Riverine Herald Education Week 2024

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RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 19 Education Week 2024 13 – 17 May Spotlight on STEM vic.gov.au/education-week 20-PAGE EDUCATION WEEK FEATURE May 13 –17
20 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 ELC to Year 12 | Day & Boarding School for Girls (ELC includes boys) ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL www.stcatherines.net.au | Toorak VIC connects She who dares at St Catherine’s DISCOVER BOARDING 103857

Education Week 2024

Walk Your Own Path at St Catherine’s

For Charlotte Rowe, from Hamilton, Victoria, what surprised her the most about boarding at St Catherine’s Girls’ School in inner-city Melbourne was the sense of freedom and space she experienced.

“One thing I wasn’t expecting was the sense of freedom. This was important to me, having enjoyed space growing up on a farm. I realised the city is just a different kind of space I could explore,” shares Charlotte.

Commencing boarding in Year 8, Charlotte felt a sense of uncertainty when first considering boarding away from her family, “It would have been very easy to follow in the footsteps of my two older siblings as they navigated their way through my old high school. However, I soon realised it is completely normal to feel uncomfortable and unsettled at times, but you shouldn’t let that shroud the positive aspects of a new opportunity.”

“Being so close to school means you can get involved in the co-curricular programs that may require outside school hours commitments. I participated in sport every term, so boarding made my life easier, not having to compete with early morning traffic, instead only on the hockey pitch! It also encouraged me to explore niche areas of interest including music, performing arts, debating, and public speaking, and the wide range of student-led clubs that are available.”

Along with the independence provided through its boarding program, St Catherine’s has also adapted its educational model to hand greater responsibility to students for their learning, which has seen the School continually rank as one of the top performing girls’ schools in Australia.

In 2023, the School’s Year 12 Cohort achieved outstanding academic results across a broad range of subjects. The Median ATAR for the School was an exemplary 93.40; the highest Median ATAR on the School’s records.

“It’s no accident our exemplary academic results in recent years have been the highest on record at our School. These results are because we have a tightly connected community where the care of individuals is paramount,” shares Mr Robert Marshall, Interim Principal.

The School’s outstanding academic reputation is complemented by an impressive record of accomplishments in sport. In 2023, the School achieved its most successful year in its 22-year history of Girls Sport Victoria Weekly Sport. The School achieved a record 15 teams progressing to the finals and five premierships won across a range of competitive sports.

The School also once again achieved state and national podium success in both Rowing and Snowsports, with the School’s Senior Coxed Eight the third-best rowing crew in Australia, and

both the junior and senior Snowsports Teams placing second in the Victorian Championships.

In 2023, the School also had more than 20 students compete in State or National level competitions in a range of sports from Sailing, Netball, AFL, and Swimming, to Hockey, Snowsports, Rowing, Equestrian and Athletics.

To find out more visit www.stcatherines.net.au

RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 21 Education Week 2024 13 – 17 May Spotlight on STEM vic.gov.au/education-week
“Having enjoyed space growing up on a farm I came to realise the city is just a different kind of space to explore.” shares Charlotte The School achieved a record 15 teams progressing to the Finals and five Premierships won across a range of competitive sports. Living on campus allowed Charlotte to explore the depth of St Catherine’s co-curricular program

Education Week 2024

Nurturing Community and Excellence: The Xavier Boarding House Experience

The Xavier Boarding House prides itself on creating a community based on Catholic values, where students and staff forge lasting bonds and where every student experiences a broad and challenging program in a small Boarding House setting.

At Xavier College we will strive to engender a love of learning that will last long after graduation from the College. We do this by providing a caring community within which boys from Years 9 to 12 are encouraged to develop personal leadership skills, to become responsible members of the community, to strive for excellence and to become ‘men for others’.

A vital facet of a Xavier College education is our focus on ensuring that boys are connecting with a welcoming and caring community. Xavier boarders appreciate the opportunity to live, work and play with their best mates.

The Xavier boarding community has such a strong culture that the Boarding House almost feels like a home in itself. The school encourages the students to be themselves and feel comfortable with who they are and while they live in year groups, there is lots of interaction with the younger students, so they all feel like family.

Current Year 12 Boarder and Captain of Boats, Harry Glass, summarises this idea perfectly: “Becoming a boarder at Xavier is one of the best decisions I have made in my life thus far. It has exposed me to a variety of opportunities that I would not have found elsewhere. Many of these friendships I have found withing our boarding family. Being part of such a tight knit boarding community made the transition to living in the city very enjoyable and easy. It has given me the chance to build such strong connections with people that I will carry with me beyond my time at the college.

