HUME CITY COUNCIL

IMAGINE EXPLORE DISCOVERVOLUME 22, SPRING/SUMMER 2010/11 www.hume.vic.gov.au

2 BILINGUAL TEAM WINS VICTORIAN MULTICULTURAL AWARD

8 2010 HUME CITY COUNCIL TEACHERS’ SCHOLARSHIPS WINNERS

12 WORKPLACE TRAINING: PAID EMPLOYMENT WHILE AT SCHOOL

16 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT HUME LIBRARIES

CONTENTSInspiring lifelong learning in Hume 3

The early years 7

HGLV network 8

The school years 12

The adult years / The older years 14

Learning at Hume Libraries 16

This is the last issue of IED for the year! To celebrate another exceptional year of learning in Hume we’ve prepared a special 16-page edition with the latest news, events and exciting new learning programs.

Inside this Spring/Summer issue you will be introduced to the 2010 Hume City Council Teachers’ Scholarships winners, their work projects and how

they plan to use their scholarship money.

What a year! We are so very proud that our Hume Libraries’ community engagement officer has received a 2010 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence and that the new Craigieburn Child and Family Centre has been inaugurated.

I would also like to invite you to visit The Independent Type exhibition at The Age Library in Broadmeadows and to attend some of the multifaith celebrations happening in our community’s calendar of events.

Finally, in the past weeks there has been a range of opportunities to have input into Hume’s next Learning Together strategy, our third. Discussions at the Hume Global Learning Village Board, chaired by Hon John Cain will soon provide final advice to Hume City Council’s Learning Community Department on priorities the community has identified.

I trust that you are looking forward to supporting the new strategy as we all re-commit to learning as the basis for improving the quality of life for all. Our next IED will bring a special report on the new Learning Together strategy and how it will change the way we learn in Hume.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of IED.

Ken Thompson Chairman, Hume Global Learning Village Committee

WELCOME TO IMAGINE, EXPLORE, DISCOVER (IED)

BILINGUAL TEAM WINS VICTORIAN MULTICULTURAL AWARD

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Hume Libraries’ Community Engagement team is celebrating its first major award. The team, led by Anna Boland, Hume Libraries’ community literacy and engagement officer, received the Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria Award as part of Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2010.

The award-winning team couldn’t be happier. “I am very proud of my team. It was a surprise to win this award. It just gives us the motivation to try harder, to help the children gain confidence and help the community to do better,” says Van Bach Nguyen, Vietnamese storyteller.

“The Storytime program is very successful. Different languages help children to understand each other from an early age. Children who attend Storytime sessions have an easier transition to kindergarten. They gain a lot of confidence, and parents, once in the library, get a lot of

information,” says Nezaket Kilicaslan, Turkish storyteller.

The program’s success can also be seen in the increasing number of families using Hume Libraries’ facilities and resources. “These parents wouldn’t normally come to the library, now they come in, borrow books and CDs and attend our special events,” explains Mona Yazdin, Assyrian storyteller.

“The community realises the importance of cultural diversity for community growth. Hume is a multicultural community. People enjoy the fact that they meet other people from other countries and backgrounds and love to share their experiences,” says Amal Swairjo, Arabic storyteller.

For more information contact Anna Bolland, Hume Libraries community literacy and engagement officer, via email annab@hume.vic.gov.au or phone 9356 6932.

Mona Yazdin, Assyrian Storyteller, Van Bach Nguyen, Vietnamese Storyteller, Nezaket Kilicaslan, Turkish Storyteller and Amal Swairjo, Arabic Storyteller.

MOUNT RIDLEY COLLEGE’S NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN

HEALTHY HUME GET READY FOR A HEALTHIER HUME

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Students at Mount Ridley College in Craigieburn have been busy growing seedlings such as snow peas, broad beans, spring onions, onions, carrots and a variety of herbs in class, before planting them into their brand new Community Garden.

There are six garden plots and a range of fruit bearing trees at Mount Ridley College’s Community Garden. One plot is being utilised by students from the College, while the other five will be used by community groups. The College is in the process of seeking expressions of interest from groups who wish to use one of these garden plots.

The initiative is part of the College’s commitment to developing and

promoting projects involving members of the wider community. “This is an opportunity for students and members of our community to learn from and interact with each other. It will allow community groups to come together for the purpose of sharing skills, knowledge and experiences,” says principal Lino Pagano.

All students from across the College will have access to the Community Garden which will form part of their curriculum program. “The ‘hands-on’ approach to teaching and learning centred on sustainable and healthy living is one of the most rewarding elements of this initiative. We are also encouraging healthy eating by growing a variety of fresh produce and promoting sustainability through the application of recycling practices such

as composting and using recycled water,” says principal Lino.

The Community Garden project was constructed on the college’s land and financed by Stockland Property Group along with donations from various organisations and support from Hume City Council.

Community groups interested in participating in the Community Garden project are encouraged to contact Kerry Saccuzzo, community liaison officer on 8338 3600.

Healthy Hume is a Hume City Council initiative which involves activities and events that are designed to encourage healthy eating, physical activity and provide pathways to training, education and skill development.

The initiative include the establishment of four community fruit and vegetable gardens, a healthy food co-operative, a Healthy Hume mobile vehicle (to attend local community events for learning and promotions purposes), three community

kitchens and a sports equipment recycling program.

Healthy Hume will enable Hume residents to interact with others, access affordable and fresh food, develop and share skills, make new friends and build positive relationships within the Hume community.

