Glen Innes Public School has recently received donations from the RSL Sub Branch and Joanne and Ken Michell that have gone a long way towards buying equipment for the school's 'Chill Zone'.
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Last Wednesday the 'Chill Zone' was officially opened for students to enjoy. The Michells along with Aleishia Hunton from the RSL Sub Branch attended the opening while some of the school students played and tested out the sensory items.
"We are so thankful for the generosity that will allow us to use this room to help our students," Assistant Principal Nikki Lee said.
We are so thankful for the generosity that will allow us to use this room to help our students.
- Assistant Principal Nikki Lee
Several years ago the school's Wellbeing Team developed a vision of creating a sensory space in the school to assist students who may need support regulating their emotions.
"We have been working towards the goal of opening the 'Chill Zone' for the past couple of years," Ms Lee said.
The room will be an occupational therapy sensory space that kids across the school from kindergarten to year 6 will be able to access when they need some time to regulate their emotions.
"Thanks to the donations the project was brought to fruition," she said.
Students in the room will be supported by staff members in the space. The room provides students the opportunity to do lots of of hands-on sensory tactile activities, practice phoenix spelling and other skills.
The space will be bookable so teachers can bring small groups of students to the room.
Twice a week a Student Learning Support Officer (SLSO) will work in the room on developing a support program for gross and mine motor skills, helping the kids cross the midline so they can kick their brains into action.
The 'Chill Zone' will also be a space for students in a mainstream classroom who require a little bit of time out or down time. Students can come to the room with the SLSO or a teacher to spend time in the 'Chill Zone'
The students from K-6 have a multitude of options of sensory equipment now for use in the room.
"They have so many different options now, it is amazing we are loving it for the students," Ms Lee said.
"We love the possibilities that this room will provide for students. We plan to keep building on the room by adding more resources for the students.
Ms Lee, on behalf of the school, took this opportunity to thank Ken and Joanne Michell for their ongoing personal contributions by presenting them with an Education Week 2020 Appreciation certificate.
