MEDOWIE Coles has a group of smiling faces that customers and staff alike have come to look forward to seeing on Tuesdays each week.
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As part of the Life Skills program, students in the Senior Support Classes at Irrawang High, have been travelling by bus to Coles Medowie every Tuesday in the school term for over ten years.
Accompanied by their teacher Ms Georgina Ward and Student Learning Support Officer Mrs Irene O’Rourke, the group of 14 students have the opportunity to practice their money handling skills, whilst on public transport and also when they are purchasing their morning tea from the store.
At Coles from 9.30-12.30pm, the students assist the staff and learn many new skills along the way including; facing the shelves and keeping them clean and tidy, recycling, removing damaged goods from the shelves and helping to rotate stock.
Relieving Store Manager James Day told News Of The Area, “The store is very appreciative of the assistance from the students, and we often receive great feedback from customers about their friendliness and helpfulness.”
‘We are proud to be involved in such a special program, and love having the students.”
The students learn valuable life skills that will assist them in leading more independent lives after finishing school.
They learn responsibility and accountability over and above the experience of going to school within the Learning Support Program.
Teacher Ms Ward told News Of The Area, “Our students work hard, and enjoy their jobs at Coles.”
“It is lovely watching the students skills develop and their confidence grow as they interact with a wide variety of staff and customers.”
“We have seen some wonderful changes in each and every one of our students each year who participate in the program.”
By Rachael VAUGHAN
