HUME CITY COUNCIL TOGETHER WITH THE
HUME GLOBAL LEARNING VILLAGE
IMAGINE
EXPLORE
DISCOVER
VOLUME 28, THE SUMMER ISSUE 2012/13
www.hume.vic.gov.au
3 eSmart at Hume Libraries: dealing with cybersafety effectively
7 More schools to join the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program
8 The 2012 Hume Teachers’ Scholarships 2012 winners
11 Local schools and teachers win state awards
13 The importance of lifelong learning and education
15 How the Hume Global Learning Centres are changing the way we learn
16 The Summer Reading Club
WELCOME TO IMAGINE, EXPLORE, DISCOVER
We are coming to the end of 2012 and our summer issue brings you, as usual, the latest news about
learning programs, partnerships and other information that will keep you up to date with what is
happening in the business of lifelong learning in Hume. It is rewarding to see how much work has
been done by our Hume Global Learning Village (HGLV) members in 2012.
This must be one of my favourite Imagine, Explore, Discover (IED) editions, as we introduce you to
the six winners of this year’s Teachers’ Scholarships. This program has been recognising the talents
of innovative teachers and educators in Hume since 2005.
I would also like to congratulate two outstanding HGLV members who were the recipients of the
Victorian Education Excellence Awards 2012. Val Karaitiana and her team at Dallas Brooks
Community School won the ‘Partnerships with Families and Communities’ award. Lori FarchioneZappia, a Dawson Street Early Years Teacher, was the winner of the ‘Victoria’s Outstanding Early
Childhood Teacher’ award.
We have a special story on the Hume Global Learning Centres: customers and library users talk
about their favourite features and spaces in these state-of-the art buildings.
In this edition you will also be introduced to some members of our HGLV Advisory Board, a group of
people engaged in improving lifelong learning opportunities and outcomes for our community.
Happy reading and enjoy the months of summer!
Ken Thompson
Chairman,
Hume Global Learning Village Committee
CONNECTING HUME PC AWARDS
REWARDING PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Students and families are set to once again benefit from the Connecting Hume PC Awards program
in 2013. Hume City Council’s flagship program has assisted over 360 children from Hume. In June
2012, 45 students received a brand new laptop and one year of free internet access and support, at
an awards ceremony at the Hume Global Learning Centre – Craigieburn.
Each year, primary schools from Hume City nominate an outstanding student from Grades 4 to 6,
who would benefit from having a home computer with access to the internet. The Connecting Hume
PC Awards aims to empower young students to take charge of their future from a young age by
removing barriers to learning and reducing the digital divide. Nominations for the next round of
awards will be sent to schools early 2013.
For more information visit www.hume.vic.gov.au and click on ‘Libraries and Learning’
or call 9356 6999.
eSMART @ HUME LIBRARIES
DEALING WITH CYBERSAFETY EFFECTIVELY
Hume Libraries will be among the first library service in Australia to take part in the national pilot of
eSmart Libraries in early 2013. The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, in partnership with the
Telstra Foundation, will work with Australia’s 1,500 public libraries to develop and roll out eSmart
Libraries, a world-leading cybersafety system designed to equip libraries and connect library users
with the skills they need for smart, safe and responsible technology use.
eSmart Libraries is an extension of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s eSmart Schools
initiative, which has been adopted by 31 schools in Hume and more than 1,400 schools across
Australia, since its launch last year.
“Public libraries are the next logical place to improve cybersafety. They play an important role in
bridging the digital divide, improving opportunities for all Australians to access the benefits
of technology,” The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s CEO Dr Judith Slocombe said.
“We are thrilled to be among the first libraries in Australia to pilot eSmart Libraries. This is a system
that will help our library customers to manage cybersafety. They will be able to embrace the benefits
of technology without being exposed to security and privacy risks online,” said Marea Ekladious,
Manager Learning Community, Hume City Council.
“The Hume Global Learning Centre – Craigieburn was featured in the eSmart Libraries launch video,
which was incredibly exciting. We are delighted about rolling out this terrific initiative across all of
our branches,” said Marea.
The Telstra Foundation and The Alannah and Madeline Foundation will pilot eSmart Libraries in 20
clusters of libraries, including Hume Libraries, in early 2013 before rolling it out in libraries Australia
wide.
Visit www.amf.org.au/esmartlibraries for more information or visit
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jYHpb_kdYY and watch the eSmart launch video featuring the Hume
Global Learning Centre – Craigieburn.