One of the colleges key ideals is to “strive for the magis”, meaning to always give your best effort

to reach your highest potential. The culture this builds at Xavier is truly inspiring. Xavier offers and celebrates a broad range of opportunities and encourages each person to be their best. Be it academics, sport, music, arts or one of the many other pursuits offered here. The resources available at Xavier are second to none with elite level coaches and facilities. This offers the foundation for each person to work towards being a better person tomorrow than they are today. One of the most unique things that sets Xavier apart from all the other schools is when one of our year 12 students voluntarily makes themselves vulnerable in front of their peers. It is a safe time for them to share general wellbeing difficulties or reflect on how they have navigated through difficult time of their life.

This vulnerability and trust explain some of the incredible bonds and lifelong friendships that are forged during your time here. It recognises the need for young males to share their feelings and demonstrates how we support each other on our journey throughout life.

The Xavier experience has been life changing for not only me, but also my family and I thoroughly encourage anyone considering boarding to seize the opportunities at Xavier.”

In the Xavier College Boarding House, we strive to foster a strong sense of community with all the freedom, responsibilities, and obligations that this entails. We actively promote leadership skills and a sense of independent responsibility. There are many different programs that operate within the boarding house that were designed to lead to personal growth in these areas.

The Boarding House seeks to enhance each boy’s sense of respect for the members of his community. The relatively small size of the house ensures that students know one another well and are therefore in a position to contribute positively to the learning and development of their fellow boarders.

As 2023 Boarding Captain Mitch Loughnan proudly explained at a whole school assembly last year, “boarders come from all parts of Australia and the world. From Inverloch all the way to Hong Kong and everywhere in between. [The Boarding House] is more than just a place to eat and sleep. At the heart of the walls are relationships. So many of them, if not all of them, are bonds and experiences made for a lifetime. We are a bunch of best mates who get to live with each other and learn the ins and outs of each person.”

Xavier College is also proud of its rich heritage in scholarships. Accessibility to a Jesuit education is important to us here at Xavier College. We celebrate the diversity of interests and abilities in all our students, and we understand that every child is different. Within their unique being lies their capacity to be discovered and challenged.

Our scholarships range from academic scholarships to music scholarships, as well as boarding scholarships and bursary opportunities (means-based). We welcome you to visit our website for details on new scholarships for 2025. Xavier College is entering into an exciting period of growth.

Our key entry point of Year 7 is now accommodated in an exceptional, new state-ofthe-art Year 7-8 learning precinct on the Senior Campus, opened at the beginning of the 2024 school year. Preceding this will be a seven-year journey through an amazing, brand-new P-6 Junior School.

Xavier prides itself on delivering a unique Jesuit education, and 2028 will mark 150 years of developing exceptional graduates through inspiring learning experiences.

Buoyed by strong recent VCE results and APS sporting success, the College now looks ahead with excitement and anticipation.

Xavier College is very much on the move.

22 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 Spotlight on STEM
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RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 23 Discover e X traordinary Boarding at Xavier Learn more at xavier.vic.edu.au

Education Week 2024

Celebrating Education

Learning STEM subjects from an early age will help better prepare our children for tomorrow’s world and give them a head start for the jobs and opportunities of the future.

I know as a parent, that sometimes getting children interested in maths or science can be a challenge. I’m so grateful for our teachers who have the tough job of keeping up with technology and keeping lessons engaging.

extraordinary commitment to education. This week will give teachers some great teaching resources to help keep the lessons vibrant. We’ve got a range of virtual programs and online resources available for di erent schools, year levels and areas.

Welcome to Education Week 2024, a great way to celebrate our fantastic teacher workforce and our brilliant students across Victoria.

The theme this year is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and gives schools a chance to share how they bring STEM to life in the classroom.

As Education Minister, I’m proud to say we are supporting teachers with STEM by fast-tracking teachers to complete a postgraduate qualification in maths or science and giving tertiary-qualified professionals the opportunity to earn and learn their way to a teaching degree in priority subjects.

Victoria is home to some of the best teachers in the nation and I want to thank all teachers, along with sta , for their

We’ve even got an online resource giving students the opportunity to use a real, dedicated radio telescope to probe a region of deep space in search of distant celestial object activity such as stars, supernova and super massive blackholes.

I hope not-for-profit schools across Victoria open their doors and showcase how STEM comes to life in the real world.

To find more about the free events and activities that your school can participate in, visit www.vic.gov.au/education-week

Ben Carroll

Victorian

24 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
Education Week 2024 13 – 17 May Spotlight on STEM vic.gov.au/education-week
Week
Education Minister
122303 PETER WALSH YOUR VOICE IN GOVERNMENT PETER WALSH MP YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT EDUCATION LASTS A LIFETIME So, why not become a class act and get involved in your future success - now! Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au Free copies of Alphabet and Times Tables charts are available at my Shepparton Of ce. Alter natively send an email to sam.birrell.mp@aph.gov.au and I’ll post the charts to you. 109249 Authorised by Sam Birrell, The National Party of Australia, Shepparton.
Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll

Education Week 2024

Teachers exchange knowledge

Echuca Moama Rotary Club has been a class act for more years than anyone can remember but is now taking that approach to a whole new level.

