Student Incursions

Homelessness Talk

As part of our focus on homelessness this term, we welcomed Lena from Bread Hub VIC, who spoke to staff and students about the growing need for services like theirs, especially as the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise each year. 

Bread Hub Vic primarily focuses on providing meals to those sleeping rough and distributing fresh food through pantries, many of which are maintained in collaboration with other community groups. 

At the end of Lena’s talk, several students and staff were inspired to start a conversation about opening a food pantry in our local area to support those in need.

- Meg

Victoria Police - Safety Online

Wendy from the Mill Park Police came in to talk to our students about using the internet safely and respectfully, focusing on sexual content. Videos were shown highlighting the potential impact of sharing illicit content without consent and how it can affect a young person’s life. 

The students were asked to consider their choices and act in a way that is considerate of others. The potential penalties for doing the wrong thing in these scenarios were also detailed.

- Josh Kayll

PAT CRONIN Foundation

Plenty River College students had the opportunity to attend a presentation by the Pat Cronin Foundation; an organisation committed to ending the “coward punch” and promoting respectful, non-violent behaviour. The presentation shared the moving story of Pat Cronin, a 19-year-old who tragically lost his life after being struck in a coward punch attack while helping a friend. His story left a strong impression on our students and reminded us all of the impact that one moment of violence can have.

The session focused on helping students understand the ripple effects of violence, both emotionally and legally. It encouraged them to manage conflict in safe, calm ways and to become “upstanders”, individuals who take positive action to prevent harm rather than standing by.

Throughout the session, students engaged in reflection and discussion, with a focus around empathy, self-control, and the strength it takes to walk away from a fight. The presentation connected strongly with PRC’s focus on respectful relationships, offering practical strategies for making safe, respectful decisions.

-MJ