Community Archives

VCAL Students Getting Into Gear

09-06-2015/0 Comments/in Cire Community School, Cire News, Community Projects/by Cire_Admin

Our Mt Evelyn Campus recently ran a four day Changing Gears course to help young people get their learners permit. Changing Gears is an initiative of Mission Australia that provides an interactive and flexible learning environment to assist young Victorians prepare for their learner test.
Having a driver’s licence opens the doors of opportunity for employment and community participation. Changing Gears supports people to take the first step along this important pathway. The program presents the road rules in an interactive and flexible manner and has a very high success rate in assisting young Victorians to prepare for and receive their learner permit.

Yarra Valley Community School had 13 students participate in the Changing Gears program, 10 from Mt Evelyn and 3 from Yarra Junction. They participated in a three day classroom style course where they learnt the road rules through interactive games, videos and practise test. Then on the fourth day, they were taken to Vic Roads in Burwood to sit their test. 10 of the 13 passed and received their learners, which is a great success rate. The program was very popular and we have received a lot of interest in the next course being held later in the year.
Here’s what some of our students had to say about Changing Gears:

“It was a good opportunity to be able to achieve the completion of my learners. The teacher Rob was really good at breaking it down into an easier way to remember all the road rules and tips. If I didn’t have this course I probably wouldn’t have got my learners anytime soon.” – Keith VCAL Mt Evelyn

“My favourite part of changing gears was after doing the test at Vic Roads finding out I got 100% from the help of the classes.” – Liam VCAL Mt Evelyn

“I learned so much in the few days and it was the best experience. I thank Rob so much, he’s a wonderful guy.” – Tmia VCAL Mt Evelyn

“It was a really good experience and helped me so much. Thank you Rob” – Paige VCAL Mt Evelyn

“It was incredibly useful and we learned a lot! It was good.” – Sam VCAL Mt Evelyn

To find out more about the Changing Gears program and Mission Australia click here

UYCH Mt Evelyn’s Biggest Morning Tea

29-05-2015/0 Comments/in Cire Good news stories, Cire Training, Community Events, People in the community/by Cire_Admin

The Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea helps raise funds for world class research, prevention programs and support services for cancer patients and their families. This year our Pre-Accredited students decided to support the Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and host our very own morning tea in the office to show our support for everyone affected by cancer.

Our Introduction to Kitchen Skills class on the previous day had spent their class time preparing lots of delicious morning tea treats such as cookies, slices, cakes and even pumpkin soup. Other staff members and students also prepared some lovely homemade goods and bought them in to add to the morning tea buffet.

We had lots of attendees and contributors join the morning tea yesterday, making it a great success. Staff from all departments at Mt Evelyn as well as our Certificate III Animal Studies students and Pre-Accredited English students came along to show their support and to taste-test the sweets and treats provided for a gold coin donation. Here is what some of our staff and students said about the event:

“Today was about raising awareness to cancer and was good people could donate a gold coin to support the charity. It was also good to see people come together and enjoy the food” – Josh: Pre- Accredited student

“The morning tea went really well, it was a great opportunity for all staff and students at Mt Evelyn to mix” – Nicole: pre-Accredited Tutor

In total we raised over $80 for the Cancer Council which is a great effort and a real show of support throughout the organisation for Cancer Council’s mission to defeat cancer and help those fighting this devastating disease.

A big thank you to all the people who helped organise this event and who made a donation.

If you are interested in holding events for cancer research or would like to donate to this worthy cause visit www.cancer.org.au

Help support the people of Nepal

19-05-2015/0 Comments/in Community Support, World News/by Cire_Admin

The earthquakes that have ravaged Nepal have had a massive impact on the Nepalese people. The death toll from the two quakes, the first on April 25th and the second on 12th May now stands at 8,583. The is now the highest in Nepal’s history. Dozens of people are still missing which mean the death toll will rise, leaving families devastated by the loss of loved ones. Unfortunately we can’t change the these numbers however we can help the survivors by raising funds to rebuild and provide much needed health services.

Dr Floyd Gomes. Together with my wife, Nathalie, have set up “Atticus Health”, a brand of medical clinics located in Melbourne, Australia, that seek to promote health, not only of individuals, but within the communities in which they operate. They see medicine, primarily as a humanitarian pursuit.

