“I was overwhelmed and shocked when I received the award. It felt so good knowing that other people see something in me that I don’t.”
Katrina La’Brooy
Community College Gippsland’s Student of the Year Award has been presented to Certificate III Hairdressing student Katrina La’Brooy. After a challenging start, Kat grew in confidence and developed into “a sponge wanting to complete her studies and become a qualified hairdresser.”
According to nominating teachers Nicole Gillard and Michelle Altenroxel, Kat’s complete metamorphosis from unmotivated student to star pupil is the perfect fit for the Student of the Year award. The award is given to a student who has demonstrated a willingness to learn, displayed maturity when faced with setbacks and is job-ready for their chosen industry. Kat looks set to be fully qualified in early 2022.
Early in the course, Kat was struggling with the theory and was in danger of becoming disengaged. After working with a volunteer, Kat dug deep, resubmitted some units and her persistence paid off, setting in train the remarkable turnaround in her studies, both theory and practical.
Her work in the salon has shown that Kat possesses both the talent and the temperament required to not only pass the course but excel in her chosen field.
Despite COVID, personal challenges, and initial difficulties with the theory units, Kat took each setback in her stride, and, importantly, remains positive. In fact, it was during the lockdown that the change in Kat’s attitude occurred.
Nicole and Michelle said, “Kat went from being an unenthusiastic student who was just going through the motions to this whole new person.”
Now, Kat is described as a “valuable team member in our training salon… always keen to help where she can.”
Congratulations on the award, Kat!
The Student of the Year Award is presented to a vocational student who has demonstrated the mindset, initiative and aptitude to take the next steps in their field of interest or chosen career.
A new award will be presented in 2022 to honour the life and contribution of former Community College Gippsland board member, Terrylene Marks. The Community Builder Award will recognise the contributions of an individual or group who has demonstrated, either in the CCG community or the broader community, the power of education in developing and sustaining social equity.
Marianne Shearer, Chair of the CCG Board, said “For those who knew Terry, she will be always remembered for her community building work and her tireless promotion of education for all. However, we wanted a tangible way to commemorate her legacy. This award not only recognises others who share Terry’s passion and dedication to education for all, but will be a worthy and perpetual tribute to her life and memory.”
Terry was a warm, vibrant, talented person who advocated strongly for people and community. She had a particular focus on engaging and empowering Koori students to succeed in school and provided vital advice and support for achieving this aim, right across the Gippsland region. She joined the Community College Gippsland Board in 2018 and served until her passing in 2021.
Throughout her Certificate II Retail Cosmetics studies, VET DSS Student of the Year, Ashlee Storey, applied her positivity and passion with the same brushstroke of purpose as her makeup skills. A talented and tenacious character, Ashlee matured personally and professionally during the course of a difficult year.
VET DSS stands for ‘Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students’ (previously known as VET in Schools or VETiS). It’s a hands-on program that allows students to try out potential careers, develop skills and boost their resume with a nationally recognised qualification, all while completing school.
Ashlee was selected for the award from over 110 students attending CCG from all over Gippsland, in courses such as Retail Cosmetics (beauty), Salon Assistant (hairdressing), Stablehand (equine), Business, Horticulture and Community Services.
Despite the setbacks Ashlee faced in her own life, receiving support and encouragement from her trainer and nominator, Sarah Abrell, uncovered a determination to improve. Ashlee perfected her ability to offer her clients a tailored, creative experience.
In her nomination, Sarah noted Ashlee’s encouragement of her fellow students, her respect and her thirst for learning. “Ashlee is such a breath of fresh air. She lights up a room and constantly encourages students to learn and she motivates them to do so.”
The more her hunger for knowledge was fed, the more Ashlee’s skills developed, not just with respect to the tools and procedures of her chosen career, but in the social skills necessary to become a professional makeup artist.
Over the course of her studies, Ashlee’s raw talent for makeup application has been underpinned with proficiency in technical and salon expertise. A bright future awaits.
When asked about the award, Ashlee said, “I felt really surprised and shocked but happy when I received the award. I am so proud of what I have achieved.”
