Community Liaison
Pasifika STARR Program
Well done to the 13 participants in our Term 2 Pasifika STARR program! We have seen each student grow in understanding and exhibit each of the MSC STARR values; Success, Teamwork, Ambition, Respect and Responsibility. We look forward to working closely with Term 2's group as they step into a leadership role for the program in Term 3.
VICSEG’s Financial Literacy and Wellbeing Program Young Women
Students were Live on the Radio Podcast – 21/06/2022 with mentors and one of the college Business Managers, Jeanette Geary.
Melton Secondary College has a long standing partnership with VICSEG New Futures who provide programs to increase students from refugee and migrant background with capacity building, leadership coaching and mentorship.
The not for profit organisation provides support and access to mainstream resources for newly arrived and recently settled migrant communities throughout Melbourne and surrounding regions.
Their Inclusive Schools program offered many of our young people leadership and mentorship outlet to connect with peers, and community mentors; and students were offered $1000 scholarship funds to be used toward stationery among other things to increase retention and wellbeing.
They are currently delivering a financial wellbeing program across a number of secondary schools in the west to improve students understanding of money management skills, such as budgeting, saving, credit and superannuation. Young women are coached around financial literacy, wellbeing and issues.
Students also participated in a podcast with podcaster Ralph Barba who has over 20 years experience in the Radio Broadcasting industry. Students were joined by former MSC Alumni in 2020, Veronica Walokona, who participated in VICSEG’s Inclusive Schools Program, and other school engagement programs and now works for VICSEG part-time. Other guests included Ding Makuei who is a graduate lawyer and author of the book Dancing Between Two Cultures, Jeanette Geary and VICSEG mentor Melissa Hallis.
Students interviewed guests on different financial topics of significance on what they learned through their engagement in the Program with topics such as Dowry, Contracts and Tax.
Veronica Walokona, MSC former Student and Alumni
In Veronica’s own words - “Where do start? Firstly, I want to I want to begin by saying thank you to VICSEG for giving me this opportunity as well as thank you to Robert Aduer who has been mentoring me for years and has created a pathway for me to be be here today. Not long ago I was a student at Melton Secondary College and I was also a participant in the VICSEG programs. Programs like these helped me gain my leadership skills and the skills to navigate through life. I am beyond privilege to be able to give back to the community the way they supported me. These past weeks has been weeks full of joys and gratitude, I’ve enjoyed working with youth as well as my colleagues. My role at VICSEG includes supporting young people as well as helping them gain knowledge about leadership, finance and about life in general.
I am beyond privilege to work in a setting where my values aligned. I work where creativity and inclusivity is celebrated respect is given to all as well as support. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and VICSEG all I can say I am excited. My advice to young people is to learn how to communicate effectively, I know this basic, but communication skills are needed in the every aspect of life. I also advise young people to believe in themselves. Step out of your comfort zone. Your life will never truly change if you don’t step out of your comfort zone. Furthermore, you will never know how truly amazing you are and the gifts and talent you holds until you learn how to take the risks. All your mistakes, in the mist of that show yourself grace. So be kind to you and others” Veronica Walokona former Alumni.
Refugee Week Celebration
Melton Secondary College students and staff have been invited to attend the National Refugee Week celebration at Melton City Council, as the event celebrates the contribution of people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds within the Melton community during Refugee Week.
Refugee Week celebrations provide an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate the immense sacrifices, courage, resilience, and valuable contributions people of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds make to Australian society.
The theme for this year’s Refugee Week focuses on “Healing”. It was highlighted on the Council’s address that ”human connections have been highlighted by the pandemic. Diverse communities can now draw upon the shared experience of COVID to heal wounds through sharing stories and community reconnection”.
The message from the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia highlights the importance of the Refugee Week on diversity, multiculturalism and resettlement of refugees in Australia: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/refugee-and-humanitarian-program/about-the-program/success-stories
Extra-Curricular Activities at School and in the Community
Many of our Melton Secondary College students have engaged in the morning Basketball Program, as students continue to demonstrate active participation and form healthy peer friendships and teamwork. Student involvement in engagement programs enable them to excel in achieving success and growth in the school and in the community. The morning Basketball Program will be back in week 2, Term 3, as well as many other programs such as soccer. In addition, there are many school holiday activities over the break which can been seen on Compass enabling students to remain active and connected - programs include: Melbourne Victory, The Huddle with North Melbourne Football Club, and ON TRACK by Mushroom Group, to increase activation and community connect.