Pathways 

Update

Kingswood Formal 

Look at these fabulous Year 11 and 12 Kingswood College girls Denise, Nickiesha, Lesharnie, Pauline and Rumarlea - all dressed beautifully for their formal, with thanks to Mecca for their makeup!  

A school formal is a big occasion, it is a time to celebrate success, and it is something that students look forward to every year as a chance to socialise with friends. 

Firbank catch -ups 

Keeping connected is so important and MITS 2023 alumni Jodie caught up with PJ and Sally from Firbank Grammar School (her alma mater) just before she flew home to the Tiwi Islands in late June. Jodie is looking to do some electrical work on the islands, thanks to her several months of experience doing this with Appselec in Melbourne. 

Work Experience 

They say Location, location, location is the most important factor in Real Estate and Ella found this rang true during her work experience week with Jellis Craig.  Courageous Ella and a fellow MLC student were able to glimpse into life as a real estate agent and property manager and understand how those roles ensure clients receive the best possible advice and expertise.  

Keira exemplified the MITS value of Care during her amazing week at Southpaws Specialty and Emergency Referral Hospital in Malvern caring for creatures of all shapes and sizes.  Keira was able to observe surgery, medical imaging, and work closely with the team to support animals that required care. Keira plans to pursue a career in Veterinary Nursing and has previously worked with MITS co-founder Liz Tudor in the NT.   We thank Peter and the entire team at Southpaws for providing this opportunity for Keira. 

Out and About 

St Kilda Festival 

Kendyn from St Kevin’s attended the St Kilda Festival with his Host family and ran into his old music teacher from Maningrida! 

Dreamtime at the G – May 25th 

“See the Bombers fly up...” echoed through the MCG at the conclusion of this years Dreamtime at the G match.  Essendon were too strong for Richmond this year and the event was made even more special as St Kevin’s students, Kendyn, Adam, Antonio, Marley and Bruce caught up with some role models and Icons of Australia at the match.  What an absolute privilege to be in their presence!  

State of Origin 

The fellas loved the NSW Blues getting up over Queensland in game two of State of Origin 2024.  The 90,000 fans made the atmosphere electric, and the pace of the game was frantic, and for Blues fan Ricky seeing his team win was the “best day of my life.”  Jacob was able to smile even though his team lost, and Gerard and Dwayne were rapt with the result!  

Boarding House Activities 

In late July we were lucky enough to have Russellina Puruntatameri join us to run an art workshop for the Alumni girls. Russy spoke to the girls about the designs she uses - sharing some Tiwi symbols - and talked about her recent work designing the Essendon jumper for the Sir Doug Nicholls round in the AFL. She was joined by sister Cassie, who brought along some ochre from Tiwi (where they’re from) and talked through the process of getting the ochre from the rocks and incorporating it into their art and painting for Ceremony.   Thanks @headspace_hawthorn and @headspacecollingwood as collaborators, for funding the activity.  

Swisse visit – healthy Slushies and Bliss Balls 

They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach! Swisse have visited MITS regularly to support healthy eating choices, and engaging with students to exploring careers and roles within the health industry.  

They’ve been amazing engaging with Years 7 through 12 students. One of the favourite activities creating healthy slushies and bliss balls.  These were so messy but very delicious and delivered lots of good energy! 

Below are Jodie, Shaylen, Satira, Curtis and Ricky cooking up a storm.

Wellbeing 

There’s something about music that can fill us with emotion, from happiness all the way through to sadness. Music helps us connect with ourselves, our environment, our past, and our future.  In MITS we are lucky to have staff and students that share a passion for music.  Many of the fellas at 364 Church Street boarding house love to sing, play drums, and play the guitar.  

Tom and Derek have been learning some new songs lately and it’s been a privilege to hear them play and sing (Derek’s voice is so good!) 

Masterchef at MITS 

They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and each Saturday evening of Term 3 is dedicated to cooking where a keen group of 4 MITS fellas plan a meal for their peers.  The first meal this term was steak, with grilled veggies and rice prepared by Sam, Derek, Jacob and Zaya. The second meal prepared and demolished by the fellas were burgers and chicken skewers.  

Masterchef is not only a part of building skills for life but also reconnecting with home and family through preparing meals, checking ingredients with family members and having fun. Preparing, eating and sharing a meal has always been one of the best ways for people to bond together. 

Thanks to Kat who supervises and supports our budding young chefs! 

Development opportunities 

The Kennards Hire Foundation have been an amazing supporter of MITS for over five years and in May MITS CEO Ed Tudor was invited to speak at their national conference on the Gold Coast.  Year 12 students Bruce and Sam were selected to represent MITS students and share their experiences of life at home and in Melbourne. 

Standing in front of a room full of strangers can be intimidating but with the support of the entire MITS mob in Melbourne they gave heartfelt speeches about their connection to Country, to family, the challenges they have encountered, and what and importantly ‘who’ has contributed to their successes.   

Following on from the conference there is an opportunity for Sam and Bruce to undertake work experience in Sydney later in the year.  Thanks must go to Kennards Hire Foundation for this opportunity and their continued support.  Congratulations to Bruce and Sam for representing themselves and MITS so admirably. 

MITS Grads – life after MITS 

One of our previous volunteer’s and Kingswood support, Jackie Benton, recently visited Arnhem Land and  caught up with a few of the MITS students she’d worked with over the years. It was a fabulous trip in stunning country and wonderful to meet with old friends. 

Jackie and her husband had a few days with Penny while she was in Yirrkala (currently studying in Sydney), Charmaine in Ramingining (she is working for the council in Aged Care), and saw Naomi at the footy too.