Prior to the implementation of Moorooopna Park Primary School’s wellbeing program, the school recorded 120 suspensions in a year.
Two years on, as the school welcomes an award for having the nation’s best student wellbeing program, the number hovers below 10.
Wellbeing co-ordinator Lisa Hueston and school principal Hayden Beaton made their way to Sydney on Friday, August 12 to receive their second Pivot Best Student Wellbeing Program prize at the Australia Education Awards.
“It’s a huge honour that we were able to win the award, especially against the prestigious schools we were up against,” Ms Hueston said.
“A huge amount of effort goes into our programs, and you wouldn’t do it if you didn’t love what you do.
“The trophy is lovely, but the real reward is in seeing the kids thriving, smiling and the growth you see in them.”
Both expansive and ever-growing, the wellbeing program includes a healthy food program with a full-time chef who prepares breakfast, lunch and morning and afternoon tea, a scooter track for students, a new school bus and a soon to be sensory path.
Plus additional services from speech pathologists, paediatricians and audiologists, and the delivery of hampers filled with necessities to families in the school.
The school has also partnered with Community Hubs Australia and will be opening a hub in 2023.
Ms Hueston said community groups and generous individuals had made it possible, with donated goods from Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, Food Bank, Shepparton Foodshare, Unilever, Pentel, Everyday Supplies, Mission, Campbell Soups, GV Body Rejuvenation and others.
“There’s some amazing people in our community,” she said.
“You just have to find the right people that care enough to want to help you keep going, and keep the programs growing.
“But to see the reactions of the kids, it's just the smallest thing that makes the biggest difference in their lives; even just dancing in the hay-shed — the kids love it.”
Within the school population, 60 per cent of students come from single-parent homes and 35 per cent have involvement with child protection services.
Ms Hueston said the program was about showing students and families that they had support available to help them be successful.
“For the six hours they’re here they have lots of delicious food, staff that care for them and they can just be kids,” she said.
“We can send them home with happy little hearts.”