Take it as read – Jean’s outstanding

Volunteer tutor Jean Hellings received the school’s annual Wallarano Community Award for her contrib
WALLARANO Primary School has paid tribute to a grandmother of seven who tutors students in reading.
A round of applause from 600 students and parents at the school’s assembly greeted Jean Hellings as she walked on to the stage to receive a Wallarano Community Award for her contributions.
The award is presented annually, during Education Week, to one member of the school community who has made an outstanding contribution.
Principal David Duff said it was difficult to choose from a pool of dedicated contributors, but Mrs Helling’s efforts made her worthy of the award.
“We have such an impressive parent community at Wallarano it is always hard to choose, but Jean has shown such commitment and dedication that 2008 had to be her year,” he said.
Mrs Hellings thanked the school community for allowing her to tutor.
“I think Wallarano Primary School is the most wonderful school,” she said.
“It is very warm, welcoming and demonstrates respect for everyone.
“Every time I leave the school after a reading session with a child I have a wonderful feeling of contentment and satisfaction that I am making a real difference to these children.”
One of those students, Dana Baines from grade six, said Mrs Hellings helped her to enjoy reading.
“I love reading with Jean. I have read three books already,” Dana said.
“She is lovely and I hope she keeps coming to our school for a long time.”
Mrs Hellings, a mother of five and grandmother of seven, retired from a career caring for intellectually disabled adults in 1998.
But she only had one year off before responding to a flyer that the school distributed around Noble Park calling for volunteer reading tutors.
Reading program coordinator Gail Boyd praised Mrs Hellings’ work, which had helped to enhance the reading abilities of 25 students over the past eight years.
“Jean is fabulous – she is patient, persistent, reliable and above all passionate about the program,” Ms Boyd said.
“She has made a real difference for many of the children at our school. Three times a week Jean takes a student for 30 to 45-minute tutoring session on literacy skills.
“Rain, hail or shine she turns up and the children adore her.
“We are so thankful to have such a wonderful individual working with us.”