Student Services Team
At Maidens Park Primary School, we are committed to supporting the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally. Our Student Services Team plays a central role in identifying and supporting students who may be at risk and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Who We Are
Our Student Services Team is made up of key staff who bring a range of expertise to support student needs. This includes:
- Principal
- Deputy Principal
- School Psychologist (Mrs Jen Smoker)
- Chaplain (Mrs Karen Nelson)
- Attendance Officer (Ms Davina Peace)
- Learning Support Coordinator (Mrs Crity Abbott)
- Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers
We work together to identify students requiring extra support and to develop targeted strategies to help them succeed.
Supporting Students at Risk
Students may be considered at risk for a variety of reasons including academic challenges, attendance issues, behaviour concerns, social-emotional needs, or complex family situations.
Our Student Services Process involves:
- Early Identification
Teachers and staff monitor student progress and wellbeing. Data is collected on the concerns (behaviour frequency data/academic progress data). When concerns arise, students are referred to the Student Services Team for review. - Collaboration
The team meets regularly to discuss student needs, gather relevant data, and consult with classroom teachers and families. - Planning and Support
Individual or group support plans are developed, which may include academic interventions, behaviour plans, social-emotional programs, or referrals to external services. - Monitoring and Review
Progress is closely monitored and support strategies are adjusted as needed. Ongoing communication with families is a key part of the process.
Working Together
We believe that strong partnerships between school and home are vital in supporting student success. Parents and carers are encouraged to reach out to their child’s teacher or a member of the leadership team if they have concerns or feel their child may need additional support.
At Maidens Park, every child matters. Our Student Services Team works with care, commitment, and consistency to ensure all children feel safe, supported, and able to achieve their best.
Chaplaincy
At Maidens Park Primary School, we are proud to offer the support of a caring and compassionate School Chaplain through the YouthCARE Chaplaincy Program. Our Chaplain, Mrs Karen Nelson – known to students and families as Miss Karen – is a much-loved and valued member of our school community.
Miss Karen provides a friendly, supportive presence for students, staff, and families. She is here to listen, encourage, and help build a positive and inclusive school environment where every child feels safe, supported, and connected.
The Chaplaincy service can assist with:
- One-on-one and small group support for students
- Building social and emotional wellbeing
- Helping students navigate friendships and challenges
- Supporting families through difficult times
- Encouraging a strong sense of belonging and resilience
Miss Karen works closely with staff and parents to ensure the wellbeing of our students is always a priority. Her work complements the school’s existing pastoral care and wellbeing programs and is guided by the values of care, respect, and inclusivity.
The YouthCARE Chaplaincy Program is non-denominational, inclusive, and available to all students, regardless of background or belief. Participation is always voluntary.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Miss Karen as part of our Maidens Park team, offering kindness, support, and a listening ear to those who need it.
For more information about the YouthCARE Chaplaincy Program, or to contact Miss Karen, please speak to the front office or visit www.youthcare.org.au.
School Psychology Service
At Maidens Park Primary School, we are supported by the School Psychology Service, which plays an important role in helping students make the most of their learning. Our current school psychologist is Mrs Jen Smoker, who works alongside staff to support student learning, engagement, and wellbeing.
While school psychologists can assist with emotional and behavioural challenges, their primary focus at Maidens Park is to support our academic priorities. Jen works closely with teachers and the leadership team to ensure students have the best possible opportunities to learn and succeed.
The role of the school psychologist includes:
- Assessing learning needs and providing strategies to support students with academic difficulties
- Supporting the development of intervention plans for students who require additional help
- Assisting with the identification of learning disabilities and referrals for further assessment
- Collaborating with staff to strengthen inclusive practices and evidence-based teaching strategies
- Contributing to school-wide programs that enhance student engagement and learning outcomes
Ms Smoker is also available to provide short-term, solution-focused support for students experiencing difficulties with behaviour, emotional regulation, or social challenges that impact their learning.
Access to the School Psychology Service is coordinated through the school’s leadership team. If you have concerns about your child’s learning or would like to discuss support options, please speak with your child’s teacher or contact the front office.
Together, we work to ensure every student is given the right support to learn, grow, and achieve their best.
Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers (AIEOs)
At Maidens Park Primary School, we are proud to have two dedicated Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers (AIEOs) as part of our Student Services Team. Our AIEOs play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing, engagement, and success of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Supporting Culture, Connection and Learning
Our AIEOs work closely with students, families, and staff to:
- Strengthen cultural identity and pride within the school
- Support Aboriginal students with their learning, attendance, and engagement
- Provide one-on-one or small group support in the classroom
- Act as a cultural link between home and school
- Help build relationships with families and the broader community
- Contribute to cultural awareness and learning across the whole school
Valued Members of Our School Community
At Maidens Park, we recognise the importance of creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment where all students feel they belong. Our AIEOs are trusted and respected members of our staff who build strong relationships with students and ensure their voices and experiences are heard.
Their presence and leadership also support our commitment to Reconciliation and embedding Aboriginal perspectives into everyday teaching and learning.
Our AIEOs are a key part of what makes Maidens Park a caring, connected, and culturally responsive school.
Learning Support Coordinator
At Maidens Park Primary School, we are committed to providing inclusive, targeted support to ensure that every student can access learning and make meaningful progress. Our Learning Support Coordinator plays a key role in this work, as part of our broader Student Services Team.
Coordinating Support for All Learners
The Learning Support Coordinator works closely with classroom teachers, education assistants, school leaders, and families to identify students who may require additional academic, behavioural, or social-emotional support. This includes students with diagnosed disabilities, learning difficulties, and those needing short- or long-term intervention.
Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the planning and delivery of targeted learning interventions
- Supporting the development and monitoring of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Documented Plans, and adjustment documentation
- Liaising with external service providers and specialists
- Coordinating case management meetings and Student Services referrals
- Supporting staff with inclusive classroom strategies and differentiated instruction
A Team Approach to Inclusive Education
At Maidens Park, we believe that learning support is a shared responsibility. Our Learning Support Coordinator ensures that students are not only supported, but also known, valued, and understood. Through collaborative planning and a data-informed approach, we aim to remove barriers to learning and provide every child with the opportunity to grow and succeed.
Our focus is on early identification, evidence-based interventions, and ongoing communication with families, so that together, we can provide the right support at the right time.
Attendance Officer
At Maidens Park Primary School, we know that every day counts when it comes to student learning, wellbeing, and success. That’s why we have a dedicated Attendance Officer as part of our Student Services Team, working closely with students, families, and staff to support regular attendance.
The Role of the Attendance Officer
Our Attendance Officer plays a key role in promoting a positive attendance culture across the school. They work with compassion and understanding to:
- Monitor student attendance patterns and follow up on unexplained or concerning absences
- Support families facing barriers to regular attendance
- Engage with students to help them feel safe, supported, and motivated to attend school
- Liaise with the leadership team, teachers, and external agencies when needed
- Help implement attendance plans and personalised strategies to re-engage students
Working Together to Improve Attendance
At Maidens Park, we understand that there are many factors that can affect a child’s attendance. Our approach is supportive, not punitive and we aim to build trust with families and work together to find solutions.
We also regularly celebrate attendance milestones and encourage a sense of belonging so that every child wants to be at school and feels missed when they’re not.
If you need help or advice around your child’s attendance, our Attendance Officer is here to support you.
Together, we can make sure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed every day.
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