Message from Minister for Education, James Merlino AS A young boy, I’d never imagined a career in politics. Like many young people, I had no idea about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was, however, always curious about what people did for work. I first developed an interest in civics when I studied political science as part of my arts degree at the University of Melbourne. My pathway to a career in politics began as a councillor on the Yarra Ranges Council. I enjoyed representing residents and being part of community life. It gave me a taste for public office, and in November 2002, I was first elected to Parliament as the Member for Monbulk. I have been fortunate to work in various portfolios and meet people from all walks of life. As Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs I was able to immerse myself in a great interest of mine — sport.
And today, as Deputy Premier and Minister for Education I have the opportunity to indulge another great passion — education. It’s a privilege to work in education, because it really is the key to preparing our young people for the future. I am lucky to have a dream job that inspires and challenges me, and I encourage all young people to follow their dreams too. Everyone deserves to have a career that connects with their own passions, interests, lifestyle and values. That’s why I am so pleased this year’s theme for Education Week celebrates careers and pathways. The Education State is about giving every child the best chance to succeed in learning and in life. Careers education is a vital part of this ambition.
It helps young people to make that connection between their interests and their ambitions so they can see a brighter future, and find the right path to get there. We know that with the right support, every child has the ability to thrive. That’s why we’ve overhauled careers education in schools. It’s also why we have invested heavily in skills and training, reforming the TAFE sector, providing free TAFE courses and strengthening pathways to higher education. During Education Week - May 19 to 25 I encourage every student, parent, teacher and educator to take part in the variety of events and activities being held across the state. Many schools, TAFEs and early childhood services will open their doors to the community and showcase the amazing work they do. I encourage everyone to
celebrate and support Education Week 2019. For details of events in your area, go to www.education.vic.gov.au/educationweek
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All about ‘Celebrating Careers’
PATHWAYS TO YOUR DREAM PROFESSION… The 2019 Education Week is centred on ‘Celebrating Careers’ and giving students the chance to get a taste for different job options. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
THIS year, Education Week will be celebrating 75 years of showcasing the strengths and achievements of Victoria’s government education sector. Education Week 2019 will run next week from Sunday, May 19 to Saturday, May 25 and the theme for this year is ‘Celebrating Careers.’ The ‘Celebrating Careers’ theme is all about celebrating the careers and pathways that will make your dreams come true. It is about recognising the experience of each individual student and establishing a pathway that’s unique to them, a career that sets up students to be
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creative and committed contributors to the community. During Education Week, schools are encouraged to try different activities and careers events to allow students the chance to get a taste for as many different professions as possible. Education Week is an opportunity for schools, TAFEs and Tech Schools to showcase the work they are doing to support students in their career pathways. It’s a chance for schools to celebrate education and to encourage students to understand the importance of learning.
Increase your child’s confidence in the classroom
HELPING children to grasp math and English concepts require a lot of patience, dedication and skill. Some children just need a little extra help to get there and this is where the team from Kip McGrath work their magic. Kip McGrath Education Centre Shepparton owner, Willem Badenhorst said, “ We want to thank all the wonderful families who became part of our journey in Shepparton. To us it is a dream come true to support students to make progress in their learning, it’s the best job in the world. “Since we took over the Kip McGrath franchise in Shepparton at the end of 2016, we have helped several hundred children to catch up, keep up or go ahead in their learning. Since we moved the centre closer to the corner of Verney and New Dookie (Balaclava) Road, most kids have easy access to attend the lessons, and parents have access to free parking right in front of our door. Kids can also access the school bus exchange close by. “New technological developments are changing the way we do things. Now every child has access to their homework online, and c an also access revision lessons online during school holidays ensuring the learning
programs are never interrupted due to illness or breaks. “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. We also offer on-screen tuition for students who live remotely.” If you have a child in need of either inter vention in maths or English, please contact us to organise a free assessment. Phone 0437 260 434, email shepparton@kipmcgrath.com.au or follow Kip McGrath in Shepparton on their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/iwilltutorshepparton/ INDIVIDUALISED LEARNING… Kip McGrath Education Centre Shepparton owner, Willem Badenhorst is a patient and dedicated tutor helping the children of the region achieve their goals. Photo: Alicia Niglia.
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Dynamic development of students’ uniqueness
ENHANCED LEARNING… St Francis Primary School student Jake is learning the skills needed to become a creative contributor to the community. Photo: Supplied.
ST FRANCIS Primary School, Nathalia provides a dynamic, student-centred approach to education for children living in and around Nathalia and the wider community. St Francis Primary School principal, Mat t Knight said, “ We provide an education, which has at its heart the Franciscan values of peace and joy, and respect for all. “With a focus on the development of the whole person; intellectual, spiritual, social, physical and emotional development, St Francis’ school seeks to create an environment which enhances learning, nurtures young people and empowers
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them to be creative members of our community. “In meeting this challenge, we seek to engage all children in developing a hunger for learning that is meaningful, purposeful and relevant to their lives, a commitment of high expectations and a learning environment which caters for the uniqueness of each person.” “As a Catholic School, at St Francis we are proud of our heritage and faith traditions.” St Francis Primary School is located on Chapel Street, Nathalia. Call 5866 2271 for further information.
