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Schools In Latrobe City Set To Benefit From Increased Investment In Student Health And Wellbeing In 2014 A program which is making Victorian schools a better place to grow and learn is being expanded in 2014, Member for Morwell Russell Northe said. By Russell Northe - 23rd October 2013 - Back to News "The program which introduces Primary Welfare Officers (PWO) has been hugely successful and I am pleased to announce that Glengarry Primary School and Stockdale Road Primary School in Traralgon will be receiving funding to employ the services of a PWO for the first time in 2014," Mr Northe said.
The Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to introduce an additional 150 additional Primary Welfare Officers into Victorian government schools by 2014 has now been delivered in full.
From the beginning of 2014 over 800 Victorian government schools will have access to a PWO, with 149 additional schools gaining access to a PWO for the first time in 2014.
The Victorian Minister for Education, Martin Dixon announced the program’s expansion, noting that around 300 extra Victorian schools have benefited from the Coalition’s increased investment in the program since 2011.
Minister Dixon commended the work of Primary Welfare Officers saying, "They do a fantastic job at stamping out bullying and bad behaviour, and addressing mental health and welfare issues."
"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."
The Primary Welfare Officers program provides schools with funding aimed at boosting attendance and achievement by improving school-wide health and wellbeing.
Primary Welfare Officers undertake a variety of roles, including developing ways to improve student attendance, engagement and participation.
They also help deliver intervention programs for students and families, often with the help of community-based service providers.
Mr Northe said, "Primary Welfare Officers play a crucial role in helping the Government achieve its commitment to support students and families.
"We know that when a student's health and wellbeing suffers, their ability to learn and reach their full potential suffers.
"School communities in the Morwell electorate 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," Mr Northe said.
Media contact: Russell Northe 5133 9088
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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