YOUR TUTOR
FREE HOMEWORK HELP
Presented by Hume City Council and supported by Victoria University, yourtutor is a fast, free and
safe online tutoring service available to Hume Libraries’ members since 2006.
The partnership between the university and Hume City Council started in 2011 for a period of three
years. By contributing to the yourtutor project Victoria University had the opportunity to support
Council’s commitment to create a culture of learning and to be involved in raising aspirations for
students in Hume.
Professor Greg Baxter, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Students, Victoria University, said the
university and council share the same vision. “Victoria University and Hume City Council share
a vision to see individuals reach their potential. We are delighted to work together with yourtutor to
assist students to receive the high quality just-in-time support for their studies.
yourtutor connects students from Years 4 to 12 with teachers and professional tutors who assist the
students with assignments and homework. You must be a library member to use yourtutor.
Membership is free.
Supported by Victoria Unviersity.
For more information visit www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au or call 9356 6900.
RANKO COSIC’S PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
BROADMEADOWS GRADUATE RECEIVES TOP HONOURS
“Education opens doors, introduces you to amazing people and provides you with invaluable skills,”
said Ranko Cosic, a former Kangan Institute graduate.
Ranko’s amazing journey began at Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows campus, where he completed
Certificates II and IV in Information Technology and attained a Diploma of Software Development.
Currently, an Information Systems PhD student at the University of Melbourne, Ranko topped his
Masters Degree class and made it into the Dean’s Honours list in 2012. He received the prestigious
Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship and was recently selected as the first-ranked nominee to
attend the Australasian Conference on Information Systems doctoral consortium.
What is his secret to success? “My approach to life and education is that you should never give up
and always have a go! You don’t know what you are capable of until you attempt something and
if you don’t succeed at it the first time, keep trying and never give up. What I say to people is: ‘keep
working hard’.”
“I usually study between two to three hours before work, five and six hours after work and between
10 and 12 hours a day on weekends. I am not a fast learner so I must study very hard to keep pace
with other people in my field,” said Ranko.
Ranko was recently invited to participate in a working party at the Australian Catholic University to
help shape the university’s information systems offerings on a national scale. Next year he is
on his way to Germany for a three month study tour where he will work closely with other leading
experts in his field of research.
STEPPING STONES TO A BETTER LIFE
MICRO-BUSINESS PROGRAM FOR WOMAN
The Stepping Stones program provides small business training and mentoring opportunities for
newly arrived and refugee women. The program uses participatory learning methods that
accommodate the specific gender needs of migrant women in Australia.
According to Juliana Lobo de Queiroz, Stepping Stones Project Coordinator, the program adopts a
multidisciplinary approach to business skills development and women’s empowerment. “We focus
on the types of business and industries these groups have an interest in developing,” said Juliana.
The program helps the participants to develop business plans and marketing strategies, assists in
finding traineeship and work experience opportunities and links the women to enthusiastic and
talented female business mentors in Melbourne. Participants are recruited through referrals from
within the Brotherhood of Saint Laurence and through other organisations and community leaders.
For more information contact the Stepping Stones Program Coordinator, Juliana Lobo de Queiroz via
email jlobodequeiroz@bsl.org or call Juliana on 8412 8710.
AWARD-WINNING PARTNERSHIP
A DYNAMIC APPROACH TO COMMUNITY LEARNING
Dallas Brooks Community Primary School was one of the twelve winners at this year’s prestigious
Victorian Education Excellence Awards.
The school’s team won the ‘Partnerships with Families and Community’ award for linking families in
with a range of health and support services and promoting participation and engagement within the
school and kindergarten community.
“Our winning entry focused on the many ways we connect all members of our community to
develop our school as a learning centre, and on how we promote participation and engagement
with all community members,” said Lynne Gunning, Campus Principal, Dallas Brooks Community
Primary School. “We established partnerships with many local organisations including Hume U3A,
Victoria University, Spectrum Education and Training and other Hume Global Learning Village
members including Hume Libraries,” said Lynne.
These partnerships allowed the school to offer a range of community services, from adult education
programs – certificate and diploma level courses – to aged care and children’s services.
At the school’s Community Hub, families have access to child and maternal health programs.
The Hume Libraries bilingual team provides weekly bilingual storytelling sessions to the children, and
community members can access services such as translators, interpreters and welfare services
all under one roof. The Hub operates on a daily basis and is located in the school. All programs are
widely advertised through the school’s newsletter in Arabic, Turkish and English and direct contact is
made with families via the school’s multicultural aides.
