Under the TAP banner of community connections, Chris Stewart, from Ambulance Victoria, was invited into the Year 12 English classroom as they investigated contextualizing local issues and persuasive writing. Chris was able to recount his personal and professional experiences of occupational violence against paramedics and health professionals. He described the sorts of dangers paramedics may face, what it means to feel safe or unsafe as you try to help someone and the impact of those dangers on staff, confidence and well being. Students learnt about the repercussions of recent court sentences on paramedic morale and that health professionals felt supported by the public backlash. Another topical area recently explored by students was livestock exports with the class analyzing arguments, developing further persuasive writing skills and contexualizing issues As part of the Year 1 and 2 science lesson on physics and forces, and to watch some really big ‘sandpit toys’ in action, students were challenged to see what parts of big machines ‘pushed’ or ‘pulled’. Clint from Brown McNeill Contracting demonstrated how the new McHale orbital silage wrapper picked up the silage roll then pulled the plastic around the revolving bale before pushing it off the machine. Tim and Beth Roberts used a Kobelco excavator to demonstrate how levers and pistons could make the arm push or pull and how the platform on a drop deck widener could raise or lower a ramp and expand to fit wide machinery. Thanks Clint, Beth and Tim… Transformers indeed! Weekly Times journalist, Simone Smith, was invited into the Year 10 Homegroup session ‘World of work’ to help students investigate potential pathways and careers under the TAP umbrella of connecting into our community. Simone outlined her career path which involved lots of work experience in a variety of media outlets before her tenacity lead to her current position at the Weekly Times. She explained that potential journalists needed to be interested in everybody and most things, needed to ask questions and to read, listen and watch the news. Simone encouraged students to develop skills in comprehension, writing, maths, time management, develop the confidence to approach people and to think outside the square, good advice for any career! Despite being unable to help refence properties burnt out by the St Patrick’s day fires, the Corangamite Trade Training VET Hospitality class are connecting with volunteers working in the community by baking goods for inclusion in Blaze Aid volunteers’ lunches. |
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March 2024
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