Health
Year 10 Excursion
On 5 - 6 September two year 10 groups ventured into the Melbourne CBD to complete an excursion centred on youth issues.
During health classes year 10 students have been exploring the lives of young Australians and developing an understanding of their aspirations, concerns and ambitions for the future.
This excursion introduced students to the work that the Salvation Army does with disadvantaged and/or homeless youth. Students spent time inside the Salvos Schools Education Centre, focusing on understanding youth homelessness by completing different activities, group discussions and viewing videos.
Students then completed a walking tour of the CBD, visiting locations where young people have slept rough. Throughout the walk the Salvos shared real-life stories that prompted consideration of the reality of homelessness for school age people. Aligning with our current classwork, this session both challenged our preconceptions and increased our knowledge and empathy for those experiencing difficult times.
Students and staff were then briefed on the work the Salvation Army does to support young people in need. For example:
- The Lighthouse Café, a welcoming community café providing free breakfast, lunch, dinner and support to people from all walks of life. The Café sees a range of different people access the service, including those who suffer both mental health and general health issues, homelessness, live in boarding and rooming houses, asylum seekers and even international students. The Café is open to everyone and is there to provide support and a sense of community to anyone in need.
- The Marketplace service, also known as Emergency Relief, provides practical and limited financial assistance in a compassionate and confidential manner. It offers a selection of food, clothing, and other necessities to people who are disadvantaged or homeless.
Money raised from our recent Wellfest fundraising campaign has been donated to this organisation and it was great to see firsthand the services provided.
Following this session, students visited a range of interesting services including Victorian Legal Aid, Family Planning Victoria and Frontyard Youth Services.
Ms Laura O’Reilly
Health teacher