Inclusion is about ALL of US! The “US” refers to Pinelands North Primary School. Our school is recognised for excellence in our inclusive approach to learning. Our inclusive model ensures that teachers and teacher aides, in collaboration with various specialists, help all children to learn more effectively. We believe that by including children and adults that are different, we all learn more. As the circle of inclusion has grown over the years, so too has our Learning Support Department. Our circle has opened to include more team members as the needs of our school community has developed and changed over the years. The “US” is about our children.

At Pinelands North Primary School, we take an inclusive approach to learning and celebrate diversity in education by recognising each child’s potential and removing stigmas and negative labels. In the thirteen years I have been part of the PNPS staff, no year has yet to look the same. The school is constantly changing to adapt to the needs of each child who enters the school to learn. The school is constantly adapting. The school building, the school uniform, the teaching training and methods is all centred around US meeting the needs of our children.

The “US” is up to our Staff.

I am currently employed as the Learning Support Department Co-ordinator and my team includes a Learning Support Teacher, Learning Support Teacher intern, Learning Support Administrator and Community Support member. All of ‘US’ work together to learn, teach, grow, share and support the families, children, staff and community in the Inclusion Journey.

The “US” is supported by our Therapists.

On site we have two Occupational therapists, a Speech and Language Therapist as well as a Counsellor. Our team are all based on the school premises and work collaboratively with one another to ensure that the needs of children, families as well as staff members, are met. The therapists have the benefit of observing the children in their school environment as well as working closely with the class teachers.

Facilitation in grade 1

The “US” involves our Teacher Interns.

Our teacher interns help every child achieve their maximum potential. They work predominantly in the classrooms, assisting both children and teachers. Teacher interns are often teachers in training, who add to their teaching experience during their work with us. Their presence ensures that our adult to child ratio is maximised in every class.

Teacher Interns help children with the transition between grades, listen to reading groups, do necessary class admin, take the children to extra murals and also coach sport in the afternoon.

The “US” is the help of Facilitators.

We currently have 18 facilitators on our team working with various children throughout the school. These children may need assistance in working with an Individual Support Plan, small group and individual learning, readers and scribes, emotional support or recommended learning concessions.

Our school offers a Facilitation for Learning Course which prepares and equips our facilitators to support children with various barriers to learning. This course is beneficial for all teachers, families and friends wanting to assist children in their learning journeys. We welcome and encourage all to learn about inclusion and how inclusion begins with ‘US’. The “US” is the broader community. All of us play a part in Inclusion.

grade 3 facilitation

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