Annual Report

2013

Chairperson Review

Over  the  course  of  my  first  year  as  chair  of  PCLC  I  have  had  many  occasions  to  reflect  –  as  I  said  when  elected  “it  is  an  honour  and  a  privilege  to  be  Chair  of  such  a  wonderful  organisation.”    As  usual  it’s  been  a  year  full  of  highlights.    The  move  to  manage  the  Horace  Petty  Estate  community  room  and  the  instigation  of  the  community  BBQ’s  has  allowed  us  to  build  relationships  with  another  group  of  Stonnington  residents.  More  importantly  there  are  great  partnerships  and  synergies  in  prospect  as  we  seek  to  serve  this  community.    The  move  into  the  TV  world  with  the  House  Around  the  Corner  TV  segment  on  Channel  31  was  a  real  highlight.    It  was  not  only  a  celebration  of  PCLC  but  also  of  the  strength  and  reach  of  genuine  grass  roots  community  organisations  –  an  important  lesson  we  must  always  both  speak  out  and  live  out.    The  youth  education  programs  again  shone  in  2013.  We  forged  successful  links  with  mainstream  schools  to  support  our  YELLA  students  while  the  partnership  with  Oakleigh  Grammar  was  positive  for  both  settings  –  we  look  forward  to  its  evolution  in  2014.    The  outstanding  work  of  all  associated  with  the  Centre  was  again  recognised  with  a  range  of  funding  announcements.  This  provides  a  level  of  security  for  the  Centre  and  was  well  deserved  recognition  of  many  years  of  hard  work.    A  list  of  achievements  like  these  does  not  just  happen  by  accident.  On  behalf  of  the  PCLC  community  and  the  wider  Stonnington  community,  I  must  express  my  thanks  to  Angela  and  her  wonderful  team.  They  constantly  strive  to  take  the  next  step  forward  and  the  health  of  PCLC  is  a  tribute  to  their  work.  Thank  you!    To  our  PEO,  Angela  Stathopoulos  –  your  efforts  and  achievements  do  you  credit.  Thank  you  for  working  so  hard  to  bring  the  vision  to  life!    My  thanks  to  all  our  partners  –  your  support  is  greatly  appreciated.    To  the  Committee  –  thanks  for  all  your  work  and  support  to  steer  this  wonderful  organisation.    Best  wishes,            Simon  Clarke  Chairperson  

