Education and Enrolments feature 2020

Education + Enrolments 20/21

The need to do schoolwork online….

Shepparton grandmother Libby helps her granddaughter Eliza with her Grade Six home-schooling during COVID-19. Photo: Will Adams

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Education + Enrolments 20/21

GET YOUR CHILD BACK ON TRACK… Kip McGrath Education Centre in Shepparton offer online tutoring that provides the same results as face-to-face tutoring would. Photo: Supplied.

Boost your child’s confidence with tutoring IF you’re finding your child is struggling with schooling from home and might need a bit of extra help, the passionate tutors at Kip McGrath Education Centre in Shepparton can help your child get back on track with their schoolwork.

Although centres are closed due to COVID-19, Kip McGrath is still offering the same great service online via the fully interactive tutoring platform where kids interact with the tutor via video, whiteboard and other options, while working on an individual learning program.

This opens tutoring to any student, anywhere, who can access the leaning without having to leave the safety of home.

However, unlike other online teaching which just uses streaming services, the Kip McGrath platform is fully self-contained and child safe. The teachers are qualified, and the company is locally owned and operated.

Kip McGrath Education Centre Shepparton owner, Willem Badenhorst

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said, “Our online tutoring has developed into an amazing tool for both local and interstate students to use. It provides the same results as face-to-face tutoring would. We track our students’ learning and by monitoring their progress closely, we address the child’s individual learning needs and adapt their lessons to suit.”

Children who aren’t in school but want to get back into school or study can also use Kip McGrath as a steppingstone to get back into the learning.

“We’ve had great feedback from parents and students, so give us a call and let us help make your homeschooling easier,” Willem said.

If you have a child in need of some extra help in Maths or English, phone 0437 260 434, email shepparton@kipmcgrath.com. au or follow Kip McGrath in Shepparton on their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/iwilltutorshepparton/

Education + Enrolments 20/21

Delivering excellent outcomes for every learner AT Bourchier Street Primary School, everything they do is about empowering others to become lifelong learners and understand that they can shape the world around them. Bourchier Street Primary School’s values of respect, learning and contribution guide their daily decisions and allow them to place students at the centre of everything they do.

“We pride ourselves on delivering excellent educational outcomes for each and every learner. We are very proud of our incredibly passionate and dedicated teachers. They collectively make every day full of curiosity, fun and learning,” Principal, Denise Howley said.

The school is designed to deliver excellent outcomes. Straight year levels and small class sizes ensure that the knowledge and skills of every student in every class are identified and extended. High quality, evidence-based group

instruction aims to lift the performance of all and is supplemented with regular small group and individualised instruction.

“We aim to educate the ‘whole’ child.

Our core focus of literacy and numeracy is complemented with a dedication to social and emotional learning, and diverse specialist programs, with subjects including Physical Education, Visual Arts, Italian, Performing Arts, Dance, Music, and Media Arts.

“We work hard to incorporate authentic learning contexts and ensure that learning experiences go beyond the classroom.

Our Kitchen Garden program promotes outdoor learning and healthy lifestyle habits. Camps and excursions are also an important component of our school and provide lifelong memories.” Mrs Howley said.

Call Bourchier Street Primary School on 5821 3488 to discuss the future education of your child.

EMPOWERING FUTURE GENERATIONS… Bourchier Street Primary School teaches students like Year One students, Isla and Emmalie to be curious about the world around them.

Photo: Supplied

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Education + Enrolments 20/21

GOTAFE

your new career starts here

PROVIDING CAREER SUPPORT AT GOTAFE… GOTAFE Senior Careers Advisor, Narelle Lowe. Photo: Supplied.

ACCESS to local quality career advice is more important than ever before, and GOTAFE is working hard to adapt and respond to changing community and industry needs.

GOTAFE’s Skills & Jobs Centres are a one-stop-shop for anyone looking for career planning advice. The Skills & Jobs Centre services are government-funded, meaning you don’t have to be a GOTAFE student to access advice and support, it’s open to anyone in the community.

It can be hard to understand the best steps to take to find your first job or to change career paths. That’s where GOTAFE’s Skills & Jobs Centres are here to help.

GOTAFE’s Skills & Jobs Centres provide you with access to experienced Careers Advisors who can offer a range of careers guidance services, including career planning and decision making, course choice and changes, understanding options for further study and planning your study pathway (including apprenticeships and traineeships), and applications for VTAC and further study at university. They also offer School name

Educational snapshot of our region THE below table shows the full-time equivalent student numbers for each school in the Greater Shepparton Local Government Area in 2019, per the 2019 February Census.