Visit www.dallasps.vic.edu.au for more information and go to page 11 to find out about another
Victorian Education Excellence Awards winner from Hume.
INTRODUCING LUKE PEERS, HUME U3A
A HUME GLOBAL LEARNING VILLAGE MEMBER
IED caught up with Luke Peers, the new president of Hume University of the Third Age (U3A). In this
interview, Luke talks about the university’s programs and healthy ageing.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am 43 years old and had been working in the medical field as an anaesthetist for the past 23 years,
until I had a workplace accident. I live in Gladstone Park and have been a resident of Hume for 22
years. I am proud to be part of this community and of being able to watch it grow to what it is today.
I was looking for something to get involved in after making a decision that I could not go back to
work. I found Hume U3A to be a great initiative and decided that I wanted to be part of it.
How did you get involved?
I joined Hume U3A Photography and Life Puzzles classes about a year ago. Since then, I’ve been
heavily involved with the university’s activities, learning programs and events. I was approached to
become its president after Pat Townsend decided to step down. I know that I have big shoes to fill.
What are your plans for 2013 at Hume U3A?
Our working committee plans for 2013 are to offer more classes and extend our arms to all Hume
residents. We want people to get involved in the programs and events we offer each month. We are
also researching which new classes our members would like to attend. We also want our members
sharing their skills with the others and become tutors themselves.
What is the best thing about volunteering at the U3A?
The best thing about Hume U3A is the people you meet. Everybody I have met here has been so kind
and warm. I find this initiative so valuable to all of us.
Why should people join the U3A?
People should join U3A to continue learning new things and to keep themselves busy. It is a great
way to get to know and meet new people.
Visit www.humeu3a.org.au for more information.
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING
BOOST YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS AND LEARN NEWS SKILLS
Giving up a few hours a week to help others can have a huge impact on one’s
life. IED spoke to two volunteers who turned their lives around and are now in
paid employment – thanks to the connections made through volunteering.
Western Water gives Dennis Zhang a fair-go
Four years ago, when 27 year old Dennis Zhang left the shores of Zhejiang province, China, to come
to Australia for a better life, he did not anticipate the difficulties that lay ahead. Today, he is a
confident and cheerful young man grateful for the opportunities that have come his way.
“When I first arrived in Melbourne in 2008, I didn’t know anyone or much about the local
community, so I signed up to do volunteer work at the University of Melbourne. I was studying for
my first Masters degree and wanted to make new friends and learn about Australia. Volunteering
quickly got me into the local community and I met my first bunch of nice Australian friends,” said
Dennis Zhang.
Last year, he graduated with another Masters degree, this time in Urban/Environmental Planning
from Deakin University. Keen to make Melbourne his home and find a meaningful career path,
Dennis began looking for work opportunities. For months he searched without luck. “I found it very
difficult to get a job as I had no local work experience,” says Dennis.
Realising that volunteer work could also offer him a way of gaining relevant work experience in
environmental protection, Dennis contacted various councils around Victoria looking for volunteer
opportunities.
Through the Hume Volunteer Gateway program, Dennis got a work placement offer with Western
Water in Sunbury. “I took the offer with Western Water and am doing the most out of my
placement, it’s been a fantastic opportunity to apply the knowledge that I had gained. Volunteering
helped me to reach my goals.”
Sharmeela gets a second chance
Hume resident Sharmeela Lata Sursen is another Hume Volunteer Gateway success story. Five
months ago she signed up for volunteer work in an aged care facility after completing a course to
become a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). “I was applying for work through the job employment
agencies when an agency in Glenroy suggested that I do voluntary work to gain experience,” said
Sharmeela.
“It just so happened that I was going to the library and I saw the Hume Volunteer Gateway at the
Hume Global Learning Centre – Broadmeadows. I got the names of two aged care facilities who took
volunteers and ended up volunteering at one of them.”
For Sharmeela, her learning curve started when she decided to become a personal care attendant at
the age of 39 – a stark change from the work she did in retail previously.
“Last year my 16-year marriage ended and I decided to enrol in a government funded three-month
long certificate course in PCA after a friend’s suggestion. I was looking for a career change and
needed to work in a stable field with better hours and better work.”
Sharmeela believes that being a volunteer gave her the practical experience that she needed. “I have
been very lucky to use this opportunity to get new skills and experiences through volunteering,” she
said. Within two weeks of working as a volunteer, Sharmeela was offered a casual paid position at
another aged care facility thanks to the reference she got from her placement.
