By Cam Lucadou-Wells
YOU don’t need to know your workmates, you don’t even need to like them …
But that’s teamwork, and that’s life, according to a Doveton College student involved in a Hands On Learning program.
This pearl of wisdom and work ethic was part of a sharply edited and forthright film by Doveton College student Zach Gleeson.
His promo won a video competition run by Hands on Learning Australia throughout its 70-plus participating Victorian schools.
Zach’s success mirrors many of the 20 Doveton College HOL participants’ personal growth this year, says co-ordinator Gina Fisher.
The students are taken out of the classroom once a week to busy their hands building new gates, outdoor tables, fences and gardens at the school.
They make rafts and billy-carts for inter-school competitions.
“These are children that don’t engage in the classroom for whatever reason,” Ms Fisher said.
“Removing them takes off the pressure of having to focus in class or hand in homework.”
As they get busy, they learn teamwork and social interactivity, build confidence and set goals with an artisan-teacher and well-being teacher.
“It’s like a job and they’re told these are the things you’re expected to do,” Ms Fisher said.
“When they go on in school or work, they understand the maturity needed.”
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said Zach’s video was an exceptional way to showcase the success of the HOL program at Doveton.
“Zach and his classmates have demonstrated enormous personal growth through this program – and in turn the program has opened new doors and new opportunities.
“Doveton College is more than just a school – it’s the heart of the Doveton community.
“It is important we recognise its outstanding achievements and the achievements of our local students.”