The club has coordinated with seven other Central Victorian clubs including Campaspe and Rochester to bring eight teachers from Malaysia to Australia for training, development, and practice.

Echuca Moama’s sister club, the Melawati Rotary Club, worked with six other clubs around the Kuala Lumpur area to facilitate the teachers’ selection and pre-departure requirements.

Club president Rob Foran said the teachers would be in Australia for five and a half weeks and will be working at five schools across Echuca, Bendigo and Melbourne.

Teacher exchange: (Back, from left) Rotary club home host Lisa Hughes-Johnston; Rotary club secretary and program organising committee member Kate Miller; Echuca Twin Rivers Primary School acting principal Matt Saunders; Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School principal Paul Marshall; Rotary club president and program organising committee member Rob Foran and Rotary club past president Mike Stansbury. (Front, from left) Shyuan Tay, Felixia Lee, Musfirah Rashid and Nadirah Rohim.

Rob said it was a program which benefited the visiting teachers but also gave students and teachers access to new methods and practices

as well as the added attraction of the cultural exchange.

“Twin Rivers Specialist School and Twin Rivers Primary were keen to jump onboard with the concept and have been extremely accommodating as the program has taken shape,” Rob said.

With the first Malaysian teachers arriving at Twin Rivers in April they’re already well into their rotations.

Teacher Felixia Lee shared her excitement for being o ered this opportunity.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to join the Australia expedition for special educators,” she said.

“I hope with this trip, I can learn from educators from a diverse background, exploring innovative ways to integrate inclusion for children with special needs.”

Fostering Community

and

Academic Excellence

Assumption College is where students and their families value the beautiful and spacious facilities as well as warm, and kind relationships that their children form with each other and the staff.

The College was founded in 1893 to provide Catholic families living in regional areas, with a high-quality schooling and boarding experience.

Boarding students thrive in their comfortable “family style” centres. There is a palpable sense of young people flourishing in surroundings that challenge and excite them.

Assumption College boarding staff live on site with the students and provide a “family spirit” so both students and their parents feel welcomed and valued.

A purpose built Agricultural & Animal Studies Facility was opened in 2023, and in 2024 will see the construction of an innovative, community facing STEM & Allied Health Facility.

Students are connected through multi-age home groups, known as Learning Mentor Groups, often grouped alongside their siblings where a strong bond can be formed between the Learning Mentor, children, and their parents.

The innovative MyMAP curriculum focuses on “stage not age” learning, offering a vast range of offerings. Students can personalise their VCE journey with courses including the VCE, Vocational Education and Training or School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

Students collaborate to achieve their best and share their pride in these collective efforts. Working with their peers becomes a foundational element required to enhance their skill development, knowledge and understanding in future years.

Subjects such as High-Performance Sport, with renowned Community Partners, are further ways students find connection, along with an extensive co-curricular program of sporting and cultural

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Education Week 2024 13 – 17 May Spotlight on STEM vic.gov.au/education-week
YEAR 7 2026 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Start your journey with us APPLY NOW Applications close 16 August 2024 for Year 7 2026 Limited positions across all year levels available for 2024-2025 119288

Education Week 2024

Choice & Opportunity –Imagine the Possibilities

It’s an exciting time in the history of Moama Anglican Grammar – now in it’s 20th year of providing quality Independent Education to students in the Echuca Moama region and beyond.

Principal Scott Downward, who commenced in January 2023 has a vision for the school that builds upon the past successes of previous Principals, the Board, staff and the school community.

During his first year as Principal, Mr Downward proactively listened, observed and curiously questioned students, staff and the wider Moama Anglican Grammar community. Through an appreciative process and in consultation with the governing Board, the 2024 and Beyond Strategy was developed.

A number of exciting key initiatives are being implemented that further amplify student choice whilst delivering diverse learning experiences in a

caring and supportive environment.

The new Years 6 – 8 Sports Program has been embraced by students who choose from a large selection of sporting activities weekly, providing an opportunity to develop passions and further their skills. Additionally an expanded offering of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities such as swimming squad, additional music ensembles and dance, have been highlights for students.  Activities such as rowing and an equestrian program are also on the horizon.

In 2023 the school acquired a magnificent 84 acre property on the Gunbower Creek, just 40 minutes from school. This campus will provide unique, diverse and flexible immersion experiences for students from Kindergarten through to Year 12. It’s close proximity to Moama means that students will have multiple opportunities throughout the year

to enjoy a range of educative experiences. A high ropes installation is currently in the planning stage. The school community can also look forward to the progression of the Multi-Purpose Stadium – a significant capital development project, that will not only benefit the students but the whole community. We invite you to “Imagine the Possibilities” for your child. You and your child are warmly welcomed to tour our school and consider the vast opportunities that are on offer. Our calm, structured environment makes Moama Anglican Grammar an ideal choice and our dedicated teachers are committed to the very best outcomes for your child.

