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Takysha’s Story – learning from the wise

As part of their Personal Development Skills unit, the Senior and Intermediate VCAL class at the Yarra Junction campus of YVCS have been visiting the Estia Nursing Home in Yarra Junction on a weekly basis. The following is Takysha’s story.


Elderly people can face a wide range of difficulties. They may be facing problems with their moods such as becoming depressed, experiencing the loss of loved ones, and also watching their friends need help and feeling helpless themselves.

For a 12-week period this year, I shared 2 hours each week with Florence, a resident from Estia Nursing Home in Yarra Junction. I learnt through conversations with Florence that a big thing that brought on depression was watching her friends slowly start to lose themselves and deteriorate medically. She said that she’s been with the Red Cross for decades and has always been able to help people and now she can barely help herself. It’s also the little things that can become overwhelming for the elderly, like for a passionate writer who with age loses the ability to write, a footballer who can no longer run. These are massive losses to people; to slowly start losing small components that help make who they are.

There might not be a cure for these symptoms but there is a massive way to help them and anyone can do it, and this is what our class has been doing this semester. We have been visiting the nursing home in Yarra Junction and spending time with the residents there. We don’t have to do much, just find some spare time to bring a smile to someone’s face, and just sit down with them, have a coffee and talk. We can gain knowledge from these people and they can learn from us too. As humans we are social creatures and this is imbedded in us all, but as we get older we lose our social network.

Throughout my whole experience with Estia Nursing Home and Florence I saw firsthand how life changes with age. I gained patience, learned to appreciate the value of teamwork, and most importantly I made a new friend. It was great sharing stories, looking at photos and laughing. I know that I will never forget my time with Florence. It was beautiful to see her eyes light up every time I walked into the room, to know I could talk to someone without getting judged. It was very rewarding to be a part of such a lovely program.

These are the types of programs that our VCAL students participate whilst studying at YVCS. For further information on our youth education services, click here.

Drumming to the beat of Ghana

The youngsters at the Children’s Centre had loads of fun recently when Fredrick Kpakpo Addo came to visit. Fredrick, who recently moved to Melbourne, brought his 20 years’ experience as a performer of music and dance to Mt Evelyn. Travelling the world with his performing arts Fredrick shared traditional West African drumming, singing, and stories with the children. All were eager to get involved and couldn’t wait to have a go on the sticks with many busting a move to complement the beats.

“Fred captivated all the children’s attention with his enthusiasm through music and song. It was fantastic.” Rachael – Classroom Assistant 

Fred showed great enthusiasm, and delighted in entertaining as he taught the children some traditional drumming rhythms and songs, at one stage the flute even made an appearance. These activities are a great way for the children to express themselves through performance art. UYCH encourages projects like these which has the children learning about culture in other parts of world.

“My favourite bit was when we danced” Adele – 3 years old

“I liked it when we hit the drums and sang “Africa, Africa”, then “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” Jillian – Classroom Assistant

“I love it when I was an elephant” Ben – 4 years old

Afterwards the children’s inquisitive little minds had an abundance of questions about life, the food and the differences in culture in Ghana.

This experience has links to the Early Years Learning Framework that UYCH incorporates in their programming. In particular to the community outcome, where it states that children respond to diversity with respect and gain awareness of other cultures and beliefs.

“I loved learning about the cultural dress and food of Ghana.” Ange – Kindergarten Teacher

We are currently taking kindergarten enrolments at Mt Evelyn and Yarra Junction if you would like to know more about our Early Childhood Education and Care programs click here.

YVCS November was a big month

The Yarra Valley Community School had another great month. Lots of activity and some celebrations were the highlights of a very productive month.


Photo shoot for the new brochure

Image of the YVCS brochureBoth campuses got involved in a professional photo shoot for the official YVCS brochure. The students who participated were really enthusiastic and helped our marketing department by role playing scenarios that could be featured in the final artwork for the brochure. There were many laughs during the shoot, the students were able to do the odd ‘Blue Steel’ and other poses to make the occasion an enjoyable one.

