VCAL Update 

VCAL students have been out in the workforce one day a week this term as part of the program. As a way of building upon this experience all VCAL students participated in a 3-hour National Centre for Farmer Health program entitled "Gear Up for Ag Health & Safety." While this program’s focus is the agricultural industry, its principles of health, well-being & safety relate to all workplaces and hence is of vital importance for students to be cognisant of.  A Pre-training survey was used to ensure that the training was relevant to the students’ attitudes, behaviour, knowledge and exposures. Through interactive demonstrations and class activities students enriched their understanding of hazards and prevention strategies. Areas covered by this included respiratory health, eye and ear safety, zoonotic disease, chemicals, heat related stress, skin protection, PPE and well-being.

In the Ag. patch Senior VCAL have designed and erected informative signage. Intermediate students are refining their skills in working with wood and metal in preparation for the fire pit construction. Skills in barista work and food handling are being learnt in readiness for the establishment of a Coffee shop at school as part of the Numeracy strand of VCAL.

Anne Gough

VET/VCAL