Students from Narre Warren South P-12 College have received recognition at the VCAL Achievement Awards held at Deakin Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne.
The VCAL Achievement Awards acknowledge young people who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and made a significant contribution to their schools and communities while completing a VCAL qualification.
Rosemarie Slattery received the Intermediate Outstanding Achievement for her significant contribution to her school, the community and to the positive reputation of the VCAL program.
Despite the interruptions to learning due to the pandemic in 2020, Rosemarie was able to complete a Certificate III in Fitness, as well as playing an integral part in maintaining the health and wellbeing of her peers through student voice, organising and participating in online challenges, and projects. She has been named a school captain for 2021 as she continues to pursue her senior VCAL and a career in outdoor education.
The Senior Team Achievement award went to Khkoley Amin, Jocelyn Heather, Janisha Lameko, Juliet Leaegailesolo, Violet Mapuilesua, Jastehana Ngatokoa, Susan Reza. During the first Covid-19 lockdown the P-12 Stay Connected Team was initiated by School Captain Jastehana Ngatokoa and senior students to provide support to their fellow students amid concerns about mental health and wellbeing.
The team created the school’s first Year Book and devised several online events including a TikTok dance challenge for teachers and students, a catwalk fashion parade, and Masked Singer competition.
Minister for Education, James Merlino said just over 26,000 students enrolled in VCAL in 2020, and the challenges all students faced during that unprecedented year, particularly its impact on practical work, have required extraordinary commitment and patience.
The awards also recognise the contribution of VCAL teachers and partner organisations in the development and delivery of innovative VCAL programs.
This year there were 56 award recipients from across Victoria, recognised for their achievements in 22 categories, from community outreach and environmental projects, to creating an online origami craze.
Since it was introduced in 2002, the VCAL has made a significant contribution to keeping many young Victorians engaged in education and training, helping them to build strong links with the community and capturing the creative energy generated through partnerships between training providers, industry and local businesses.
To ensure that every Victorian student has the best opportunity to develop both academic and practical vocational skills, the Victorian Government completed a review of VCAL and Victoria’s school-based vocational education in 2020.
From 2023, Victorian students will begin to move into a new vocational specialist pathway within the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), with a fully integrated senior secondary certificate commencing in 2025. The integrated certificate will give students the flexibility to combine academic and applied learning opportunities in line with their interests, strengths and career aspirations.
Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas praised the school for its achievements.
“Narre Warren South P-12 College have excelled themselves yet again with these VCAL Awards,” he said.
“This college is representative of the great education available in our local area and the way students have looked after each other through such a challenging year.
“Rosemarie has proven to be a role model in her school and community with her tireless work and leadership which was so important and needed during 2020.
“The P-12 Stay Connected Team were incredibly innovative as they supported their fellow students and made sure that they were all together even while physically apart.”