Enrolments for 2025 and 2026 are currently open, along with some opportunities for students to join the school in 2024. Please contact our Registrar Mrs Lou Kennaugh or visit our website for further information.

26 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
Above: 2024 School Captains Lucas Jettner, Ella Bowler, Principal Scott Downward, Isabelle Barber and Riley Main.
Education Week 2024 13 – 17 May Spotlight on STEM vic.gov.au/education-week
Left to right: Students preforming at the 2023 Rockband Concert, students participating in the Year 6-8 Sport Program and an aerial view of the Gunbower Estate property.

Education Week 2024

Broad Academic Subject Choices

Extensive Music Tuition Program and Performing Arts Opportunities

Music Ensembles and multiple Dance options

Inspiring passion, engagement & diverse pathways. Opportunities for extension learning, Vocational (VET) pathways & School Based Apprenticeships

Calm and Structured, Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments

Exciting NEW Developments for 2024 & Beyond

Gunbower Estate Campus

International Tours

Co-Curricular Swimming Squad, Equestrian & Rowing Programs

Unique Expansive Sport Offering

Growing confidence & skills with high quality coaching in a range of sports & activities

Care

Comprehensive Life Skills Program

Student choice modules tailored to individual passions and interests. Personalised curriculum options developing skills for life.

RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 27
Diverse
Imagine the Possibilities
Learning Pathways and Personalised
2 Kirchhofer Street Moama | 03 5480 5900 | moamagrammar.nsw.edu.au BOOK A SCHOOL TOUR TODAY For more information or to book a school tour, please contact our Registrar on 5480 5900 or registrar@moamagrammar.nsw.edu.au Education Week 2024 13 – 17 May Spotlight on STEM vic.gov.au/education-week

Education Week 2024

STEM shapes future leaders

Education is an increasingly complex world to navigate, but State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said schools getting behind STEM would be helping shape the future of their students – and Victoria.

Mr Walsh said STEM was a holistic approach which equipped students with the capacity to individually develop key skills such as problemsolving, critical analysis and creativity.

“While STEM has a strong focus on the integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the one thing which binds their progress is creativity,” Mr Walsh said.

State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh

“It is what drives us all — from the Einsteins to the artists — and it is important we nurture that trait in every academic discipline.

“Which is why Education Week is such a strong opportunity to help us all focus on the building blocks our young people need to make them

better leaders and providers for the generations to come.”

Mr Walsh said he believed STEM could be “incredibly e ective” in showing students new ways to approach the whole of their education and careers beyond that.

“This isn’t just about being a techno generation or creating a slew of scientists; I see STEM as a way to help connect and encourage learning in all content areas,” he said.

“It’s a far cry from my school days — and thank heavens for that.

“It helps us create a more rounded, confident and capable generation and I am sure just as STEM seems an excellent fit today, the thinkers and innovators it creates will deliver us something even better in the years ahead.”

Peter Walsh State Member for Murray Plains

Supporting students to achieve

66 Wilkinson Drive 5410 7700

Visit our Virtual tour: www.echucass.vic.edu.au

Be Respectful

The Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School provides education for children aged 5 to 18 years with intellectual and associated disabilities. It services the Campaspe and Murray shires.

Delivering a practical curriculum based on individual needs and abilities, the school follows the Victorian curriculum but makes adjustments to ensure all students achieve. It is designed to be motivating, challenging and flexible with a significant focus on gaining skills for life and work-ability programs. Students enjoy a variety of activities, with camps and excursions providing highlights throughout the year.

Family connections are vital, and families’ continued support is greatly valued. Student welfare is a high priority and contact with most families on a daily basis provides holistic support to students, parents and caregivers. Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist families come from a diverse background spread over a large geographical area.

The school provides prams for students with high paramedical needs. Access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychologist services is also provided as required. Specialised therapy and augmented communication equipment is available to support these programs.

The school prides itself on having an open and welcoming environment that encourages parent and community

participation. Links with the community are encouraged. The school plays host to students on work experience or community service programs as well as providing on-site training for staff from local universities.

The school co-located with Twin Rivers Primary School at the end of 2020. The new education precinct is an exciting and invaluable resource for Echuca and surrounds. While remaining two separate schools, the staff, students and community work together for the best outcomes for all students.

The classrooms and school grounds are specifically designed to meet the diverse learning needs of the students.

Currently the Vocational Learning students run a café in the Twin Rivers administration building. The coffee shop is open to the public with treats and lunches also available.

Feel free to make contact with the school’s friendly staff to learn more about how Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School support its students to achieve.

A hydrotherapy pool is currently being designed and will be installed in 2026. This will be an amazing resource for the school and wider community.

28 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 Education Week 2024 13 – 17 May Spotlight on STEM vic.gov.au/education-week
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l Be Inclusive l Be Responsible
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Education Week 2024

RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 29 • • • • • • • Education Week 2024 13 – 17 May Spotlight on STEM vic.gov.au/education-week

STEM Education Week 2024

The CCLLEN is a grouping of organisations and individuals interested and involved in the wellbeing, education, training and employment of young people.