Principal Executive Officer Review

PCLC  remains  a  great  Centre  of  learning:  I  continue  to  count  my  blessings  and  am  excited  to  share  some  thoughts  about  the  work  over  the  past  year.  During  the  past  year,  I  have  learned  that  the  biggest  difference  between  business  and  not  for  profits  is  that  in  business,  the  market  tells  you  exactly  how  you’re  doing.  In  not  for  profits,  there  is  no  market.  Gradually,  I  started  to  take  some  issue  with  this  idea.  But  there  is  more  than  one  kind  of  business.  When  your  work  involves  researching  and  developing  new  programs  and  services,  you  can’t  always  get  real-­‐time  information  about  what’s  working  and  what  isn’t.  Sometimes  you  have  to  invest  in  innovations  that  don’t  reach  the  intended  cohort  for  some  time.  You  do  your  homework  before  you  take  on  a  project.  You  gather  feedback  from  others  with  experience  and  good  judgment.  You  use  whatever  data  available  to  measure  progress  as  rigorously  as  you  can.  Some  of  our  partnerships  have  taken  some  time  to  get  to  where  they  are  now.  Hard  work  and  lots  of  planning  is  required  before  the  project  can  be  launched.  We  were  honoured  to  have  received  the  Learn  Local  Legend  Award  in  2013…hard  work  does  have  its  just  rewards.      As  we  look  forward  to  a  future  of  some  uncertainty,  I  have  two  priorities  as  PEO  to  increase  our  impact  on  the  community.  The  first  is  to  make  sure  our  internal  processes  run  smoothly.  One  of  my  key  responsibilities  is  to  create  an  environment  in  which  our  staff  can  do  its  best  work.  We  need  to  clear  some  hurdles  and  some  ‘road  blocks’  so  we  can  all  focus  our  energy  on  the  people  we  aim  to  help.  We  are  currently  updating  our  Business  Plan  to  address  the  needs  of  our  community.  My  second  priority  is  to  improve  the  quality  of  our  external  partnerships,  which  are  pivotal  in  what  we  do.  I  know  we  are  doing  a  good  job  in  this  area  but  I  also  know  that  we  can  do  better!  Starting  with  me,  everybody  at  the  Centre  needs  to  make  a  concerted  effort  to  listen  more  carefully  to  what  our  partners  in  the  sector  have  to  tell  us.  My  administrative  team  and  I  will  devote  time  this  year  responding  to  what  we  hear  and  building  on  our  current  efforts  to  strengthen  our  relationships  with  our  partners.      As  we  address  these  important  issues,  we  will  be  guided  first  and  foremost  by  how  this  work  contributes  to  our  overarching  goal  of  helping  improve  the  lives  of  the  most  vulnerable  people  in  our  community.  In  that  spirit,  I  look  forward  to  reporting  back  in  next  year’s  annual  report  about  how  we’ve  acted  on  the  information  we’ve  received  from  our  employees  and  our  partners  –  and  how  we  plan  to  keep  increasing  the  impact  on  every  person  we  teach.  In  the  end,  impact  on  education  is  why  we  are  here.      To  our  teachers,  my  heartfelt  thanks.  PCLC  teachers  have  an  endearing  quality  that  drives  them  to  continue  to  teach  their  students’  to  learn  lifelong  skills  and  to  become  well-­‐adjusted  citizens  of  the  community.      To  our  funding  bodies,  stakeholders,  partners  and  networks,  thank  you  for  continuing  to  work  collaboratively  with  us  throughout  2013  with  a  shared  commitment  to  continue  to  deliver  lifelong  learning.      I  would  also  like  to  thank  the  PCLC  Committee  of  Management  and  acknowledge  the  work  they  do  in  supporting  the  PCLC  objectives.  A  special  thank  you  to  the  Executive,  Simon,  Andrew  and  David.  Your  support  of  me  has  been  most  appreciated.  To  my  administrative  team.  You  are  an  amazing  group  of  people  and  I  look  forward  to  continuing  the  “lifelong  learning”  journey  with  you.      Best  wishes  and  fond  memories.   Angela  Stathopoulos  Principal  Executive  Officer  

Education Compliance Manager Review

Compliance  is  one  of  the  greatest  challenges  faced  by  registered  training  organisations  (RTO)  today.  Observing  regulatory  compliance  policies  and  procedures  is  a  requisite  for  every  RTO.  2013  has  been  a  remarkable  year  for  Prahran  Community  Learning  Centre  Inc.  (PCLC)  which  saw  a  rigorous  and  robust  implementation  and  consolidation  of  policies,  procedures  and  processes  and  monitoring  of  the  RTO  in  achieving  and  sustaining  quality  training  and  assessment  outcomes,  client  services  and  management  operations.    

The  above  was  achieved  in  PCLC  meeting  its  operational  objectives  that  had  been  established  for  the  year  by:  

• Periodic  reviews  to  comply  with  the  AQTF  Essential  Conditions  and  Standards  for  Continuing  Registration  and  VRQA  Guidelines  for  VET  Providers.  The  objective  was  to  assess  PCLC  compliance  with  the  conditions,  standards  and  guidelines  against  its  own  policies  and  procedures  as  part  of  the  continuous  improvement  process.  

• A  robust  internal  audit  and  self  –assessment  was  conducted  in  November  2013  against  AQTF.  The  objective  of  the  internal  audit  was  to  demonstrate  actions  in  order  to  improve  quality  training  and  assessment.  The  self-­‐assessment  process  encouraged  staff  to  take  a  systematic  and  comprehensive  approach  to  continuous  improvement.  

