SWAN Hill College prides itself on preparing students for the future.
Engagement and learning support play an important role in ensuring students are provided with a solid foundation, paving the way for their future career.
“Each student has an individual learning plan which builds on interests, career pathways and individual needs,” principal Kristen Le Gassick said.
“Students are supported by a team of qualified and experienced staff who understand the importance of preparing students for life after school.”
Swan Hill College recognises that a “one size fits all approach” is not viable when it comes to education and the school provides a range of programs to ensure each student is reaching their full potential.
The school’s wellbeing team includes counsellors, a school chaplain, an autism specialist, a Koorie engagement support officer, a mental health practitioner, a school nurse and Mali – the school’s wellbeing dog.
“The team offers a comprehensive range of support and resilience building programs to meet the needs of individuals, groups and the whole school,” Ms Le Gassick said.
“They also foster strong connections with external agencies to ensure our students are well resourced.”
In addition, the school runs the Clontarf Academy which mentors and supports Indigenous boys.
Ms Le Gassick said the Clontarf Foundation aims to improve education, discipline, self-esteem, life skills and employment prospects for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, with education, employment, sport, leadership and wellbeing at the forefront of the academy.
The College’s VET program also opens up a world of employment opportunities for students.
“As one of the few remaining school Registered Training Organisations (RTO) in regional Victoria, Swan Hill College is dedicated to providing quality, flexible and enriching qualifications for our students,” Ms Le Gassick said.
“The school can arrange work placement, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships for eager students wishing to experience work in these industries.”
The VCE Vocational Major is a two-year vocational and applied learning program within the VCE.
This pathway aims to develop personal and practical life skills, preparing students for the next important stage of life.
“Numeracy, work related skills and personal development skills are the core subjects students undertake,” Ms Le Gassick said.
The College also offers flexible learning options with its well renowned FLO Program.
This program allows a flexible approach to learning and provides students with a range of support services with strong ties to program partners, including government agencies and community organisations.
“Staff at FLO support students to work through any underlying issues in their lives through personalised case management while also providing students with an opportunity to engage in meaningful learning,” Ms Le Gassick said.
