Applied Learning News

SCOPE's Inclusive Netball

Nazareth VCAL students have enjoyed being part of a new inclusive sport, Netball. Three weeks of drills teaching ball skills, how to pass to team members and shoot or defend goals have been undertaken with VIS support. This week sees the commencement of games where teams will battle it out. It has been great to witness the players developing their physical skills and use cognitive skills to problem solve how to pass or receive the ball, or shoot a goal when it is beyond their current skill set or physical reach. The much encouragement from fellow players and player assistants has boosted players' confidence and will to have a go.

VCAL Men's Group Partnership - Inclusive Carpentry

Woodwork teacher Mr Chris Brown now leads the Year 11 VCAL Boys in their organisation of and participation in Men's Group each fortnight. David Lam from Year 12 VCAL designed a project for the men to construct a wooden wall clock. This project has involved sanding the wood, painting, lacquering and decorating the clock face, selecting clock hand types and numeral designs, inserting the mechanism and lastly attaching a wall hook to the back. The men have made many decisions about the type of clock they would like to make. They have used sandpaper, paint brushes, glue and hammers to complete this project. Well done to Matt, Daniel, Harrison, Jayden, Nick, Nason and Michael for their enthusiasm, patience and efforts to communicate with participants. Allowing the men to try each step in the construction of the clock has been a learning curve for the VCALers, for so often we just do things for other people because it will be easier or quicker that way. This attitude, however, disempowers people with disabilities from being able to develop their skills, independence and have a say in what they want.

New participant in VCAL Wood Men's Group Lessons

A fortnight ago, a new participant arrived unexpectedly at Nazareth to be part of Men's Group. Female, with a slender body, nice legs and silky golden hair, VCAL students were unsure how to react. It was at that point that young participant Joshua gave the introductions and an explanation for this new participant's presence. 

Jess is Josh's new Assistance Dog. Her role is to accompany Josh everywhere. She cleverly detects his epileptic seizures in advance and warns him so that he does not fall and have an accident. Jess also is a caring presence for Josh during and after seizures as she nuzzles up to him. 

Josh explained the importance of not distracting Jess as she has important work to undertake. You may have noted that in the above description of our new participant, no mention was made of eye colour. On Jess' jacket a message clearly reminds people to avoid giving her eye contact, nor pat her.  As disappointed as we are about these rules, we are delighted for Josh to have his own Assistance Dog, as not only will she protect him, this partnership now allows Josh to have greater independence.

Jess was a Rescue Dog (dumped or unloved) who has been purposely trained for her role. This is a win-win situation with Josh and Jess happy, loved and well cared for, as they take on life's adventures together.

Eye to Eye with Ben Fundraising update

When the VCAL students announced to Ben Thompson that we would help him purchase his stand up wheelchair, they knew raising the funds would take effort and innovative ideas. To their credit, the fundraising continues. Raffle tickets can be purchased from the Joseph Centre to be in with a chance to win a container of assorted chocolates! Tickets are $1 each or 3 for $2.

The Nazareth Community's generosity to date has been terrific, however, we would like to: a) make Ben's dream a reality (and subsequently allowing him improvement to his breathing, speaking, muscular strength and movement), b) raise a greater total than Padua's VCAL Group (because we are competitive and we introduced them to Ben!) and c) reach our target of $5000 (a mere $1800 to go, but we know we can do it!)

Last Friday we made a further $50 profit selling Zooper Doopers! Thanks to all the students who made purchases and enjoyed the crazy flavours and colours! It seems Pink Fairyfloss, Lime, Cola and Blue Bubblegum are definitely the most popular. Special thanks go to Jordan, Brodie and Andre from Yera 10 LEAP and Nathan L'etang from Year 9 for handling sales on a non-VCAL Day.

We welcome further donations from families via the Accounts Office.

Nazareth's War on Waste

Composting of food scraps continues to expand as members of our Nazareth Community break the habit of using the general waste bins. The College Executive is currently considering the VCAL Proposal to have VISY Recycle Bins in prime positions in the yard to encourage students to separate glass, cans and plastics from general waste so that these products can be recycled instead of going to landfill. 

We encourage families to help the environment by directing food waste to a compost or worm farms and separate paper, cans, glass and plastics for the council's recycle bin. We can all make a difference with a little effort.

Volunteers Needed - St Elizabeth's Market Night

With St Elizabeth's Market Night fast approaching, we would love to have some volunteers to help run a Nazareth Stall. Traditionally, we provide free activities for young children. This has included in the past, nail art, face painting and a colouring competition. If any parents (must have a current Working With Children's Check) or students would like to assist for a time slot, please contact Mrs Murphy or Ms Caitlin Mackay. We require assistance at the Market on Friday 17th November between 5 - 9pm.

Your Trash may well be our Treasure!

In combining VCAL's focus on changing waste habits with our fundraising efforts for the Eye to Eye with Ben Campaign, we wish to collect donated saleable goods to run a Trash & Treasure Stall at the College. Students have learnt about 'Fast Fashion' whereby we no longer shop seasonally for clothes, but instead, all year round as retailers and online stores heavily advertise, cleverly display and offer 'sale' prices. When this was discussed in class it came to light that people even buy 'one off' outfits that are never worn again.

The ABC's War on Waste Documentary also highlighted that consumers update goods for the latest model, rather than keeping things until they no longer work. This 'throw-away' attitude sees usable goods go to landfill, rather than to people who will use them. The Salvos, St Vincent De Paul and other community groups run Opportunity Shops, where goods can be rehomed, whilst raising money for these organisations' community outreach.

So what would we like families to donate?

Your favourites that are in great condition but are no longer needed or are taking up precious space including:

- Clothing, Handbags, Footwear in great condition 

- Bric a Brac

- Unwanted Gifts

- Picture Frames

-Board Games

-Vases and Crockery

-Wooden furniture items

-Outdoor plant pots

-Young Adult Fiction Novels

-Sporting Equipment

-LP Records

-Pictures or Posters

-Sporting Memorabilia

NO ELECTRICAL ITEMS PLEASE as by law these must be tested by a licensed contractor.

All donations can be brought directly to the Joseph Centre.

The date of the Trash & Treasure Stall will be advised via PAM and SIMON.

Rule of thumb about what to donate: if you used/liked it once, it is highly likely someone else will use/like it now! 

Profits from the Nazareth VCAL Trash & Treasure Stall will go to the Eye to Eye with Ben Campaign. 

Any goods left unsold will be donated to the local Opportunity Shops.