• Conducting  two  mandatory  internal  audits  against  the  2013  Service  Agreement  Victorian  Training  Guarantee  Program.  The  objective  of  the  contract  compliance  audit  was  to  assess  the  business  processes  and  internal  control  environment  employed  by  PCLC  to  achieve  compliance  with  its  contractual  obligations’  under  the  2012  Service  Agreement  Victorian  Training  Guarantee  Program.  The    scope  of  the  work  focussed  on,  amongst  others:  

a) Processes  in  place  for  student  eligibility  assessment,  student  enrolments,  training  plan  development,  evidence  of  participation  and  training  delivery;  and  

b) Maintenance  of  records  to  evidence  compliance  and  input  of  relevant  data  into  Skills  Victoria  Training  System  (SVTS).  

Summary:  The  following  positive  aspects  were  identified  in  the  operations  of  PCLC.    

• Strong  commitment  to  continuous  improvement  of  internal  controls  and  compliance  with  the  2013  Service  Agreement  Victorian  Training  Guarantee  Program.  

• Strong  monitoring  controls  are  in  place  around  the  completeness  of  data  entry  within  SVTS.  • A  systematic  and  continuous  improvement  approaches  in  the  management  of  its  operations.  • Decision-­‐making  systems  that  assure  quality  educational  delivery/assessment  and  implementation.    • Details  of  processes  that  assure  quality  teaching  and  learning  provision,  including  teacher  selection  procedures  and  

teaching  staff  professional  development.  • The  internal  audit  revealed  that  there  were  existence  and  effectiveness  of  quality  processes  that  PCLC  has  in  place  to  

achieve  its  stated  objectives,  produce  the  desired  outcomes  and  meet  the  needs  of  its  students.  • The  staff  are  very  capably  led  by  the  Principal  Executive  Officer  with  her  dedicated  work  and  strong  leadership  and  this  

has  led  to  clear  direction  and  commitment  to  compliance  and  consequently  improving  the  quality  of  education  and  training.    

Overall,  PCLC  has  a  sound  quality  management  framework  in  place.  It  has  made  significant  progress  in  implementing  that  framework  and  making  improvement  as  a  direct  result  of  its  internal  assessments,  feedback  analysis  and  external  reference  points.  Maintaining  this  commitment  to  improvement  through  sustained  and  comprehensive  embedding  of  the  Quality  Management  Framework  in  all  aspects  of  PCLC’s  operations  has  seen  the  emergence  of  a  quality  culture  that  has  benefitted  all  staff  and  students.  

Last  but  not  least,  I  wish  to  thank  all  staff  for  their  exemplary  hard  work  and  ongoing  support,  although  their  contributions  are  varied  but  played  an  important  part  in  PCLC  being  a  highly  successfully  RTO  from  the  point  of  compliance  and  continuous  improvement.  Danny  Angeth  Education  Compliance  Manager  

Education Manager Review

I  am  pleased  to  present  the  2013  Annual  report  for  the  Education  Department  at  PCLC.    2013  has  been  a  time  of  considerable  change  for  PCLC.  Despite  the  challenges  that  change  can  bring,  there  have  been  a  number  of  important  areas  where  significant  progress  has  been  made.  I  spent  much  of  2013  strengthening  and  improving  on  existing  resources  and  skills  to  successfully  implement  and  continue  to  meet  the  standards  of  VCAA,  PCLCs  registration  manager  VRQA,  and  comply  with  AQTF  and  VRQA  guidelines  for  VET  providers.      Some  of  the  major  outcomes  of  2013  were:    Addition  to  PCLCs  Scope  of  Registration,  these  include:    

• Certificate  III  in  Visual  Arts  (CUV30111)  • Certificate  I  in  EAL  (22250VIC)  • Certificate  II  in  EAL  (22251VIC)    

