Education Learning Support _______________________Page

‘’Fairness is not giving everyone the same thing, fairness is giving each person what they need to succeed.’’ - Anonymous In the fastest growing area of St Joseph’s, 91 students have been funded through the Catholic Education Office for learning support. As well as these funded boys some 200 fall just outside the funding criteria. Among them are our school leaders, sports champions, chess champions, actors, musicians, comedians, creative thinkers. From the youngest to the most senior, they contribute to make SJC a richer, more accepting place. The Edmund Rice philosophy centres around inclusiveness and respect for all students, regardless of their background or ability or disability. The Education Support team, which includes some 20 education support officers and two specialist teachers, aims to foster a safe, supportive and respectful environment where each student can develop his potential and learn skills to take beyond school. Education Support at St Joseph’s helps students through classroom intervention programs. We work with teachers to help each student to take his place within the school and broader community.

We aim to:

• Offer support within the classroom and with work requirements. • Use assessments to identify strengths and weaknesses and implement strategies to improve each student’s learning. • Set up a supportive working environment to allow each student to develop his potential and recognise his unique gifts. • Teach each student strategies to develop his independence. • Prepare each student to take his place in the wider community. In 2015 we have continued with the popular horse-riding program through RDA Barwon Centre at Wallington and our breakfast clubs offering literacy and numeracy support for Year 7s. Special thanks to Kerry Drever and Chrissie Rowland for their early starts to support Year 7 students and their Literacy. In the coming year we are excited to launch a Certificate of Education for students across Years 10-12. The certificate aims to prepare students for life beyond school and future employment. Our sincere thanks goes once again to the St Joseph’s College Josephines for their unfailing support of our area and interest in our programs. Funds from the Josephines have enabled us to purchase essential equipment for a young visually impaired student, educational board games and also support a number of families within our community. And to our boys who graduate with the Class of 2015 we say thank you. We have many wonderful memories of your time at Joeys and wish you every success as you take your place in the world.

Mark Turner - Coordinator Education Support Services FROM THE BOYS

‘’What I enjoy about student support services is that if I am ever confused they are always there to back me.’’ ‘’Education Support is a place I can come with my friends and have fun.’’ ‘’Sometimes when things get crazy I can talk to an ESO and they help me see another way.’’ ‘’When everything gets too much, it’s a good place to come and chill out.’’ “ESOs have helped me achieve the best I can at SJC. They help me to keep on task at all times. If I have any problems, the ESOs sort it out.”

Year 9s take up the Year 9s take up the challenge on camp in the Grampians in the Grampians

Education Support’s D27 is a hive Education Support’s D27 is a hive of activity at lunchtimes Year 8 student George lines up the pins during a day out with the Year 11 VCAL class. the Year 11 VCAL class.