. 

Now we are creating black text artworks on pool noodles to create a class set of drumsticks. We are using our own stories and the Gangmangang local story as our inspiration for these artworks. The older students consistently work together to help the younger years learn and understand what they have been taught previously. They are looking really great.

Check in with Miss Lombardi

Can you tell us about outdoor creative play?

To ensure I have met the needs of each student that participates in outdoor creative play, the learning must be differentiated, similarly to classroom learning. As a result, I have supplied resources such as chalk to encourage self-expression through art, board games to foster inquiry, communication and collaboration skills, and a variety of manipulative activities to support fine and gross motor skills. Play-based learning is an invaluable experience for young students that we enthusiastically implement at Windang Public School.

How do you support oral language and speech at Windang Public School?

Each morning I individually support students to improve oral language and speech complexities that have been identified by our Speech Pathologist Jess Buchelin. Both Miss Rogers and myself work closely with Jess so that we can confidently provide the targeted support.

We focus on particular sounds or parts of speech and give students lot of practice articulating correctly. I use flashcards of words that include the focused sound, I demonstrate the sound and ask the student to repeat the word and ‘sound’ three times. I intentionally integrate conversation in these sessions based upon the students particular sound challenge to build their overall language stamina in conversation. 

To keep our sessions engaging for students, we implement fun activities for children to participate in. Our beloved ‘pig burger’ game, and ‘fishing’ are always a top choice. As these oral language and speech sessions are consistent, we are noticing great improvement.

Can you tell us a bit about the Wellbeing Garden Crew?

Each Friday, Mr Roberts and I take a small group of students out for gardening. We have weeded and tidied up many of the garden beds around the office and library areas. During our gardening, we engage students in conversation that includes making friends and building connections, what makes a good friend and why friendships are important. We also love to have a regular chat and connect with students. Students have enthusiastically helped serve our school through our garden crew and I love being outdoors with them.