A huge thanks to those who participated and thanks for the support from Lisa Angus Photography.

The brochure is now available at both YVCS campuses and reception at the community house in Yarra Junction and the Mt Evelyn office, so if you haven’t seen it be sure to pick one up on your next visit.


Congratulations Harley

Image of Hayley Lubeck with his awardYVCS student Harley Lubeck (middle) was recently awarded the Ian De La Rue Youth Initiative Award, along with four other outstanding young locals for his contribution to the community. The award was presented by the Warburton and Yarra Junction Community Banks and is named in honour of the late Ian Delarue, inaugural chairman of the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise (Warburton Community Bank). It is presented annually in the spirit of Ian’s commitment to our community and his passion for encouraging young people to strive for excellence and to be active in and contribute to their local community.

Harley, who was nominated by Tony Aulich of Yarra Junction Football Netball Club (YJFNC), has without exception demonstrated a maturity and clear passion for his area. Harley recently completed his VCAL at Yarra Valley Community School (YVCS) as well as actively participating recently in the Warburton Skate Park initiative and a co-organised fundraiser for war veterans.

Harley  assisted the YJFNC by taking on an array of responsibilities after the death of club stalwart Peter Wadsworth. Tony says, “Harley has stepped up and has continued the type of work that Peter did putting up his hand for anything that’s asked. He has never missed a night, or a day, and is reliability and initiative personified.” Harley also coaches the after-school kids football program through YJFNC.

Harley was recognised not only as a community leader but a role model to other young men, “He shows other youth they can do it,” said Tony.

Among the audience when the awards were presented was Tony Aulich and YVCS Yarra Junction VCAL Coordinator Karen Swankie, who are both extremely proud of Harley’s achievement.


Image of Karen Swankie and Liz NunnPositive outcomes with Anglicare

On Wednesday 18 November 2015, Anglicare – Linking Youth and Families Together (LYFT) and YVCS celebrated their collaborative working partnership. Students were recognised for making positive changes, setting goals and embracing life improvement skills. All staff were present to celebrate this partnership with a very delicious sponge cake that was enjoyed by all.

LYFT service is an element of the Substance Use Recovery (sURe) program that assists young people and their families experiencing difficulties associated with alcohol and drug use.

“Over the past two and half years I have had the privilege of working with the staff and students at YVCS. I worked at YVCS as their Drug and Alcohol Counsellor rachieving some successful outcomes.

YVCS has worked extensively with Anglicare to deliver programs and services to those at risk young people; to support their engagement in education and training, reduce anti-social, unhealthy behaviour, provide positive benefits to the community with very positive outcomes.

I am honoured to be part of such a fantastic youth program which is not only beneficial to the future of the lives of these youth people, but to the community of the Yarra Ranges.”
Elizabeth Nunn – Youth and Family Councillor – Anglicare 

“This has been a marvellous program and the students have participated enthusiastically. Liz has established a wonderful relationship with each of the students involved.”
Tony Aulich – YVCS Education Support


If you would like to know more about our youth education services and VCAL programs click here.

Reggio Emilia Study Tour 2016

The municipal early childhood programs in Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy for children, are internationally acclaimed programs for the inspiration, challenges, and provocation they provide for all those concerned with the care and education of young children. The Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education and values the child as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge.

Recently Paige, Centre Director and Bryony, Educational Leader, from the UYCH Family and Children’s Centre received the Warrawong Professional Learning Grant to participate in the Reggio Emilia Study Tour in April 2016. The Warrawong grant is provided to support training and professional development in the early childhood field in Victoria. The funds will contribute to the cost of the study tour as well as study materials.

Reflection and evaluation from the study tour will provide catalyst for change, innovation, and shifts in understanding. This will support our centre in developing a culturally inclusive and educational program with a strong emphasis on communities of learners; as children’s families and educators investigate, create, explore and learn collaboratively. Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Approach, our centre will be able to develop an educational program that shares a profound respect for context and supports meaningful and authentic shared learning experiences.

