Yarra Glen Primary School’s education support team has been awarded the Highly Commended in the 2025 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year.
The team comprises five members: Kay Corless, Alli McVicar, Belinda Russell, Kai Martin, and team leader Danielle Joseph.
At a school assembly on 8 August, the award recipients officially received a personalised certificate acknowledging their achievement.
Assistant principal Jessica Amey explained how each education support staff member met the criteria for the award.
She said the criteria for the written nomination included improving professional knowledge, impact on student learning and wellbeing, and collaboration with teachers and colleagues.
“Alli and Kai have learnt a new program called NESSY, which supports students in reading and spelling. Alli and Kai have both been working towards a degree in education at their own pace. Kay and Belinda completed training in the MiniLit Sage program, and Kay is set to complete training in MacqLit to provide further support in phonics, reading, spelling and writing. Dani completed her certificate IV in community services and just this week, attended a workshop for helping students with diverse needs,” the assistant principal said.
“Dani’s dual role of education support in classrooms and wellbeing officer ensures students are supported in their social/emotional wellbeing as well as their learning. The team rotate to facilitate Mindful Makers, a calm and inclusive indoor space during playtimes. Alli keeps on top of our library resources and books and works with our student library leader. Kai has facilitated sporting tournaments for the students and monitors sports at playtimes. Kay and Dani are dedicated members of the school’s wellbeing team and are trained in SWPBS (School-wide Positive Behaviour Support).
“All of the aides work directly with our classroom teachers, specialist teachers, and leadership to implement targeted academic and wellbeing adjustments. The aides attend student support group meetings to share student progress and advocate for the students they support. The team have helped to develop many of the resources you see around our school, including behaviour expectation matrices, student schedules, timetables, zones of regulation kits – the list is endless really.”
The education support team leader said she felt really honoured.
“I love the team I work with, and I absolutely love Yarra Glen Primary School,” Ms Joseph said.
“It’s great to get recognition because teachers’ aides do a really great job and are vital in all schools. It’s just really nice to be acknowledged for the work we do.”
With the recognition on the national stage, the team members are now determined to continue their good work in support of students’ growth and development.