OUR PURPOSE

The predominant purpose and object of Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network is to support young people, particularly those who are vulnerable, to improve their engagement with education and training leading to the completion of Year 12 or its equivalent. Vulnerable young people include those who are indigenous, disabled, rurally isolated, socially and/or economically disadvantaged.

CAMPASPE YOUTH PARTNERSHIPS

Campaspe Youth Partnerships brings together secondary schools and youth services in Campaspe to work collaboratively to support vulnerable young people aged 10-18 years. In term 1, the Junior Park Rangers program recommenced at Kyabram Fauna Park. This 10-week program brings together young people from local schools to participate in a range of activities that contribute to the Fauna Park and provides an insight into what is involved in running a zoo, including zookeeping, maintenance, enrichment design, education and more.

YOUTH TAKE OVER

The Youth Take Over program creates pathways to employment for young people, taking work experience to a new level. Our recent Youth Take Over was the “Rally an Environmental Science Squad” project which was a group-based work experience program in conjunction with the North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA). Meeting weekly for ten weeks, the group learned about Citizen Science and collected data on youth volunteering, making recommendations for change to the NCCMA.

A Take Over is currently underway with Vivid Kyabram and St Augustine’s College in Kyabram. The Challenge for the students of St Augustine’s College is to promote Vivid to the community. Vivid are hoping for buy in to Kyabram community events so that their clients are included. Vivid will utilise these invitations for their day services which will allow the clients to be inclusive and actively involved in community events.

22 Vocational Major students from St. Augustine’s College will design promotional material to raise awareness of Vivid within the Kyabram community. Of these 22 students, 6 students will shadow the Vivid workforce in a group work experience program, which will run over a 10-week period.

30 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 Spotlight on

Education Week 2024

The students will gain first hand insights into the organization’s daily operations and services.

All the students will visit both the Kyabram and Echuca Vivid sites to understand the scope of services offered and engage with the larger Vivid community. The Project incorporates the Vocation Major studies of literacy, personal development, and work-related skills.

Students will work with local media EM/FM radio and the Ky Free Press and send out surveys to

the community. Recommendations will be made to Vivid at the end of this 10-week period at the launch event.

L2P

The TAC L2P Program assists disadvantaged Victorian learner drivers aged 16 to 21 with little to no access to a supervising driver or vehicle to gain the 120 hours driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence. If the young person has a current learner permit, meets the

criteria, and is accepted into the program, the TAC L2P Program matches learners with a fully licensed volunteer driver.

Learner Jack Synott-Gass was paired with seasoned mentor Terry James and towards the end of their L2P journey, the topic arose of “what’s next?” for Jack. Jack expressed his desire to work in the automotive industry and leveraging his expertise, Terry kindly offered to assist Jack with his application letter and resume. During their next drive, Terry proposed the idea of visiting

workplaces in Echuca and personally delivering Jack’s resume. Echuca Toyota was one of the early stops on their list and not only did the dealership accept Jack’s resume, they also requested a brief meeting. The outcome was life-altering for Jack, securing an apprenticeship.

For Jack, enrolling in the L2P program marked a turning point, providing him with a driver’s licence and employment!

RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 31 Education Week 2024 Spotlight on STEM

Education Week 2024

Fun activities to try

Education is an increasingly complex world to navigate, but State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said schools getting behind STEM would be helping shape the future of their students – and Victoria.

Mr Walsh said STEM was a holistic approach which equipped students with the capacity to individually develop key skills such as problemsolving, critical analysis and creativity.

“While STEM has a strong focus on the integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the one thing which binds their progress is creativity,” Mr Walsh said.

Hands-on entertainment: Have fun experimenting for Education Week

“It is what drives us all — from the Einsteins to the artists — and it is important we nurture that trait in every academic discipline.

“Which is why Education Week is such a strong opportunity to help us all focus on the building blocks our young people need to make them better leaders and providers for the generations to come.”

Mr Walsh said he believed STEM could be “incredibly e ective” in showing students new ways to approach the whole of their education and careers beyond that.

“This isn’t just about being a techno generation or creating a slew of scientists; I see STEM as a way to help connect and encourage learning in all content areas,” he said.

“It’s a far cry from my school days — and thank heavens for that.

“It helps us create a more rounded, confident and capable generation and I am sure just as STEM seems an excellent fit today, the thinkers and innovators it creates will deliver us something even better in the years ahead.”

Echuca College is a connected learning community that grows through resilience, acceptance, and opportunity to ensure we maximize all opportunities for our learners. The Echuca College community is guided by the values of Respect, Resilience, and Inclusion. At Echuca College, we get to know our students as individuals so that we can focus on their development as resilient and respectful learners, destined for success in a constantly evolving world. Echuca College is focused on preparing our students for the future, and all students have a learning mentor that assists them with developing learning strengths and can act as a support for their learning goals. All students have a ready-to-learn plan in line with the Berry Street Education Model.