UYCH Family and Children’s Services is committed to providing the best early childhood programs for children. By keeping up to date with programs that are used worldwide we will continue to deliver the best in early childhood care. For further information on our services click here.

The study tour will be facilitated by Reggio Australia

 

 

Cerini Centre inspires a vision

At UYCH we are always looking to further support disadvantaged youth in the Upper Yarra.

We are currently undertaking a “Research Evaluation Project for Disadvantaged Youth in the Outer East”, funded by the Warburton and Yarra Junction Community Bank branches, which focuses on educational and social needs for youth aged 12 – 15 years who are at risk of disengaging.

The Cerini Centre had been used by UYCH for its VCAL and “Step Ahead” program students for eight years and the project will conduct a needs-based research evaluation of this cohort, in consultation with other stakeholders such as Yarra Ranges Council and Anchor.

“There is definitely a gap in the services available for youth in this age group” said CEO Gus Seremetis, “UYCH wants to change this to ensure these young people don’t slip through the cracks simply because they can’t access the educational programs to support them.”

The research project will review and evaluate existing provisions. The outcomes will identify and determine the strategic direction and service model UYCH will implement to develop a viable and sustainable program.

Geoff Vickers, Executive Officer of the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise, who operate the Warburton and Yarra Junction Community bank branches says, “ This project is integral to the future prospects for young people in our towns, and for the wellbeing and prosperity of our whole community.”

It is estimated that 120 – 150 local youth will benefit from this initiative along with their immediate and extended families.

Plans are underway to utilise facilities in the catchment and the Cerini Centre in Warburton is being considered. Father Charles Cerini was a passionate and tireless community member, who had a strong focus on community education, so as a legacy to his memory the Cerini complex is a fitting tribute.

If you would like to participate in a quick 5 minute survey that will assist this valuable project, click here.

 

Together we can build a brighter future

In July this year, Karen Armstrong, UYCH Community College Team leader – Innovation and Development travelled with a group of 14 women to Siem Reap in Cambodia. The trip was a culmination of months of hard work raising funds to help the people of Siem Reap by supporting Husk Cambodialearning about the Cambodian culture and how we can all benefit from helping each other.

Karen was eager to come up with innovative ideas, one of those being a healthy eating recipe e-book, which saw community members get involved by contributing recipes for the venture. The group discussed a variety of ways to raise funds from organising a 60’s dance night to providing massages. This determination paid off resulting in over $10,000 being raised. This was a huge achievement as it exceeded the amount required to fund the community work that was planned for the trip. Originally they were asked to raise $2,400, so this allowed them to change the scope of the project and distribute the money between three charities that the group visited during their trip.

The largest project they funded was building a home for a young family. This was truly a team effort, the carpenter built the frame and the group helped the family members construct the walls and lay the floor. They also helped make wheelchairs for children and adults who are still being injured as the result of landmines left by the Pol Pot regime in the 1970s.

“I found this to be a very rewarding experience, which was made more so because their previous hut would have been deemed unsafe for them to live in during the monsoon flood season.” Karen Armstrong – Team Leader Innovation and Development

Karen also had the opportunity to visit two local schools. During her visit she was able to get creative by participating in an art project with the children, making paper birds and observing classroom delivery in order for her to gain knowledge from an educational perspective.

While the trip was organised by a local yoga and pilates instructor and had elements of relaxation and meditation, the lasting memories from Karen’s trip came from the charity work that she and the other women had the privilege to partake in.

Not only did this project help the Siem Reap community, Karen was able to utilise what she had learnt from the experience and take it into her own classroom back home. Her Certificate IV in Education Support students were able to use the information in their assessment tasks. This showcased how important these projects are to our local community and abroad. Sharing cultural experiences and making a difference to people’s lives is what serving the community is all about, together we can build a brighter future.

