Students apply helping skills

By Callan Date
JUNE is judgment month for VCAL students at Narre Warren South P-12 College.
The year 11 and 12 Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) will change the lives of some less fortunate people with four massive projects over the next two weeks.
The students have been hard at work for the last four months on a range of projects to raise much needed money for groups and individuals in need.
The long list of events kicks off on 21 June with the Homestead Football Day.
Year seven students will donate a gold coin to participate in a range of football related activities run by VCAL students.
On the same day the VCAL Trivia Extravaganza will raise funds to assist The Friends of Ermera in their attempts to help with the rebuilding of East Timor.
The Brodie-Lee Douglas Memorial Catwalk will take place on 27 June in tribute to Brodie-Lee, a three-year-old Hampton Park girl who died within hours of developing serious health complications last month.
The toddler was born with severe brain damage and uncontrollable epilepsy but had fought her illnesses.
The students have set their sights on raising $2000 through the memorial and will donate the money towards a person facing a similar battle to that of Brodie-Lee.
Brodie-Lee’s mother, Alisa Derbyshire, said she was delighted that another child would benefit from her daughter’s memorial.
“I am positive there is a child out there who needs the financial help like we did,” Ms Derbyshire said
And on 28 June students from several different schools will shoot hoops as part of the annual Tyler Fishlock Basketball Tournament.
Students from Narre Warren South P-12 College, Berwick Secondary College and Lyndhurst Secondary College will make up just a few of the many competing on the day.
All money raised from the basketball event will go towards assisting Tyler who is waging a well-publicised battle with cancer.
The young boy has lost both eyes to a rare form of cancer and there is a 99 per cent chance that he will develop secondary cancer in either his bones or skin.
VCAL program manager Rob Duncan said he was thrilled with the efforts of the students so far.
“Our students have once again demonstrated wonderful commitment to see these projects through to conclusion.
“The projects are a positive experience for all concerned and really draw the whole college community together,” Mr Duncan said.
“We have had outstanding support from the broader and local business communities, including Cranbourne Sport For All, Casey Central Florist, New Profile Hair Design, Paul Sadler Swimland, Rebel Sport Fountain Gate and Sportsco Cranbourne.”
Anyone wishing to help the VCAL students out in their quest to help those less fortunate can contact Rob Duncan on 9704 3333.