Congratulations to our education team

Outstanding results for our St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria's Learning Services team at the recent MY Education Awards 2023.

The MY Education Awards 2023, now in their 9th year, are supported by the Victorian Department of Education. They recognise excellence and outstanding contributions made by Out-of-School-Hours Learning Support (OSHLS) programs throughout Victoria to the learning success of primary and secondary students.

The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria's education programs were successful in the following categories:

• Outstanding Newcomer OSHLSP: Winner - Melton Education Program
• Outstanding Student, Primary School: Winner - Noble Park Education Program's student
• Outstanding Student, Primary School: Runner Up – Melton Education Program's student
• OSHLSP of the Year – Metropolitan: Runner Up - Maidstone Education Program
• OSHLSP of the Year – Regional/Rural: Shortlisted - Warrnambool East Education Program

The success is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our passionate and committed members, adult and student volunteers, and our organisation's dedicated Learning Services team led by Dr Linette Etheredge, supporting our students enrolled in our education programs.

Melton Education Program - a transformative journey

One of the standout highlights regarding the MY Education Awards 2023 is our victory in this year's brand new 'Outstanding Newcomer OSHLSP' category. The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Education and Minister for Women, awarded the honour to Maureen Mohr, Melton Conference member and education volunteer, and Karishma Mohan, Melton Education Program Coordinator.

Our Melton Education Program has undergone a truly transformative journey. Although it faced initial challenges due to Covid lockdowns when it started, our Learning Services team swiftly adapted by offering remote learning opportunities for our students. Transitioning back to face-to-face learning allowed us to have an even more profound positive impact, and we were thrilled to witness a significant increase in student participation.

Exceptional growth in students’ literacy in a safe and inclusive learning environment

By providing a safe and inclusive learning environment, we have empowered our students and also created a welcoming space for parents from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. We helped forge meaningful friendships and create a safe space for everyone to share their diverse stories. Our focus on speaking and listening within a multicultural community has allowed exceptional learning. We saw incredible growth in students' literacy, confidence, and self-efficacy.

The Learning Services team also built strong relationships with the local St Francis Catholic College. St Francis Catholic College students volunteer with us, offering invaluable support while developing leadership skills. Together, we have nurtured a sense of belonging in Melton - a source of pride for St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria.

Significant growth in the number of students we support

In the past financial year, the team, consisting of dedicated staff, members and adult and student volunteers – from high school students to volunteers - supported over 6,300 students in our OSHLS programs across Victoria.

2023 marks the fourth consecutive year of success in the MY Education Award, including winning grant applications for our education programs. Aligned with St Vincent Paul Society Victoria's pursuit of social justice, we are passionate about providing equitable access and personalised learning support to every child, irrespective of their circumstances, abilities or learning style, as a foundation for their future and ensuring they can fulfil their potential.

Trauma-informed, strength-based and built on a growth mindset

Our education programs are based on a well-researched framework of trauma-informed practice, ensuring that we provide a safe space for students to engage in their education. We offer a structured, consistent and welcoming environment. Our curriculum is built on a growth mindset and a strengths-based approach that fosters inclusivity but also nurtures a sense of self-worth and confidence in children, allowing students to thrive, engage and be supported without judgment.

Our programs are not just about tutoring. They provide support in developing social, emotional, and academic skills. We empower students to be confident to ask questions, take risks, and make mistakes as part of their learning journey—laying the foundation for their academic development.

Volunteer with us and be part of a team that changes young people’s lives

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria runs programs in Dandenong, Heidelberg West, Maidstone, Melton, Noble Park, Northcote and Warrnambool. If you would like to join one of our Education Programs as a volunteer to help us make a lasting difference in a young person's life, don't hesitate to contact us.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Image: Courtesy of Multicultural Youth