 The  notion  for  implementing  these  frameworks  was  to  target  PCLCs  cohort  of  students  more  effectively,  with  an  objective  to  improve  student  outcomes  and  retention  rates.  Given  that  a  significant  portion  of  students  are  from  disadvantaged  backgrounds,  or  enter  the  schooling  system  with  limited  literacy  &  numeracy  capacity,  it  is  for  this  reason  that  PCLC  recognised  the  need  to  review  its  policies,  programs  and  curriculum,  and  implement  additional  courses  and  programs  to  meet  the  needs  of  its  diverse  learners.  The  main  focus  of  these  improvements  is  to  maximise  educational  and  pathways  outcomes.  This  process  involves  working  in  partnership  with  a  range  of  external  services  and  having  systems  that  support  evidence  based  learning.  I,  and  my  colleagues  believe  that  each  and  every  learner  needs  to  be  supported  in  order  to  achieve  their  full  potential.      PCLC  has  a  number  of  partnerships  in  place.  This  not  only  benefits  PCLC  as  an  organisation,  but  also  improves  learner  engagement  and  academic  outcomes,  allowing  broader  vocational  options  and  skills.  Some  of  the  partnerships  that  are  involved  with  PCLCs  accredited  courses  include:  

• Caulfield  Park  Community  School    • TaskForce  Community  Agency    • Oakleigh  Grammar    • Victoria  Police    • Inner  Eastern  Learning  &  Employment  Network    • Inner  South  Community  Health    • Stonnington  Youth  Services  

 Finally,  to  all  of  the  PCLC  teaching  staff,  admin  and  management  team  who  are  involved  in  the  delivery  of  PCLC  programs  and  courses-­‐  You  are  very  much  appreciated!  Your  incessant  tolerance  and  persistence  is  invaluable,  and  is  always  recognised  and  respected.  

 

Effie  Tsanglis  Education  Manager  

Client Services Officer Review

In  2013  PCLC  was  pleased  to  announce  the  launch  of  our  new  website.  The  website  was  developed  with  help  from  Blue  SKYS  Media.  The  website  is  fresh,  bright  and  user  friendly.  Please  take  a  look  http://www.pclcentre.org.au/.      Tony  Senese,  PCLC  Visual  Art  Trainer  captured  the  movements  of  PCLC  from  its  inception  with  the  mural  “PCLC  Though  the  Ages”.  It  depicts  past  and  current  community  learning  programs.    The  article  “A  Wall  Story  Teller”  appeared  in  the  Stonnington  Leader  on  the  14th  May  2013  and  the  mural  is  displayed  in  the  halls  of  Grattan  Gardens  Community  Centre.    PCLC  continued  to  participate  in  the  Working  Together  Network  in  2013.The  main  focus  for  the  network  in  2013  was  the  monthly  BBQs  and  the  end  of  year  Christmas  Toy  Shop  held  at  the  Horace  Petty  Estate,  both  being  a  success.  The  monthly  BBQs  are  for  Horace  Petty  Estate  for  residents,  parents,  families  and  young  people  to  meet  Education  providers,  Family  Support,  Youth  Services  and  Housing  Workers  in  a  welcoming  way.  The  Christmas  Toy  Shop  is  to  support  families  in  what  can  often  be  a  difficult  time  financially;  each  child  registered  received  a  present.    The  Prahran  Community  Learning  Centre’s  Youth  Education  for  Life  and  Learning  Access  (YELLA)  and  Victorian  Certificate  in  Applied  Learning  (VCAL)  programs  were  filmed  for  the  TV  series,  “A  House  around  the  Corner”  in  September  2012  and  the  Episode  went  to  air  on  August  6th  2013  at  4pm  on  Channel  31.  The  film  crew  spent  a  whole  day  filming  our  wonderful  students  in  action.  It  is  an  enriching  and  valuable  insight  into  the  inner  workings  of  PCLC.  To  view  the  episode  please  visit  the  PCLC  website,  we  are  so  pleased  with  the  final  edit  of  the  show.    Again  in  2013  we  were  successful  in  having  a  direct  Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MoU)  with  the  Department  of  Education  and  Early  Childhood  Development  (DEECD)  for  one  student  enrolment.  In  2013  we  also  successfully  achieved  re-­‐engagement  program  contracts  for  6  students  enrolled  in  the  YELLA  program  with  3  schools.  In  order  for  PCLC  to  receive  a  portion  of  the  Student  Resource  Package  the  student  must  have  a  mainstream  school  enrolment  and  a  re-­‐engagement  program  contract  supported  by  the  home  school.  In  the  future  we  hope  to  develop  stronger  relationships  with  schools  to  make  this  process  easier.    I  would  like  to  highlight  some  positive  outcomes  in  the  VCAL  program  in  2013  with  three  students  transitioning  into  further  study.    One  student  has  gone  on  to  study  the  Certificate  IV  in  Visual  Art  at  Brighton  Bay  Year  13.  Two  other  students  have  gone  on  to  complete  a  Pre  Apprenticeship  at  TAFE,  one  in  Wall  and  Floor  Tilling  at  Holmesglen  and  another  in  Plumbing  at  Box  Hill.  This  is  a  fantastic  achievement  for  those  students  and  a  great  outcome  for  the  Prahran  Community  Learning  Centre’s  VCAL  Program.  It  is  also  very  inspiring  for  2014  students  and  shows  that  PCLC  is  a  worthwhile  place  for  learning.    A  special  thank  you  to  all  involved  in  the  delivery  of  PCLC  training  programs  and  the  continued  support  received  from  our  partnering  agencies  and  utilisation  of  their  services.  In  particular  I  would  like  to  thank  the  IELLEN,  Catholic  Care,  Stonnington  Youth  Service,  ACUMOTUM,  Youth  Connect,  Prahran  Police,  Pran  Central,  Department  of  Human  Services  and  TaskForce  Community  Agency.                    Amy  Street  Client  Services  Officer  

