Extra support for Townsville Preppies in 2015

Next year’s Prep students in the Townsville region will benefit from more teacher aide support, creating a stronger foundation and better learning experience, as part of the Queensland Government’s strong plan for education.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek and Member for Thuringowa Sam Cox MP announced the third round of funding to deliver more Prep teacher aide support at The Willows State School today.

“This Government has a strong plan to revitalise frontline services and in 2015 we’ll deliver more than 645 Prep teacher aide hours per week in 32 schools in the Townsville region,” Mr Langbroek said.

“This additional teacher aide support for prep students is delivering on our election promise to invest $54 million over four-years for more Prep teacher aides in Queensland.

“Thousands of Preppies in state schools across Queensland are already benefitting from the additional support available each day, and we’re ensuring this benefit continues throughout 2015.

“Labor has no plan for education, but we are ensuring our youngest children have the start that they need.”

Sam Cox said five primary schools in the Thuringowa electorate would directly reap the rewards of extra teacher aide time in 2015.

“I welcome the Government’s funding for five local primary schools to share in more than 110 additional Prep teacher aide hours each week,” Mr Cox said.

“Funding is targeted at schools with the greatest need and I am pleased to see many schools in regional and remote areas benefiting.

“We know how important it is to invest in the early years of school to set the foundation for life-long learning and success.”

The Willows State School principal Dr Graham Foster welcomed 32.5 additional teacher aide hours per week to support Prep students.

“Teacher aides play an important role in the classroom and I know our Prep students will benefit from the additional support,” Dr Foster said.

“Our Prep teacher aides help with a range of tasks from providing one-on-one support to organising group learning activities – their time is invaluable.”

To find out more go to www.education.qld.gov.au/boosting-prep.html

For audio grabs from Minister Langbroek visit https://soundcloud.com/johnpaullangbroek/john-paul-langbroek-prep-teacher-aide-announcement-grab-5

[ENDS] 24 June 2014

Media contact: Electorate Office - 4773 3116

Minister Langbroek – Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652