Education Week 2016

Message from the Minister for Education EVERYONE deserves access to a highquality education that helps them live a happy and healthy life.

However, we know that our world is changing and it will continue to evolve.

Our students will need to be well-rounded, critical thinkers who can adapt to ensure they are prepared for the jobs of the future.

To meet this challenge we’re getting on with building the education state.

Just a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of announcing $1.1B in the Victorian Budget 2016/17 to build, upgrade and maintain Victorian schools – our state’s l a r ge s t ever i nve s t m ent i n s cho ol s infrastructure.

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering the money needed for new buildings, new upgrades and entirely new schools for our students – because you can’t get a first-rate education in secondrate classrooms. And because investing in training, skills and young people is non-negotiable.

T he Victorian School Building

Authority will be established to deliver this construction boom that will not just benefit students, but also create jobs for construction workers and local tradies.

We are also building 10 state-of-theart Tech Schools, which will open across Victoria throughout 2017 and 2018.

They will use leading edge technology to deliver applied STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education, as well as critical employment skills.

That is why it is fitting that the theme of Education Week 2016 is ‘technology,’ which plays a key role in the education state.

Now i n its 72nd yea r, E ducation Week has a tradition of acknowledging the invaluable work of our teachers and principals. Each year is a chance for schools to open their doors to their communities and showcase how they help every child reach his or her potential.

During Education Week, schools and early childhood services can show the innovative ways they use technology to improve learning and prepare students for

their future careers. Some of those careers do not yet exist, and many may even have their genesis here in Victoria, thanks to our students’ inventive and entrepreneurial spirit.

Schools and early childhood centres are encouraged to host events, where everyone is equally a learner and a teacher. These events are great opportunities for students to share their skills and thinking with others.

The Education Week official calendar of free activities is now open to school group bookings and will feature technologythemed educational activities across Victoria.

I encou rage all st udents, parents, teachers, schools and their communities to get involved with Education Week events from May 15-21 and celebrate the great work happening for learners of all ages across Victoria. Visit education.vic.gov.au/ educationweek The Hon. James Merlino MP Minister for Education

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1302 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 – Page 17

May 15-21

From paddock to plate

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE… Bourchier Street Primary School’s Paddock to Plate Program is helping to give students a hands-on learning experience by engaging students in learning about different types of plants, insects and trees. Photo: Supplied.

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THE Paddock to Plate Program has been offered at Bourchier Street Primary since 2012. The aim of the kitchen garden program is to encourage children to get enthusiastic about growing their own food, harvesting, cooking and ultimately eating and enjoying what they have created.

Bourchier Street Primary School principal, Denise Howley said, “It’s not just a ‘hands-on’ learning experience, but also a journey that involves all the five senses, assisting children to become aware, responsible and healthy.

“The Paddock to Plate Program engages our year three and year four children in inquiry learning. In the garden, children grow and harvest seasonal vegetables. They learn about different types of plants, insects and trees.

“Each day, at 10am, you can see children weeding, mulching, observing and describing plants, herbs and vegetables, taking care of their chickens and collecting eggs.

“In the kitchen, between 11:30am and 12:30pm, children learn to make their own meals using the produce from the garden. Also, they talk about healthy habits, hygiene and safety rules. They are exposed to foods from different cultures as well as our own traditional foods.

“Parents and grandparents are always welcome in the Paddock to Plate Program apart from the enjoyment of working with the children, their help is incredibly valuable to the children. If you’d like to try the recipes, see some photos and meet or contact the staff of Bourchier’s Paddock to Plate Program, you can visit the kitchen garden blog at http://paddocktoplate.global2.vic.edu.au/” For more on Bourchier Street Primary School or the school’s Paddock to Plate Program, visit the school at the corner of Bourchier Street and Balaclava Road, or phone 5821 3488.

May 15-21

Pathways to success EDUCTAT ION Week is a time to be inspired to learn and teach others, which is something that is very important to Selwyn Lui. Last year, Selwyn completed Certificate I V in Com munit y S er vices Work at GOTAFE’s Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE) Koori campus, having previously completed Intermediate VCAL and a Certificate II in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts with GOTAFE, while still at school.

“I believe my strong leadership skills and my ability to be a positive role model to other young Koori students while still at school, helped set a path for me towards education,” Selwyn said.

“It means I have been able to support and guide other young Indigenous boys with similar backgrounds to myself.”

Selwyn credits his success to his English teacher and Indigenous support person, Kate Stewart who recommended him for a role as an education support worker at Wilmot Road Primary School, where he still works today.

Selwyn has also been given a contract at the school for next year.

“I love working with the kids at Wilmot Road Primar y and I am continually learning and developing my skills from my colleagues and through continued training at ASHE, while working fulltime.”

“I never thought I would be working in BE INSPIRED BY GOTAFE… GOTAFE Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE), Koori campus Certificate IV in Community Services Work student, Selwyn Lui. Photo: Supplied.

education. While I was at school, I didn’t really see the importance of learning, but now that I’m on the path of education I am motivated to continue my learning.”

“As an education support worker, I find the challenge of working with children who might be experiencing difficulties very rewarding and know that I can make a

difference, as I have a real connection with these kids.”