The friendly and supportive learning environment at Echuca College is underpinned by high expectations and the use of School Wide Positive Behaviour supports. Our College is divided into three communities: the Campaspe Kookaburras, the Goulburn Kangaroos, and the Murray Turtles. The framework for our positive environment is strengthened by Community Leaders who work in these communities and are supported by a team of experienced teachers and student leaders. As a result, a positive and responsible approach to education fosters exemplary values of inclusion, resilience, and respect for self and others.

Echuca College is large enough to provide a comprehensive curriculum and a range of programs and resources to a wide range of students’ interests and needs. We have a school-wide instructional model that promotes innovative teaching and learning programs. Staff commitment to ongoing professional learning ensures that Echuca College delivers an exceptional and fulfilling educational experience for every student.

Our senior program offers a comprehensive range of studies within each of the major areas of Arts, Humanities, Languages, Health Sciences,

Sciences, Technology, and Vocational Majors. The College is building a strong reputation in all these areas, as evidenced by VCE results and the high proportion of students who gain full-time employment or pursue tertiary education. Our successful Vocational program has provided senior students throughout their studies the opportunity to develop strong links with the local community.

Currently, as part of the VETis program, we are offering a variety of VET Certificate Courses both on-site at Echuca College and through Echuca TAFE. We are involved in the Headstart program where students link work in a school-based apprenticeship with study at school. The College is also a member of the Beacon Foundation, a program that has assisted our students in pathways planning and development in the Echuca area for over 20 years.

Our facilities support an innovative curriculum, and with the College being set on 12 hectares, it provides plenty of room to move. Echuca College has a state-of-the-art hockey field that includes 12 tennis courts. In addition to sports fields and a picturesque piazza, our students enjoy a Performing Arts Centre, refurbished double basketball court stadium with squash courts and a small gym, Café Learning Centre, commercial kitchen, and science centre. Echuca College’s newly developed STEM facility is setting the standard for innovative learning in the 21st Century.

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Education Week

St Joseph’s College Echuca - a place of growth and opportunity

Catholic Education at St Joseph’s College continues to go from strength to strength, with students, staff and families benefiting from the genuinely contemporary and engaging opportunities available.

St Joseph’s College challenges students to be creative and critical thinkers who act with strength and kindliness in the Gospel tradition. We honour the rich tradition of educating the whole person: intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

Our broad curriculum is designed to provide every student with opportunities that will help them discover their strengths, master new skills and build strong self-esteem, confidence and creativity.

Specialised programs develop the capabilities that underpin flexible and analytical thinking and a capacity to work with others. Each student participates in a variety of courses and activities that are integral parts of our rich Brigidine tradition such as religious education classes, social justice activities, ethics courses, prayer, liturgy and the study of scripture.

Another key to student success at St Joseph’s College is our strong culture of working closely with families. We utilise state-of-the-art software, giving parents real-time access to their child’s academic progress, attendance and events at the click of a button.

In 2023 we expanded to become a multi campus school with the opening of our brand new learning facility - Kildare Campus.

This bold new era also includes a major refurbishment of our existing Brigidine Campus, which will enable us to provide greater access to modern Catholic education in the region.

Despite our growth, students and families can rest assured that we have maintained a real sense of extended family.

Our Vertical House structure gives students a place in a small community within the larger College community. Learning Mentors and House Leaders are constants in a student’s life during their time at the College, acting as a guide, motivator, mentor and advocate to enhance confidence, understanding and belonging. Families choose St Joseph’s College because they know it has the values-based systems in place to care for their child and educate them well in a community grounded in 138 years of Brigidine Catholic tradition – a tradition our College is committed to continuing and enhancing as we move toward an exciting future of endless possibilities.

Hope - Launching us into a future of endless possibilities

Challenging students to be creative and critical thinkers who act with strength and kindliness in the Gospel tradition

St Joseph’s College has been serving the families of the Echuca Moama region for over 138 years. We are a modern, gospel values-based, family-centred place of learning where:

Students acquire lifelong learning skills | We offer an excellent Pastoral Care Program | A strong non-bullying culture exists Each student has their own Apple Laptop | Students participate in a wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities

Our low ‘all inclusive’ annual fee gives families financial confidence | We welcome enrolement enquires at all year levels St. Joseph’s College Echuca

Contact Registrar on 5469 0202 or email registrar@sje.vic.edu.au for an Information Pack or visit our website www.sje.vic.edu.au.

STRENGTH & KINDLINESS YEAR 7 2025 ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN

“At Moama Public School,

Every Student Matters! Every Moment Counts!”

Moama Public School provides a high quality learning environment, both inside and outside of the classroom, which promotes active and responsible citizenship. We are focused on high quality education for all students.