“Spending time getting to know the local community is an experience I will never forget; it has also given me further insight into the needs of our close neighbours.” Karen Armstrong – Team Leader Innovation and Development

If you are interested in building a career in community services the first step is gain a qualification. UYCH Community College offers nationally accredited courses that can help you achieve just that, click here for further information or call 1300 835 235.

To find out more about education volunteer work visit Ponheary Ly Foundation.

A wander and a chat in the ECOSS gardens

Last Wednesday I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the UYCH Community College Horticultural Industry Taster course students at ECOSS in Wesburn. I found the students in the herb garden where they had just started a learning activity about biodynamic treatments for soil. The trainer explained, “The students need to mix the treatment by hand, stirring continuously for one hour, in order for the treatment to activate correctly.” Students who were not mixing, closely timed each person and swapped ‘stirrers’ after every five minutes or so.

David from ECOSS walked me around the property pointing out the fabulous activities that the students had completed and continued to tend to this term.

The main garden had an impressive compost production centre the students had helped to construct during the term; the rich compost has already been used on several of the ECOSS garden plots.

Not too far from the composting area there were newly constructed keyhole gardens. David and Shaun had the students experiment with either, a brick and concrete design or a rock and concrete design. Gardeners will now be able to reach all areas of the garden with ease, what a great garden design. There were even a few little vegies growing in the beds with some of the handmade, home (ECOSS) grown compost giving those little vegies an extra nutrients boost.

To the side of the keyhole garden beds, there was a bamboo pole tepee that measured well in excess of two metres.

David explained, “A few weeks ago the students planted snow and sweet pea seeds directly into some of the ECOSS made compost, which makes up the informal garden bed at the base of the teepee, and now the peas are climbing and weaving their way up the bamboo stakes. It really won’t take too long for there to be an entire canopy of snow and sweet peas covering the large framework. It sure will make for a brilliant little hideout for some visiting children to discover.”

David pointed me in the direction of the vegetable plot and left me to explore alone as it was his turn to mix the biodynamic treatment. I wandered over to the vegie plot where Glen, one of UYCH’s students, had just finished turning over an area of rich and very fertile soil. There were still some remaining winter vegies growing, which had lovely vivid colours of greens and purples. I’m certain, the last of the winter vegie crops, have by now made a welcome addition to someone’s menu creations.

I found my way back to the herb garden where the stirring and mixing had continued, along with lots of chatter and laughs from the students. I would have loved to have stayed all day and shared in their laughter and learning.  It definitely was a superb way to start the day with a wander and chat in the ECOSS garden.

Article by Nina Bekker – Team Leader Pre-Accredited

If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and working outdoors, then click here for further information on how UYCH can help you kick start a career in horticulture.

 

Taster courses a step in the right direction

UYCH student Lavinia Lyons had always wanted to work with children, however she needed to know more about the industry and what was involved in gaining a qualification to enter this popular sector. The first step was to complete a three day Taster Course in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). From participating in that short course Lavinia then went on to enrol in and successfully gain a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Yesterday we had the opportunity to catch up with Lavinia over coffee to discuss her learning journey with UYCH in order to share her experiences with our readers. Anja Laukart- UYCH Traineeships Team Leader caught up with Lavinia and here is what she had to say.

Anja (interviewer) – “Lavinia what was your experience in completing the taster in ECEC prior to enrolling in the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course?”

Lavinia- “The taster gave me an idea of what was required to successfully complete a qualification in ECEC (Early Childhood Education and care). I gained an understanding of what was involved in the accredited course and what it was going to cover. This gave me a realistic view of what to expect from being a part of the Early Childhood Education and Care industry and employer expectations which was really helpful.”

Anja (interviewer) – “How did the taster short course help you in deciding if the Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care course was right for you?”

Lavinia – “I liked what the course was about and was excited about doing my qualification. I knew what to expect before I started which was great. I found the environment positive and liked the fact that the trainer was easy to talk too.”

Anja (interviewer) – “Can you tell us some highlights of the course (Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care)?”