Enrolments for the 2020 school year will be finalised and released publicly in July.

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information sessions on writing LinkedIn profiles, resumes and cover letters, as well as assistance with interviews.

GOTAFE Senior Careers Advisor, Narelle Lowe said, “GOTAFE Careers Advisors can provide a comprehensive skills assessment, share job hunting tips, and provide guidance to anyone looking to up-skill or re-skill through professional training.

“Whether you’re a student, a job seeker, or just looking for some tips on reaching your career goals, we’ve got plenty of resources to help you.”

Our Skills and Jobs Centres are located in Shepparton, Wangaratta, Benalla, Wallan and Seymour.

To support our communities, GOTAFE is also excited to be launching a range of careers services online via the GOTAFE website so you can access support at a time that suits you.

There’s no better time to take advantage of these free services.

To find out more, call 1300 GOTAFE or visit www. gotafe.vic.edu.au/students/skills-jobs-centres

Student enrolment

Murchison Primary School Kialla Central Primary School Mooroopna Primary School Tatura Primary School Toolamba Primary School Harston Primary School Dookie Primary School Ardmona Primary School Mooroopna North Primary School Kialla West Primary School Undera Primary School

99 72 220 241 169 11 39 22 30 235.4 17

School name

Student enrolment

Merrigum Primary School Congupna Primary School Tallygaroopna Primary School Currawa Primary School Dhurringile Primary School Lemnos Primary School Zeerust Primary School Katandra West Primary School Mooroopna Park Primary School

15 59 88 11 12 16 6 66 138

TOTAL 1,566.4

Education + Enrolments 20/21

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD… Chairperson of Shepparton ACE College School Council, Ross Dainton and School Council Secretary, Julie Dainton at the new site for Shepparton ACE College at the old Kittle Bros site on Maude Street. Photo: Steve Hutcheson.

Small school makes

big move

TWO years ago, Shepparton ACE College was asked to vacate their lease to make way for new plans, which we now know as the new Shepparton Fire Station. The college then began an extensive search for a suitable new school site and eventually purchased the old Kittle Brothers site in Maude Street and made plans for a new purpose-built school.

Following a long process involving school council members, staff and Bruce Mactier Building Designers, Shepparton ACE College were fortunate to obtain a grant for $1,892,447 from the Victorian Government’s Non-Government Schools Capital Fund. The building project is in the process of going out to tender.

The historic house on the site is being renovated, however, it is not

part of the Victorian Government grant but a responsibility of the college.

Renovations on the house have begun and will become staff offices.

Needless to say, both staff and students at Shepparton ACE College are excited about the move to the new school site, which will be in April 2021. The new site will cater for 120 students, and though it may still be a small school, Shepparton ACE College has a strong focus on a safe, secure environment where the teachers get to know all their students well.

For more information, contact Shepparton ACE College on 5831 4029 or visit the campus at 130 Rowe Street, Shepparton (behind the Shepparton Plaza).

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Education + Enrolments 20/21

Making the most

Providing flexibility and

one-on-one support IF you’re considering study but you aren’t sure whether you would be able to cope while balancing work, La Trobe University Shepparton Campus provides flexibility with their courses and provide incredible one-on-one support for those who need it.

Local La Trobe University Shepparton Campus student, Terese Thomas has been studying an accounting degree whilst still working and says the university has made it very easy for her to balance the two.

“I had reached a crossroads in my career and had always enjoyed working in the finance field so with encouragement from my supervisor I decided to enrol in the accounting degree at La Trobe’. They have been very supportive of my journey; the staff are knowledgeable and able to answer all my questions.

“They have classes in the evening so if you

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT… La Trobe University Shepparton Campus student, Terese Thomas encourages anyone looking at expanding their career knowledge or looking for a new career to enrol at La Trobe. Photo: Supplied.

are working, it is easy to fit study into your schedule, you also benefit from the fact that the lecturers are locally based and leaders in their field.

“The best thing about attending a small campus is that the classes are smaller, so you don’t get lost in the crowd.

“The support for new students and continuing students is great! They have peer learning advisors to help you one-on-one and the library staff are amazing,” Terese said.

