The school, teachers and
parents all have the same aim, and that is to ensure that all children
succeed to the best of their ability as a happy and cooperative members
of our school community. For various reasons some children experience
learning difficulties, some have learning disabilities and others have
behaviour patterns that effect learning and therefore some need support.
Parents, administration
and classroom teachers identify these children. Individual cases are
then assessed, and referred by the Special Needs Committee to the
appropriate support services. Individual programs are then designed in
cooperation with the classroom teacher to ensure that support learning
runs parallel with classroom programs. This can involve withdrawing
children from the classroom in small groups, with others experiencing
similar difficulties.
These programs enable children to be more confident and productive in
the classroom setting. As well as Learning Support, specialist visiting
teachers for Guidance, Speech and Hearing Impairment, Communication and
Special Education are available where necessary.
The support programs can
be on a short-term basis for a single term, or ongoing over several
years. All this is done with the prime consideration being to support
the child in their learning experience. It aims to build self-esteem and
assists children to identify their own strengths and abilities. This
then, is the stepping stone to children developing a positive image of
themselves as learners.