Great Start School Packs

Since 2016 Manjimup Mitre 10 Retravision, along with the Shire of Manjimup have delivered a project to assist disadvantaged children start school with the basic necessities. The Project is called 'Great Start' and aims to help children get the most out of their education.

Evidence shows disadvantaged students are on average 2-3 years behind in reading and maths by the time they are 15 years old and the reading gap between the lowest socioeconomic status students and the highest socioeconomic status students is equivalent to almost three years of schooling. National statistics have shown that over the past twelve years, many young children within the Shire of Manjimup, are starting school at developmental levels lower than the rest of Western Australia. By providing children with a free school pack it is hoped to support them to participate more completely in their education and gain the most from their schooling so they can reach their full potential.

Through the generosity of Kleenheat, Dulux and Taubmans, Manjimup Mitre 10 Retravision has sourced school packs with the essential tools the children need to start school: a backpack, lunchbox, drink bottle, ruler, pencil case and a note book. Shire President Paul Omodei said that though these provisions are simple, they are essential. "Children need to feel a part of the school community and be able to settle into their routine comfortably. If they haven't got the tools they need they're already feeling "different" to the other kids, which could lead them to disengage."

Families or children are referred from each town in the shire by organisations that assist those in need such as the local churches, Relationships Australia, Anglicare and Manjimup Combined Churches Emergency Relief, and in some cases by the school themselves. All applications are confidential and a representative of each agency collected the packs from the Shire of Manjimup prior to the start of the school year for distribution to the families and parents needing assistance. "The process was kept discrete because it is about giving kids an equal start, not distinguishing them from the other kids," explained Cr Omodei.

If any organisations have children in need, please get in contact to discuss a school pack at any point during the year.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer

Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer

Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President.

Contact: 0448 810 773