Enrichment centre
The Tom Price Enrichment Centre is the home of the Follow the Dream / Partnerships for Success program, which is an innovative education project that began operation in Tom Price in 2002. This project is a joint initiative of the Department of Education of Western Australia, the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation. Tom Price Senior High School, Rio Tinto, Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, and the Aboriginal communities of Tom Price.
The project is designed to provide educational support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students so they can succeed in their education, with the aim of gaining employment or progressing to further education. This is achieved through the following support:
- An Enrichment Centre where students complete their homework with the assistance of tutors after school hours.
- Monitoring student progress and providing intensive assistance for students who require this.
- The establishment of links between the community and schools.
- Access to traditional Indigenous culture and appropriate role models.
The main objective of the program is to support aspirant Indigenous students, but all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are encouraged to apply, with the final selection of students based on the following criteria:
- Attendance at school is regular and frequent;
- Approach to education is positive;
- Interested and capable of academic success;
- Positive role model to peers and wider community;
- Prepared to be committed to the program;
- Family supports and is committed to the program
In Tom Price we are fortunate to have strong support from Rio Tinto as our industry partner. The Tom Price Enrichment Centre provides equipment, facilities and resources of a very high standard.
Rio Tinto invested a considerable amount into refurbishing the Enrichment Centre in 2011. It has changed from a fairly confined overcrowded environment, to a bright and spacious area that is more conducive as a learning environment. It is a place that the students, tutors and the wider school community can be proud of.
So what do we do in the Enrichment Centre?
- Tutorial assistance is provided to students from qualified teaching staff. The priority is to assist students with completing class set homework and assignments, as well as study for tests and exams.
- Advice and encouragement continually provided to students regarding higher education options, traineeships, and apprenticeships. Support also given in applying for scholarships and other financial assistance for tertiary studies.
- Opportunities for students to attend careers camps, reward camps, community events and programs, and in the future some camps ‘on country’.
- Students with attendance above 80% receive Tom Price Enrichment Centre uniform.
Please feel free to call and speak with Joe Manning the Program Coordinator about anything involving the Enrichment Centre, and even arrange a visit to the Enrichment Centre to have a look at our facilities.
Program Coordinator: Jody Thomas-Smith
Enrichment Centre Address: 579 North Rd, Tom Price
Phone: (08) 9189 3490 Mobile: 0428 983 119
Email: jody.thomas-smith@education.wa.edu.au
School psychologist
School Psychologists support schools by assisting with the management of social, emotional, behavioural and mental health issues that may have a detrimental impact on students' learning and behaviour. School Psychologists provide support to members of the school community through psychological intervention, the delivery of preventative programs and consultation.
Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer
The role of the Aboriginal Islander Education Officers (AIEO) is to help promote inclusive practices within the school and build positive participation, communication and interactions between staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, their parents and families and the local Aboriginal community.
At Tom Price Senior High School (TPSHS) the AIEOs are employed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the areas of academic achievement, social engagement, participation, attendance and behaviour.
The responsibilities of the AIEO at TPSHS are outlined and detailed under the following three areas:
1. Providing whole-school support
2. Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
3. Linking school to community