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REAL WORLD SKILLS AND SCENARIOS...APPLIED LEARNING

A new VCAL student has heard phrases such as those above, during the application process. However, for most, it’s not until they find themselves completing a blindfolded obstacle course or assisting the disabled in a supported work environment, that they realise how enjoyable, challenging and unique a VCAL pathway can be. The Personal Development Skills (PDS) subject area removes students from their familiar comfort zones. ‘PDS’ projects are not hypotheticals. ‘PDS’ demands that the boys run and organise their own events and fundraisers. The obstacle course was part of the ‘Boot camp excursion’ - which was led by Personal Trainer Jess Veenstra from ‘Surefit Geelong’. The excursion was a mix of high intensity workout, problem solving and team building challenges. The fitness component of the day was part of the ‘Stress Management Unit’. Perhaps the most unique element of the Stress Management Unit is that the boys’ first unit of work was the last time they focussed solely on themselves and their classmates. We are proud to say that, since then, the students have learnt whilst making themselves useful to others in a huge variety of ways. ‘Kick’s for Caleb’ was an initiative started by the Year 7s to support their mate Caleb Neyenhuis. Caleb lost his eyesight to cancer as a toddler. He has earned a spot on the Victorian junior goal ball team. The Year 7 class approached Year 11 VCAL students to organise a fundraiser to support Caleb’s participation in the School Sport Australian championships. The day was a huge success with over $3,300 raised from students and staff at St Joseph’s College. Congratulations to all involved. This event grew from Caleb’s classmates and an interest the VCAL boys developed whilst working with a group of Year 7 students who access the college Student Services area. Additionally the students have successfully completed the Red Cross ‘Save a Mate’ and ‘Step Back and Think’ workshops. Likewise, they have studied disability and worked alongside the disabled to earn their ‘SCOPE Young Ambassadors’ certificates. Overall, the boys have embraced all they have faced and we look forward to seeing them utilise their new found organisational and personal skills by going even bigger in Year 12 PDS. Year 12 VCAL students from Clonard College and St Joseph’s College started the year with a bang by hosting over 200 family, friends and staff at the annual Bowls ‘n Beats event. Attendees enjoyed barefoot bowls, live music, great food, silent auction and raffles. The night raised $5,749.20 for the Cottage by the Sea. The money will be used to support disadvantaged children and their families from our community. As a part of this community engagement project students learnt about the complex work of the Cottage, the diverse issues facing children and families experiencing disadvantage as well as getting a hands on opportunity in organising a large scale public event. The boys finished the year by organising a celebration dinner and exhibition of their photography. Family, staff and students enjoyed dinner and heard from award winning past students Zac Herman and Jake Cobb. The inaugural VCAL awards were also presented. The award winners are as follows: Academic Excellence - Michael Vagnoni Spirit Award - Sam Hoffman Self Development Award - Sheridan Stack Outstanding Dedication - Darcy Brajkovic MVP - Ben Nichols Dedication to Structured Workplace Learning - Alex Javni & Michael Javni Congratulations to all the Year 12 students on a very successful year. Best of luck for your future studies and apprenticeships.

Leah Irving - VCAL Coordinator

Boot camp

Self Development Award Winner Self Development Award Winner Sheridan Stack with mentors Sheridan Stack with mentors Ange Wilson & Leonie Hart Ange Wilson & Leonie Hart

VCAL Spirit Award VCAL Spirit Award recipient Sam Hoffman recipient Sam Hoffman with Adam Colak with Adam Colak.

Caleb and his mates enjoying the soccer round robin the soccer round robin fundraiser fundraiser