ELEVEN schools and 14 campuses across the greater Gawler area have taken the opportunity to celebrate their staff during School Support Officers/Education Support Officers week with certificates of appreciation from Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP.
More than 540 certificates were delivered across Gawler and District College, Gawler East Primary School, Gawler Primary School, Hewett Primary School, Immanuel School Gawler, Mark Oliphant College, Munno Para Primary School, Northern Adelaide Senior School, Playford College, Trinity College and Xavier College.
Mr Piccolo put out the invitation to all schools in the area to show non-teaching staff that they are just as important within the education system – not just this week, but every day.
“Teachers, SSOs and ESOs all go hand in hand and play critical roles in the functioning of a school and have a massive impact on students,” said Mr Piccolo.
“SSOs and ESOs play several roles in schools, including delve deeper into the lives of students – helping improve their learning and wellbeing with individualised programs while working with families, fellow staff and external agencies.
“They also help behind the scenes and are the first port of call for parents/caregivers and students in administration, customer service and even yard duty.
“They wear a lot more hats than back when I was in school, and their efforts warrant recognition at the very least.”
Mr Piccolo was also invited to personally present the certificates to staff at both Gawler and District College and Playford College.
Certificates will be in the works later in the year for World Teacher/Educators Day and end of year graduation certificates for students, with schools encouraged to get requests in at least four weeks before the events take place.
If your school would like to participate, or want to invite Mr Piccolo to presentations or events, send your requests through to light@parliament.sa.gov.au or call 8522 2878 to discuss.