Year 9 SCIP Program

We were provided with the lovely opportunity to visit Mercy Place Springvale this term, as a part of SCIP (School Community Involvement Program), which allows Year 9 students to explore various areas within the local community, and to contribute positively with them. Every Thursday, we spent two to three hours at the aged care facility, conversing and playing games with the residents. Gloria brought her guitar with her, and played music for the residents, while Sandra assisted.

Overall, we felt very empowered by SCIP. It gave us skills on talking with residents and taught us to be more patient. It was an incredibly insightful and eye-opening experience. We enjoyed every moment of it, even when the Monopoly game with a resident went on for two hours. We learnt that it is very important to give back to the community, especially to those who are less fortunate than us.

We would like to thank Joy Gammon, our supervisor, who was so hospitable and kind to us even when we missed the bus and had to walk to Mercy Place. Without the SCIP program, none of this would have been possible, so we would like to also thank Glenda Merrilees and all the staff involved in the management of the program.

Gloria Le and Sandra Nguyen, St. Rita

Joy, from Mercy Place, was so impressed by Gloria and Sandra’s enthusiasm and compassion during their SCIP placement, she emailed the College:

Hi Glenda,

The SCIP program is going well. I have had many students this year who come here, but have two students that I feel should be recognised for their efforts on your end as well. Sandra Nguyen and Gloria Le have showed me so much promise and demonstrate that they have enjoyed their time here and can clearly think outside their comfort area. They both show initiative and make residents feel, useful, happy and comfortable with their presence which makes a happy outcome for all of us. I am hoping you have something in place your end to show recognition of what they have done here in a short time. Thanks Glenda. Kind Regards, Joy

Leadership Program - City of Greater Dandenong

On Monday the 29th myself and three other girls were fortunate enough to be able to attend a seven week program run by the Dandenong Youth Service! We took part in many activities, where we got to know each other more and we meet people that we didn't know we got to plan out activities and help out the people in the community. They were very welcoming and we got to meet people that we wouldn't have met if not for this program. We discovered new things and we found it very inspiring and fun to learn new skills. It was also challenging at times, and the activities helped build our resilience to cope with new situations. We learned about the library resources and all the great, interesting things that this facility can provide to us and the community.

What have we learned about leadership during the program?

We learned about what responsibilities come with planning and being a leader. We learned about planning and working in a team doing things together and the art of communication. It involved learning about what it is to work in a team.

What do we do?

Each Monday afternoon we have met at Greater Dandenong Council for seven weeks. Our leader is Josh who works in Youth Services for the council. We do many activities, planning for summer holidays and programs that the council will run during school terms. Everyone has amazing ideas working together, in a positive, collaborative manner.

How did we feel?

Going into this program I was nervous because I had no idea who would be there but we all went in there and have met new people in the first 10 minutes.

I think we all are happy and used to it. We think of ideas and share them and we have so much fun making new friends and sharing ideas. I would recommend the program to all students in the future.

Safia Coleman, St Rose, on behalf of Year 7 students:

Katelyn Hannah, Isobel Lawson, Keeley Smith and Venita Dimopoulos

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