SCHOOLS around the Border and North East are planning for a new focus on combating learning difficulties in 2016 with a total of $6.17 million in funding. The State Government funding will be spread across 24 schools in the region, with Wodonga Senior Secondary College to benefit the most with $1.31m followed by Benalla P-12 College with $920,540. Wangaratta High School also received $460,401 and principal Heather Sarau said she was excited for what it could mean for the students. Its a really exciting announcement for our school and every single student will benefit, she said. Well be able to have a focus on numeracy and literacy with our middle school students. The money is to be used for educational well-being for the students, not buildings or equipment. Mrs Sarau said decisions on the funding will be made by leadership team and school council, but is already planning more resources for year seven students who will get an open, flexible learning space to work in next year. Well be able to really made a difference with this, she said. Wangaratta High School is conducting a survey on resilience among its students, with Mrs Sarau saying they have so much information available to them plus added distractions of technology like Facebook. They have to battle so many things these days, she said. Theyre not necessarily equipped to deal with these obstacles or barriers to their learning. She said the funding would benefit disadvantaged children, as well as advanced students with high goals and others who struggle with social rather than academic issues. The State Government funding is calculated per student, based on NAPLAN results, but allocated to the school to be used across the board. The extra money comes with an expectation that schools will have an emphasis on collaboration and accountability, and meet statewide targets. Northern Victoria Upper House Member, Jaclyn Symes, said the new funding model would result in up to double the funding for some country schools. This extra investment is exactly what schools in North East Victoria need, she said. It means that every child is given the best chance in life. Other funding for Border schools include: $394,279 for Melrose Pri mary School; $359,950 for Wodonga Primary School; $337,753 forYarrawonga College P-12; and $248,816 for Cobram Sec ondary College. Caption Text: A HAPPY PRINCIPAL: Wangaratta High School principal Heather Sarau has welcomed new funding that will make a difference to her students from next year. SHOW ME THE MONEY: RJ Bottle ,14, Maddy Dodd ,15, and Chloe Dowell ,13, after news Wangaratta High School will receive a $460,401 grant.