For more information or to start your new career journey, visit www.latrobe.edu.au

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of ‘big school’ THE transition from primary to secondary school is an important milestone in life and Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) is committed to ensuring it is both a rich and rewarding experience.

GSSC is the designated neighbourhood secondary school for Greater Shepparton.

While the school is brand new from 2020 – with new uniforms, enhanced wellbeing support, expanded curriculum and education pathways - the teachers, campuses and school leadership team are dedicated people who have long been providing public education for our Year 7 to 12 students.

John Sciacca, Principal for GSSC McGuire Campus, has taught local children for more than 30 years and is ‘excited and privileged’ to be looking after incoming Year 7s.

“We believe in our region, and in our students’ ability to achieve aspirational educational outcomes,” he said.

Mr Sciacca said the Year 7 curriculum focus on Literacy and Numeracy in English and Mathematics classes means getting the fundamentals right, while also expanding a ‘love of learning’ with Humanities, Science,

LOOKING OVER THE SHOULDER OF YOUNG STUDENTS… Principal of Greater Shepparton Secondary College McGuire Campus.

John Sciacca talks with some young pupils.

Photo: Supplied.

Languages, Physical Education, Arts and Technology subjects.

On enrolment at GSSC, each student is assigned a Learning Mentor to support their wellbeing and transition to secondary school.

In Year 7, Learning Mentors also work with their students to build their organisational skills, goal setting and pathway planning.

“Your child’s Learning Mentor will be an important support in their transition to secondary school and the first point of contact for parents and carers at GSSC,” Mr Sciacca said.

Genevieve Simson, Executive Principal at GSSC, is a highly skilled teacher and principal, with vast experience including 25 years in local schools. She is overseeing the development of GSSC and is proud of its new beginnings.

“There has never been a more exciting time to be involved in, and delivering, the very best education offerings and outcomes to the children of Greater Shepparton.”

Education + Enrolments 20/21

2021 enrolments

are now open AS the Coronavirus pandemic continues to challenge the regular processes and operations of our local schools, the 2021 Year 7 enrolment is still an important process which families of Grade 6 children need to consider now. So, what does that look like at the moment?

St Mary of the Angels (SMOTA) Secondary College principal, Matt Carver said, “Normally, the first half of term two is set aside for our college information evenings and Open Day. This year these events will not be taking place due to the college effectively being closed to the public and the social distancing restrictions in place.

“We are very excited to formally announce that 2021 student enrolments are now open, and we would particularly like to welcome the current Grade 6 cohort of families and prospective students to the journey.

“We envisage being able to provide

as much information as possible to our prospective parents, whilst being in a state of ‘lock down’.” Mr Carver said.

SMOTA are currently distributing enrolment packs directly to parents via primary schools in their area, by direct mail and via their website. Prospective families are encouraged to get in touch if they have any questions and when the social distancing restrictions are lifted, SMOTA hopes to offer a number of mini Open Day experiences at the college.

Enrolments close on Friday, 26th of June 2020. Scholarship applications are also now open and must be submitted prior to Monday, 1st of June 2020. For more information, parents can contact St Mary of the Angels Secondary College on 5866 2222, email principal@ smotanathalia.catholic.edu.au or visit www.smotanathalia.catholic.edu.au

RITE OF PASSAGE… St Mary of the Angels Secondary College 2021 Enrolments are now open. Pictured St Mary of the Angels Secondary College 2020 College Leaders Luca Allen, Sophie McCracken, Nicholas Thorp and Abbey Conroy. Photo: Supplied.

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Education + Enrolments 20/21

A safe and caring

Educational snapshot of our region

environment for your child

The below table shows the full-time equivalent student numbers for each school in the Greater Shepparton Local Government Area in 2019, per the 2019 February Census.

Enrolments for the 2020 school year will be finalised and released publicly in July.

School name

Student enrolment

Verney Road School............................................................................. 191.2 McGuire College....................................................................................611.6 (now Greater Shepparton Secondary College)......................................................

Mooroopna Secondary College........................................................... 290.9 (now Greater Shepparton Secondary College)

Shepparton High School..................................................................... 495.4 (now Greater Shepparton Secondary College)

Wanganui Park Secondary College.................................................. 1,145.6 (now Greater Shepparton Secondary College)

Gowrie Street Primary School Shepparton........................................... 257 St Georges Road Primary School Shepparton....................................... 456 Bourchier Street Primary School Shepparton....................................... 646 Wilmot Road Primary School Shepparton............................................. 287 Guthrie Street Primary School Shepparton...........................................501 Shepparton East Primary School........................................................... 282 Grahamvale Primary School.................................................................. 404 Orrvale Primary School...........................................................................391 TOTAL......................................................................................5,958.7

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At Numurkah Pre-School, they strive to provide each child with a quality education in a safe, caring and stimulating environment, which fosters confidence and independence, and encourages active learning through playbased activities.