MOAMA PUBLIC SCHOOL OFFERS:

• A supportive and welcoming school community.

• Extensive sporting, cultural and technological opportunities.

• Outstanding teaching and learning programs, informed by best practice.

• Exciting leadership opportunities for students.

• Expansive outdoor areas.

• Smaller class sizes with the average class size of 20 students.

• An onsite preschool operating three days a week.

• Before and after school care.

• A thorough transition to school program to ensure students start school settled, con dent and familiar with the school environment.

• Ongoing participation in exciting extracurricular activities such as English, visual arts, mathematics and sporting events.

The school currently has classes from preschool to Year 6, with a four-year-old preschool operating onsite Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Students from the preschool engage in a high quality transition program leading up to the end of the year, ensuring a supportive and smooth transition into their rst year of school.

The accredited preschool program is centred on a playbased curriculum and the ‘Being, Belonging, Becoming’ philosophy.

At the heart of everything we do at Moama Public School is student wellbeing, educational outcomes and the school community. Central to this is the daily routine of school wide cumulative and explicit teaching of core English and mathematics concepts. This consistent approach is instrumental in the development of strong foundations for learning, life and work. In English, students are supported to learn about and enjoy literature through the study of quality texts. The skills of questioning, exploration and collaborative discussion provide students with the tools to think critically and more deeply about the texts they are reading and creating. In mathematics, students engage in hands on, collaborative tasks that require them to develop their ability to work mathematically, reason and communicate. Daily number sense activities enable the incremental development of essential number skills which opens the door for students to learn about and discuss more complex mathematical concepts. The newly reformed NSW curriculum has been designed to ensure students develop strong foundations for learning and our teachers engage in ongoing professional development with NSW subject matter experts to re ect on student learning and their practice to ensure every student has access to the learning they need to continually develop.

Moama Public School

At Moama Public School our school moto is, ‘Every Student matters! Every moment counts!’ and we strongly believe in every student and support them to achieve their potential. Moama Public School embeds a school wide Positive Behaviour for Learning program to support students to engage in a safe and inclusive environment. The Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) program is taught throughout the school, reinforcing the school’s values of Respect, Responsibility and Achievement.

Outside of classrooms, Moama Public School has a fully equipped computer room. Cyber safety lessons provide explicit instruction on how to use information sourced from the internet in a safe and productive way. We have updated modern outdoor learning facilities including, a synthetic basketball court surface, newly installed tness equipment, a well-maintained oval for sport and physical education, and numerous spaces with interactive painted play-based incidental learning opportunities.

Please contact the school of ce to arrange an appointment for a personal tour of the wonderful facilities with a member of our leadership team. We look forward to welcoming you to Moama Public School.

Relieving Principal: Melita McCartney Moama Public School, Simms Street, Moama, NSW, 2731.

Phone: (03) 5482 1564

34 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
Simms Street, Moama. P: 03 5482 1564 E: moama-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au W: www.moama-p.schools.nsw.gov.au
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Education Week 2024

Boarding curriculum lays the foundation for success

The boarding curriculum at Wesley College Melbourne’s on-campus boarding facility, Learning in Residence, seeks to nurture and develop the whole child, laying the foundation for success during their time at school and for life beyond it.

‘The final years of school are a time of considerable growth and development, and our goal is to ensure our boarders are fully supported across all domains. Through our Learning in Residence and wellbeing programs, the academic curriculum, and cocurricular experiences, Wesley helps to prepare students for success in their final years of school and life after graduation,’ Tom Giles, Head of Learning in Residence, said.

The boarding curriculum offered after school and on weekends provides boarders with a range of programs that support their intellectual, social and physical development. Boarders have access to a structured evening program of academic extension including small group tutorials and individual learning assistance provided by academic tutors, experienced College teaching staff and mentors. Their curriculum also covers employment preparation and career coaching, life skills, community service, leadership, physical health and fitness and holistic wellbeing.

One aspect of the residential curriculum focuses explicitly on developing skills for the future, with students participating in certificate courses and workshops for resume writing, safe handling of food, First Aid, as well as swimming and driving skills.

‘Wesley has been amazing at supporting my academic goals, and Learning in Residence also has many different programs to help with developing study skills and other basic life skills, like budgeting or even learning to drive.’ Lara, a Year 11 boarder from rural Victoria said. ‘My favourite activities so far have been going to the footy and indoor skydiving!’

Coeducational learning and living for life

For fellow Year 11 boarder Jack, though he enjoyed living close to his family’s farm and community, he recognised there were benefits to boarding. ‘There are a lot of opportunities in education in the city that wouldn’t normally be accessible to me,’ he said. ‘I knew it would be a different life experience.’

One of those opportunities was the chance to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, a globally recognised school qualification offered at Wesley alongside the VCE. ‘Living on campus allows us to get the full benefits of College life, with access to teachers who are always willing to give up their time to see us and help us achieve our academic goals.’

