NEWS DESK
Monterey Secondary College wins prestigious award By Allan Pizzey AM THE Order of Australia Association, Mornington Peninsula Regional Groups Annual Schools Award Prize has been running for the past 17 years. The award is open to Secondary Schools within the boundaries of Frankston City and the Mornington Peninsula Shire, involving students from years 10, 11 and12. For the 2016 Schools Award Prize the Mornington Peninsula Regional Group invited submissions from 27 Schools for a program that exemplifies pride in responsible Australian Citizenship, by improving the quality of life in our local communities. The Winning School receives $1000.00 and an engraved plaque; the School placed second receives $500.00 and a framed certificate and the School placed third receives $250.00 and a framed certificate. Monterey Secondary College’s 2016 winning project was titled “VCAL Connect” its introduction followed much research, investigation and consultation as to the needs of Monterey Secondary College students resulting in 2015 to a complete revamp of the focus of the VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) program at the College. The Monterey Secondary College has a strong focus on the role that VCAL plays in the strengthening of the College outcomes. It is based on two streams, one a VCAL Industry Connect, where Students have been partnered with Parks Victoria and the Green Army one day each week to assist in clearing regrowth vegetation in the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve
Monterey receiving their prize: (l to r); Ms. Susan Bollard (VCAL Coordinator); Deichurah Pompey (student); Mr. Chris Crewther MP (Federal Member for Dunkley); Mr. Brian Stahl OAM JP (Chairman of Mornington Regional Group); Mr. Stuart Jones (Principal). . Picture: Supplied
in the Frankston North. This Park is managed by both Frankston Council and Parks Victoria. The second VCAL stream is Sport Connect, where the students have worked closely with the NRL, AFL
and FFV (Soccer) to develop skills and competencies to qualify as Junior and Youth coaches for the major codes. Monterey’s response to the needs of its students and their community has a high priority in the daily life of the
college, which is underlined by not only the very strong community work of the VCAL program, but by the whole focus of Monterey Secondary College’s ethos. Second Prize went to Elisabeth
Murdoch College for their project titled “EMC QSA Action Group”. The QSA Action Group continually strives to raise awareness about homophobic bullying and the impacts on mental health that this has, and challenging all homophobic or transphobic language and behaviour. This has included talking to staff about ensuring they continue to raise standards around this issue. This program that started some two and a half years ago addressing the issue at school level, has now been extended to the wider community through involvement with the Peninsula Pride Group, support of the initiatives of the State Government and the Frankston City Council. Third Prize went to Mornington Secondary College for their project titled “The College Ambassador Program”. This program is designed to develop leadership skills and involve and engage students in School and Community life. This is done by providing opportunities for the students to develop skills in public speaking, organising events, fund raising for community causes, planning and chairing meetings. The program is led by the year 12 Captains and Vice Captains and is functioning across years 7 to 12, and is showing positive results within the College, improving the quality of life of the individuals and the college community. Following some positive feedback, the College believes that in time, the program will develop a broader perspective about contributing to the wider community.
Launch event a day of fun and learning for all NAIRM Marr Djambana - Frankston Aboriginal Association, will be officially opened on Saturday 19 November, and the association are swinging open their doors to all-comers for the occasion. On the day, there will be indigenous dancing, a smoking ceremony, presentation of council members and politicians, and heaps of things for kids to do, including bouncing castles, petting zoos, bumper cars, and performances on the stage. There will be a market stall there where people can buy Christmas presents and gifts. There will be plenty of handmade gifts and indigenous artworks available for viewing and purchase. There will also be stalls from local health service providers that can offer services and advice to the general public. The community facility has been a project supported by Peninsula Health and Frankston Council, and is designed as a community gathering place and place for support service for people of indigenous and Torres Strait Islander heritage living in Frankston or the surround area. “There are over 2000 people of indigenous and Torres Strait Islander descent living on the Mornington Peninsula alone”, said chairperson Karan Kent. “The facility aims to deliver programs and activities during the school terms. During school holidays it will offer holiday programs for those parents who cannot afford traditional childcare.” “It is also a conduit between the indigenous population and health services. Various health services can come and speak to people about services in their area, whether it be health, wellbeing, or family support.” While the facility has been open for about a year and a half, the members of the association are now ready to officially launch and spread the word about what the association entails. “We consider it imperative to embrace the surrounding community and raise our profile in the community. That way we can let people know what they are about,” said Ms Kent. “We would be delighted if the residence of Frankston and the surround areas came to our celebration launch event to officially open Nairm Marr Djambana.” “This is the first and only gathering place in Frankston, a culturally safe space of learning and knowledge for our peoples and the broader communities of Frankston and beyond.” “This is a historical event for everyone and we look forward to seeing you there!” The celebration day will be held on Saturday 19 November between 10am and 3pm, at Nairm Marr Djambanna, located on Nursery Avenue, Frankston (right behind Jubilee Park).
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Frankston Times 14 November 2016