Kudos for caring

By Emma Schenk
DANDENONG Primary School has been honoured with a nomination from the Victorian Education Excellence Awards.
One of three finalists to be considered for the Partnerships With Parents and Communities Award, the school is very proud to be recognised for their efforts.
“It’s amazing. Even if we don’t win, it won’t matter. The most important thing is the beautiful families we’ve helped,” the school’s well-being officer Elissa Sewell said.
For four years, the school has run the largest playgroup in the City of Greater Dandenong and takes pride in its innovative approach.
The playgroup nurtures early learning and prepares children for school while also teaching parents about health, education and other challenges facing young children.
Guest speakers, speech pathologists, and maternal health specialists attend the playgroup to educate and connect parents with others in the community.
“We have so many multi-cultural families who don’t understand the health system, and we want them to have the best chance at looking after their kids,” Ms Sewell said.
“We’re also lucky to have such great partners including the City of Greater Dandenong.
“It’s more of a community program than just a school program,” she said.
Other south-east nominees considered for different award categories are Huntingdale Primary School, Carrum Downs Secondary College and teachers at Silverton Primary School and Hampton Park Primary School.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Crown Palladium on 13 May.