If you would like to learn more about getting involved in any of the Healthy Hume initiatives, please email healthyhume@hume.vic.gov.au or phone Ben Norden on 9205 2512.

Above: All Mount Ridley College’s students have access to the Community Garden as

part of their curriculum program.

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KANGAN INSTITUTE BRINGING THE BUSH BACK TO LIFEWhen the Black Saturday bushfires swept through Victoria, the Warringal Scout Camp, north of Whittlesea, was left decimated. Now, just 18 months later and thanks to an initiative developed by Kangan Institute and JobCo Employment Services, new life has come back to the bush.

Kangan Institute program leader Andrew Priest said this new initiative is designed to provide jobseekers with a formal qualification in horticulture and has already helped more than 25 participants

gain valuable work and life skills.

“Everyone taking part in the program spends four days a week at the Warringal Scout Camp, assisting in the regeneration of the site while being engaged in training assessment tasks and activities run by the teaching staff from Kangan Institute. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a Certificate II in Horticulture, Landscaping,” he said.

“Students are learning a range of new skills, such as, how to plant trees, shrubs

and ground covers successfully into the natural environment, as well as hard landscape skills, paving, retaining wall construction and wildlife protection.”

The Certificate II in Horticulture, Landscaping course is taught at Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows campus. For more information email enquiries@kangan.edu.au or call 13 TAFE (13 8233).

Above: The Warringal Scout Camp is coming back to life after the Black Saturday bushfires

that almost destroyed the site.

BROADBAND FOR SENIORS FREE INTERNETMeadow Heights Learning Shop (MHLS) has now been approved as one of the official ‘Broadband for Seniors’ internet kiosks, located at the Centro Plaza venue (Shop 24 Paringa Boulevard) in Meadow Heights.

Broadband for Seniors aims to provide senior Australians with free access to computers, the internet and individual workshop training through the establishment of internet kiosks in the local community.

Senior citizens will be able to learn new skills, stay in contact with family and friends and meet new people by accessing these kiosks.

Visit www.necseniors.net.au/kiosk/entry for more information.

PROMOTING YOUR ACTIVITIES STORY IDEASHume Global Learning Village (HGLV) members can promote their programs and initiatives to the Village network and to the wider community, via this quarterly magazine; Imagine, Explore, Discover (IED). If you have recent news or information about learning programs and initiatives, email the IED editor at lucianaa@hume.vic.gov.au and include a media release or brief description of your event or activity. Alternatively, post the information to Luciana Arantes, Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows VIC 3047.

To have your article published and promoted in IED you must be a Village member and your story needs to be learning-related. To become a HGLV member visit www.hume.vic.gov.au and click on Hume Global Learning Village. It is free to join.

CATHERINE AND LAN ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING SUPPORTWhen Gladstone Park Secondary College’s Maths teachers Catherine Howe-Nitz and Lan Leanne Phan started their one-on-one tutoring business in 2007, they probably didn’t expect to win an award just three years later. But that’s exactly what happened. Their Advanced Tutoring School (ATS) won the Telstra Micro-Business Victorian Award last July and was runner up in the national award.

ATS is now a well known tutoring and educational support company in Australia with plans to extend its branches to New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Both Lan and Catherine had been tutoring one-on-one for many years in the community and had vast experience in the tutoring industry. It was there, as well as in teaching, that they indentified

a great need in the community for parents wanting to give their children that extra tutoring support.

“We provide an individual learning plan where on the first lesson ATS assess’ the child for any educational gaps. We also ensure that all our tutors are screened and that they have all the government legislation checks required to work with children,” says Catherine.

Lan has been working at Gladstone Park Secondary College for over 10 years and teaches both Mathematics and Information Technology to year 12 students. “I have been tutoring for many years and believe that schools can provide the initial quality education students require, however, private tuition offers support and consolidation through special programs like the programs we run,” says Lan.

Catherine is Head of Mathematics at Gladstone Park Secondary College and teaches Mathematics to Year 12 students.

For more information on ATS visit www.atsonline.com.au or contact Catherine Howe-Nitz on 0413 880 895.

HELPING HANDS INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAYInternational Volunteer Day (IVD) is on Sunday 5 December and is the perfect time to say thank you to the many volunteers working in Hume. Such recognition lets volunteers know that others value and appreciate what they do. It provides a sense of accomplishment and inspires volunteers to continue volunteering.

Volunteers complement existing resources by bringing a wealth of skills and diversity to an organisation, while organisations provide volunteers opportunities such as skills development, confidence-building and community inclusion.

IVD is celebrated worldwide with thousands of volunteers involved in a range of IVD initiatives including clean-up campaigns, conferences, exhibitions, morning teas and many other activities all aimed to highlight the role of volunteers in their communities.

Visit www.volunteeringaustralia.org for more information about IVD and how you can thank your volunteers. To find out about the latest volunteering opportunities available via the Hume Volunteer Gateway service visit www.hume.vic.gov.au/volunteering.

For further information about volunteering, contact the Hume Volunteer Gateway team via email at gateway@hume.vic.gov.au or phone 9356 6999.

Pallavi Parameswaran’s StoryIED: What do you do as a volunteer? Pallavi: I currently volunteer with Hume City Council supporting the Hume Volunteer Gateway program. My day-to-day activities include conducting volunteer interviews; matching the volunteer’s interests and skill set with registered organisations; contacting registered volunteers and organisations; maintaining the volunteer database and supporting the administration of the Tax Help program.

IED: How has volunteering made a difference to you? Pallavi: I have gained a vast amount of knowledge since I am dealing with a diversity of people on daily basis. I also learnt how to multitask and how to prioritise my work.

