Posts

Welcome to Term 3 – Yarra Junction Community Hub

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Welcome to issue #8 of OurHub term 3 Guide. As you can see we’ve moved to an online version for Term 3. Don’t worry the much loved printed version will be back for Term 4, and we will also continue to deliver this online for those of you who prefer to check out what’s on offer on your phone or tablet (it’s even better for our beloved planet).

What a whirlwind the last three months have been for not only for our community but for all communities worldwide. We have had to learn to adapt to many changes in our day-to-day routines with everything but essential services closed. For me, these changes meant that I had to adapt to working from home, homeschooling four children and being thrown into the world of virtual meetings and catch-ups. Reflecting on the past few months, I am really grateful for the experience as it has given me the opportunity to spend quality time with my family, enjoy a slower pace of life and gain the confidence that I can adapt to any situation and come out stronger.

We closed the Hubs on 23rd March and I was very unsure of how I was going to support the community and provide courses and programs, without being able to deliver them in the centre. I am very grateful for my amazing team and together we kept coming up with innovative ideas to support the community. Our Fit 4 Life program was the first to be delivered via Zoom and with the members that did not have access to technology, we sent them an exercise DVD and exercise information sheets. We connected our Wednesday morning craft group together on Zoom, and despite some technical challenges, with patience and persistence, we got there in the end. The weekly catch-ups have kept the ladies feeling connected during this isolating time.

We launched Friday Night Live, a program created by our placement students from Box Hill Institute of TAFE, welcomed guest speakers each week and incorporated a question and answer section at the end. Guest speakers included Patrick Boucher and Danny Field from Yarra Ranges TV, David Shepard a Tai Chi instructor, and Emily Webbers, an Indigenous educator.

Two weeks before closed our Hubs, we welcomed Naomi to our team as the Chirnside Park Community Hub Coordinator (pictured above left). You may have already seen her on our weekly Cuppa and Chat sessions on our Facebook page, where she has kept us updated with what is going on at the Hubs. Naomi started the hugely successful Lock Down Lego Challenge on Facebook, reaching around 800 members. The group was created and new challenges were set up daily to engage families to get creative and build Lego. Due to the success of this group we are excited to be launching our Lego Group at both our hubs.

Level Up is unlikely to return to the Hubs in Term 3, or while limits on social gatherings are still in place. Level Up is extremely important for our young people however, we do not want to create a situation where some young people may need to be excluded from our programs. We are eager for Level Up to return as soon as we are able to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all. Gamers Lounge transitioned to an online format in May and will continue to do so for Term 3. Those interested in becoming involved can do so by joining our Facebook group.

We have our Centre link access point for the community to use during our operating hours. You can access the following services to use the internet, get brochures and fact sheets, use the phone claiming service, reply paid Medicare envelopes, scan, copy, print and upload documents and verify identity documents.

We look forward to welcoming you back to our Hub and as always, please feel free to stop in for a cuppa and chat and let us know what you would like to see in our programming.

If you would like to subscribe simply click the Sign Up! button above.

Enjoy OurHubs online
Jenelle Strachan – Manager – Cire Community Hubs

 

Age has no barriers when it comes to education

/0 Comments/in , , /by

At the young age of 16 Sara Jessett (above right) completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care with Cire Training and was on her way to following her dream of a career working with children.

“My journey started simply with an interest in being around children. I began studying my certificate III in ECEC after doing a short work experience at a local preschool. From that work experience I thought I’d like to try studying it. I started with a 6 month certificate III course which was a great way to do it. I enjoyed studying the subject, so I decided to take the next step and do the diploma.” Sara

Discussions with one of her trainers, Anja Laukart at Cire Training, led Sara to consider a different learning delivery mode for her diploma – a traineeship.

In an early childhood setting, a trainee has opportunities to put into practice what they are learning through hands-on experience with the children. This leads to building their confidence, self-esteem and independence with other educators at the workplace and with the families using the facility.

To undertake a diploma through a traineeship, a student needs to be employed for a minimum 13 hours a week, in a permanent part time or full time position; the workplace and trainee need to sign up with an apprenticeships centre as the workplace is eligible for financial incentives; plus they need to select a training organisation to train (teach) and assess the trainee.

Keeping all this in mind, Sara had to find a workplace willing to invest all the above and also one that was not discouraged by her young age. Would a childcare facility employ a person so young to fulfil their dream?

Cuddly Bear Childcare and Kinder in Heathmont were keen to employ Sara, as she showed a lot of potential while doing her placement at the service during her studies in Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are. If you show interest and a passion for what you do and have a willingness to learn, then you’ll be remembered.” Sara

Age is not a barrier to work in the industry, as long as the worker has the qualifications or is working towards them. The definition in regards to age in Children’s services regulation 2009 states:

In the case of a person who is aged under 18 years, (a staff member) means a person who—

  1. is employed or has been appointed or engaged to be responsible for the care or education of children at the children’s service; and
  2. is under the direct supervision of a qualified staff member who is aged 18 years or over.

It is essential for all trainees to be provided with a mentor at the workplace who can support the trainee through the learning journey. Sara had a wonderful mentor, Lorraine Clement (above left), who supported her throughout the whole traineeship. Lorraine took Sara on the journey and showed here all the things she could achieve.

Sara was also well supported by her trainer and assessor, Anja.

“Anja came out to visit me once a month at the centre. She was so supportive and encouraged me to work towards the best practice and helped me manage my study and work by setting goals.” Sara

Sara successfully completed her diploma with a high distinction in early 2016, allowing her to continue further studies into the future. She is still employed at Cuddly Bear Childcare and Kinder as a room leader considering the next step in her career.

 “As I have been taking on more responsibility at the centre it has been challenging, but it’s because I’ve felt supported and valued that I have continued. Every day I work with the skills and knowledge I learnt in my courses. When I step back, I realise how far I’ve come after just two years of studying and then working, it’s awesome.” Sara

Students like Sara have gone on to achieve great things in this rewarding sector. If you think a traineeship would work for you click here to find out more.

If a traineeship isn’t an option then check out our class room delivery courses in Early Childhood Education and Care or call 1300 835 235 to speak to one of our team members.