By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THOMAS Mitchell Primary School is set to welcome a primary welfare officer (PWO) to its classrooms for the first time next year.
The Endeavour Hills school will be one of more than 800 state schools across Victoria that will benefit from an extra 150 PWOs being introduced into the system by the state government.
From 2014, more than 800 state schools will have access to a PWO, with 149 introducing a welfare officer for the first time.
Principal John Hurley said the school taught students from a variety of different backgrounds who will all benefit from the introduction of a PWO to the staff roster.
“We’re thrilled that we qualified for a PWO and believe they will be a welcome addition to the school,” he said.
“We try very hard to make the education that we offer individualised, especially for kids that need the extra support.”
With the PWO set to start at the school from the beginning of 2014, Mr Hurley said he had been hoping the school would qualify because Thomas Mitchell put an emphasis on giving primary school kids specific support.
Minister for Education Martin Dixon said 300 extra Victorian schools have benefitted from the increased investment in student health and wellbeing since 2011 and commended the work of PWOs.
“They do a fantastic job at stamping out bullying and bad behaviour, and addressing mental health and welfare issues,” he said.
“The expansion of this program is crucial in ensuring every student has quick and easy access to a key support person to ensure any problems or issues are addressed and dealt with at the earliest opportunity.”
PWOs undertake a variety of roles and help to improve students’ attendance, engagement and participation at school.
They are also involved in student intervention programs, often with the help of community-based service providers.
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich said the welfare officers play a crucial role in supporting students and their families.
“We know that when a student’s health and wellbeing suffers, their ability to learn and reach their full potential suffers,” she said.
“School communities in Casey have told me how much they value the work of welfare officers in providing support to students experiencing problems, promoting school attendance, and making schools harmonious places for learning.”
