Connect Crew
A Year of Growth and Achievement
What an incredible year it has been for the Connect program at Wantirna College! From the program’s development to the remarkable progress of our students, 2024 has been a year to celebrate.
We are immensely proud of the journey Connect has taken this year, but even more so of the students who have embraced the program with dedication and effort week after week. The growth we have witnessed, in both the students and our program environment, has been truly inspiring.
A special thank you goes to Kate Shannon and Jasper Thornton for stepping in this term to lead some of our groups, as well as Ky Laurito, who has supported us throughout the year, along with our Connect ambassador ‘Arlo’ (Courtney’s dog). Your contributions have been invaluable, and we are fortunate to have such an amazing team driving the program.
We would like to acknowledge the contributions of some of our local businesses who have shown incredible support to our program. It is community that brings our school together, and having such generous support from our community is so valuable!
Templeton Tennis Club - for their donation of a full term of lessons for our nominated termly Connect Award Winner.
Bunnings Vermont South - for the donation of goods and vouchers to support the work Connect is doing.
Outer East Food Share - for allowing us to build community connection through their volunteer program.
Bakers Delight Stud Park - for donating bread for our brekky and lunch programs each week.
2024 has seen many projects undertaken across the College and within our local community. It has been rewarding to see our students taking pride in their work and wanting to improve our school environment. I would like to acknowledge the following students who have really stepped up in Connect:
Yiana Delidakis - your enthusiasm to take on challenges and learn new skills completely outside of your comfort zone!
Jack Handley - leading the fish tank project, and sharing your knowledge, has been a huge success across the College.
Hamish Maxwell - your sense of leadership and determination has a strong impact on the group you work with, and others around you.
Tyler McLeod - the energy you bring to each session and your willingness to do whatever is required, and all with a smile or a laugh!
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited about continuing this journey of growth and impact. One of the highlights next year will be our move to a new classroom in K Block. This larger, more dynamic space will provide an ideal environment for our sessions, allowing us to further enhance the Connect program and its positive outcomes for the students.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, safe New Year and restful break!
Courtney Moran and Lisa Jones
Connect Crew