Hands On Learning Program

HOL News

The Hands On Learning program at Brookside College has looked vastly different this year due to the challenges that 2020 has presented. The year started off with all of the HOL students attending their cafe, landscaping or trade sessions on-site then transitioned into the world of remote learning with the introduction of lockdowns across the nation.

This did not deter our amazing students or their dedicated Artisan Teachers. Videos and work tasks were created to keep our students baking or creating projects at home and involved in the program. Projects were shared on Teams, Zoom meetings were arranged and held and Wellbeing presentations from our supportive Wellbeing team were given at the meetings. It was so wonderful to share experiences, family pets and a live bake along with our students during this time.

With the easing of restrictions and the excited return of our students to school, we all quickly transitioned back into the familiarity of the programs onsite with coffee machines making coffee, weeds being culled, seedlings planted and sawdust from cut timber covering the floors once again in the trade workroom. The bond between the students and the support they give each other during their class sessions and the remote learning period has been commendable and heart-warming. 

We are also coming to that time of year where we say goodbye to our students that are embarking upon transitions in their educational journeys. Our year 9 students are leaving to their respective new schools for years 10 and beyond and it is with pride in our hearts that we wish them all well. Some of our year 9s have been with HOL for some time, participating in more than one program and we have enjoyed seeing the growth in each and every one of them over this time. We are also saying goodbye to some other students who are completing their primary schooling at Brookside and heading to new schools for secondary education. 

We have enjoyed having all of you in our programs too and wish you the best of luck in your new schools. We know you will do well.

Thank you to all of the parents and carers for your support of your children during the year and especially during the remote learning period. Thank you to the leadership team, all of the teachers and support staff at Brookside College for supporting our student’s participation in the HOL programs and the programs themselves. It is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to working alongside with you next year.

New beginnings await us in 2021 and we are currently processing new applications for entry into the cafe, landscaping or trade programs and look forward to sharing our experiences with all of our students both new and old returning next year.

From all of the Artisan Teachers at Brookside College, we wish you all a safe and happy holiday period. See you all again in 2021.