Year 10 & 11 VCAL _____________________________Page

RECONCILIATION INDIGENOUS GARDEN PROJECT - STUDENT REFLECTIONS

“In this garden I learned so many skills from Tony, I enjoyed making the wooden seats & planting the large tree. I think it really symbolises Indigenous Reconciliation.” - Josh Brown, 10A “This project has been a good opportunity for us to work as a team and learn what it is like to work for a boss. This project taught us new skills we will use in the future.”

- Bradley Mann, 10D

“We have developed our relationship as a class by working outdoors together. I have enjoyed building wooden seating, mulching, weeding and planting trees and plants.” - Jack Grigsby, 10E

WORK EXPERIENCE

The Foundation VCAL Group is given the opportunity to participate in four weeks of Work Experience throughout the year. Work Experience is a week-long placement of the students with employers to provide insights into the industry and the workplace in which they are located. It provides students with the valuable opportunity to develop employability skills and explore possible career options.

LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK BOOT CAMP

On a cold Wednesday morning in Term 1 we came to school knowing that for the next three and a half hours we will be pushing themselves to the limit both physically and mentally. We went down to the waterfront where we meet our personal trainer Jess from SureFit. Throughout the morning we did boxing, group activities and a round of tugof-war. During the day all the boys had a blast and had fun learning about fitness, the importance of working as a team and identifying leadership qualities in ourselves and each other.

- Jack Canny, 11C 20 KM SURF COAST WALK TO SUPPORT MINERVA COMMUNITY SERVICES.

On Thursday 13 October, the Year 11 VCAL students walked 20 kms from the Angelsea skate park along the surf coast to Torquay, which took approximately 4 hours. The day was glorious and perfect for the day out walking. Fr Emma from Mannya Uganda accompanied the boys on the walk and enjoyed being involved in the day. The first section was a bit gruelling but the boys managed well up hill and on the rocky paths. Mr Adams ensured there were few breaks to make it back to school to catch their buses. Congratulations and thanks to all Year 11 boys who raised money via sponsorships, guess the lolly jar, selling chocolates and cans, door knocking, washing cars and kind parents. Almost $4000 was raised to support Minerva Community services and its programs. - Joshua Cammarere, 11H & Jack Canny, 11C

BASILS FARM

Community partnerships are a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to the transition from school to work. 2016 saw the initial development of a partnership at the Bellarine Peninsula’s Basils Farm. The Winery has a heavy focus on conservation and permaculture and the work experience visits allowed the boys to experience different aspects of this industry. In response to the success of the 2016 partnership, Basils Farm has agreed to further strengthen the relationship with St Joseph’s and offer eleven students structured work placement for 2017. As well as developing a pathway into primary industries this innovative program hopes to engage the students by providing job readiness interaction with real world industry context to the curriculum. Throughout 2017 the students will complete projects on the farm in conjunction with Basils staff ensuring the students are job ready for 2019 and beyond. We are super excited!

GEELONG CUP DAY

Some Year 10 and 11 students attended the Geelong Racecourse on the biggest day of the year - Geelong Cup day. We were not there to back a winner or judge fashions of the field. Our job for the day was to support the Sanctuary Counselling Centre. The Sanctuary provides care and support for individuals and their families experiencing lifechallenging illness or bereavement in the Geelong region. Students rattled tins and served food to the punters in the Sanctuary marquee. Staff members Jarrod Gore, Imogen Brough and Jason Coghill also supported the day by providing the musical entertainment. - Flynn Draper, 11C