College praises links

A CRANBOURNE project that aims to connect families has launched into its second year with a celebration of those who have helped along the way.
Local MPs, businesses, agencies and services, Rotary and Lions Club members, and secondary college staff, parents and students joined in a dinner and celebration last Thursday night of the Connected Families – Strong Communities project.
They also acknowledged the many volunteers in the project, a partnership between Cranbourne Secondary College, Anglicare Victoria and the South East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN).
Cranbourne Secondary College students entertained the 160 guests at Amberlee Receptions with music and speeches, while guest speakers talked about the benefits of the project.
Anglicare community development acting manager Cathie Valentine said the project was the result of a dream to make an ideal community.
“We thought about different schools we’ve been involved with but Cranbourne came ahead,” she said.
“This project is about speaking to the community and speaking to parents and adolescents and asking what they want.”
The project is funded by the Department of Family and Community Services to run for four years and aims to create stronger networks between school, families and community organisations in Cranbourne.
It also aims to identify strengths and resources within the school community, explore ways of utilising those assets, and improve opportunities and outcomes for the whole community.
SELLEN chief executive officer Paul Di Masi said the project allowed the people within the partnership to be specific about what they wanted to achieve.
“Tonight is a good example of that,” Mr Di Masi said. “We have a whole lot of committed organisations and individuals that have come together and want to be involved.”
Cranbourne Secondary College principal Yvonne Watts thanked the many volunteers who had helped throughout the last 18 months on various projects.
“This project enabled us to commence breaking down the barriers,” she said.
“Not in my wildest dreams would I have expected 50 parents to volunteer to do different projects.”
Projects include the Making a Difference literacy support program, Pacific Islanders Youth Group, a parent discussion group, introduction to computers, International Day of Celebration, Breakfast Club and German student exchange program.
Project officer Debbie Nobbs said the continued success of this program depended on the participation of the community, parents, teaching staff and students who generously provided their time.
Certificates were presented to college staff and volunteers Anita Templin, Marney Hopkins, Leigh Jordan, Michele Preston, Kjirsten Robb, Andrew Downey, Sharon Bourne, Kathy Marin and Yvonne Watts for their contribution.