We have been so busy growing and learning so many awesome things this term. Our experiences have shaped our learning, and we’re so proud of everyone’s continued effort and dedication. A big thanks also to the parents who have supported us and also a huge shout out to the participants!
Intentions and Aspirations …
We’re excited to be starting new ventures with the Dandenong Community & Learning Centre, which includes woodwork, cooking, baking, art and painting. We’re also looking forward to starting our Certificate II in Animal Care and doing our part for animal conservation. Looks like we have a full term ahead!
Wellness Mondays …
Our participants are enjoying our wellness Mondays, where we start off at Lakeside with discussions to work on our emotional intelligence and improve our mental wellbeing, before going to the Cardinia Life Gym in Pakenham to work on our physical wellbeing. This includes writing in our gratitude journals, cardio to warm up our muscles, some weight training for strength, and we generally finish off with shooting hoops in the indoor court.
CPR …
As CPR can save a person’s life, it’s important that we all know what to do in an emergency situation. Being able to know what to do can mean the difference between life and death. Our participants embraced the opportunity to learn how to give life-saving compressions in a fun and educational way.
Bluey and Alice Bunny Refuge …
The Bluey and Alice Bunny refuge takes in abandoned, neglected, or otherwise unwanted bunnies to help them find their forever homes. Our participants continue to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the bunnies at the refuge, and look forward to going every week. Since this is a weekly endeavour, our participants have been able to form lasting bonds with the bunnies that are at the refuge, and are overjoyed when they are adopted into loving forever homes. No day is ever the same and this fosters continual learning and improvement of our participant’s skills.
OUR VOICE:
Brayden: They are fluffy to cuddle.
Bianca: I like being around cute animals.
Kaitlin: Having cuddles with the cute bunnies is my favourite.
Riley: I like cleaning their cages.
Gembrook Wildlife Shelter
Our participants spent time volunteering at Gembrook Wildlife Shelter where they rescue and rehabilitate our native wildlife. They clean up the spaces the animals are in; cut up fruit for the possums and feed them; hand feed the wallabies, kangaroos and wombats; and generally learn all the skills necessary to be responsible caregivers.
OUR VOICE:
Kaitlin: I love feeding kangaroos, wombats and chickens.
Riley: I enjoy hanging around, socialising and feeding my favourite kangaroo.
Brayden: I enjoy eeding cute wombats, joeys and kangaroos.
Bianca – I love being around cute animals and socialising.
Equine Therapy …
Equine Therapy this term has meant learning about safety around horses, learning how to bond and groom, and learning how to ‘join-up’. ‘Joining up’ is when you bond with a horse while walking around with them, before coming to a halt away from them and waiting for the horse to approach you from behind; meaning they are feeling safe and trust you.
It’s been amazing to see these bonds form. At the end of the term Kaitlin, Bianca and Brayden did an assessment in order to receive their certificate; including questions about safety, grooming, and a practical obstacle course. Our participants have learnt so much about themselves in such a short time and we can see how attending this program has developed their self confidence.
OUR VOICE:
Kaitlin – I’ve really enjoyed Joining up, follow on & leading Gus.
Brayden – I like how the horses sneeze on me – this shows they are relaxed.
Bianca – I like learning more about horses, getting hands on experience with horses.
Digital Literacy …
Our digital literacy course has involved learning how to stay safe while using the internet and social media, how to use technology efficiently and practically, as well as the importance of keeping our information private. It has been so rewarding for everyone to learn how to safely use the internet, as well as seeing the participants grow into technological experts!
OUR VOICE:
Lucas – I have enjoyed learning new things about technology.
Kaitlin – I have enjoyed learning about internet safety.
Brayden – I have enjoyed being made aware of how to be safe when using the internet.
Riley – Making KAHOOTS!
Paul – Playing KAHOOTS!
Nik – Learning things I didn’t know.
Woodwork …
We have started Woodwork classes at Dandenong Community & Learning Centre, where we have so far made clocks, kitchen utensils, speakers, pencil boxes and bird houses. Everyone has had the chance to saw, sand, polish, paint, hammer and glue. It was been a great test of our creativity, motor skills, problem solving, and teamwork, with amazing results for our work.
OUR VOICE:
Lucas – I have especially enjoyed cutting the wood and learning how to make things.
Dylan – I’ve enjoyed making “stuff”.
Jess – I’m enjoying sanding and gluing wood.
Kaitlin – I like cutting the wood with a saw.
Paul – My favourite is sanding.
Brayden – Sanding and sawing are my favourites.
Riley – Hammering nails into wood is most enjoyable.
Mosaicking …
We’ve continued with our mosaicking this term – where we have taken our skills to new heights. We have applied mosaics to jewelry boxes, wooden bowls, and we have even created pixel art patterns on block paper that we then transfer into mosaics. This has tested everyone’s creativity, fine motor skills and problem solving skills and the proof of their success is showcased in their marvelous creations.
OUR VOICE:
Brayden – I’ve enjoyed being creative.
Kaitlin – I love the different colours and different textures, and trying new things.
Riley – Creating my favourite supervillains have been fun.
Bianca – Being creative and chatting with my friends while mosaicking has been great.
Dylan – Getting in the zone has been calming and relaxing.
Getting Out and About …
This term we’ve enjoyed many out and about excursions: this included going to Comic-Con, going to Sassafras, having lunch at Sky High, going into the city and many other enjoyable activities. It has been so much fun getting out with everyone and strengthening our relationships, as well as enjoying all the cool places we’ve gone.
OUR VOICE:
Kaitlin – It’s great going out and trying new things.
Dylan – It gets me out of the house and I enjoy different food.
Lucas – We can all hang out and at the end of the day go home with a smile on our face.
Paul – I enjoy going to the movies.
Riley – I enjoy getting out and having fun.
Brayden – I enjoy learning new things and going to fun places and having fun with the group.
Bianca – Being able to enjoy being mature, hanging out with the group and having lots of laughs along the way.
Ladies’ Day Out …
This term we have started taking our parents out to thank the families for their continued support. We have done a wine tour and a “Sip and Paint” workshop where our creative skills have truly come to the fore. This gives us the opportunity to get to know our families a little better and give them a little taste of what our program is all about.
Holiday Program …
Our holiday program has been full and enjoyable and has included going to the movies, playing pool, bowling, completing escape room challenges with minutes to spare, and various outings to restaurants and pubs. The highlight of our holiday program for our Marvel loving group has to be seeing Thor: Love and Thunder.
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