SCHOOLS across Corangamite are in the process of completing various projects funded through a local government program.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Federal Labor member for Corangamite Libby Coker said she was pleased to see local schools benefit from the funds in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n
“I’m delighted the Local Schools Community fund has delivered for so many schools across our region,” Ms Coker said.<\/p>\n
“Among the enhancements made to these schools are new playgrounds, facility upgrades, a sensory space, purchase of instruments and an upgrade to a library.”<\/p>\n
Barwon Heads Primary School is one of the grant recipients to recently finish their project.<\/p>\n
The school received $9,000 to help create a sensory room.<\/p>\n
Sensory rooms help students regulate their emotional and behavioural responses when presented with sensory input.<\/p>\n
School principal Daniel Vella said the project had been something the school already planned and was looking to fund when the grant came along.<\/p>\n
“Working with some of the families from our school we really saw the need a space like that,” he said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Mr Vella said while COVID-19 had restricted its use, the room had been a great benefit to the children.<\/p>\n
“There are probably seven or eight students who use it specifically,” he said.<\/p>\n
“The students use the space strategically with support to address their sensory needs, sometimes during class time, sometimes during break time.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Ocean Grove Primary School also received $9,000 from the fund for a sensory space that they will set up once lockdown restrictions ease.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n