Lavinia – “I really enjoyed how the trainers made the course very interactive. Going to the child care centre next door to our training classroom was a highlight and a wonderful benefit to training with UYCH because the children’s centre (Long day care and OSHC programs) are right there outside the window. On our visit to the children’s centre the class walked around the centre to assess risks and observed the staff interacting with the children.  I also enjoyed book reading, playing with different toys, and understanding the importance of developmental stages of children. I really found the hands on activities cemented in my mind what the trainers were saying.”

Anja Laukart (interviewer) – “Since completing the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course what have you been doing?”

Lavinia – “I have continued learning with UYCH, I recently enrolled in the Next Step Computers course to gain more skills and knowledge in IT. This is being held at the Mt Evelyn campus which is really convenient. I plan to look for work in the Early Childhood Education and Care industry next year.”

UYCH Community College would like to thank Lavinia for her time and sharing her learning experience with us. Maybe we will catch up with Lavinia early next year to see how her career plan is going.

If you would like to know more about our Taster and VET Qualification courses select the industry sector below.

Early Childhood Education and Care
Aged Care
Horticulture
Animal Care and Welfare
Community Service

For discuss your option please call Nina or Anja on 03 9736 1457

 

Story time enjoyed by all

The children of Mt Evelyn UYCH Children’s Centre love having story time and this year we have been lucky enough to have continuing visits with Beck from Eastern Regional Library’s Outreach Flexi-van Service. We discovered this service at the end of last year and due to it’s popularity we are now approaching one year.

Beck has been a huge hit with the youngsters and they look forward to her visits every second Tuesday, during school terms. Stories are theme based to ensure the children get the most out of each book title, and sometimes include a puppet play. Beck often brings along fun activities to follow up, such as colouring or cutting and pasting, which have relevance to the stories she has read. The children are very enthusiastic when it comes to creating projects from the storybooks and characters featured in them. The children are then encouraged to choose from a selection of brand new library books that they can borrow to enjoy between visits.

Studies have proven that reading to children at any age, but particularly 4-5 year olds, every day has a significant positive effect on their reading skills and cognitive skills (i.e., language and literacy, numeracy and cognition) later in life. We read stories to the children every day at the centre, and we hope that this will help them to foster a lifelong love of reading.

This program has been a great success and we would like to extend a big thank you to Beck and Eastern Regional Library’s Outreach Flexi-van Service for your ongoing support to the children of Mt Evelyn UYCH Children’s Centre.

For further information regarding our Children’s Services in Mt Evelyn and Yarra Junction visit our webpage.

Bush kinder – planting for our future

The Yarra Junction UYCH Bush Kinder have been busy little green thumbs, and the weather did not deter them at all; Dressed in their little red rain suits, gumboots and with determined looks on their faces they began planting for the future. Their task was big, very big, they had to plant 300 trees and shrubs indigenous to Yarra Junction as a part of the Ribbons of Green Program.

This initiative was part of the Yarra Ranges Shire Ribbons of Green program, which encourages local services to offset carbon emissions through the planting of indigenous plants donated by the Shire.

The team led by Simone, our sustainability leader, and Ian, from UYCH maintenance managed the project by helping the children plant and learn about the importance of nature and the role it plays from an environmental perspective.

UYCH used these plants to help revegetate our bush block which over the past term has had much work done. Through participating in the Ribbons of Green initiative our service has been able to provide our children with opportunities to learn about local indigenous culture, sustainability and develop connections with nature.

The children helped to dig the holes and plant the different types of indigenous plants, trees and shrubs. The rain didn’t deter the children from planting and as for the mud, well that became the headlining act as the children had plenty of fun. This is what some had to say;

“We’re gonna plant the plants not kill the plants.”

“I’ve got my working boots on just like Ian.”

“I am a good digger.”

“I like flowers, not grass.”

The Yarra Junction Children’s Centre would like to thank Benn Sheffield from the Yarra Ranges for all his help in organising the Ribbons of Green project.

The UYCH Bush Kinder is a great way for your children to start their educational journey. For further information call 5967 2776.