Learning in Residence is a contemporary and innovative boarding program for boarders in Years 9 – 12, with facilities located within Wesley’s Glen Waverley Campus, minutes from class. From the courses on offer to the architecture and location of the facility, everything is designed to support each student’s development and their learning experiences. Enrolments are now open. Scholarships are also available for rural and regional students (applications close in September 2024). Visit wesleycollege.edu.au/boarding to learn more or apply now.

Boarding Scholarships open for 2025 entry

Wesley College delivers exceptional learning experiences and strong academic outcomes.

Learning in Residence, our innovative program for boarders in Years 9 to 12 provides a safe, nurturing ‘home away from home’ situated within Wesley’s Glen Waverley Campus.

Boarders are supported by our comprehensive academic and wellbeing programs and access extensive cocurricular opportunities in sports, performing arts and music.

Our holistic boarding program focuses on leadership, leisure, community service, careers coaching and employment preparation, to help every student thrive.

Scholarships available for 2025 entry.

Scan the QR code for more information or to apply for a scholarship now.

RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 35 Education Week 2024 13 – 17 May Spotlight on STEM vic.gov.au/education-week
Even indoor skydiving is part of the boarding curriculum Jack - Wesley College Lara - Wesley College
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At NEPS our students are provided with excellent opportunities. These support them in becoming the best learners and members of our community they can be. Our small class sizes allow all students and staff to know each other well; increasing our school connectedness. Our knowledge of the students allows for very targeted point of need teaching to ensure maximal growth for all students.

Nanneella Estate Primary School is now joining with Rochester Primary School weekly to give our students the chance to build connections with more peers. This is extremely beneficial especially for our older students as they transition to Secondary School. This gives our students the great mix of a small school setting with the opportunities of a larger school. Please feel free to contact the school or Principal to arrange a tour/meeting to further discuss the opportunities and benefits our school can offer to both your child and family. Enrolments are now open.

Our NEPS Nippers program for future Prep students will begin soon, please contact the school to secure your spot.

Nanneella Estate Primary School • 159 Bennett Rd Nanneella 3651 • Ph: 03 54 845 395 • E: Nanneella.Estate.ps@education.vic.gov.au • Principal: Tom Mangan • M: 04 08 403 884 • E: Thomas.mangan@education.vic.gov.au

Exceeding Early Childhood Education in Bendigo and Regional Victoria

Shine Bright Early Years Management (EYM) is a deliverer of Exceeding early childhood education in Bendigo and Regional Victoria.

Shine Bright supports exceeding practice across 12 kindergartens throughout the Campaspe Region and 40 across regional Victoria, providing a safe and nurturing environment where your child will learn and grow.

At Shine Bright, early childhood education is what we do every day. Our experienced and highly qualified educators are dedicated to supporting the best possible start in life for your child. This is created through the relationships built by our professionals with children, families, and communities. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to build strong educational foundations, while fostering a love of learning through play-based activities.

Our Campaspe kindergartens are built for purpose, are well-equipped with spacious indoor and outdoor experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, problem solving and physical development. We create welcoming and inclusive environments where children are valued and respected.

Parents are critical in their child’s learning journey, which is why we place great emphasis on the relationships with families and involving them in their child’s learning journey. Educators provide regular opportunities for families to be involved in their child’s individual education plan.

You are invited to our open day on Wednesday, 15 May 2024 from 9 am to 11:30 am. This is a great opportunity to meet our educators, see our kindergartens and play spaces.

Our 12 Campaspe Kindergartens are as follows: Echuca Central Kindergarten, Echuca East Kindergarten, Echuca South Kindergarten, Girgarre Kindergarten, Gunbower Kindergarten, Fenaughty Street Kindergarten (Kyabram), Kyabram P-12 Kindergarten, Lockington Kindergarten, Rochester Kindergarten, Stanhope Kindergarten, Tongala Kindergarten and Unwin Street Kindergarten (Kyabram).

We can’t wait to meet you and your family at our upcoming open day. Kindergarten enrolments open soon!

36 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
Early Years Manager Enrolments opening May 2024 Forafulllistof our kindergartensvisit shinebright.org.au Open Day 15
2024,
Every Day,
Every Moment, Every Child Matters
year old kindergarten programs 119769
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9am to 11:30am
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Funded 3 year old and 4
school values
evident in everything we do
Respect • Resilience • Organisation
We do our best 119790
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Getting along •
RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 37

STATE EDUCATION IS GREAT EDUCATION

38 RIVERINE HERALD FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
66 Wilkinson Dr,  Echuca  5410 7700 ECHUCA TWIN RIVERS SCHOOL 21-31 Eyre St, Echuca 5482 2588 ECHUCA EAST PRIMARY SCHOOL High St, Echuca 5483 0700 208 ECHUCA PRIMARY SCHOOL Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
every student counts. Once an Eastie, always an Eastie.
community that inspires learning and nurtures well being 119040
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