GOTAFE has recently nominated Selwyn for Koori Student of the Year through the Victorian Training Awards.

Visit GOTAFE at 152-200 Fryers Street, Shepparton or phone 1300 468 233.

BE INSPIRED BY GOTAFE… GOTAFE Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE), Koori campus Certificate IV in Community Services Work student, Selwyn Lui. Photo: Supplied.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1302 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 – Page 19

May 15-21

Education thriving in Nathalia IT may be a small town, but Nathalia is all about education.

In a town of only 1,450 residents, approximately 1,000 students are educated each day between all of the schools, and they have several partnerships and alliances, which put education at the forefront.

St Mary of the Angels Secondary College is a co-educational, Catholic college, with a superlative academic record and an enrolment of 550 students.

“St Mary’ is an authentic and active learning community.

Our college has developed a rich heritage and tradition since its establishment by the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), in 1961,” St Mary’ principal Matt Carver said.

“This tradition encompasses the values of St. Francis of Assisi, including peace, joy, integrity, justice and creation.

The college’s vision draws on the gospel values to build a community of learners that is faith-filled, inclusive and life giving.

“Something which is quite unusual about our school is the partnership we have with Nathalia Secondary College, whereby our senior timetable is completely shared. This enables us to offer 50 to 55 VCE sequences, which is the equivalent of the capacity of schools with 800 to 900 students.”

The Nathalia Learning Community is yet another interesting cross-sectorial alliance between the two government and the two Catholic schools, which enables all schools to access shared professional development and educational events, involving international guest speakers.

“When it comes to education, our community is vibrant, energetic and unique,” Matt said.

To find out more, visit www.smotanathalia.catholic.edu.au or phone 5866 2222 to make an appointment.

ALL ABOUT EDUCATION… From left, Saint Mary of the Angels students, Hannah Conroy, Todd Wallace, college principal, Matt Carver and students, Brayden Price and Dana McDonald. Photo: Supplied.

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May 15-21

Why choose an alliance school?

AT this time families are making important decisions about choosing a secondary school for their child.

Better Together Alliance executive officer, Sandy Gunn said, “There is a common view that if you send your child to a private school your child will get better results.

“Public schools are great value for money compared to private schools. Tuition at public schools is free, with families paying for books and some essentials.

“A recent review of academic studies revealed public schools achieve similar

s t ud e nt out c om e s to C at hol ic a nd independent schools across a wide range of education indicators.

“In Greater Shepparton, the four state secondary schools are working together to better prepare students for life after secondary school.

“Children in our four Alliance schools learn to get on with a wide mix of students f rom d i f ferent backg rou nd s . T he s e advanced social skills of cooperation, e mp at hy a nd p robl e m s olv i n g a r e i nc re a si ng ly pr i z e d i n t he mo der n

workplace.

“Students also have access to a most extensive range of VCE / VET subjects, which opens up further tertiary education opportunities and pathways. We prepare young people to be active, engaged and responsible community members.

“Public schools are the backbone of our nation’s education system. We express our egalitarian values and provide opportunities

for children to succeed. Our schools give all students a fair chance to reach their potential and lead a fulfilling life.

“We encourage families of Year 6 students to attend the open days at each Alliance secondary school and see what we offer.”

For more information, please refer to the advertisement in this edition, on this page.

STRONGER TOGETHER… From left, Better Together Alliance schools Wanganui Park Secondary College principal, Ken Murray, Mooroopna Secondary College principal, Garry Fletcher and Shepparton High School principal, Phil Squire are helping to enhance educational opportunities for students entering the government schools in the Greater Shepparton area. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1302 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 – Page 21

May 15-21

Options still on offer for study in 2016 IF you think you have missed out on the opportunity to pursue those study and career goals you set for yourself in 2016, you will pleasantly surprised to learn that La Trobe University’s Shepparton Campus has a variety of different study options still available for people to start at mid-year in July.

Fut u re st udent adv iser/c a re ers counsellor, Jess Croft said, “We are here to help people in our community discover and decide on the best step forward to their dream career. Those interested in looking at study options can come in and receive free assistance with career planning and decision making, course selection and applications.

“There are a variety of different full time and part time study options available at mid-year including the Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Busi ness (Accou nti ng), Diploma of Business, Diploma of Arts, and Masters of Business Administration (MBA).”

There are also options available for those who may not feel ready to begin an

undergraduate degree or diploma.

“We also have our Tertiary Enabling Program, which is a university preparation program designed to support students as they develop the necessary skills to transition into further study with pathways directly into La Trobe degrees,” Jess said.

Second year Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Management) student, Georgia Linton said, “I started mid-year in 2014 and I really liked the flexibility to be able to start when I was ready rather than having to wait another six months to start in the new year.”

Starting mid-year enables students to get started in their course now rather than delaying until the traditional February start.

“The transition into study at mid-year was seamless, as we start new subjects each semester so I didn’t feel like I was behind, the lecturers were supportive, and we even had our own ‘O Week’ where I could connect with other mid-year students,” Ms Linton said.

VARIETY OF OPTIONS… Second year Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Management) student, Georgia Linton utilised mid-year enrolment at La Trobe University’s Shepparton Campus. Photo: Supplied.

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