Inclusive education

Inclusive education means all students are supported in their learning.

Teachers are dedicated to and experienced in knowing where every child is at with his/her learning, so all children receive support to ensuring they are progressing. No matter where a student is in the learning journey, students are extended to their potential.

Further, there is a Learning Support Unit at the school with specially trained learning support teachers who coordinate a team of educational support school officers and a number of programs for students.

Our Learning Support Team are visible in classrooms supporting teachers to support students to ensure they are progressing academically and socially.

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/legal guardians and educational/health specialists in catering for students with diagnosed special needs.

English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD)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 the application for enrolment is lodged. The EALD teacher works with identified individuals or small groups both within and outside the classroom.

Speech Pathologist

The Toowoomba Catholic Schools 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 parents'/legal guardians' 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. Confidential counselling assistance may be initiated by the child, the parent/legal guardian or by teachers. However, if ongoing counselling is to be recommended, then parental/legal guardian permission will be sought. The Counsellor, as a member of our staff, works cooperatively with parents/legal guardians 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 from becoming major problems, which may interrupt the development of your child as a whole person.