EdUcATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
See Also: Student Protection
Learning Support Teacher
The Learning Support Teacher works to support class teachers in catering for students with specific learning needs in the areas of Literacy and Numeracy. They work with identified individuals or small groups both within and outside the classroom. They also act as a liaison and resource person with classroom teachers, parents/caregivers and educational/health specialists in the catering for students with diagnosed special needs.
English as a Second Language Teacher
Children who arrive in Australia from an overseas country where English is not the native language could be eligible for assistance. The student’s English as a second language needs should be discussed with the Principal when application for enrolment is lodged. The ESL teacher works with identified individuals or small groups both within and outside the classroom.
Speech Pathologist
The Toowoomba Catholic Education Office employs a Speech Pathologist who visits St Anthony’s regularly. The employment of these support personnel depends on continued Government funding. Students receive therapy on a priority/needs basis. Applications for assessment are arranged by the Learning Support Teacher after consultation with the class teacher, consideration at the Special Needs Committee meeting and with parental/caregiver approval.
School Counsellor
Students, who may be experiencing difficulties at home or at school, are able to seek the assistance of a qualified guidance counsellor, who visits our school regularly. The counsellor is employed by the Toowoomba Catholic Education Office.
Confidential counselling assistance may be initiated by the child, the parent/caregiver or by teachers. However, if ongoing counselling is to be recommended, then parental/caregiver permission will be sought. The counsellor, as a member of our staff, works co-operatively with parents/caregivers and teachers to benefit all members of the school community and, as such, may need to work with individuals or groups of children, if necessary. One advantage of access to counselling in the primary years is that it can prevent minor situations becoming major problems, which may interrupt the development of your child as a whole person.