On an international scale, they consider Nepal as being part of our larger community. The earthquakes that have ravaged Nepal have led to massive human sufferring and Atticus Health would like to help. A Doctor who used to work with them, Dr Mahima Adhikary (who is in fact Nepalese), has travelled to Nepal to physically help there. The Atticus Nepal Trust (ANT) aims to provide an ongoing source of financial help to rebuild Nepal, over time – which it will take.

The money raised from ANT will be sent directly to Dr Mahima Adhikary. She is a well respected and most trustworthy Doctor. From Dr Adhikary, it is expected that all monies will go directly towards helping the people of Nepal, in this case, by way of purchase of medical equipment and related health supplies.

UYCH is happy to support this charity and believes that with your support we can help them meet their target of $50,000.

For further information visit the Atticus Health Facebook page

To make a donation online please click here

Pride Cup 2015 – this Sunday 17th May

13-05-2015/0 Comments/in Community Events, Community News, People in the community/by Cire_Admin

Community football teams call on the community to show their support for diversity and inclusion in Aussie Rules.

Join in the celebrations this Sunday…

When: Sunday, 17 May 2015, from 10am
Where: Yarra Glen Recreation Reserve

Pride Cup started in 2014 with the aim of celebrating inclusion and diversity in sport. The event was held off the back of local Yarra Glen footballer Jason Ball publicly coming out as gay and highlighting the challenges that LGBTI people face in feeling safe and being themselves in a sporting environment.

Warburton Millgrove will take on Yarra Glen in the second annual Pride Cup – to celebrate diversity and inclusions in sport.

These two teams have thrown their support behind the 2015 Pride Cup, which celebrates and recognises diversity and inclusion in sport for lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and intersex (LGBTI) communities and are calling on the community to do the same.

“Diversity and inclusion for LGBTI people needs to start in our community sports and it is important that we all get behind it,”
Vinny Erickson, president of the Yarra Glen Football Netball Club, the 2014 Pride Cup Champions.

The Yarra Glen Football Club will this year have former Carlton footballer and Pride Cup ambassador Brock Mclean playing on their side.

Pride Cup is more than just a match. The event promotes equality and inclusion and supports other clubs, leagues and sporting codes in making diversity and inclusion a part of all sport, at all levels.

There will be a range of football and netball games that will be played during Pride Cup, ending with the senior football Pride Cup at 2.10pm. The presentation of the Pride Cup will be held at 4.30pm

Pride Cup Schedule:

10.00am – D grade netball
10.15am – U18 football
11.00am – C grade netball
12.00pm – B grade netball
12.05pm Reserve football
1.15pm A grade netball Pride Cup and pregame presentation
2.10pm Senior football Pride Cup and pregame presentation
4.30pm – Presentation of Pride Cup

The football ground will feature rainbow colours, the international symbol for gay pride, at the 50m line in show of support for LGBTI inclusion that has been embraced by the teams, local community and the AFL.

In addition, Jeff Kennett, Chairman of beyond blue and former Hawthorn President will speak before the match, and St Kilda Football Club will run an Auskick clinic at half time.

Pride Cup will be broadcast live on Yarra Valley FM and Joy 94.9

For further information visit www.pridecup.org.au or share this post on your Facebook page.

Downlaod a flyer here

Learn locally – kick start your career

13-05-2015/0 Comments/in Cire News, Cire Training, Community News/by Cire_Admin

The following article appeared in the Mail newspaper (Education Week feature) – Tuesday 12th May 2015

Upper Yarra Community House has recently partnered with ECOSS in Wesburn, close to both their Yarra Junction and Mount Evelyn Campuses.

This is a great opportunity for people who want to learn locally and are looking to start a career in this rewarding sector.

Both UYCH and ECOSS are committed to delivering quality training along with excellent facilities in the heart of the Yarra Valley, which is known for its outstanding produce and agriculture.

By partnering with ECOSS there will also be a strong emphasis on organic and sustainable agriculture techniques.

UYCH are one of the main providers in the outer east offering the Certificate II in Horticulture, a newly developed course that is highly regarded by industry experts.

It’s a great hands on course which will not only enrich the learning experience, but it’s a great opportunity to further promote sustainable living within our local community.

Short but informative’ Introduction to Horticulture’ courses are also being run.

Partnering with another local not for profit organisation, like ECOSS, ensures that UYCH can further enhance education opportunities for our local community.