You can get involved with Hume Volunteer Gateway in any of the following ways: send an email to
gateway@hume.vic.gov.au visit the team at the Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093 Pascoe Vale
Road, Broadmeadows or call 9356 6999.
Hume Volunteer Expo 2013
Tuesday 23 April 2013 from 11am to 4pm
Hume Global Learning Centre – Broadmeadows
(1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows)
For more information contact gateway@hume.vic.gov.au or call Cathy James, Hume Volunteer
Gateway Program officer on 9356 6999.
A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP
MEADOWS PRIMARY SCHOOL AND MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Pizzicato Effect, a partnership between Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Meadows
Primary School, is celebrating its fourth year and undergoing many changes. The school is now
participating in a longitudinal study with the University of Melbourne. The project, entitled ‘Creating
musical futures in Australian schools and communities’, will document the personal beliefs and
everyday life experiences of students and their parents and teachers involved in the program. This
will hopefully lead on to a new understanding about the function of music in education and its
impact on young people and the lives of their families,” explains Helen Hatzikalis, MSO Program InSchool Coordinator. The results will be published by the end of 2013.
Helen said that this has been an incredible year for the students. “During Education Week in June,
approximately 90 students went to the Melbourne Town Hall to watch world famous London
composer Paul Rissmann conduct the MSO” said Helen.
“The National Australia Bank School Impact Award has also provided expert facilitators to run
strategy sessions with the teachers, planning the direction and extension of the Pizzicato
Effect program over the next three years,” said Helen.
For more information contact Helen Hatzikalis via email hatzikalis.helen.h@edumail.vic.gov.au or
call Helen on 9309 2355.
STEPHANIE ALEXANDER KITCHEN GARDEN PROGRAM
MORE SCHOOLS TO BENEFIT
Hume schools can now apply to join the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, thanks to the
$5.4 million Australian Government funding that will be delivered over the next three years.
The funding will assist 400 government and non-government schools.
Currently, 277 schools in Victoria participate in the program, along with the Meadows Primary
School in Hume, where 164 children from Years 3 to 6 are taught to grow, harvest
and cook fresh, seasonal food.
“The commitment from the government to fund the program will enable us to change the way
children approach and think about food by making the program more accessible, affordable
and flexible for all Australian schools with a primary curriculum,” said Stephanie Alexander, founder
of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation.
Visit www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au for more information.
HEALTHY HUME
GET INVOLVED
As part of the Healthy Hume initiative three community fruit and vegetable gardens have been
built and are being used by local residents.
You can get involved in your local community garden at the Meadows Primary School Educational
Garden, Roxburgh Park Homestead Community Garden and Craigieburn Community Garden. To
learn more about these community gardens, contact the Healthy Hume team via email
healthyhume@hume.vic.gov.au or call 9205 2200.
2012 HUME CITY COUNCIL
TEACHERS’ SCHOLARSHIPS
The winners of the 2012 Hume City Council Teachers’ Scholarships were announced in November at
an awards ceremony held at the Hume Global Learning Centre – Craigieburn. This year, 31
nominations were received across the six categories with 18 teachers shortlisted to receive one of
the six $4,000 scholarships. IED congratulates all the nominees and proudly presents the 2012
Teachers’ Scholarships winners.
Primary School Teacher Scholarship
Mariko Sato
Languages area team leader P-12 Mount Ridley College
Mariko works closely with all directors of Mount Ridley College’s learning and languages teams to
oversee and drive a program that promotes Japanese and Italian language and culture to
students from Prep to Year 12. The program proves to have been successful with improved student
participation, particularly in the higher year levels.
Another major achievement has been the development of a link between the college and overseas
schools in which her students exchange information and lessons with their overseas counterparts
through the use of Skype and other technologies.
She has worked tirelessly with her Action Improvement Team LOTE (Language Other Than English),
composed of teachers representing the whole college. In this team, members share successes and
develop ways to integrate some of their approaches to enhance the school’s teaching program. She
is also currently working on the development and delivery of a languages program to the University
of the Third Age and other community organisations.
Mariko intends to use the scholarship money to develop a language and culture program to be
shared and accessed by the wider community in Craigieburn and Hume. The grant will also assist her
to introduce a peer tutoring program across all her school’s age groups.
Graduate Teacher Scholarship
Emily Derix Teacher
Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School
Emily believes that communication is the key for students with an intellectual disability and autism
to develop independence and be less reliant on the adults around them. She manages a team of four
education support staff and works closely with the speech therapist and the occupational therapist.
Together they’ve created a learning environment for the young children to develop their
communication.
