Gladysdale and Yellingbo Primary Schools will be among 90 schools across Victoria to get Primary Welfare Officers in 2013.
The Primary Welfare Officer program is part of a $124 million Coalition Government commitment to help stamp out bullying and provide additional support to students and families.
Member for Gembrook Brad Battin said the Coalition Government has promised to recruit 150 Primary Welfare Officers (PWOs) by 2014.
“Primary Welfare Officers provide support to students experiencing issues which may be affecting their health, behaviour and wellbeing,” Mr Battin said.
“Welfare officers will help student engagement, promote school attendance and assist the school community in developing a positive culture for students.”
Education Minister Martin Dixon said the Coalition Government took bullying seriously, and this program provided the support to schools to help combat it.
“The program help schools develop a positive culture, and provide support to students who need that extra help to reach their potential.
“This is a great result for schools, providing extra support to help students stay in school and achieve their potential.”
“They work with staff, students and parents to ensure schools are the safe environment they should be for all.”
PWOs across Victorian schools have introduced innovative programs to engage students and parents, and have the flexibility to do what works in their school community depending on its needs.
The role of a PWO is to help a school provide support to students at risk of disengagement or to those not achieving their full education potential, while also instilling life skills.
Breakfast clubs, citizenship programs and close monitoring of student attendance are among the initiatives introduced to schools by PWOs.
Mr Dixon said PWOs also played an important role in the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to stamping out bullying and violence in schools.
“The work of the welfare officers already present in our schools is highly valued. They provide exceptional support to those students who need it,” Mr Dixon said.