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Lan Leanne Phan and Catherine Howe-Nitz.

Pallavi Parameswaran

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COMING SOON TO THE AGE LIBRARY THE INDEPENDENT TYPE

MERRI CREEK MANAGEMENT COMMITEE HAVE YOU BEEN OFF THE BEATEN TRACK LATELY?

The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria, is a new exhibition coming to The Age Library in Broadmeadows in December and is a celebration of Victoria’s rich and diverse written culture.

The exhibition traces Victoria’s literary evolution from traditional Indigenous storytelling through to colonial classics to the vibrant contemporary writing scene. This thread is interwoven with the grand narrative of Victoria’s history, and of the people and events that have made Melbourne marvellous.

It celebrates the work of award-winning contemporary authors such as Booker prize-winner Peter Carey, crime writer Peter Temple and young-adult novelist Sonya Hartnett, as well as non-fiction authors including Manning Clark and Germaine Greer. It also features important early writers such as Marcus Clarke and Henry Handel Richardson, and embraces literary ‘rascals’ like left-wing novelist Frank Hardy and controversies such as the notorious Ern Malley hoax.

Visitors will also find a display of rare

books, original manuscripts, documents, photographs, artworks and installations in the exhibition.

The Independent Type is curated by Steve Grimwade, associate director of the 2009 Melbourne Writers Festival.

The exhibition is on display at The Age Library from Saturday 18 December to Sunday 30 January 2011. For more information contact Wendy Byron, The Age Library coordinator via email wendyb@hume.vic.gov.au or phone 9356 6900.

Hume has many remarkable grasslands, valleys and waterways that are home to Indigenous plants and animals. However, for many reasons people often find it difficult to explore and discover nature close to home. The Catchment Programs Team at Merri Creek Management Committee (MCMC) is connecting people with natural areas, right here in the Hume City. How do they do this?

In the last year, MCMC enjoyed meeting people at workshops and conferences at the Hume Global Learning Centre

to learn about Hume’s community and leaders. They have worked with students from primary schools; those involved in Conservation and Land Management at NMIT and children attending the Vacation Program at Banksia Gardens Community Centre.

Currently MCMC is working with teachers at Gunung-Willam-Balluk Learning Centre to visit and explore the local area.

For MCMC, learning about indigenous biodiversity and getting a feel for local natural areas is great when you have

a guiding hand. Equally important is the wellbeing that open natural areas provide. They improve our sense of identity and help connect us in a proud way to the places we live in.

For more information on how to build partnerships with the Catchment Programs team at Merri Creek Management Committee and explore Hume together in the future, please contact Angela Foley at MCMC by email angela@mcmc.org.au or call 9380 8199.

Angela Foley, Jane Bevelander (MCMC), and children from Banksia Gardens Community Centre’s vacation program.

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CRAIGIEBURN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE A CHILDREN’S HUB

PLAYGROUPS IN HUME ENGAGING IN LEARNING AND PLAYING

The Craigieburn Child and Family Centre is an integrated children’s facility which will provide quality care, health and education for children from six weeks to six years of age and their families.

The new facility offers a holistic approach to supporting families and a range of services including long day care, preschool, maternal and child health and other family support and education services.

It will also allow for a range of complementary services to be available within the centre, such as supported playgroups, parenting groups or programs and a community space.

One of the building’s main and most interesting design features include a stormwater catchment area which will be used to water street trees. Recycled water will also be used for toilet flushing, irrigation and landscaping. Hume City Council is

currently working with Melbourne Zoo to develop the building’s central atriums as a potential reptile or insect exhibit, providing hands-on learning opportunities for the children of Craigieburn.

Hume City Council’s Maternal and Child Health Service is currently operating in the centre and a long day care service, with a capacity for 60 children, is expected to commence towards the end of this year. A preschool has been operating in the centre since March this year with additional preschool groups commencing early 2011.

Families can call Hume City Council on 9205 2200 for further information.

Above left: Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand, Masha and Nadia, and local MP Liz Beattie

Above Right: Masha Austin and Nadia LaRose Everett play in the atriums with animals from the Melbourne Zoo

Every week, 2500 children between the ages of 0 and 5 years attend one of the 25 playgroup sessions held across Hume. During the two-hour sessions, children and parents engage in learning and play in a relaxed environment.

“At playgroup children develop and increase their social skills with other children and adults, gain confidence, learn sharing, work on different activities and use their fine motor skills while having fun,” explains Linda Franco, playgroup development coordinator in Hume.

Linda helps playgroup leaders and

parents setting up playgroups in Hume. “We are able to help in a number of ways. We demonstrate activities to promote language and literacy, we provide play ideas for families and we also organise guest speakers on a range of subjects including nutrition and child development etc,” she says.

As Linda explains, there are many benefits for children and parents. Especially for new parents, who may feel isolated and have little family help. “It takes the pressure and stress off the parent and the child. At playgroup sessions, parents feel supported as everyone else is going through the same problems. They often say to each other

‘that’s exactly how I feel’.”

In Hume, playgroups are run by Neighbourhood Houses, Banksia Gardens Community Centre and Orana Family Services. Activities at playgroup are either free or low cost, and might include music and singing; art and craft activities and outings.

For more information on how to set up your own playgroup contact Linda Franco, playgroup development coordinator in Hume, via email linda.f@banksiagardens.org.au or phone 9309 8531. Visit www.hume.vic.gov.au to find a playgroup in Hume.

At playgroup children use their

fine motor skills while having fun.

