Speech in focus at Cowes Primary

A speech therapist in a classroom is not something you see every day.

Except at Cowes Primary School, which has just appointed Lesley O’Donohue as the school’s resident speech pathologist.

Lesley’s role will see her work with teachers, in the classroom and in specialist groups, to help support students with their learning.

As a registered primary school teacher, an integration aid and holding a Master of Speech Pathology, Lesley is uniquely placed to make the most of the innovative role.

Principal Rod McKenzie said the school was extremely fortunate to have someone with Lesley’s diverse qualifications join the staff.

“This is an unusual appointment, but something we believe our students and staff will benefit from.

“There are not many schools with access to these skills,” he said.

“Speech Pathology is hard to access in Bass Coast. We realised that because we have had students over the years who had to travel significant distance to access services.

“That prevented some students from accessing those services. We don’t want our students to miss out.”

The role is designed to work alongside teachers, and sometimes in the classroom with them, to help students who are having difficulty with learning.

“I have a particular interest in reading difficulties,” explained Lesley.

“This role can have input in supporting students with specific educational needs.”

So how does speech impact on learning?

“A huge part of speech pathology is a focus on language development, so written and oral language both come under that umbrella,” Lesley explained.

“Some children have difficulty with processing written language, which is very much connected with how we process sounds.

“I can assist to develop programs for children who are having difficulty learning to read.

“If you support development of language, it can have a real and positive impact as they go through school,” she said.

“Sometimes language difficulties can be hidden, and the kids present as typically developing, or perhaps quiet, or with behavioural concerns. These can be the result of difficulties with understanding and using language.

“Lots of children with challenges develop coping strategies that hide what’s really going on.”

Early start

Lesley will provide support for students at the Phillip Island Earning Learning Centre, as well as the school.

“Establishing strong foundations early will set students up for success,” said Rod.

“Lesley will work with individual students, with small groups and also play a role in supporting staff and the whole school practice and approach to literacy and language.”

Having access to children in the ELC means Lesley will also be able to provide support for them as they transition to school.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Lesley onboard and feel it will greatly benefit the students and ELC,” Rod said.

Lesley is already settling into the school community.

“It’s been a really great start, with an incredibly warm welcome from staff and students,” she said.

“I feel fortunate to be here. It’s a wonderful environment.”

The role, which is funded by the school, is for 12 months, with the possibility of continuing.

Rod believes it is an exciting and important development for the school, which he hopes parents, teachers and children will embrace.

“This is a great opportunity to put support in place for our community and our students. It’s not common, but it has the potential to really make a difference.”