Our Values

1. We  provide  people  with  opportunities  to  engage  in  quality,  affordable  community  education  and  learning.  

 2. We  provide  people  with  quality  education  options  that  allow  them  to  learn  in  a  centre  which  is  

flexible,  understanding  and  nurturing.    

3. We  know  our  community  and  our  students  and  we  can  develop  an  educational  plan  targeted  to  their  needs.  

 4. We  support  lifelong  learning  and  provide  inclusive,  affordable  and  supported  education.    

 5. We  encourage  independence:  acting  with  impartiality  and  integrity.  

 6. We  are  accountable  with  transparent  reporting  and  effective  stewardship  of  resources.  

 7. We  are  innovative:  shaping  our  future  through  creativity  and  leadership.  

 8. We  show  respect  and  consideration  of  self,  others  and  the  environment.  

 9. We  collaborate,  working  as  a  team  with  partners  and  communities.  

 10. We  are  committed  to  increasing  the  educational  levels  of  our  community,  overcoming  social  

isolation  and  increasing  group  interaction  and  skill  development.    

2013 Committee of Management

Simon  Clarke           Chairperson    Win  Vears       Deputy  Chairperson  David  Paton           Treasurer  Andrew  Neophytou     Secretary  /  Public  Officer  Sandra  Ross         CoM  Member  Tom  Moloney       CoM  Member    Clare  Duggan         CoM  Member  Jackie  Grieve       CoM  Member                

Statistical Data

 Course Category

Funding Source

Location ID Location Name Course ID Course Name Module Enrolments

Foundation P 6413 PRAHRAN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE INC., Prahran Neighbourhood House

21771VIC Certificate I in General Education for Adults (Introductory)

24

Foundation P 6413 PRAHRAN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE INC., Prahran Neighbourhood House

21773VIC Certificate II in General Education for Adults 127

Foundation P 6413 PRAHRAN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE INC., Prahran Neighbourhood House

21770VIC Course in Initial General Education for Adults 120

Skills Creation P 6413 PRAHRAN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE INC., Prahran Neighbourhood House

CUV10111 CERTIFICATE 1 IN VISUAL ART 207

Skills Creation P 6413 PRAHRAN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE INC., Prahran Neighbourhood House

CUV20111 CERTIFICATE 2 IN VISUAL ART 134

Skills Creation P 6413 PRAHRAN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE INC., Prahran Neighbourhood House

CUV10103 Certificate I in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft

54

Skills Creation P 6413 PRAHRAN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE INC., Prahran Neighbourhood House

CUV20103 Certificate II in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft

60

Skills Creation P 6413 PRAHRAN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE INC., Prahran Neighbourhood House

VCALINT001 VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF APPLIED LEARNING INTERMEDIATE

77

Skills Creation P 6413 PRAHRAN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE INC., Prahran Neighbourhood House