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The winners of the 2010 Hume City Council Teachers’ Scholarships were announced in September at an Awards Ceremony held at the Hume Global Learning Centre in Broadmeadows. This year, an astounding 58 nominations were received across the six categories, with 23 teachers shortlisted to receive one of the $4000 scholarships.

The scholarships allow teachers to learn about new models, ideas and approaches to support learning, knowledge or skill development in Australia or overseas.

IED congratulates all the nominees and proudly presents the 2010 Hume City Council Teachers’ Scholarships winners.

Early Years Scholarship Catherine Russo Coolaroo South Kindergarten

Catherine Russo has over 25 years experience in teaching. She teaches at Coolaroo South Kindergarten and works closely with the Prep teachers at the Coolaroo South Primary School. Catherine ensures a quality transition program is provided for children and families of Coolaroo South. The program has resulted in the kindergarten children commencing school as confident learners and has facilitated a smooth and happy transition for children and their families. Catherine was nominated for her high levels of professional development which have ensured her programs reflect current ideology and practice within Australia and abroad. She has also contributed to developing a welcoming and stimulating program at the kindergarten which has led to a significant increase in enrolments.

IED: How did it feel to receive the scholarship? CR: Very overwhelming and quite an honour. The other nominees are very talented teachers and wonderful educators. I find it rewarding being recognised for the work I do.

IED: How do you intend to use the scholarship? CR: I will research Early Childhood Literacy Programs and initiatives that will improve outcomes for children. I’d also like to enhance my skills and knowledge in using information and communication technologies in the early years and integrate these into the kindergarten program. I want to present my findings through workshop presentations in Hume and mentoring early years staff members.

Primary School Teacher Scholarship Karen ter Haar Mount Ridley P-12 College

Karen ter Haar is the Director of Teaching and Learning for the Junior School at Mount Ridley P-12 College. Karen’s research skills and collaborative approach to learning encourages and supports her colleagues in the implementation of programs which engage students and meet the learning needs of each individual child. Karen has developed an Oral Language Program centred on play-based co-operative learning. The program has been successful and teachers are seeing benefits from it transferred into other areas of the curriculum, particularly writing and reading.

IED: How did it feel to receive the scholarship? KH: I felt overwhelmed. The other nominees were outstanding, and it is an honour to be among people doing amazing things. It is great to be recognised by the people I work with and the community as a whole.

2010 HUME CITY COUNCIL’S TEACHERS’ SCHOLARSHIPS

EVERYONE REMEMBERS A GOOD TEACHER

Catherine Russo Dane Calleja Fr Peter Monaghan Karen ter Haar Mehmet Tevfik Kerimoglu

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IED: How do you intend to use the scholarship? KH: I am currently participating in the Emerging Leaders program at Bastow Institute and this scholarship will allow me to undertake further study in the area of curriculum leadership. I’ll also be able to continue my research into oral language development.

Open Category Scholarship Mehmet Tevfik Kerimoglu Austurk Education and Cultural Foundation

Mehmet Tevfik Kerimoglu has been a lynchpin at the Austurk Education and Cultural Foundation since he began working there in 2006. He has been instrumental in obtaining support for a project bid to improve the numeracy and literacy skills of children in Hume. Students are now able to enjoy free maths classes taught by qualified teachers.

IED: How did it feel to receive the scholarship? MK: It is very nice to be acknowledged. An award like this makes us teachers become more enthusiastic and productive about our work. Receiving this scholarship makes us very proud of doing the work we’ve been doing. I accepted the award on behalf of my team.

IED: How do you intend to use the scholarship? MK: I want to attend an international conference in Turkey. I was invited to present at the conference and now I will be able to do it. It will be a great opportunity to meet all the Turkish language teaching experts, see what they are doing and apply this knowledge back here in Hume.

Graduate Scholarship Dane Calleja Kolbe Catholic College

Dane Calleja has been teaching at Kolbe Catholic College since early 2009. After only six months of full time teaching, Dane applied and was successful for the position of 2010 Curriculum Leader. The college is continually developing new curriculum documents, processes, reporting and assessment methods, and Dane has taken a lead role in assisting with these improvements. Dane has an ability to tap into student interests and student involvement when planning and teaching, and he creates a culture and environment of innovative and contemporary learning.

IED: How did it feel to receive the scholarship? DC: Teaching is my passion. Being recognised for something you love to do is just fantastic. I feel honoured.

IED: How do you intend to use the scholarship? DC: I want to fund a student and teacher project with Kolbe Catholic College’s sister school in Vietnam. I’d also like to invest the money in a graduate/pre-service teacher education and support network for those in the Hume region, using the resources and expertise of people in the region. Whatever I do, my students will be involved from the project’s planning through to its implementation.

Secondary School Teacher Scholarship Fr Peter Monaghan Salesian College

Salesian College’s Fr Peter Monaghan is another teacher with deep roots in the teaching world, as he is now in his 37th year in this profession. Several years ago, Peter identified an academic void at the senior levels of this school. As a result, he planned and

developed a Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning program at the College, providing students a viable option to VCE studies for students. He started with a small class of just three students and this has now grown to an enrolment of 35, and become a successful post-school pathways program. Peter is a great facilitator, encouraging students to source their own information and work towards their final goal. He also has strong community links, and has taken students to work with disadvantaged groups.

IED: How did it feel to receive the scholarship? PM: When you are in the day-to-day routine of education, you are not focussed on any rewards other than seeing your students become better young people because of your efforts. To be recognised by your peers and awarded with a scholarship comes as a pleasant bonus.

