On Thursday 16^th June the Year 12 VCAL students held a fundraiser for the ‘Wings of Hope’ Foundation. A service dedicated to supporting the victims and families of domestic violence. Co-founder Brooke O’Doherty spoke to the class prior to the event outlining the need for awareness and funds to support confidence-building future retreats. As part of the Certificate II in Active Volunteering course the students are undertaking, they set about to try and make a difference. A big shout out to Rob and the team at Midvale Meats, who kindly donated the delicious sausages sold on the day; a big thanks to Baker’s Delight in Sebastopol for donating the bread. We are pleased to announce that the students were able to raise $495.30 on the day. The students will be presenting this to the Foundation early in term 3.

Thursday the 16^th June also saw our Year 12 VCAL students volunteer their time to read to the Vornda (Foundation) students over at Emmaus Primary School. Students read stories and engaged students in ‘getting to know you’ activities as well as sharing their play space with them. A valuable opportunity for everyone involved.

Friday 17^th June: Year 12 VCAL students completing their certificate II in Active Volunteering had contacted various services in Ballarat to offer assistance for the day. It was lovely to see students visit places including; local primary schools, football clubs, the Salvation Army, St. Vinnie’s and our own maintenance crew here at school! The feedback received from the public was a credit to the students who demonstrated key employability skills!

Monday 20^th/Tuesday 21^st June: Year 11 VCAL students completed their Barista qualification on the Barista Bus through RSA for Schools. Students were put through rigorous training (practical and theoretical components). Year 12 VCAL students completed their RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certification. Well done, all students who participated gained competency in their qualifications. Year 12s also participated in a ‘Race Around Ballarat’ where they independently researched and visited key services in Ballarat that may assist in them in the future (Headspace, WDEA, BGT and the Ballarat Library).