The VET DSS Student of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has completed their course as part of the VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself while doing the course. I am super passionate about what I do and it’s definitely the right thing for me.”
Grace Mattingley
Being awarded the Trainee / Apprentice of the Year for her problem-solving capacity, adaptability and emerging leadership skills, Certificate II Horticulture student, Grace Mattingley is the embodiment of the award, demonstrating a learning curve that was as rapid as it was fruitful.
Grace first came to CCG as a secondary school student, completing Horticulture as part of her VET DSS studies. She then secured an apprenticeship with Narkabundah Wildflower Nursery and returned to CCG to complete her Certificate III in Horticulture qualification.
During COVID, when study moved online, Grace continued to dig deep and adapt to the new demands, either seeking solutions to issues herself, or finding answers by consulting others. She built her skills in word processing, the Latin binomial system and the practical tools and machinery required for her chosen field.
She completed her studies in just one year, and says that it is clear has found her calling. She has taken on increasing responsibility at the Nursery and has applied her newfound knowledge with relish. She makes key decisions on irrigation schedules and general crop care, and supervises the full operations of the nursery when her manager is on leave.
Grace has been a great team player, a willing participant in group activities and someone the other students could approach for help and support. Overall, she has proven to be an outstanding recipient of the award.
According to trainer Tony Bundock, “What makes Grace a stand-out student is her passion for horticulture. She has a thirst for knowledge and steps up to every opportunity.”
The Trainee / Apprentice of the Year Award is presented to an individual who is undertaking a traineeship/apprenticeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.
“What I have learnt throughout the course has set me up for a bright future in harness racing.”
Nathan Rothwell
A driving force to become a harness racer saw Nathan Rothwell and his family make the move from the Sunshine State to Drouin in 202, so he could study his Certificate IV in Racing (Harness Race Driver) at Community College Gippsland. In the past year, the 18-year-old has hit his straps both as a student and a harness racing driver.
Despite never having driven horses before his arrival at the Gippsland Harness Training Centre (GHTC), Nathan now holds B Grade race driving and trainers’ licences, has two of his own horses in training for racing, and has driven in five races.
Recognising Nathan’s commitment to his studies, his resilience and his willingness to take on board criticism in the pursuit of what can be a physically dangerous occupation, GHTC manager, Jenni Lewis, nominated Nathan for the Brian Clarke Award.
“To say Nathan has been brave is an understatement. There aren’t many arenas that an ambulance follows you as you do your job but for a harness racing driver this is a way of life!”
Dedication, enthusiasm and sheer hard work have been the hallmarks of Nathan’s time at the GHTC, ensuring he has progressed through the ranks with speed and a growing sense of self-confidence.
Jenni added that “Nathan embraced his studies, quickly becoming the standout student.”
He gained his licence early following a tough panel interview and, under the scrutiny of the stewards at a metropolitan race track, a practical assessment, where he won the trial. He has volunteered with local trainers, put his hand up for many early starts and late nights to attend race meetings around the state and is quickly becoming a face to watch in the industry.
Congratulations on the award, Nathan!
Established to honour the late Brian Clarke, this award recognises innovation in rural studies, in particular students who demonstrate spirit, adventurism and innovation.
Every year is worth celebrating at ECG College, but the opportunity to come together to mark the end of the school year felt extra special in 2021. The pandemic posed challenges for all of us, but as an alternative school that builds engagement through hands-on learning and social inclusivity, the impact of a second year of COVID-19 hit harder.
Thankfully, our students, teachers and support staff have shown amazing resilience in the face of adversity, finding new ways to learn, stay connected and move towards their goals.
After a year of prolonged distance, it felt especially significant to be able to come together in person at each campus and celebrate the achievements of our students.
As part of the celebration, three new award categories were launched: Overall Achievement, Attendance and Engagement, Most Improved.
Congratulations to the recipients of the awards, and to all our students, who committed to learning and rose to the year’s challenges. Be proud of your efforts!