IED: How do you intend to use the scholarship? PM: I’d like to use the scholarship money to put towards future learning programs that involve our students in assisting those students who are less fortunate in remote Aboriginal communities within Australia, and in Cambodia. We want our young Hume residents to be caring, empathetic and thoughtful citizens of the world, who put the needs of others ahead of their own.

Outstanding Team Scholarship School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Team Holy Child Primary School

The School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) team from Holy Child Primary School is responsible for determining areas of need in the school community concerning student behaviour. They have developed the mantra of ‘Safe, Happy and Ready to Learn’ which has had an enormous impact on student’s engagement in the program and a focus on positive behaviour at all times. All areas of the school are represented within this team, which ensures a whole of school involvement in the program. The team have developed templates for staff to use and have promoted the program widely throughout the school.

IED: How did it feel to receive the scholarship? SPBS: We are very grateful for the recognition of the whole team’s work. Of course we wouldn’t be able to implement this program without the support of our school’s staff and students. This is a relatively new program that was embraced by everyone within our school community since day one of its implementation.

IED: How do you intend to use the scholarship? SPBS: We intend to use the scholarship money to further our team’s professional development. We also want to heighten the awareness of SWPBS in the community. We’ll try to achieve this by extending our partnership with other schools such as St Dominic in Broadmeadows and Corpus Christi in Glenroy. We’ll also provide translations of our program’s pamphlets in different languages and organise parenting education sessions to help parents to promote positive behaviour at home and school.

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HGLV ANNUAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE MOVING LIFELONG LEARNING FORWARD IN HUMEPartnerships in creativity and innovation: moving lifelong learning forward in Hume was the theme of the 2010 Hume Global Learning Village (HGLV) annual research conference held in August. All discussion panels and presentations were focused on lifelong learning in the Hume context. The topics ranged from using arts as a tool for community building, to the future of higher education in Hume, research findings, successful case studies and capacity building programs. Here you will find IED’s summary of the 2010 HGLV Annual Research Conference’s most inspiring sessions.

Listen to the 2010 HGLV Annual Research Conference highlights online. Visit www.hume.vic.gov.au and click on Hume Global Learning Village in the top right side bar of the page and then Research Conference and Forums.

The Artful Human: Creativity and Lifelong Learning Keynote speaker Tania de Jong AM, Founder Creativity Australia and Creative Universe, opened the conference with her presentation, The Artful Human. The presentation looked at ways of overcoming barriers to creativity and innovation. Tania said that one of the greatest challenges we face today is overcoming the barriers to stimulating creativity and innovation. We need to constantly create opportunities to connect with one another in new and meaningful ways. Creative participation offers important tools to teach people how to think and therefore act differently.

This is what’s important to me Hannah Francis, community facilitator for the Communities for Children (CfC) initiative at Broadmeadows Uniting Care and Colleen Turner, project manager for CfC, developed a community plan to improve outcomes for young children and their families. At the end of 2009,

CfC consulted with 65 children aged between 6 and 12 years old in the Broadmeadows area. Children were given disposable cameras to take pictures of things that were important to them. This method, called ‘Photovoice’, generated ideas from children about what they wanted from their neighbourhood.

Lifelong Learning: Supporting the Brave Dr Cynthia Mackenzie is the research officer at Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre. Spectrum Education and Training (SET) is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider which specialises in services for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. SET has assisted migrants over the age of 50 with overcoming challenges, including embracing lifelong learning as the portal to employment. Her presentation concentrated on the migrants’ experiences in learning in an unfamiliar context and provided an insight into the strategies used to enable positive learning that draws from the students’ diverse backgrounds as tools in lifelong learning.

Future possibilities for tertiary learning in Hume Professor Bruce Wilson is director of the European Union centre at RMIT and David Campbell was until recently

executive director of the office of knowledge capital at the City of Melbourne. In this presentation David talked about the pathways for tertiary learning in Hume. The northern corridor has been served well by Kangan Institute for many years. However, there continues to be significant challenges both in engaging many prospective students and not only those in schools but in other forms of tertiary learning, and in ensuring that businesses in the region have access to employees with appropriate knowledge and skills.

Figuring out the Framework (Early Years) Eileen Buckley is the family day care manager at Brotherhood of St Laurence. Figuring out the Framework has been developed in response to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development framework. Eileen’s role covers the outer urban areas of the existing framework scheme and its expansion and development in the City of Melbourne and City of Yarra. The framework scheme, alongside other State-based regulations can be quite daunting and challenging to understand. Her presentation aimed to make sure that the information about the framework is communicated in an accessible way, while maintaining the integrity of the framework.

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MEADOW HEIGHTS LEARNING SHOP MULTIFAITH CELEBRATIONSAn inspiring partnership has been formed between Meadow Heights Learning Shop, Roxburgh Park Homestead Community and Learning Centre, Dallas Neighbourhood House and the Tullamarine Community House.

After securing funding from the Victorian Multicultural Commission, these community organisations are helping each other in the celebration of four multifaith events.

There are three celebrations (see box

below for dates and events details) that started off with the Diwali (Hindu) celebration in October. The upcoming Christmas (Christian) and Bodhi (Buddhist) celebrations will be held in December 2010 and the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year celebration in February 2011.

“The events are held in different venues because we want to break down the cultural and religious barriers. People can go to different centres and see what’s happening at other places and in other neighbourhoods,” said Lisa

Sun, Meadow Heights Learning Shop community and business development officer and one of the events’ organisers.

