2024 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year
Ocean Reef Senior High School
Education Assistant Team
Nominated by: Jay Morris, Head of Learning Support
Next row: Sharon Maree Ellis, Michelle Price, Genna Gruyters, Jules Martland, Summer Nind
Next row: Alison Treloar, Sarah Taylor, Belinda Scuffham, Jeanna Taylor, Sarah Khoury
Bottom left to right: Michelle Spencer, Ruth McLeod, Ameera West, Mandana Khoshneshi, Narges Mahmoudabadi
Congratulations to the Education Assistant Team from Ocean Reef Senior High School in Western Australia, who have been named the 2024 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year.
This dedicated team of Education Assistants; Sharon O'Neill, Sarah Khoury, Genna Gruyters, Hayley Holmes, Jennifer Hunt, Anita Imeson, Mandana Khoshneshi, Sharon Maree Ellis, Narges Mahmoudabadi, Julie Martland, Ruth McLeod, Karryn Murphy, Belinda Scuffham, Michelle Spencer, Jeanna Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Alison Treloar, Louise Twist, Ameera West, Victoria Chesney, Cherie Clarke, Sharon Davies, Sandra Delint, Pat Foskett, Brodie Kay, Donna Peters, Michelle Price and Sharon Wright, play a vital role in supporting a diverse student body, and providing targeted assistance that fosters both academic success and social-emotional wellbeing.
The EA team at Ocean Reef Senior High School support students who participate in challenging ATAR university entrance courses, as well as alternative endorsed programs such as ASDAN for students who find the mainstream curriculum challenging.
Jay Morris, Head of Learning Support, said "Eighteen months ago, the school identified a significant number of students struggling with reading, unable to decode words, and consequently finding it difficult to access the curriculum. The Education Assistant team embraced the challenge to empower students to engage with the curriculum across all subject areas by leading direct instruction literacy and numeracy programs. The effective facilitation of these programs has resulted in improved student engagement and academic performance, and the achievement of a more inclusive learning environment."
The EAs working in the Specialist Learning Program (SLP) provide a high level of targeted support for students with autism with a capacity to work at grade level. The EAs working in this program not only support these students in their mainstream classes but are actively involved in the Very Important Life Skills (VILS) program, both in the unit and in mainstream settings. Their commitment to the development of social and emotional skills is a major contributing factor to successful pathways for these students.
The team collaborates with external therapists and proactively engage with teachers, to refine support strategies and ensure consistency in student care. This cohesive approach has fostered a nurturing environment where students feel understood, valued, and empowered to succeed.
The team coach and mentor new staff, pairing new EAs with those more experienced, to ensure an effective and coordinated approach to supporting students' needs and the achievement of a supportive educational environment. To ensure consistency when staff are away or when relief cover is needed, the EAs record daily notes on students in class and collaborate with peers through OneNote entries for additional communication.
“As a result of this close collaboration, new staff quickly integrate into the team, feel supported, and are better equipped to address the learning and social-emotional needs of students in learning support. This supportive environment fosters a cohesive team that collaborates effectively to improve student outcomes” said Jay.
The EA team exhibits a high level of commitment to professional growth, improving their practice through professional development, as well as embracing targeted training and structured performance management. The team participated in the Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards (ATAPS) school pilot workshops, which assisted them to reflect on their practice, and hone their approach to goal setting in order to improve practice. They embrace opportunities for professional learning through the Australian Teacher Aide website, along with social and emotional learning programs, such as Zones of Regulation and the You Can Do It program.
To expand pathways for students, the EA team has committed to further training to deliver vocational training, which enables students to enhance their educational and career prospects. By expanding the range of options, the team ensures that all students, including those with additional needs, have access to diverse and relevant learning opportunities, supporting their academic growth and future success.
Jay said, “The Ocean Reef Senior High School EAs are a passionate and committed team who take pride in providing the best possible learning experience for all students”.
