FIGTREE PUBLIC SCHOOL GETS IN TOUCH WITH IPADS THANKS TO OPTUS GRANT

Wollongong’s Figtree Public School will showcase its inaugural ‘Banksia iPad Project’ this Thursday 9 May, thanks to a $5,000 grant from the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program.

Figtree Public School currently offers support classes to 24 young students with intellectual and physical disabilities, including Autism, Down Syndrome and Attention Deficit Disorder. The ‘Banksia iPad Project’ has introduced 12 new iPads to enhance their learning and social development.

The iPads, purchased with the Optus funding, look to stimulate the students, keeping them engaged during lessons through a range of colourful and interactive mathematical and literacy applications. The iPads also provide a common point of interest with other school children, helping develop social skills.

Paul Brightwell, Principal of Figtree Public School said, “We’re already seeing improvements in student engagement in the classroom thanks to the iPads provided by the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program. The students are also interacting well in the playground, which means the Banksia iPad Project is seeing terrific results in both academic and social activities.”

Helen Maisano, Associate Director, Corporate Social Responsibility at Optus said, “It’s great to see technology and innovation being implemented to assist students, both in the classroom and playground. Optus is pleased to be supporting this initiative by Figtree Public School and to see the results are already noticeable.”

The annual ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program awards funding of up to $10,000 to not-for-profit organisations that help build social inclusion and reconnect disengaged youth in communities. Since 2008, Optus has awarded $880,000 in grants to 165 community organisations across Australia.

Paul Brightwell, special education teachers and students will be at the school this Thursday to showcase aspects of the project.

MEDIA EVENT:
WHEN: Thursday 9 May, 10-11am
WHERE: Figtree Public School, Gibsons Rd, Figtree
WHY: A chance to interview teachers and students who illustrate the positive results of this additional funding
ATTENDING: Paul Brightwell, Principal of Figtree Public School, Linda McNevin, School Learning Support Officer, special education teachers and students involved in the project and Luke Roberts, Optus

About Optus in the Community: For more information on the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program please visit https://www.optus.com.au/shop/aboutoptus/communitygrants.

Media contact:
Julia Clarke
Fuel Communications
(02) 8217 6505