Pakenham:
Overall Achievement Award: Hayden Gardner
Attendance and Engagement Award: Corrina Forrest
Most Improved Award: Jessica Pawson (not in attendance)
Warragul:
Overall Achievement Award: Leah Mudge (not in attendance)
Attendance and Engagement Award: Zara Lucas
Most Improved Award: Andrew Gavory
Leongatha:
Overall Achievement Award: Kasey Dunn
Attendance and Engagement Award: Ash McGrath
Most Improved Award: David Eastwood
The CCG Community Café team cooked up a bright side to lockdown restrictions, turning their talents to creating an incredible 1374 meals for people in need in 2022, donated through local food relief centres.
“Our café normally provides subsidised meals to help our learners access affordable, healthy food,” CEO Sue Geals said. “When we couldn’t open our campuses, most staff transferred to working from home. A more creative approach was needed to find safe, meaningful work for our café team, and so, they turned their hands to giving back to our community.
“We are so pleased to have been able to help so many families in need through a time that has been so difficult.”
Two free courses are launching in Warragul next month for adults who are interested in studying but feel like they need some help.
The courses, Return to Study and Intro to Community Services are aimed at people who have never undertaken post-secondary study or have not studied for a long time. Both courses are being delivered by local training organization, Community College Gippsland (CCG) and will be offered at no cost to adult learners.
“They are free short courses designed to set future students up to succeed,” explains Julie Thomas, Director of Education and Training at CCG. “We know that studying as an adult can be really intimidating, especially if you have been out of school for a while. We want these courses to be a stepping-stone for people.
“Each course is full of study tips and strategies, from designing a space to study in through to tackling your assignments. We break things down into manageable steps so that the idea of studying is not so overwhelming, and you have the support you need to get started.”
The courses also cover skills that are valuable in the workplace, with subjects like effective communication, personal presentation, professional accountability and teamwork.
The Return to Study course is suitable for any potential student, while the Intro to Community Services is particularly valuable for people who would like to study Aged Care, Disability, Education Support or Early Childhood Education and Care.
Both courses will be delivered in Warragul in October, with flexible session times designed to meet student needs.
“We hope to offer the course face-to-face but may move online, depending on the COVID restrictions in place for learning in term 4,” Ms Thomas said. “Class times will be responsive to what the majority of our students are looking for, so both day and night sessions are possible.”
A unique opportunity is now open for people who want to learn how to be an effective Board Member while contributing to the board of a successful not-for-profit organisation.
Community College Gippsland (CCG), a local education and training provider, is opening the Cadet Director Observer Program for the third year running. The innovative program enables two new people to join a 12-month director development series, which provides an introduction to key aspects of the organisation’s board through deep-dive sessions, participation in monthly meetings and invitations to join specialist sub-committees.
Board Chair, Marianne Shearer, said that it was important to build the skills of future leaders in Gippsland.
“Here at CCG, we are all about building skills, knowledge and experience to help people and communities thrive – we wanted that to extend all the way to the Board,” Ms Shearer said. “The cadet program provides a rare opportunity for people to participate in a fully-supported way.”
2020-2021 cadet, Lachlan Crampton, said the chance to have a real impact on a small community while enhancing his career was an opportunity too great to miss.
“I was interested in volunteering, and doing something in Gippsland, where I had grown up, appealed to me,” Lachlan said. “In a small community, you can really see the impact you have. When I saw the cadet role, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to give back and at the same time, expand my own skillset and resume.
“As a board member, you hold a lot of responsibility,” Lachlan said. “It is not a role you can just walk into – you need experience. The cadetship was the perfect platform to build the skills you need to be an effective member of the board. It has been a tremendous learning curve, but a great one.”
For fellow 2020-2021 cadet, Merryn Paynter, the pull was personal as well as professional. Her father, Graham Paynter, was a Life Member of Community College Gippsland Board, having served on the Board for 10 years.
“My father was passionate about learning pathways and how the right set of skills could change a life,” Merryn said. “He taught me that success in education is not always about a university degree – what we define as achievement is very individual and everyone who reaches their goal should be celebrated.”
As CCG had been such a big part of her father’s life, Merryn was interested in continuing this tradition of contribution. When the Cadet role came up, Merryn saw it as the perfect opportunity to dip her toe in the water.