VCALSEN001

VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF APPLIED LEARNING SENIOR

94

Yet to be assigned ACE 6413 PRAHRAN COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE INC., Prahran Neighbourhood House

116

Hours

440

3965

2150

9530

6510

1090

2000

7700

9400

14710

           

Target Groups

   

1. Office  of  Housing  residents    

2. People  from  culturally  and  linguistically  diverse  (CALD)  backgrounds    

3. Youth  under  the  age  of  20,  who  are  disengaged  from  education    

4. People  with  a  disability    

5. Teenage  single  parents      

6. Young  people  exiting  from  care                  

2013 Oakleigh Grammar Community Partnership

                                                                   

The  PCLC  /  OG  partnership  has  been  established  to  create  positive  student  learning  outcomes  and  experiences,  culminating  in  a  mosaic  'friendship  chair'  which  sits  proudly  in  the  OG  amphitheatre.  The  program  is  designed  to  foster  healthy  relationships  by  encouraging  students  to  interact  with  each  other.    At  Oakleigh  Grammar,  one  of  the  school’s  goals  is  to  improve  student  outcomes,  inspiring  the  love  of  learning  and  fostering  healthy  relationships  -­‐  the  partnership  with  PCLC  ticks  all  the  boxes!  

It’s Official…PCLC is a Learn Local Legend!

 In  2013,  the  ACFE  Board  and  regional  councils  of  ACFE  acknowledged  and  presented  the  Learn  Local  Legend  Award  to  PCLC  at  a  gala  ceremony.  PCLC  won  the  Legend  Award  for  outstanding  contribution  to  learners  and  the  sector.  The  dinner  ceremony  was  attended  by  the  PCLC  PEO  Angela  Stathopoulos,  Committee  Members  Andrew  Neophytou  and  Tom  Moloney,  Client  Services  Officer  Amy  Street  and  Reception/Programs  Officer  Jackie  Mulliss.    We  are  incredibly  proud  of  this  award  and  are  honored  to  have  been  acknowledged!    

     

Partnerships

PCLC  engaged  in  a  number  of  wonderful  partnership  projects  in  2013.  These  include  Acumotom,  Stonnington  Youth  Services,  Oakleigh  Grammar,  SAM  I  AM  –  Inner  South  Community  Health  Service,  Bikes  4  Life  at  Red  Bennies  and  a  fantastic  Easter  Egg  competition  at  Pran  Central.                      

Thank You

Safeway  Prahran             Inner  Easter  Local  Learning  Employment  Network  ACFE                   Higher  Education  and  Skills  Group  Stonnington  Youth  Services           DHS  Caulfield  Park  Community  School         HACC  Inner  South  Community  Health  Service       WISE  Employment    Acumotom               School  Focused  Youth  Service  EEP                   Oakleigh  Grammar  Youth  Express               DEECD    Youth  Connect               Stonnington  Council  Catholic  Care               Adventure  Playground  Prahran  Renewal             SKYS  Taskforce                 Prahran  Police  Pran  Central    

PCLC Staff

Principal  Executive  Officer     Angela  Stathopoulos      Education  Compliance  Manager   Danny  Angeth  Education  Manager       Effie  Senese  Client  Services  Officer       Amy  Street  Reception  /  Programs  Officer     Jackie  Mulliss  Bookkeeper         John  Broughton  Information  Technology     Phil  Brandon  Administrative  Assistant     Tina  Tsanglis    ESL  Teaching  Staff       Lance  Twentyman  ESL  Teaching  Assistant     Fran  Knight  Youth  /  VET  Teaching  Staff     Amelie  Scalercio             Veronica  Strangio             Tony  Senese               Helen  Mursarsa  Student  Teacher         Ben  Breslin          Art  Teaching  Staff       Tony  Senese  Art  Teaching  Assistant       Dante  Mecca  Art  Teaching  Assistant     Christinaray  Weetra    Computer  Teaching  Staff     John  Broughton    

Tom  Moloney  Yoga  Instructor       Geraldine  Spiker  HACC  Exercise  Instructor     Margaret  Bennett    Playroom  Facilitator       Moira  Burke  Budget  Cooking  Instructor     Tom  Moloney