For further information on Certificate II in Horticulture and Introduction to Horticulture short courses click here or call 1300 835 235.

If you would like to know more about ECOSS visit www.ecoss.org.au

Practice makes perfect

07-05-2015/0 Comments/in Cire Training/by Cire_Admin

Students perform health checks on a couple of four legged volunteers.

As they say practice makes perfect, and what better way to learn than to practice on the real thing? Our Certificate III Animal Studies class at Mt Evelyn got just that last week. Our Corporate Services Coordinator at the Mt Evelyn Campus bought her two kelpies into the class as real-life models for our students to perform their canine health checks. Putting into practice what they’ve been learning in theory. Hands on experience is by far the best way to learn so having animals visit not only provides real life examples it also makes the loads of fun.

Scout and Dusty (the kelpies) were bought in for the students to check their, ears, gums, teeth, body muscles and heartbeat, an all over examination. Scout was very obliging, lapping up the attention from everyone and giving the students a good idea of how to perform the health check. Dusty on the other hand wasn’t so keen on the idea of playing patient for our enthusiastic students and opted to hide out under the tables or just sit with mum until it was all over.

Here’s what some of our students had to say about the real-life assessment:

“being able to get a hands on experience of a healthy dog was engaging and educating” Casey

“it was great doing the practical assessment and being able to practice on real-life animals” Jo

If you love animals and could see yourself making a career working in the animal industry contact us today to find out more about your options. We are currently taking enrolments in the Certificate III Animal Studies for Semester 2, scheduled to commence in July.

UYCH Bush Kinder learns about Anzac Day

30-04-2015/0 Comments/in Cire Children's Services, Cire Good news stories, People in the community/by Cire_Admin

You’re never too young to start learning about the importance of Anzac Day.

Image of the UYCH Bush Kinder kids looking at the 2015 Anzac display

Even Superman was inspired by the Anzac Day display.

The UYCH Bush Kinder Anzac Day program is now in it’s second year. Each year we display photos of reletives who went to war so the children can visit the wall and learn about the people in the pictures. This builds awareness and gives Anzac Day a personal perspective for the children to relate to.

It doesn’t stop there the week leading up to Anzac Day is full of questions as their growing minds learn all about the brave men and women who fought for our country many years ago. Last Friday the children had a visitor from the Upper Yarra Returned Servicemen’s League (RSL), Mr Reeves who volunteered his time to give a talk on Anzac Day and what it means to people in our community. During his visit Mr Reeves read the children a book and showed them war memorabilia. The children were very enthusiastic and had many things to say about Anzac Day, Mr Reeve’s talk and of course Anzac biscuits”.

“Mr Reeves talked about lots of things; he talked about war and even about Simpson and his donkey and everything. He bought a hat and a jacket” Meisha

“Mr Reeves talked to us about a war and read us a story about Anzac Day. He showed us his helmet.” Ayla

“He read us this story. I gave Mr. Reeves a rosemary and Meisha gave him a piece of paper to say thank you” Heidi

“I went in the morning and didn’t have a badge but now I have two badges” Lochie

“They have biscuits named after them” Benjamin

“He taught me we get up early and it is still dark (Dawn Service)” Clair

“I have one Anzac badge I got from my cousin, just one” Sam

“We made Anzac Day biscuits and you put poppy’s around the soldiers (War Memorial)” Miami

Mr Reeves then had an opportunity to speak to our educators to offer feedback on the program. He was impressed with the children’s knowledge of Anzac Day and cannot wait till next year’s visit. UYCH Family and Children’s centre would like to thank Mr Reeves for his time and appreciate the knowledge he shared with us all. Lest we forget.

Feel free to comment on this article we’d love to hear from you.

If you would like to know more about our Bush Kindergarten please contact our Family and Children’s Centre on 03 5967 2776.

Learn more

Shine a Light on Road Safety 2015

28-04-2015/1 Comment/in People in the community/by Cire_Admin

On May 1 – turn your headlights on to show support

Many of us know first hand or know of someone that has been affected by the devastation of road trauma. Shine a Light on Road Safety is a campaign to raise awareness, to stop deaths and injuries on our roads and to raise funds to support those impacted by road trauma.

This Road Trauma Support Services campaign will help launch the global campaign for the Third United Nations Global Road Safety Week, 4-10 May 2014.

