A partnership between truck manufacturer Hino Australia and the Schools Plus program will bring Sharks to schools in Sutherland Shire to assist students keen on sport
A new round of School Learning Support Officers will walk the hallways of the Bates Drive School in Sutherland Shire with the support of Hino Australia and the charity Schools Plus.
Bates Drive School caters for 70 students from kindergarten to Year 12 who experience significant challenges in managing their emotions, have physical or intellectual disabilities, autism or mental health challenges.
The school benefits from an ongoing relationship, backed by Hino and Schools Plus, that sees young players from the Cronulla Sharks rugby league club come along to help students with their sporting dreams.
“The support from Hino will enable us to continue a school sports initiative with the Cronulla Sharks rugby league club,” Bates Drive School principal David Toogood says.
“Young players from the Sharks Jersey Flegg Cup side will be engaged as School Learning Support Officers and will visit the school to deliver tailored, personalised rugby and sports program for our students.
“Movement skills are a core component of supporting students to stay emotionally regulated, build play and communication skills and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.”
At the Dunlea Centre, the Schools Plus funding will enable the school to upgrade its technology equipment, resources and education software so it can provide more opportunities to students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
“STEM is the school’s fastest growing subject area and a dynamic, creative and modern STEM program will be a valuable tool in preparing our students for future career paths,” Dunlea Centre executive director Paul Mastronardi says.
Dunlea Centre Australia’s Original Boys’ Town is an independent specialised secondary school and residential service for at-risk young people, with a focus on family engagement.
“We are grateful to Hino Australia and Schools Plus for this opportunity to help our students reach their full potential.”
Hino President and CEO Sam Suda is pleased to continue the partnership with Schools Plus and support the two local schools.
“With a heritage of almost 30 years in the Sutherland Shire, it is important to Hino Australia and our employees that we continue to provide opportunities for our local community.
“This is the third year of supporting the program, which continues the legacy that our parent company Toyota started in 2017,” he said.
Schools Plus CEO Rosemary Conn says corporate supporters play a big part in helping Schools Plus to achieve its goals.
“We are so proud to be partnered with Hino, who has always provided generous support in our efforts to help students reach their full potential. Similar partnerships like this allow Schools Plus to facilitate programs for children not just within the Sutherland Shire but on a national level.”
For more information about Schools Plus, go to: https://www.schoolsplus.org.au/