Mail - Ranges Trader mail - 04th August 2015

Page 1

Ranges

5 Tuesday, 4 August, 2015

Trader

Silvan station opens

3

A Mail News Group publication

Mail

Covering the Dandenongs in the Yarra Ranges & Cardinia Shires

VEC seeks electoral feedback

18-19

Sports of all sorts

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

Shire backs kids YARRA Ranges Shire has thrown its support behind a state-wide campaign to continue funding for resilience-building programs for the region’s youth. Council has been working with the Victorian Government to evaluate the benefits of the School Focused Youth Services (SFYS) program, an initiative that allows councils to work with schools to create programs designed to support vulnerable students. Mater Christi College has been a major supporter of the program, while about 22 schools in the Yarra Ranges were successful in obtaining funding for this year of up to $10,000 for various programs. Without these funds, which are due to cease on 30 December, present estimates suggest there could be in excess of 9000 children in middle years in the Yarra Ranges who will fall through the gaps. Alice Tudehope, the SFYS co-ordinator, believes the cut could affect as many as half of the 98 schools in the Yarra Ranges. “A lot of work goes into the upper years of primary school, such as Grade 5 and 6, which often get missed by traditional services,� she said. “Early intervention, and then building that resilience among children, can greatly improve chances of long-term positive mental health. “An SFYS-type intervention for adolescents reduces the demand on police, juvenile justice and mental health services.� Funds to deliver SFYS programs in the region have been available since 1997.

Since its inception, Ms Tudehope said the program had delivered some extraordinary results. This includes establishing a resilience fund (up to $100,000) to support schools to develop the strengths of young people. The funds have also helped to deliver tailored well-being programs in areas identified by school principals - this has included at Monbulk. Mater Christi College Deputy Principal, Carmel Feeney, said the service allowed the school to provide an important service. “We have used the program in the past to develop leadership skills in workshops,� she said. “This year we wanted to talk about body image. “We wanted to affirm our girls and empower them to continue to make good choices. “Our staff have appreciated the pr ofessional development opportunities and our pastoral program reinforces the key messages.� Mater Christi College was successful in obtaining funding for a ‘Living Healthy and Free’ program, which was focused on developing healthy body image. The school participated in the resilience survey and, through other research, decided that body image was a key factor in resilience. Presently, the Victorian Government is reviewing the program and is expected to make an announcement on its future in September. Yarra Ranges Council is urging residents and schools to contact their local MP to express their support for the continuation of the program.

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WHILE it may look like a fun way of expressing themselves, there is a serious message behind what Mary (Lion) and Charlie (Lion Tamer) are trying to communicate to their peers at Mount Dandenong Primary School. Bullying in the school is being explored through storytelling and performance for the school’s well-planned Wakakirri entry. See full story on page 9. Picture: ROB CAREW

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