The celebrations also have an important learning component. Participants from the neighbourhood houses, Hume residents, community members and faith groups will be hosting the events. “In hosting the events and activities the participants not only learn how to profile their faiths, but also gain a range of new skills. These include planning, organising, researching and implementing a community event aims to be engaging,” says Lisa.

Participants celebrate the Eid Festival at Roxburgh Park Homestead Community and Learning Centre

RECIPE CLUB HEALTHY LIFESTYLEThe Recipe Club offers practical demonstrations of recipes, tastings and workshops with guest speakers on various health topics, including ‘Food as Medicine’ and ‘What’s your Health Age?’ The club meets on the first Monday of each month, 7pm, at the Tullamarine Community House (S.F. Hedger Reserve, Carol Grove, Tullamarine). Men and women of all ages are welcome and sessions are free of charge. Donations are appreciated to help cover costs. For more information visit www.tullamarinehouse.bigpondhosting.com or call 9338 9072.

Bodhi Celebration Wednesday 8 December 2010 1.30 – 3.30pm Tullamarine Community House www.tullamarinehouse.bigpondhosting.com 30 Carol Grove, Tullamarine Ph 9338 9072

Christmas Celebration Wednesday 8 December 2010 12.30 – 1.30pm Roxburgh Park Homestead Community and Learning Centre www.hume.vic.gov.au (click on Hume Global Learning Village) 30 Whiltshire Drive, Roxburgh Park Ph 9205 2760

Chinese and Vietnamese New Year Wednesday 2 February 2011 12.30 – 2.30pm Meadow Heights Learning Shop www.mhls.com.au 3-13 Hudson Circuit, Meadow Heights Ph 9301 9200

For more information contact Lisa Sun, Meadow Heights Learning Shop’s community and business development officer, via email comda@mhls.com.au or phone 9301 9200.

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BROADY EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

At Origin Training Solutions, in a warehouse in Somerton, 50 Year 11 and 12 students from secondary schools across the northern suburbs undertake school-based apprenticeships. They are paid for the hands-on work they do and they receive on-the-job training to complete Certificate III Transport and Logistics, in either Warehouse and Storage or Logistics Operations. The apprentices are provided with a uniform and any personal protective equipment they need for the work they do.

The apprentices receive and store stock, do stock takes, prepare orders and learn to operate a forklift. Once they turn 18 they can be tested on site for their forklift licence by qualified assessors.

Those undertaking the administration stream develop skills in general office duties; such as reception, developing and processing documents, filing and collating resource materials.

“The program enables young people to undertake workplace training and paid work while still at school. This means that they are work-ready by the time they leave school and have developed a lot of transferable skills to take into any industry. They have an understanding that learning is indeed ‘lifelong’ as they will be encouraged and expected to undertake training once in the workforce,” says Diane de Kretser, Origin Somerton branch manager.

Upon completion of their training, which

usually takes around 12 months, many of these young people decide to pursue a career in logistics, where there are many exciting opportunities. If they choose other industries, they have a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience which will be transferable into any field.

A number of apprentices have been successful in obtaining a Cadetship in Logistics, which includes a two year contract with large logistics company and block release at TAFE to achieve a Diploma in Logistics.

For more information on school-based apprenticeships with Origin Training Solutions, or to organise a tour of the training warehouse, contact Diane de Kretser on 9305 4509.

BEAT (Broady Employment and Training) outreach service is just one of the many projects that has been created through the Broadmeadows Neighbourhood Renewal initiative.

The service has been set up to assist Broadmeadows residents in choosing a career, finding job vacancies, touching up resumes and application letters, preparing for job interviews and sourcing training courses offered by Neighbourhood Houses and TAFE’s. It also provides one-on-one advice about overcoming barriers to employment. Residents have access to facilities such as computers, the internet, phones and printers for their job searching needs.

Many agencies within the Hume area are committed to providing their assistance by sending a representative along to BEAT to offer their expert knowledge

and advice to the BEAT job seekers. These include Spectrum Education and Training, WorkForce Plus, CVGT Employment and Training, Job Prospects, Youth Projects and MatchWorks.

Over the years, BEAT has assisted many individuals from various multicultural backgrounds ranging from youth, parents, mature age and retrenched workers. It is a free service and it operates every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm at the Broadmeadows Community Neighbourhood Renewal Hub (9 Olsen Place, Broadmeadows).

For further information on BEAT contact Silvia Sidzimovska, employment and learning officer on 9205 2200.

WORKPLACE TRAINING PAID EMPLOYMENT WHILE AT SCHOOL

Thamara Rathnayaka has access to resources to assist in her search for work.

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ROXBURGH COLLEGE AND RMIT NO BARRIERS TO UNI

BROADMEADOWS VALLEY SCHOOL IMPROVING STUDENTS OUTCOMES

A successful partnership between Roxburgh College and RMIT University is giving Year 12 students a special entry access to start university and TAFE courses at RMIT.

The SNAP (Schools Network Access Program) was launched by RMIT in 2001 to increase the participation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds in higher education.

As Neil Laws, Roxburgh College’s Careers VET and Pathways coordinator explains, SNAP works with groups of students that are under-represented in the university population. “They are under-represented not because of their academic performance but because of financial constraints or lack of a parental role-model. Sometimes they are the first child within their family to go to university or they are not informed of all the learning pathways they can choose from.”

“My role is to ask my students: ‘Have you thought about that?’

We are trying to broaden their horizons, showing them that there are multiple pathways through TAFE, university, training courses,” he says.

Over 3,500 students have come to RMIT via the SNAP entry route since 2001. In 2010, RMIT expanded the SNAP scheme within the north and west of metropolitan Melbourne, and the south eastern corridor of Melbourne.

