Region 16 Updates

Region 16 UpdatesHi Everyone, this blog is to provide information about workshops the NDCO is attending at the NATSIEC Conference this week..... The following is a summary of the sessions attended today (Wednesday 11th November 2015)

Summary of Wednesday morning session at NATSIEC:

Workshop 1: Providing a Culturally Appropriate Technology Platform to improve Aboriginal Student Education and Training Outcomes (Aaron Hughes, Des Barton and Lyn Brown)

• Setting SMART goal mentoring and coaching students
• Goals are set at a child's learning capacity and is achievable
• SMS Messages of your child's achievements are quickly sent to parents/guardians
• Mum and Dad get great messages to talk to their child when they get home from school
• Creates a very positive environment both at school and home
• Transfers from year to year, school to school and teacher to teacher
• A private timeline/record of achievements and future aspirations are recorded in the one place
• Records achievements over time
• Similar to Facebook but not open to general public
• Within the teacher portal there is an activity feed of all students interactions
• Teachers can search on any student to see their achievements and can then notify parents by SMS
• Manage multiple students and classes from one screen
• Enables teachers to see any students achievements from any class
• Teachers can also reset student passwords if they forget or lose them
• The Community Engagement Tool is a way for schools and community to connect with cultural stories and community needs
• Creates a platform full of culturally appropriate content which supports all Australians in foundational knowledge about Aboriginal Australia.
• A great platform and resource for new teachers and students.
• Predominate usage along the New South Wales Coast with 30 schools currently using the website. 
• Values: Provide students with an opportunity to discover more about their identity that builds self-esteem and confidence and is a personalised learning platform.  Collaborate with students parents and guardians as students transition from year to year, school to school, teachers to teacher on their individual pathways plans.  Fosters excellent partnerships with community.

To find out more go to: www.mgoals.com.au and select signup then select the tools you would like to use.  A representative will then contact you and assist with all of the relevant information and support required to get going.  This portal is free for all schools and students - not just Indigenous!

Workshop 2: Koorie Academy of Excellence (VAEAI) Michael Donovan

Purpose of the KAE:

• Assists Koorie students to successfully complete Year 12 and/or further study
• Develop leadership capabilities
• Deepen cultural understanding and connection

About KAE:

• Year 7 students through to Year 12
• Currently 70 members from 27 schools in Northern suburbs of Melbourne
• Working to develop online community and is a virtual program
• Family inclusiveness and engagement very important
• Committed to retaining students in academy
• For duration of their secondary education over 6 years working and supporting students in University
• All activities are conducted out of school hours
• Managed by KAE Board including Latrobe University, VAEAI, Mission Australia, LAeCG, Parent Rep and Alumni Rep

Destinations of 2014 Year 12 Cohort

• 1 @ Latrobe University
• 1 @ Monash University
• 3 @ RMIT University
• 1 @ TAFE
• 2 Employed full time
• 2 gained traineeships
• 3 gained full time apprenticeships

2 Alumni seeking work at commencement of 2015.  One offered an apprenticeship the other casual work in admin at Latrobe University and is being considered for a communications traineeship.  14 past students now make up 2015 Alumni. 

Koorie Academy Liaison Officers (KALOS)

• day to day work with kids and schools
• mentoring
• develop the program
• student support and parental engagement
• school visits
• out of school hours home visits
• attendance
• manage workload out of school commitments

The program:

• Three key areas
• Leadership and cultural immersion
• Focus on academic excellence

Activities of the program include:

• Camps
• Facilitated workplacements
• Leadership in Action dinners with guest speakers
• Family workshops
• Work related programs, short courses and workshops
• Mentoring with University and corporate partners
• University introductions/familiarisation
• Cultural events
• Social events
• 1:1 Mentoring support

KAE Partnerships:

• Latrobe University
• Latrobe University Football Club
• School for Student Leadership
• Rotary
• Microsoft Australia
• Racing Victoria
• Maddocks Lawyers

KAE Supporters:

• KPMG
• Mission Australia
• Ventura Bus Lines
• Infoxchange
• Carlton Football Club

 A real spirit of partnerships nurturing the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Through intense negotiations and partnerships in the region, VAEAI was able to obtain a funding model to deliver the program.  Massive future challenge in funding a sustainable model. 

Selection Process for the program: Interviews are held with the family and students to determine commitment to the program.  This is not an elitist academy - it is about community and sometimes can be a leap in faith for parents from bad generational experience with education.

Future of the program: Open to other regions in Victoria and possibly Australia!

Workshop 3:  Girrwaabugany - What Aboriginal students say is the best way to connect with them. 
- see this website for powerpoint information

Girrwaabugany - What Aboriginal students say is the best way to connect with them. (15060 KB)