Schools Connect, a newsletter created by the team at Lighthouse

Term 1, February 2024

Every Day Counts

Lighthouse and the Department of Education are supporting an Everyday Counts campaign promoting school attendance. As we all know, school attendance is a complex issue that requires individual and tailored approaches. We understand and see the hard work already undertaken by schools, teachers and leadership to address this issue. Lighthouse staff are available to discuss your school's concerns and strategies around school attendance.

We welcome schools to reach out and explore community options in order to instigate a new approach or initiative within your school environment in order to provide additional support to students and families to increase attendance.

Additionally, we have created a video posted on the Lighthouse Facebook page. We invite schools to share this video on your own school Facebook page. Click here to access the post.

Contact

Primary Schools: Belinda Senini

Primary Projects & Education Officer

Secondary Schools: Sarah Norris

Secondary & Transitions Manager

Primary Projects and Education Officer

Lighthouse's Primary Projects and Education Officer, Belinda Senini, can assist schools with connections to industry through Industry Links tours that reflect the school curriculum.

Industry Links tours give students access to positive role models, open them up to the world of work, and help develop aspirations.

Throughout the year, Belinda will visit primary schools to discuss Industry Links and other offerings Lighthouse can provide to support your students and school community.

If you would like to talk to Belinda about an idea or project, contact bsenini@gslp.com.au or phone 0417 011 695.

Pit Stop is back for 2024

A strengths-based re-engagement program, Pit Stop provides young people the opportunity to work on small engines and cars and other hands-on activities under the guidance of industry professionals.

Pit Stop offers one-off school excursions through to regular workshops during each term. Our staff can cater to individual students through to an entire class. Pit Stop operates three days a week, from Tuesdays to Thursdays.

To enquire about Pit Stop email Sarah Norris

For Further information visit www.gslp.com.au/programs/pit-stop/

OLLY - Opportunity & Life Links for Youth

Staff focus on fostering independence, building confidence, nurturing aspirations, and equipping young people with skills for adulthood.

Opened Monday to Wednesday OLLY caters for 18-24 year olds from 1pm-3pm, and 12-17 year olds from 3.30pm-7pm.

A drop-home service is available.

If you know a young person who would benefit from attending OLLY please email Sam Sharpe to make a referral.

For Further information visit www.gslp.com.au/programs/olly/

Volunteers for your school

The Lighthouse team can connect schools with volunteers interested in assisting with reading programs, woodwork or hands-on learning activities, meal programs and much more.

Additionally, Lighthouse can reach out to individuals or community groups wanting to teach skills such as sewing, knitting, multimedia, or gardening. The possibilities are endless!

To enquire about volunteers contact

Belinda Senini for Primary volunteers

Kathy Fuller for Secondary volunteers

Getting to know our Staff

SAM SHARPE

What is your role at Lighthouse?

Life Links Coordinator

Where were you before Lighthouse?

A Primary School Teacher

What are you most looking forward to in 2024? Getting to know and support people in our community.

SARAH NORRIS

What is your role at Lighthouse?

I am the Secondary and Transition Manager looking after the OLLY, Pit Stop and Life Links program.

 Where were you before Lighthouse?

I worked for Berry Street as the Senior Youth Investment Coordinator, creating opportunities for youth.

What are you most looking forward to in 2024? Seeing positive outcomes for all young people involved in our programs.

Community Noticeboard

Free NBN internet is still available, and the date has been extended.

School Student Broadband Initiative (SBBI), is available for families with students enabling them to access to free National Broadband (NBN) internet service until 31 December 2025.

The initiative helps to boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government is providing up to 30,000 eligible families with free internet.

To be eligible the family must:

Have a child living at home who is enrolled in an Australian school (up to year 12 including Prep in Qld/Vic/Tas, Kindy in NSW, Reception in SA, Transition in NT/ACT and Pre-Primary in WA).
Not have an active NBN Internet service at home. (Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility).
Live in a premise that can access the NBN via a standard connection – this will be checked for the families.
Not have had an active NBN connection during the previous 14 days.

Click here for further information.

SPREAD THE WORD!

We invite all school staff, including leadership, well-being and administrative staff to sign up for our Schools Connect E-newsletter. This school-specific newsletter aims to enhance our communication and connection with all schools in Greater Shepparton. Share the sign-up link below with your school staff and help them stay up-to-date.

https://www.gslp.com.au/schools-connect-newsletter/

To learn more about Lighthouse and our purpose, our people and our programs,

head to our website www.gslp.com.au