VCE VM update

VCE VM update: Chesterfield Farm, Community Leadership with the Year 8's and Understanding Homelessness

Please enjoy our VCE VM update where our students have optimised their abilities to connect with the local and broader community, embracing applied learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom.

11VM Chesterfield Farm Work Experience

Andre, Luca, Jack, Jono, Harvey, Tate, Xavier, Anthony, Mr Malcolm, Mr Raulin and Mr Woods went on the bus to Chesterfield field on Monday 24/06/2024 to learn what its like to be a farmer and to work with animals. Thanks to Mr Raulin and Mr Woods for driving the bus and to Chesterfield Farm for teaching us.

Andre:  We learnt about how much milk a cow can hold and that the record for milking is 120 litres in 24 hours

Luca:  We learnt how you can’t drink raw cows milk because it can cause poisoning

Jack:  Highlights were milking the cows and going around to feed all the animals because we got to see how some of the different animals had to eat different foods

Jono:  It was good because we got to learn how to take care of different animals and what they need and what’s required to keep their pens clean. It was work experience so we know whether or not we want to go into that field of work

Harvey: We had learnt that raw milk can carry dangerous germs such as salmonella and other types of pathogens and that's why it needs to be boiled before consumption.  A highlight at the Chesterfield Farm trip is when the camel had got spooked by the birds and ran away and one of the camels had slipped over. It was good because we got to see heaps of cute animals and got to experience what it's like to be on a farm, and work on a farm

Tate: I liked the animals. The birds and the guinea pigs were ok. I learnt that it’s hard to look after so many animals in the same place and it was nice to ride the tractor

Xavier:  We learnt how to drench sheep by holding their heads and putting medicine in their mouth. It was fun and we got life skills for on the farm

Anthony:  We learnt that having milk straight from the cow can make you sick. I liked feeding the camels because they looked funny when they were eating. It was good because it was fun to get out and do stuff and we learnt about farming.

Big Issue Excursion

Student comments from their recent excursion to The Big Issue Head Office:

Daniel:

It was good because they made us aware about homelessness and how drugs and alcohol can be a reason that you could end up homeless. They taught us that you need to be responsible when drinking alcohol. They also taught us that its ok to get help if you really need it

Dylan:

We learnt a lot more about the homeless and what they go through and how they might have got into their position. I got sat out because I was too tall in an activity. The activity taught us that about negative stuff that marginalised people can go through and how it affects you

Xavier:

The excursion was good because the guy talked about his experience. It was helpful for us to not make the same mistakes as he did and that it’s always ok to ask others for help. We also got to catch a train with friends into the city. I hadn’t been to the city in a while so it was good to see everything again

Tate:

It was informative about homeless people. I enjoyed that after the thing I got to see a lot of trains and stuff. I saw a whole bunch of freight, passenger and even a heritage train.

Isaiah:

They got us involved with activities. It was involved and engaging. They taught us that you can’t control some of the situations that you are put in

Jack:

I learned about the statistics and reasons behind homelessness in Melbourne. I also enjoyed learning about past experiences and how drug abuse and addictions can lead people down a path of homelessness. We used the skills of listening and problem solving

Jacob:

I learned more about homelessness. We caught the train to Flinders Street Station and then we walked to the Big Issue. Afterwards, we had lunch

Jess:

The Big Issue excursion was such an eye opener when it comes to life. It made me realise how much life can change within a blink of an eye. When James was talking it made me gain so much empathy for not just him but other people and their life situations

Ben:

The experience of seeing a different point of life was good because it opens your eyes up about how people don’t choose what they’re brought up in. After the excursion, it was good to have a day with everyone where we could bond and become closer friends

Cooper

It was informative about homeless and drugs and alcohol. I learnt not to do it and to always ask for help. I enjoyed the interactive part because my team won. That activity taught us that life is unfair and that there are disadvantages for people. 

VCE VM students leading Year 8 students in a Spreading Kindness activity as part of National Week of Action Against Bullying