Local schools share in funds

SCHOOLS across Corangamite are in the process of completing various projects funded through a local government program.

The Local Schools Community Fund enabled schools to lodge one application for a grant between $1,000 and $20,000, with all funded projects required to be complete by the end of 2020.

Federal Labor member for Corangamite Libby Coker said she was pleased to see local schools benefit from the funds in a variety of ways.

“I’m delighted the Local Schools Community fund has delivered for so many schools across our region,” Ms Coker said.

“Among the enhancements made to these schools are new playgrounds, facility upgrades, a sensory space, purchase of instruments and an upgrade to a library.”

Barwon Heads Primary School is one of the grant recipients to recently finish their project.

The school received $9,000 to help create a sensory room.

Sensory rooms help students regulate their emotional and behavioural responses when presented with sensory input.

School principal Daniel Vella said the project had been something the school already planned and was looking to fund when the grant came along.

“Working with some of the families from our school we really saw the need a space like that,” he said.

“We got great support from the Local Schools Community Fund and from Libby Coker, and we designed the space and put it together with the help of an occupational therapist.”

Mr Vella said while COVID-19 had restricted its use, the room had been a great benefit to the children.

“There are probably seven or eight students who use it specifically,” he said.

“The students use the space strategically with support to address their sensory needs, sometimes during class time, sometimes during break time.

“We’d like to have spent more time in it, but it (coronavirus) has kind of gotten in the way. But it has been beneficial for sure when we’ve been on site.”

Ocean Grove Primary School also received $9,000 from the fund for a sensory space that they will set up once lockdown restrictions ease.