AN ‘INQUIRY’ APPROACH TO LEARNING… Bourchier Street Primary School teaches students like Isla to be curious about the world around them. Photo: Supplied.
Open-ended learning relating to real life
BOURCHIER Street Primary School has outstanding student achievement data. There is an ongoing commitment to the teaching and learning of literacy and numeracy and the school has made a concerted effort to increase the amount of collaborative practices. The philosophy of children and teachers learning together to increase student outcomes is a strong belief and practice held by Bourchier Street Primary School. Every single child is valued and their individual needs are respected. Bourchier Street Primary School has embraced ‘student cantered’ approaches to learning. This student-centered approach is demonstrated in students taking increased
responsibility over their own learning with more open-ended learning tasks that are related to real life. This open ended nature could also be classified in an ‘Inquiry’ approach to learning. The school wants students to be curious about the world and acquire skills and strategies to be successful citizens in the future. Bourchier Street Primary School is a friendly, caring community of staff, children and families who work together every day to create a safe and happy school environment where all children are valued and encouraged to be their best always. Call Bourchier Street Primary School on 5821 3488 to discuss the future education of your child.
Educational snapshot of our region
THE below table shows the full-time equivalent student numbers for each school in the Greater Shepparton LGA in 2018, per the 2018 February Census. Enrolments for the 2019 school year will be finalised and released publicly in July. School name ............ FTE student enrolment • Murchison Primary School .................. 102 • Kialla Central Primary School ............... 61 • Mooroopna Primary School ................ 247 • Tatura Primary School ...................... 235.4 • Toolamba Primary School ................... 180 • Harston Primary School ........................ 20 • Dookie Primary School....................... 46.6 • Ardmona Primary School ...................... 24 • Mooroopna North Primary School ........ 31 • Shepparton East Primary School .... 273.4 • Kialla West Primary School.............. 245.4 • Undera Primary School ......................... 13 • Merrigum Primary School ..................... 21 • Congupna Primary School ................. 49.4 • Tallygaroopna Primary School .............. 84 • Grahamvale Primary School ............... 394 • Orrvale Primary School ....................400.6 • Currawa Primary School ....................... 10 • Dhurringile Primary School ..................... 8
• • • •
Lemnos Primary School ........................ 11 Zeerust Primary School......................... 14 Katandra West Primary School............. 74 Gowrie Street Primary School Shepparton .......................................... 265 • St Georges Road Primary School Shepparton .......................................... 450 • Bourchier Street Primary School Shepparton ..........................................606 • Wilmot Road Primary School Shepparton .......................................... 320 • Guthrie Street Primary School Shepparton .......................................... 516 • Mooroopna Park Primary School..... 144.2 • Verney Road School..........................187.4 • McGuire College ............................... 607.3 • Mooroopna Secondary College .......302.6 • Shepparton High School .................. 518.4 • Wanganui Park Secondary College1,164.9 TOTAL ............................................... 7,626.6
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Opening doors for the region’s Indigenous youth
GANBINA has once again played host to the region’s Indigenous youth, their families and prospective employers and educational institutions at the 2019 Ganbina Careers Night. The annual event, which showcases education, training and employment opportunities for Ganbina participants aged 15-25 years, was a great success and highlighted the multitude of opportunities available to the youth in attendance. General manager, Larissa Falla said, “Ganbina enjoys meaningful partnerships with a great number of corporate and philanthropic organisations, all with a keen interest in creating opportunities for Indigenous youth. The Ganbina Careers Night connects participants and their families with universities, training organisations and potential employers in a relaxed setting allowing one on one interaction to gain more insight into their future career path.” Ganbina graduate, Sam Muir spoke on the evening about his education, training and employment journey and shared how he was supported by Ganbina for the best part of 10 years. “I was supported by Ganbina from
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER… From left, Ganbina employment program participant, McKenzie Joachim and Hansen Yuncken Project Manager, Tom Cumming at the 2019 Ganbina Careers Night. Photo: Supplied.
Year 7 onward as I attended Mooroopna Secondary College, with the support continuing when I relocated to Melbourne as a University student,” Sam said. “The connections I made as a result of the programs I was involved in opened many doors for me, eventually being able to secure employment at Crown. My current role as marketing executive-non-gaming is my dream job and a great platform for continued professional growth. “With persistence and effort, anything is possible.”
Educational investment in region strong
THE importance of education to help build a region is paramount, and the government has realised this, with the Greater Shepparton area receiving more than $35M to build new, and upgrade existing, school infrastructure over the past five years alone. The Victorian Government has increased the contribution to government schools in the Greater Sheppar ton area via the Student
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Resource Package by 15 percent in that time, which is helping to support more than 7,500 students currently attending those schools within the region. A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Training said, “Our priority is making sure all Victorians – no matter where they live – have the best possible start in life and are able to attend a great local school and get a great education.”