Student Support

In addition to our team of teachers, education assistants, and Aboriginal and Islander education officer (AIEO), Hyden Primary School has a strong student support network incorporating a school psychologist, chaplain, school nurse, private speech pathologist, the WA Country Health child development service and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.

AIEO – Plays a key role in supporting Aboriginal students in areas including teaching and learning, learning environment, behaviour and attendance. They also work with school communities to develop and implement plans to become more culturally responsive.

School psychologist – Students are referred through teachers and administration in consultation with parents and caregivers. The school psychologist attends Hyden Primary School several times per term from Narrogin.

School nurse – Students are referred through teachers and administration in consultation with parents and caregivers. Examples include concerns about vision or hearing. The nurse visits regularly from Narrogin and also conducts health screening programs for students and liaises with teachers as a resource on health education. This includes the nurse delivering Growth and Development education to our Year 5/6 students in Semester 2 (with parent consent).

School chaplain – Our Youth Care chaplain, Felicity Ward, works at Hyden every Tuesday and Thursday. This is a non-denominational service. The chaplain is a regular presence in the classroom and playground, and can provide one-on-one and small group sessions for students at the request of parents, staff and students (with parent consent) with the aim of improving student well-being. Requests from parents for support can be made through the office by phone 9684 0800, via email felicity.ward@youthcare.org.au.

Private speech pathologist – The P&C funds private speech screening for all students entering Kindergarten (with parent consent). The private speech pathologist then liaises with parents about follow up visits their child may require during the term. She also supports teachers to implement suggested strategies in class.

Child development service – Students are referred through teachers and administration in consultation with parents and caregivers to the WA Country Health child development team which includes an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, dietician and speech pathologist (if private speech pathology isn’t possible).

Child and adolescent mental health service – Students are referred through teachers and administration in consultation with parents and caregivers. CAMHS services are available to infants, children and young people (up until 18th birthday) who have severe, complex and enduring emotional/behavioural/mental health difficulties. A considerable degree of impairment of daily functioning at home and school would generally be expected by CAMHS for them to accept a referral.

If you feel that your child could benefit from the services of one of our allied professionals, please arrange a time to discuss with your child’s teacher. Parents can also seek a referral to the Child Development Service and / or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service through their GP.