“I knew that I had knowledge and experience that would be valuable to bring to the Board, but I hadn’t served on a Board before,” she said. “This was an ideal entry point. I was able to bring my skills to the table in a supported way, where I was encouraged to experiment, learn by doing and get some experience under my belt.”
For those who are considering applying for the Cadet experience, Merryn has three words: go for it.
“It’s a fabulous opportunity. Give it a whirl! See what you are made of.”
Expressions of interest for the cadet program are open until Sunday 12 September 2021. People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those who have experience with disability are encouraged to apply. Adults of all ages are welcome. More information, including how to apply, can be found at ccg.asn.au/volunteer/.
Volunteers have returned to the halls of Community College Gippsland, following a one-year break due to COVID restrictions.
The delighted smiles said it all.
“I’m really pleased to be back,” former librarian and current volunteer Shirley Haynes said. “Being a volunteer at CCG is so very rewarding. You build real relationships with the students you are supporting. You get to share in their lives and have a laugh with them – I’ve really missed that in the past year.”
Over the past 3 years, Shirley has helped a number of students to thrive with quiet words of encouragement in the classroom.
“You’re not there to do the job of the teacher,” Ms Haynes explained. “The commitment and skill the teachers have is amazing. But some students could use a little more one-on-one support in the lesson. It feels so good to be able to help them grasp a new concept or translate a hands-on skill into words. You get to be their cheerleader and you make friends for life.”
Community College Gippsland CEO, Sue Geals, said that volunteering was a great opportunity for people to contribute in a way that feels meaningful to them.
“We love our volunteers – we are so grateful for what they bring to our organization. But it’s just as important to know that the experience we are providing is bringing them joy, purpose and social connection too,” Ms Geals said. “We love to empower our volunteers to contribute to things that they really enjoy.”
Volunteers at Community College Gippsland can get involved in a whole range of activities, from supporting students in the classroom like Shirley, to working in the extensive gardens of the 8-hectare property, assisting in the café or helping out at the stables in Logan Park.
“With an organization as diverse as ours, the volunteering options are pretty much limitless!” Ms Geals said.
People interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Campbell on 5622 6000 on Monday or Thursday mornings.
Local students have learned how small acts can create big results with a focus on fundraising this month.
The Education Centre Gippsland (ECG) College senior students worked together on a range of initiatives to raise money and awareness for the McGrath Foundation.
According to Sue Geals, Executive Principal of ECG College, charity work is an annual tradition for the school.
“We always look for ways to connect with and give back to our community,” Ms Geals said. “This fundraising activity is the perfect example of that. The students learn about the value of contributing to something bigger than themselves, while also building important real-world skills.
“In this project, students learned about the McGrath Foundation and the incredible work they do, while practicing communication, planning and budgeting skills. They also learned how to approach businesses for partnership support, discovered what is involved in running effective events and the importance of teamwork.
“After a year like 2020, it has never been more important to celebrate the ways that people come together and make a real difference, in the classroom and beyond.”
To raise funds, the students ran a raffle, sold plants, cooked up a sausage sizzle and held a whole school Pink Stumps cricket match. With their combined efforts the students more than doubled their fundraising goal, reaching a total donation tally of over $400.
Thank you to the local businesses who generously supported the students’ fundraising efforts: Biemond Nursery, Bunnings Pakenham, Life of Bikes, Maloney’s Pizza, Paint Shop Pakenham, Pakenham Racing Club, Second Chance Op Shop, Sportspower and Splash’s Swim School.
Following the Premier’s Roadmap to Reopening announcements, we wanted to explain what the staged return means for our ECG College students.
Remote learning will continue for the last week of term 3 and the first week of term 4
Students will return to campus for week 2 of term 4, commencing Monday 12 October
We will continue to follow the state’s transition through the steps of the Roadmap as we collectively hit each milestone
In the meantime, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents and carers for all the support and encouragement they have provided to our home-schooling students. We couldn’t have gotten through this time without you!
We would also like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our teaching and support staff at ECG College. We think they have done a great job in very difficult circumstances.
We can’t wait to welcome our students back to face-to-face learning. Until then, keep safe.