Moorabool pupils will soon have extra support for family issues affecting their schoolwork and social development.
Darley Primary School principal Simon Cornock said the state government’s decision to increase funding for primary welfare officers was great news for the school’s 608 pupils. The funds will allow the school to provide support four days a week from next year.
Bacchus Marsh and Balliang East primary schools will also receive money to appoint a primary welfare officer in 2014.
“At the moment we have a well-being officer who comes in twice a week,” Mr Cornock said.
“She does different things, for kids who need extra support with school or personal problems, or groups with issues in the schoolyard. She also gives advice to families and staff about approaching different issues.”
Western Victoria Liberal MP Simon Ramsay said welfare officers promoted attendance and made schools “harmonious places for learning”.
“We know that when a student’s health and well-being suffers, their ability to learn and reach their full potential suffers.”
Mr Cornock said bullying was rarely a problem at his school.
“Kids tend to see [the current well-being officer] for issues coming from home,” he said. ‘‘She works closely with the family as well as the child to create a healthier support network.”
Primary welfare officers can also help with intervention programs for students and families and work with community-based service providers.
Education Minister Martin Dixon said welfare officers did a great job stamping out bullying and bad behaviour, and resolving mental health and welfare issues. “The expansion of this program is crucial in ensuring every student has access to a key support person to ensure any problems are addressed and dealt with at the earliest opportunity.”
