Education assistant Lynda Bailey with students Caleb Haskell, Chloe Ford, Dante Manning, Lachlan Cassidy, Rachel Ford and Hayley Ford.
Camera IconEducation assistant Lynda Bailey with students Caleb Haskell, Chloe Ford, Dante Manning, Lachlan Cassidy, Rachel Ford and Hayley Ford. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey        d447418

Wanneroo Primary School education assistant helping kids to shine

Laura PondWanneroo Times

Ms Bailey was named education assistant of the year at the WA Education Awards last month.

She has worked with students at risk and with special needs at the school for nearly 20 years.

“The part of my job I enjoy most is always the ‘firsts’,” she said.

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“After working on a goal over and over with a student, there is no better feeling than the joy when they speak a word for the first time, write their name or throw a ball.

“When skills like these are developed and the student breaks into a smile in recognition of their own achievement, the feeling is amazing.”

Ms Bailey said there had been many memories that had made her love her job.

“A particularly memorable occasion was watching one of my students with autism use her audio device for the first time to say her name and describe what fruit she liked,” she said.

“It was the first time my student had expressed herself verbally along with the rest of the class.

“Her peers cheered for her and she had a smile from ear to ear – priceless!”

Principal Amanda Kelley said the award highlighted the important work of school support staff.

“Lynda Bailey works with students with special needs, students at risk, mentors other support staff, she is also an important part of the positive behaviours team,” she said.

“We believe we have dedicated staff who go way beyond expectations to ensure students are achieving the best educational outcomes.”