“In 2010 the majority of secondary schools in Hume City are SNAP schools,” says Milly Fels, manager of Student Equity and Diversity at RMIT. “For many of the students who study at RMIT a ‘SNAP offer’ means entry into the course or discipline area they are passionate about, but more significantly, it means entry where the students would not have received offers that are just based on their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score.”

Students and staff at Broadmeadows Valley Primary School are settling in, in no time, to their brand new facilities on Dimboola Road. The expectations about the new school have been high but with the feedback received from students and school community they already have been met. “The children are very happy and they deserve every bit of it’,” says principal Andrew Jones.

Students and staff at Broadmeadows Valley Primary School work within a very different learning space. These ‘flexible’ learning spaces are self-contained in different buildings for each year level and age group. They are also referred to as ‘Learning Neighbourhoods’. “We are developing world class education and improving student outcomes in Broadmeadows,” he says.

Students are grouped according to their learning needs, they work in open, communal spaces, and are divided into small groups, but they are also offered discreet and individualised learning spaces when needed. There are no classrooms or corridors.

“We are addressing their learning needs individually under a stimulating new curriculum. Teachers spend at least three hours per week monitoring student’ progress and planning what will happen next,” says Andrew, who has already received guest visitors from China, South Australia and other primary schools in Victoria. “It is a modern contemporary setting that empowers and gives autonomy to students and teachers,” says Andrew.

Broadmeadows Valley Primary School is the result of a merger of four schools in Broadmeadows: Broadmeadows West, Westmeadows Heights, Meadow Fair North and Jacana primary schools. The new school intends to enrol up to 450 students in 2011.

The school is co-located with the Hume Central Secondary College Years 7-10 Junior Campus. The early learning centre attached to it is under construction and expected to open mid-2011.

For more information about the new Broadmeadows Valley Primary School, visit www.bvps.vic.edu.au or contact Principal Andrew Jones via email jones.andrew.a@edumail.vic.gov.au or phone 9309 4066.

Neil Laws: “We want the students to finish their course, we want them to get a qualification and minimise university drop out.

Broadmeadows Valley Primary School’s principal Andrew Jones.

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10 QUESTIONS

ELAYNE WHATMAN SECRETARY, BROADMEADOWS HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC.

1. Which school did you go to? During World War II, I attended Bell State School. In 1947 I transferred to Tyler Street State School in Preston when the family moved to that area. On leaving there I attended Fitzroy Girls Domestic Arts School in Bell Street Fitzroy.

2. When you were a student what you wanted to be? I wanted to be an airline hostess but I was half an inch too tall. I was disappointed, but there was nothing I could do about it. By this time I had learnt shorthand and typing so at least I had something to fall back on. Unfortunately, the shorthand ‘got lost’ many years ago.

3. What did you end up doing? I worked for Carlton and United Breweries (C.U.B.) for a number of years and after marrying, having children and waiting until the youngest was school age before returning to the workforce, I became a State public servant and remained such until I retired in 1993.

4. What is your earliest memory of Broadmeadows? For many years Broadmeadows was just another Melbourne suburb for me. I arrived in Broadmeadows in 1995 and was struck by the friendliness of the people. I used to love going to the old Meadow Fair Shopping Centre where they had the large digital clock or as the locals called it ‘The Keno Clock’. At that time I knew absolutely nothing about the history of Broadmeadows. It was a couple of years later when I managed to obtain a copy of the book, Broadmeadows – A Forgotten History and that I was surprised as to exactly how interesting Broadmeadows’ past really was.

5. What’s the best part about working at the Broadmeadows Historical Society and Museum? Learning even more about the wonderful history of the suburb I am not only proud of but proud to call my home. I now have the opportunity of letting adults, children and visitors

know about this wonderful area and the history that makes Broadmeadows what it is today. They can discover many interesting pieces of history for themselves as they walk around the museum.

6. What is your favourite part of Broadmeadows’ history? The first is having the opportunity to actually learn the

history of Broadmeadows. The second is being able to tell others about it. Earlier this year when a particular primary school visited the museum

I asked if someone could tell me the name of an explorer. A little hand in the front row shot up like a bolt

of lightning with the answer ‘Dora the Explorer’. There was no way I could tell that child I had actually meant an Australian explorer, but with that answer this child so richly deserved the prize. These are the moments that make my association with the Broadmeadows Historical Society, its museum and its history my favourites.

7. When you talk to other people about our suburb what is the first thing they ask you? ‘Broadmeadows has got a history?’ That is the opening for me to speak about the history of Broadmeadows. I have managed to remember many historical points so I am able to speak for one or two minutes, which is enough time for most people. I also invite them to come along and visit the Broadmeadows Historical Museum and see the pictures, photos, memorabilia and read some of the information about the history of Broadmeadows.

8. Who was John Kingshott? John Kingshott was a blacksmith in Westmeadows, who, during summer when he shod horses decided it was one shoe then over the road to the Broadmeadows pub for a pot, then back to do the second shoe and so on. Heaven help the last horse of the day.

9. What is your favourite spot in Broadmeadows? I have three: the Broadmeadows Historical Museum, the Broadmeadows Remembrance Memorial and Will Will Rook Pioneer Cemetery.

10. Tell us a secret about Broadmeadows. Can you imagine the Broadmeadows-Campbellfield Road (now known as Camp Road) not only being a private road but a toll road? The toll gates were at what is now the grass verge at the side of the rail line on the Pascoe Vale Road side.

