The Warrnambool Clontarf Academy has had another jam-packed second half of term 2, with the boys undertaking a range of different events and activities in and around Warrnambool and across the state. It’s been great seeing the boys getting involved in a visit from Bank of Queensland, a Clontarf partner, partaking in a range of activities throughout National Reconciliation Week, attending the Melbourne Employment Forum where they explored their work/study options post high school and participating in the innovative Koornong Ngootong Nganoong Health Day for the first time, receiving free health checks. This is all in addition to the ongoing East Warrnambool Primary School buddies program, packing and delivering firewood with Foodshare Warrnambool, hosting Bunnings for a morning tea and presentation of the academy room, and completing a number of weekly early morning and after school training sessions!

Some key events and activities are summarised below:

EMPLOYMENT:

The Year 11 and 12 boys from the Warrnambool Clontarf Academy were involved in the Annual Clontarf Employment Forum, where they met up with Clontarf boys from Bairnsdale, Mildura, Robinvale, Swan Hill and a number of NSW academy boys from Broken Hill, to participate in a range of activities in preparation for their lives after Year 12. This included touring Victoria University, discussing employment pathways with 20 supportive and dedicated Clontarf partners and attending the Richmond vs Geelong match at the MCG. The boys conducted themselves brilliantly on the trip and were able to build many relationships and networks along the way.

SPORT:

The temperature in Warrnambool may have dropped this term, but the boys enthusiasm for early morning and after school training sessions certainly has not. Here, the boys are pictured at Warrnambool 24/7 gym following a 7am high altitude training session. Bank of Queensland, a funding partner of the Clontarf Foundation, attended the session and the boys then presented the Clontarf Academy room, showing our special guests what the program is all about and how it helps with their schooling. The boys have shown discipline and commitment to attend the sessions and enjoy a hot breakfast afterwards.

LEADERSHIP/EDUCATION:

Each Monday, a group of Clontarf boys give up their lunch break for the East Warrnambool Primary School Buddies program. The boys read with grade 3-4 students from East, assisting them to improve their literacy skills, whilst developing their own leadership capabilities and building relationships with one another. East love the involvement with our boys and have passed on some really positive and encouraging feedback on how the boys are developing.

PARTNERS:

The second half of term has also seen the Clontarf lads assisting weekly with Foodshare Warrnambool. The boys pack wood which is then distributed and sold as firewood at a local business, with the resulting sales being put back into Foodshare. It’s a great opportunity for the boys to contribute to the Warrnambool and South West Community and is something they look forward to doing on a weekly basis, generally receiving a Chocolate bar from Dedy for their assistance!

PARTNERS/EMPLOYMENT/LEADERSHIP:

A number of Clontarf boys were involved in the construction of this tree with one of our partners, Bunnings Warrnambool. The tree was then used during the Opening Ceremony of National Reconciliation Week activities in Warrnambool. It was great for the boys to connect with one of our partners and build up their employment networks, whilst also making a significant contribution to Reconciliation Week in an important week for the Koorie population in our community. The boys should be commended on their efforts and proud to have been involved on this project!

WELLBEING:

The last week of term also provided the chance for the Academy boys to participate in the innovative Koornong Ngootong Nganoong (Youth Health/Healing) Day at the Gunditjmara Co-operative. The boys were involved in a smoking ceremony, received free health checks, participated in a yoga and mindfulness session, heard from ex-Collingwood player Leon Davis about his journey in life and sport, listened to an informative presentation on sexual health and participated in traditional Aboriginal games. It was a fantastic day out and great way to finish term 2!

The Clontarf Foundation:

Mission Statement

The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and by doing so equips them to participate more meaningfully in society. The Foundation is based around 6 key pillars which form the basis of all of our events and activities:

1. Education 4. Leadership

2. Employment 5. Well-being

3. Sport 6. Partnerships

Staff Thank You:

Again, we would like to acknowledge the ongoing support the Warrnambool Clontarf Academy has received across both of our academy schools from teaching, administration and all other support staff. Our relationship with the school is the most important relationship in our program, and the genuine care, support, energy, time and effort that you guys all invest in our boys never goes unnoticed. We hope you all enjoy a much deserved break over the holidays and look forward to again working closely in term 3 to assist the boys to improve their schooling and life outcomes. As always, please get in touch if you see an opportunity for our academy to interact with staff and students, in or away from the classroom. Happy Holidays.

Kalay Girls