We have been fortunate to seek the employment and services of a speech pathologist from Necessity Kids- based in Dapto, to work alongside our staff for the remainder of the year. Jenny Hill will be overseeing this service. She brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of speech pathology. This is an exciting venture that we have been looking at implementing here at St Francis of Assisi.

Speech Pathology (therapy) is aimed at helping anyone with difficulties communicating. In early childhood and early years of Primary School, this covers learning to talk clearly, using words in sentences with appropriate grammar, sequence ideas to be able to clearly express details as well as understand and follow complex instructions. Speech therapy also includes stuttering therapy, voice disorders and helping children who have a specific diagnosis with communicating without words, e.g. sign language, using computer-aided apps or visuals.

The school will be utilising Jenny's expertise in identifying students who may require additional support in this area and providing staff professional development on how to support and address speech needs in their classrooms. This is an exciting time at St Francis of Assisi School as we continue to build the capacity of our staff to support our students.