CERES Training Programs have had a wonderful year. The year has flown by and we have now officially finished all our VET programs for the year. We worked with 9 school groups (77 students) in horticulture and hospitality programs throughout the year expanding our reach by 100% in 2015.
Celebrations are so important in recognising the work of all our students. We had 2 graduation ceremonies in November to celebrate student’s completion of units, full certificates and programs. This year we worked with Warringa Park School, Jackson Special School, Heatherwood School, Ascot Vale Special School, Bulleen Heights School, Montague Special School, Sydney Road Community School, Broadmeadows Special School and Kensington Community High School.
Each school group had the opportunity to share the highlights of the year and skills they learnt and they also thanked CERES and their trainers for teaching them throughout the year. CERES trainers also had a chance to award each student with certificates and words of praise and reflection for how they worked throughout the year and their contributions to the class. As the manager of our training programs I found it heartwarming to share in each student’s story and joy in being awarded and recognised. CERES VET programs work with many special development schools and we focus on students building confidence, life skills and abilities in cooking and gardening to transfer to the home and future pathways in education or employment.
In 2016 we are running Wednesday VETiS Horticulture for mainstream school VET Clusters to enrol in. We have secured enrollments for the class to go ahead and still have a couple of places if schools have any interested students in studying horticulture at CERES as part of their VCAL,VET or VCE programs. Also if you have a school group wanting to come to CERES and get involved in horticulture and hospitality programs contact me on lorna@ceres.org.au or 9389 0123.
Dates for Teachers in 2016
As well as opportunities for students, we have programs for teachers in the new year.
- CERES is running its 8 week Environmental Education Course starting Term 1. Teachers can attend session 2 – 6 as professional development days or the whole course if their timetable permits – https://school.ceres.org.au/education/courses/environmental-education-course/
- CERES Permaculture Design Course is available for teachers as the sessions run after school and weekends. Our next course starts in Feb. https://school.ceres.org.au/education/courses/permaculture-design-course/
- CERES 1-2 day workshops for upskilling in sustainable living skills in gardening, cooking craft and cheese making. I like to call the professional development for the soul! – https://school.ceres.org.au/education/courses/
