Year 11 Wingham High School students have been taking part in the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program for some years now, but this year was somewhat different to previous years.
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Recently 14 students were given a Post School Options workshop, and this time it was held at council chambers.
“It was new partnership with MidCoast Council,” Learning for Life program co-ordinator Heidi Prowse explained.
Council’s community strengthening officer - youth, Russell Ingram, played a big part in this year’s workshop. He presented an interactive session for the students dealing with social media and bullying, and how they impact on not just social life, but work life as well.
Wingham High School councillor, Whitney Grimm delivered sessions on communication skills and factors determining moving forward from being a school student into adulthood.
Guest speakers were also invited to attend this year. Hunter New England Health staff talked about mental health, relaxation, and building good mental health and self esteem.
Two young library trainees shared their experiences of traineeships and juggling work with school and study, and a human resources representative of MidCoast Council talked about local opportunities for traineeships.
“The day was a success,” Wingham High School careers advisor, Shirley Clissold said.
“It’s a really great partnership with the Smith Family that we have with Wingham High School and also this time with Russell Ingram from MidCoast Council, so it was really good that he was able to provide the space for us to be there.
“I think it was really beneficial for the students because they’re in that space they can see where some local government decisions are made. So that was really positive,” Shirley said.
“This is the fourth or fifth year that we’ve had this partnership going and it’s an ongoing commitment by both the school and the Smith Family, and it’s great this time to include the council with Russell.
“And it’s just really good for the students to hear from a range of different speakers rather than just their regular teachers!” Shirley said.
Julia Driscoll
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
