Narre Warren South P-12 representatives, back, Kelly Lackmann, Ross Miller, front, Scott McGuinness, Rob Duncan, Sally Moore and Carmel Weber gather together with, second left, Education Minister Bronwyn Pike at the awards event.By Callan Date
SEVERAL local teachers and one student have been honoured for their outstanding work during the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) Achievement Awards event last week.
Narre Warren South P-12 College student Scott McGuinness received the Personal Development Skill award for his involvement with the Tyler Fishlock Basketball Tournament fundraising event.
Narre Warren South P-12 College teachers Rob Duncan, Kelly Lackmann, Sally Moore and Carmel Weber were also honoured with a Teacher Achievement Award.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike presented the awards to the local winners last Friday.
Mr Duncan said the school was very proud of the VCAL course offered at Narre Warren South.
“It enables students to follow a pathway of their choosing and provides plenty of opportunity for them to develop the skills that will be essential as they move forward into the world of work,” Mr Duncan said.
“The staff and students are to be congratulated for their efforts in building together a program which serves an important purpose.”
In total, 47 students, nine teachers and eight community partner organisations from across Victoria were recognised for their outstanding achievements in 2007.
“All of the VCAL Achievement award winners have shown great enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to their individual projects and have set a fine example for others across the state,” Ms Pike said.
“For example, Narre Warren South P-12 student Scott McGuinness led a group of fellow students to raise thousands of dollars to support young Tyler who lost both his eyes to cancer.”
“That’s a fantastic effort and shows how students are getting involved in community-minded projects that are making a difference.”
The current intake of Narre Warren South P-12 College VCAL students plan to continue the fundraising efforts in 2008, with several events planned.
Berwick Secondary College teachers Alison Birkett and Bree Hudson also received a Teacher Achievement Award.
“VCAL is getting great results for thousands of students across Victoria, helping them to take up an apprenticeship, enter the workforce or continue study at a TAFE institute,” Ms Pike said.
Unlike the VCE, widely used as a pathway to university, VCAL is aimed at Years 11 and 12 students who are more likely to go on to TAFE, an apprenticeship or the workplace straight after school.
“The awards demonstrate the huge benefits of schools and communities working together to build the skills and confidence of young people who are preparing to enter the workforce,” Ms Pike said.
