Kim Morrison is retiring after 21 years working in Ashburton College’s Student Learning Support Unit. Photo Sue NewmanTeaching is a challenging job at any level, but Kim Morrison is one of a small group of people who opt to tackle the job of ensuring children with learning difficulties and behavioural issues also have an opportunity to learn. The Ashburton College Student Learning Support Unit learning support assistant Kim Morrison talks to reporter Sue Newman about her long and rewarding career.

Over the past 21 years Kim Morrison has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of youngsters, but come term one next year, she will no longer be the caring presence in Ashburton College’s Student Learning Support Unit.

The job quickly became a vocation for Kim, but after 21 years and three months of giving her working days to help youngsters with learning challenges, she’s decided it’s time to step back and enjoy some family time.

The mother of four watched her last child head to school and decided she was ready to return to the workforce, but wanted something that was challenging and rewarding rather than just a job that provided a pay packet.

She considered teacher training but knew that would be impossible with four boys in tow and decided working with students who needed additional support would provide the challenge she was looking for.

That was in the days when teacher aid funding was tagged to a student. If they moved school, you lost your job.

Kim started as a volunteer at St Josephs, moved to a paid position at Netherby and then an opportunity came up at the college. It was part time and for a mum with school age children, the hours were perfect.

“I’ve really learned this on the job and by attending courses and I’ve had some great head teachers along the way,” she said.

Her work is often rewarding and frequently challenging. It sees her working closely with between three and five students with a wide range of needs. Some spend part of their school day in the unit, others are there full time. And the age range is wide also – Year 9 through to high needs 21-year-olds.

While her job is about supporting her students’ learning, you inevitably become quite closely involved with their wider lives as well, Kim said.

“You do get attached to those students. My real passion has been the students with the highest needs. Their rewards don’t come easily, it can be the minutest thing, a look or a smile, but no matter what challenging behaviours you come across, there is always some good in everyone.”

It’s important to strike a rapport with students, particularly those who difficult behaviours, but even when you have that connection with your students, you still go home most days absolutely drained, she said.

“You learn coping mechanisms and you need a sense of humour and patience and you certainly need tolerance.”

As much as she builds relationships with her students, Kim said it’s also important to have a relationship with parents.

“I’ve had lots of interaction with them and they’re very supportive of what you’re doing. I really feel for them.”

There are never any guarantees in the student learning unit;  no two days are the same.

“You can walk in and it’s lovely and cruisy and everything goes to plan but on another day you walk in the door and you want to walk straight back out, everything’s happening at once.”

Making the decision to leave wasn’t easy, but once made, Kim knew it was the right decision.

“I’ll miss it, but it was time. My passion has lessened over the past two years and when you’re not looking forward to it, then it becomes just a job and then it’s time to go,” she said.

“I’ll miss the kids big time, and the staff, we have some amazing staff here.”

The SLSU is as supportive of its staff as it is of its students, Kim said.

“We share ideas and we laugh, that’s the relief. If someone sees a situation that’s a bit crazy, where you need support, they’ll step in and take over and you can walk away and have a break. That happens rarely, but it does happen.”

She’s the longest serving member of the unit’s team and her staff in her unit describe her as highly respected in her role, dedicated, caring, hardworking, conscientious and capable, someone who always put students first.

After 21 years of giving her working days to students with learning difficulties, Morrison said it’s now her time to be a grandma. She plans to look after her grandchildren one day a week and do the after school run.

“It’s time I helped out my family but this job has been very satisfying and it makes me quite emotional when I look back, they’ve been wonderful young people.”

By Sue Newman © The Ashburton Guardian - 27 December 2017