John Kingshott’s shop

The Broadmeadows Hotel in the early 1900’s

The Broadmeadows police lock-up dates from 1859

SUNBURY U3A WELCOMING NEW MEMBERSSunbury University of the Third Age (U3A) is offering its members a range of learning and social activities. These include games such as Bridge and Scrabble, language classes such as French conversation and computer classes (Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Emailing). Participants can even learn how to play Mahjong, learn how to research their family history in the Genealogy meetings and lots more.

“We are inviting all retired or semi-retired members in our community and surrounding districts to attend

our sessions or come to one of our social outings provided for them by our voluntary tutors and helpers,” says Dorothy Lee, Sunbury U3A secretary and course coordinator.

As Dorothy explains, joining Sunbury U3A is easy. “You can just turn up at an activity that you are interested in and introduce yourself to the tutor. You can attend the first session on a trial basis, and if you feel that you would enjoy working with the group, you can sign up.”

On becoming a member, a person

may find they have some expertise in a subject that could interest other members. They are then invited to tutor a course and help Sunbury U3A offer new activities for its members.

For more information visit www.vicnet.net.au/~sunu3 or contact Dorothy Lee, Sunbury U3A, via email dotlee@iprimus.com.au or phone 9740 1157. Annual subscription fees are $30 per person and $15 per annum for associated members. Members can attend as many activities as they wish.

A PREPARATION COURSE ROAD TO IELTSThe Road to IELTS (International English Language Testing System) online program is now available at Hume Libraries. IELTS is the world’s leading test of English for higher education, immigration and employment.

The Road to IELTS includes 120 hours of intensive work, helping you to develop your skills to the levels necessary to succeed in the IELTS exam. The program supports both the Academic and General syllabi, organised in accordance with how they appear in the IELTS exams. Each module contains 12 units based on

commonly used IELTS topics, and covers reading, writing, listening and speaking.

For more information visit the Hume Libraries website www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au and click on Online Library. Search for IELTS via the ‘view by subject’ option.

THE AGE LIBRARY HOMEWORK HELP Homework Help @ The Age Library is a program where secondary school students get assistance with homework and study.

The program has been running for two months, and students from Years 7 to 12 have been receiving assistance from our volenteer tutors in subjects ranging from Year 7 English to Year 11 Science. The program runs from 4pm to 6pm every Wednesday during school terms in The Lounge at The Age Library.

For more information about the program contact Emma Phillips, Hume Libraries youth engagement officer via email on emmap@hume.vic.gov.au or call 9356 6900.

The Age Library’s Practice English Group.

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FREE SESSIONS PRACTICE ENGLISH GROUPS Practice English Groups (PEG) are now being run at The Age Library in Broadmeadows and Craigieburn Library. Run by your local librarian, you can enhance your English speaking skills in informal and interactive group sessions with other beginners. These free sessions are ideal for those who have started to learn English.

The sessions are held every second Monday of every month at the Craigieburn Library, from 10am to 12pm. At The Age Library, the sessions are held every second Tuesday from 12noon to 2pm.

For more information visit the: Craigieburn Library (59 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn, 9356 6980) or The Age Library (1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows, 9356 6900).

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HUME LIBRARIES www.humelibraries.vic.gov.auThe Age Library The Hume Global Learning Centre 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows 3047 Phone 03 9356 6900

Craigieburn Library 59 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn 3064 Phone 03 9356 6980

Gladstone Park Community Library Taylor Drive, Gladstone Park 3043 Phone 03 9356 6990

Sunbury Library 44 Macedon Street, Subury 3429 Phone 03 9356 6970

Tullamarine Library 58 Spring Street, Tullamarine 3043 Phone 03 9356 6966

Hume Global Learning Centre Hume City Council 1093 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows VIC 3047 Phone +61 3 9356 6999 Fax +61 3 9356 6935 Email globallearning@hume.vic.gov.au www.humegloballearning.vic.gov.au

The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views or opinions shared by the Hume Global Learning Village and Hume City Council.

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ONLINE CATALOGUE A VIRTUAL SHELFA new feature has been added to the Hume Libraries online catalogue called Virtual Shelf Browser.

This feature can be found when you search for an item and click on a particular book. Details of the book will appear, scroll down further and you will see the virtual shelf browser showing you a screen of other books that can be found on the shelf near the book you have chosen. The virtual shelf will show you only books of a similar nature which you may be interested in reading. You’ll also be able to see the books cover and details just by hitting the ‘Full Screen’ button.

Visit www.catalogue.humelibraries.vic.gov.au/#focus and have a go at using this exciting new feature.

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Hume Libraries’ have 84,386 members.

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The number of items (books, newspapers, magazines, DVDs, audio books etc) in the Hume Libraries’ collection is 226,248.

3

The number of annual loans is 1,421,381.

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The number of people that visit the Hume Libraries’ branches is 598,982.

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The number of customers per library branch is: The Age Library - 39,819 Craigieburn Library - 12,043 Gladstone Park Community Library - 4,872 Hume Mobile Library - 5,114 Sunbury Library - 20,545 Tullamarine Library - 1,826

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The number of books read at storytime sessions is 588.

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Various languages are spoken at Bilingual Storytime sessions including Arabic, Assyrian-Caldean, Turkish, Vietnamese, Hindi and Sinhalese.

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The number of children attending storytime sessions is 15,862.

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The number of parents and guardians attending storytime sessions is 4,606.

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The number of learning activities and participants (adults only) is 196 activities with 17,199 participants.

(*Financial Year 2009/10)

10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOWABOUT HUME LIBRARIES*