LEARNING SUPPORT
In keeping with the spirit and ethos of Blessed Edmund Rice, St. Mary’s College Primary strives to help all students to meet their potential. The Learning Support Teacher and Special Needs teacher aides work with students and classroom teachers to help us reach this goal.
The Learning Support Teacher;
1. Works with classroom teachers in planning for students with special needs and learning difficulties in the regular classroom
2. Works with students with disabilities in both small group and whole class situations
3. Works with students with learning difficulties in small group withdrawal sessions in mathematics and literacy
4. Works with ESL (English as Second Language) students in conjunction with the ESL Coordinator in the secondary school
5. Works with Indigenous students to support learning
6. Coordinates special needs and indigenous teacher aide programs and other Government funded programs e.g. Upper Primary Literacy Grant and Even Start
7. Works with classroom teachers in planning for students who are gifted and are on extension programs
8. Coordinates the EAP (Education Adjustment Profile) and IEP (Individual Education Plans) for students with disabilities and associated funding
9. Coordinates the ILSP (Individual Learning Support Plans) for students with specific learning difficulties
10. Work with parents, school administration, outside agencies and classroom teachers of the students to help them reach their potential
In conjunction with the above responsibilities, the Learning Support Teacher provides a social skills program for students experiencing difficulties socially.
The Learning Support Teacher currently works 2 ½ days per week.