A lot has been happening in the VM & VPC space. Year 11 VM & VPC have been working through Literacy and PDS units in a couple of areas. Monday afternoons see the Year 11 VM & VPC students heading up to RM Begg Aged Care in Kyneton in what we hope is an 18-month connection. The initial aim is to simply get to know the residents through conversations, a cuppa, game of darts and/or pool. It is then hoped that a relationship starts to build between students and a resident and that over time the students can create a journal or ‘this is your life’ booklet for the resident and their families. Watch this space for updates. 

As part of Literacy, the VM & VPC students were treated to a high-impact presentation by Xavier Chalkley, co-founder of Ctrl Your Scroll. Addressing the challenge of 'Finding Digital Balance.' Xavier delivered a session that was as much a wake-up call as it was a practical toolkit for navigating the modern digital landscape. Xavier focused on the neuroscience of tech reliance, explaining how apps are designed to trigger dopamine rewards, the same 'feel-good' chemicals associated with addiction. The hallmark of the session was its focus on immediate, yet practical action. Rather than advocating for a total digital detox, which is often unrealistic for students, Xavier empowered the students with specific strategies, including conducting emotional check-ins and notification alerts prior to accessing their screens. 

Students were challenged to try and make one change to their social media usage (for example, not taking their phone when they go for a walk or run); all student were able to see where they could begin to modify habits- so the challenge of doing this begins! 

Over a 5-week period the Year 12 VM & VPC students have been working with YouThrive Victoria to participate in BranchOut Peer to Peer Mentoring sessions on topics that support school leavers transition into adulthood. Working with Mikala from YouThrive the students have been involved in the workshops ranging from Digital Wellbeing, Finance, Scholarships, Gap Years and Housing. The Year 12 cohort also begin a buddy/mentoring program with Years 7 in the next few weeks. Congratulations to students for making the most of these Applied Learning opportunities and a huge thanks to the VM &VPC staff members and learning support assistants for encouraging these opportunities.

White Card for the Construction Industry

Students needing to attain a White Card for Structured Workplace Learning and/or Work Experience can contact a local provider- see below

Construction Training International 5428 6790 Speak to Karin Jones (admin officer) karin@constructiontraining.com.au

Alternately, can contact: Master Builders Victoria TrainingEnquiries@mbav.com.au

(03) 94114555