By BRIDGET COOK
OZCHILD celebrated the launch of its second Community VCAL (CVCAL) campus last month with the official opening of its new Cranbourne site.
The campus was launched on Thursday 24 October, with students who had recently started at the program talking to the guests, providing catering and showcasing some of their artwork and musical performances.
VCAL is designed for young people who, for one reason or another, do not necessarily fit into a traditional school system.
The program offers a hands-on approach to learning for students in years 11 and 12.
OzChild chief executive Tony Pitman said that now students had settled in, they were showcasing the wonderful progress they have made in the program at the opening.
Mr Pitman outlined to the guests the importance of the program as a viable education alternative in the community.
He said he trained as a teacher but was well aware that not all students were suited to traditional school system.
“They had other skills and talents,” he said.
“They came from all kinds of backgrounds.
“To teach them effectively you need to find out who they are and what strengths they have. “VCAL teachers often find their students had trouble at school, so what is the difference here.
“Firstly it is not a school, it is a house, so relationships are different and individualised and there are beautiful relationships between students and teachers.
“Curriculum is focused on transition into other traineeships and skills, on literacy and numeracy.
“We have a good track record of students going into trades and other work areas.”
Some of the distinguished guests included Victorian Children’s Commissioner Bernie Geary as well as representatives from Bendigo Community Bank partners who support the program.
To find out more about the OzChild’s CVCAL visit www.ozchildcvcal.org.au.