The early childhood period of children’s lives has a profound impact on their learning and development for the long term. From birth to eight years, children’s developing brains undergo a rapid change.

This is when children have the greatest opportunities to develop neutral pathways for learning.

The Victorian Early Years Learning Framework and the United Nations Convention Rights of the Child, guides the practice and program Numurkah Pre-School deliver for the children attending. These frameworks acknowledge that all children

have the right to life and development, the right to be heard, the right to non-discrimination and the right for the best interests of the child to be upheld whilst they are developing through their identity, community and sense of belonging.

Numurkah PreSchool provides a funded 4-year-old program that runs 30 hours a fortnight and if there is a demand for after kinder care this will also be offered to support working families.

For more information, call 5862 1569 or visit www.numurkah. kindergarten.vic.gov.au

ACTIVE LEARNING… Numurkah Pre-School encourages active learning for the children in their care through play-based activities. Photo: Supplied.

Education + Enrolments 20/21

An innovative, hands-on learning experience SEDA College offers Years 11 and 12 students fantastic opportunities to work with the local community as well as state sporting industry partners such as AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria, Basketball Victoria and Cricket Australia and Melbourne City FC, to give students the most out of their education.

SEDA College is at the forefront of innovative senior secondary education, providing a hands-on learning environment and curriculum aligned to students’ interests and life experiences. The college provides students with opportunities to connect with industry and learn a range of transferable skills that will prepare them for a successful future.

Utilising online technology, SEDA College has adapted to virtual learning, with their curriculum design and one teacherone classroom model keeping students engaged and continuing their education.

The connection to industry has remained strong during COVID-19 lockdowns with students conducting virtual clinics and being involved with guest industry speakers such as former NBA and NBL player, Chris Anstey, who joined a Zoom meeting with several students last week.

SEDA College teacher, Katie Heard said, “Chris provided some great advice for our students, saying they should always be open

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING AT ITS BEST… Former NBA player, Chris Anstey (above) joined a Zoom meeting with some of the SEDA College students for some words of wisdoms. Photo: Supplied.

to trying new things and to remember that you never know who is watching or what opportunities could present themselves.”

Jodie, whose daughter is a student of SEDA College, couldn’t praise the school any higher.

“SEDA has been amazing in their support for my child, Mariah. They have been with her every step of the way offering guidance. SEDA has felt more like a family than a school,” Jodie said.

If you wish to find out more about SEDA College, visit seda.vic.edu.au or you can attend a virtual live Webinar Q&A session with Principal, Heath McMillin on Wednesday, May 13 at 7pm and Wednesday, June 10 at 7pm. Register at seda.vic.edu.au/events

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Education + Enrolments 20/21

ONLINE LEARNING SIXTY SIX YEARS AGO… Eleven year old, Christine Benz (nee Gehling) in 1954 attended a lesson with the Alice Springs, School of the Air with the aid of two-way radio. Photo: Supplied by Alice Springs School of the Air.

Remote learning

has a long history for some Australian students AS many students, and indeed parents in metropolitan and regional Victoria lament the temporary problems associated with conducting their schoolwork online rather than in the classroom, for decades in remote parts of Australia, thousands of Australian children have had their whole education conducted on what amounts to being online.

Australia has a well deserved reputation for its School of the Air, a world first, started in 1951. Obviously, this was well before the internet and in the early days and until 2006, the classes were conducted on two-way radio, hence the name, School of the Air. Now being conducted out of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, the School of the Air is without doubt, the largest classroom in the world covering

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an area of 1.3 million square kilometres, an area ten times the size of Victoria.

From the initial idea by Miss Adelaide Miethke, the trial process and the official opening to the building on a specialised premises and the more recent switch from radio to broadband satellite technologies, the Alice Springs School of the Air has helped educate thousands of students.

With the advent of the internet, the progress of online education has advanced considerably with its ease of use and access to an infinite range of information that we all have. Children undertaking online education due to this pandemic, can possibly reflect on what has been normal for many thousands of Australian kids in remote areas of the country.