Macleod College Newsletter

I CAN Network Leadership Program

Coming in Term 3

I CAN Network Leadership Program is coming in Term 3!

 

Macleod College will commence offering a Leadership Program delivered by the I CAN Network in Term 3. The I CAN Network (https://icannetwork.online/) is a wonderful organisation that provides a range of resources for Autistic people. Since 2014, I CAN mentors have worked with Autistic students at schools across Victoria and Queensland. The program has contributed to the improvement of self-acceptance, belonging, optimism and confidence.

 

Macleod College have engaged I CAN to run Autistic led mentoring sessions, 1 hour weekly for 8 weeks during Term 3 for students who have a diagnosis of Autism or have Autistic qualities in Year 7 to Year 10.

 

Mentoring sessions cover topics such as:

 

Teamwork:  Builds a sense of belonging and connection among participants.

Personal Motivations/Strengths:  Goal setting and maintaining a positive outlook.

Saying I CAN:  Motivational storytelling:  Your story.  Mentor stories.  Our stories.

Communication:  Listening, networking and public speaking skills.

Planning and Organising:  Learning how to create a project.

End of Program Event:  Creating a project that exposes the ‘awe’ in AWEtism.

 

 

 

Who is eligible to be part of the program?

  • The program is available to those students who have an Autism diagnosis, or demonstrate some Autistic qualities, who are in Year 7 - 10.
  • There are limited places available for this program (16 maximum). As there are many more students who identify as Autistic at Macleod College,  we will be accepting students on a first come, first served basis. So get in quick!
  • Once your child has been accepted into the program, you will receive an email with a link to a Registration form that needs to be completed prior to commencement. 

 

Information Session for parents and carers 

21 June 2022

6.30pm - 7.30pm via zoom

Zoom Meeting link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85271693556

 

Regardless of whether your child participates in the Leadership Program, all parents are invited to a talk given by Chris Varney, the Chief Enabling Officer of the I CAN Network on 21/6/22 via zoom (online). Chris will talk about the Leadership Program and his journey. He is an inspiring figure and fabulous speaker, and I really hope you’re able to attend.

 

Following Chris’s talk, parents will be offered the opportunity to chat and share ideas. If they are willing, parents would be welcome to share some of their experiences, ideas or resources with the group. Macleod College has many students with a diagnosis of autism, or with autistic qualities, and for some parents, the journey of guiding and supporting their child through school can be challenging. Possible topics to explore include:

  • Useful resources
  • Specific challenges and strategies that can help
  • Best ways of working with schools
  • NDIS
  • The Awetism Expo

 

A recording and slides will be sent out after the event (in case you can't make it) and will contain details on how to register 

OR Fill out an expression of interest form now: https://forms.gle/fsC9Hy5vFt42nNKj8

 

If you need more information or have questions, please contact:

Andrea Simpson 

(Mental Health Practitioner) via email andrea.simpson@education.vic.gov.au