The Shine a Light on Road Safety campaign is just about to start and to date there has been terrific social, corporate and political interest.

The campaign provides the community an opportunity to show support and advocate for road safety. Their key message is that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. They also want to let the community know that RTSSV offers free counselling to Victorians affected by road trauma.

How can you help?

1 – Turn on your headlights to show support
On May 1 please turn on your headlights for road safety and spare a thought for those who continue to suffer the trauma of losing a loved one, who have been seriously injured or who continue to care for those most seriously injured.

2 – Walk to show support
We hope that you can join them for the community walk at 11am Sunday 3 May at Jells Park, Wheelers Hill. Ask family and friends to sponsor you to Shine a Light on Road Safety – it’s a great way to share our message and support our work

3 – Share to show support
Spread the word by visiting Road Trauma Support Services and share the information on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or click the share buttons below.

Download a brochure here

Feel free to comment on this article, the team at UYCH

VCAL Students visit the Essendon Football Club

28-04-2015/0 Comments/in Cire Community School, Cire Youth Services/by Cire_Admin

A visit to the Essendon Football Club, just the thing to inspire our students…

On Wednesday 22nd of April our VCAL campuses (Yarra Junction and Mt Evelyn) got together to go an excursion to Essendon Football Club. The students took the one hour bus trip out to Tullamarine to go and check out the new training facilities at the True Value Solar Centre.

When they arrived we were taken into the player’s lecture theatre where they met Josh Hose (Paralympian – Wheelchair Rugby gold medallist), Orazio Fantasia (Essendon footballer), and Kyle Langford (Essendon Footballer). Each of the hosts shared stories about their experiences in becoming successful athletes.

Josh Hose talked about how a car accident in 2005 led him to end up in a wheelchair and how he overcame a lot of difficulties to end up winning a gold medal at the London Olympics.

Orazio Fantasia spoke about how he had a tough experience at school and got into a lot of trouble before deciding to dedicate himself to achieving his goals at school and in football.

Kyle Langford spoke about how he had been in a lot of trouble for fighting in his early teenage years before deciding that he needed to make better decisions if he was going to achieve his goals in life.

Michelle Murray (Education Program Coordinator at EFC) then took the students through a discussion about risk taking, smoking, drug use and peer pressure. A big thank you goes out to Michelle for organising these great programs and accommodating us for the last 4 years, we straitly appreciate it.

After the discussions we had a chance to wear Josh Hose’s gold medal and take some photos. We also had a chance to ask questions of the speakers who were all very open and honest in their responses.

Then came the fun part – We were taken into the new indoor sports facility located in a huge hangar. We had the chance to kick the footy with the Essendon players and get to know them better. We also had Michelle and Josh take us through a game of “blind ball” where students were blindfolded and had to throw a ball with a bell in it towards the opposing team’s goal. All of the students had a great time during the sporting activities and got to experience something that they wouldn’t normally be able to.

Finally, we went on a tour of the facilities at EFC, which included their new gym, the locker rooms, the hot/cold pools and laps pool. The first joint excursion between the Yarra Junction and Mount Evelyn VCAL campuses was a great day for all involved.

Article by – Mark Hunt
VCAL Coordinator

If you know of someone that could benefit from our education services or would like to know more call
1300 835 235.

Words from our students

24-03-2015/in Cire Good news stories, Cire Short Courses, Cire Training/by Cire_Admin

UYCH Kitchen Skills’ students were asked to write down one word each that describes how they feel about their Introduction to Kitchen Skills class. These words reflect just how important everyday livings skills are to the people in our community and the need for social interaction. Not only are cooking skills essential to a healthy lifestyle, the social aspect of these classes help bring people together who have a common interest and a need to get out and socialise. Students enjoy picking up tips and cooking in class but it is the social aspect that really shines through. Every Wednesday morning the Mt Evelyn campus smells like a scene out of Master Chef as the students prepare the day’s dish, but is is the activity that can be heard which highlights the positive atmosphere generated in this class, here are what some of the students have to say about this popular class.

“This course has helped me at home and with life skills.” Josh

“I like socialising and meeting people which has built my confidence.” Trudy

“I now have lots of recipe ideas and best of all we get to sample everything at the end of the class.” Heidi

If you feel you could benefit from this course or know someone that who might, click here to learn more…

Dishes prepared by the students

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