FROM THE GROW 2 BE TEAM …
We have spent a lot of time doing ZOOM sessions during this lockdown as we anticipated it only going for a few weeks. Due to the continued lockdown, we have reassessed, and last week we returned for two days. This week we are returning to four days a week. We are ensuring COVID safe protocols both indoors and outdoors. Welcome back everyone!
INTENTIONS AND ASPIRATIONS …
We have looked into a few exciting new opportunities that we can’t wait to start once lockdown restrictions have been lifted.
We have sourced and found an amazing and accredited barista course, that we will be able to participate in and our people can’t wait for this opportunity.
Catherine would love to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Bunnies once we are out of lockdown.
It is with great pleasure and immense pride that we announce that ALL our staff are now accredited Mental Health First Aiders!!!
‘Lockdown stops me from seeing everyone and going out.’
Lucas
THE BLUEY & ALICE BUNNY REFUGE …
We have been fortunate to continue our volunteering at The Bluey & Alice Bunny Refuge, Cockatoo, Victoria – as our volunteering is an essential service since we are taking care of animals. Our participants have loved the experience that comes with it. The Bluey and Alice Bunny Refuge takes in all types of bunnies that have been either abandoned, abused, neglected and/or hurt. This month at the refuge we got to meet many new bunnies and sadly had to say goodbye to some of our favourites as they got adopted.
The refuge has also had an abundance of baby buns being born this month. They are super cute and watching them grow has been incredible. We are amazed how quickly they grow up. Of course, the major highlight is always all the bunny cuddles.
Our Voice …
Jess: Working with the bunnies makes me feel happy, calm and relaxed. I love taking care of them and making sure they have fresh food and clean water. Cuddling them is the best.
Declan: I love to hold and pat the bunnies – they are so soft. The pony at the shelter is small and cute and I love Bella dog – she comes to say hello as soon as we arrive.
‘Lockdown has made it difficult to see people in person – it’s sad and frustrating.’
Nik
GEMBROOK WILDLIFE SHELTER …
This month Riley, Declan and support worker Mel have had the privilege of volunteering at the Gembrook Wildlife Shelter. The Shelter rescues and rehabilitates Australian native wildlife. Some of the animals that our participants have been able to work with include kangaroos, joeys, wombats, Brushtail Possums, Ringtail Possums, geese, chickens, cockatoos and galahs. Our participants carry out a variety of tasks which include letting the chickens and geese out of their cages and collecting their eggs – yes, geese eggs too. Who knew that a goose egg is the equivalent of three chicken eggs!?
They also clean the joeys’ area and bottle-feed them; clean out the wombat area while distracting them with some sweet potato; feed the possums some freshly cut fruit, fresh water and bring them fresh branches of leaves. They also have the opportunity to help more experienced volunteers feed the birds give them fresh water. Some of the birds can be quite a handful. We are very happy to be to volunteer at the Gembrook Wildlife Shelter.
Our Voice …
Declan: The baby wombats and kangaroos are my favourite – I like to hold and feed them. I like volunteering here because it’s something different and makes me happy.
Riley: I enjoy bottle-feeding the joeys; cutting up the food and feeding the wombats; giving the possums water, food & branches. It makes me happy being here as the kangaroos are very friendly.
‘Lockdown is boring and it sucks.’
Riley
ARMCHAIR TRAVEL – LITERACY
During our Zoom sessions over the last few weeks, we have been researching and studying Italy. We have learnt some interesting facts about Italy, which include:
There are three active volcanoes in Italy – Mt Etna, Stromboli and Vesuvius.
It’s bad luck to place bread upside down on a table AND Italians eat their salad as dessert.
Pinocchio was first published in an Italian newspaper.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world at just 100 acres.
The first thermometer, batteries and eyeglasses were invented in Italy.
The first ever bank opened in Italy in 1149.
Our Voice …
Declan: I like learning about Italy.
Brayden: I like learning all about the different foods in Italy.
Riley: It’s good learning about new places.
Lucas: I enjoy learning new things about a different country.
Jess: Learning about Italy has been good.
Catherine: I’ve enjoyed learning about Italy; drawing bunny flags and cooking Italian food.
‘Lockdowns are boring – being stuck at home and not being able to do anything.’
Declan
AUSLAN – LANGUAGE AND LITERACY …
Auslan is short for Australian sign language, a language developed by, and for, Australians who are deaf or hearing impaired. Auslan dates back to around 200 years, when British, Irish and Scottish immigrants brought sign language to Australia.
Auslan relies on a combination of hand shapes, movements and facial expressions to deliver messages. These include:
• Hand shapes – Auslan has 38 hand shapes with 28 variants.
• Orientation – This is the direction of your palm and hand in relation to your body.
• Location – Signs are made near different parts of the body to convey meaning
• Movement – Small or large movements of the head, arms and hands can suggest different words.
• Expression – Head and facial movements or expressions are used to convey emotion and emphasis.
Our Voice …
Nik: I like learning the alphabet and spelling my name.
Declan: I really like playing “Auslan Hangman”.
Riley: It’s cool – I can sign my name and speak to people using my hands.
Lucas: Learning how to sign.
Jess: Learning Auslan has been fun and exciting.
Brayden: Auslan is difficult but good.
‘Lockdown has upset me as I haven’t been able to go to Grow 2 Be to see my friends or go to the movies’
Catherine
ZOOM DURING LOCKDOWN …
LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGY
Lockdown has been challenging, but we have made the most of it by having daily Zoom sessions. Focusing on the positive in these trying times, we have been able to connect through Zoom to support our participants every day.
We have continued learning – having fun to boot – practically laughing our way through lockdown. Through KAHOOT! games created by disability support workers as well as participants, we have managed to increase our knowledge in a fun and creative way.
Our Voice …
Nik: I like being able to see everyone and enjoy learning about new countries.
Declan: I love playing KAHOOTS!
Brayden: I like catching up with everyone & doing KAHOOTS!
Riley: Good and awesome because I get to see my friends and we play KAHOOTS!
Lucas: Our Zoom sessions have been fun – just like old times.
Jess: Zoom meetings have helped me connect with my friends.
Catherine: I enjoyed the Zoom sessions – the best part has been the KAHOOTS! and learning new things.
Recent Comments