In her role as Connecting Us siblings program co-facilitator, Emily recognises the challenges faced by
siblings to build their confidence and self-esteem and inspires them to feel connected to their own
schooling, their families and particularly their less able sibling. She is working closely with the
Sunbury Community Health Centre staff to offer a support service to siblings of children with a
disability in Hume, not just those attending the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School.
Emily intends to use her scholarship money to extend her knowledge in the area of sibling support.
She wants to meet with key organisations such as Siblings Australia, Autism Victoria and Down
Syndrome Victoria to establish the effectiveness of their established programs and build into
the Connecting Us program best practices.
Secondary School Teacher Scholarship
Kathee Tocci Teacher
Hume Valley School
Kathee has spent most of her teaching career, spanning nearly 20 years, as a teacher in
Broadmeadows schools. This year, she created a program for teenage girls aged between 16 and 18
years, to develop an understanding of appropriate behaviour within relationships.
Her program ‘Relationship Matters’ focuses on positive relationships, self-respect and the power of
having a positive self-image for the young women she teaches in her Victorian Certificate of Applied
Learning (VCAL) program. This successful program was presented to the Northern Metropolitan
Region VCAL Network.
This year, Kathee also introduced ‘House Groups’ to the VCAL students. The program has increased
the pastoral care given to students that have had social negative experiences in the past and
provided an opportunity for healthy competition. The weekly challenges are designed to provide
positive interaction and to improve the students’ physical, artistic and linguistic abilities.
Kathee intends to use her scholarship money to learn more about programs designed for 12 to 16
year olds, focusing on family and domestic violence prevention and healthy relationships. She also
wants to explore ways in which to incorporate post-school support services to foster healthy
relationships within Hume.
Open Category Educator Scholarship
Jaime de Loma-Osorio Ricon
Community Development Manager
Banksia Gardens Community Services
Jaime has led the establishment of seven vibrant Homework Clubs targeted to various groups of
young local students. Aside from the traditional tutoring support offered by a homework club, Jaime
has developed programs that engage parents in their child’s learning.
Parents are also encouraged to participate in their own learning, take English language classes,
computer classes or any other activity that might get them back into the classroom.
Through his work, Jaime demonstrates his strong will and desire to work collaboratively with
local people and organisations and to deliver high quality services to the community. Jaime
developed and coordinates the weekly ‘Environmentality’ radio program on 98.9 NorthWest FM,
where volunteers have the opportunity to develop their skills and interest in sustainability
and radio journalism.
With support of Hume City Council Jaime has also established a ‘Sustainability/Environment’ group.
The idea is to encourage a community group to build relationships, discuss interests and to decide
upon and deliver environmentally sustainable projects.
Jaime intends to spend his scholarship money to research how the lessons from successful popular
education movements, such as Paulo Freire’s Critical Pedagogy movement, could
be applied to his work in Hume. He is particularly interested in visiting non-English speaking
countries.
Outstanding Team Scholarship
The Environment Action Team (EAT)
Meadow Heights Primary School
The EAT was created from a team of representatives from across the school community and given a
place alongside the Literacy, Numeracy and Information and Communications Technology teams to
help develop the whole school curriculum. The structure has been outlined in a way to connect
school staff, parents and students to work together on sustainability projects within the school.
The EAT showed strong leadership and coordination skills with internal and external networks. The
team established a partnership with CERES Community Environment Park, which
has assisted in the development of the school’s staff knowledge of sustainability as well as provided
training sessions for Environment students and EAT members.
Phillip Gibbs, EAT’s leader and founder, said the scholarship money is intended to subsidise learning
sessions with educators from CERES who will work with the student Environment Officers on further
sustainability projects. It will give EAT an opportunity to bring in educators to inform staff about best
practice in sustainability and how this can be transferred into the school environment and
curriculum.
EAT also intends to develop an environmental policy for the school to achieve Victorian Essential
Learning Standards and ensure sustainability will be a focus for the whole school in all curriculum
areas for years to come.
Early Years Scholarship
Angela Robinson
Program Manager
Brotherhood of St Laurence Family Day Care
The Brotherhood of St Laurence Family Day Care has been through many changes since Angela
Robinson, Program Manager, joined the service in 2011. By empowering the team and implementing
new motivational techniques, Angela changed the way staff are supported and how educators
are inspired to run a successful day care service. She has also helped to develop confidence in their
learning of the new Family Day Care Framework and to feel a valued member of the Brotherhood of
St Laurence team.
Angela developed, planned and implemented a detailed training calendar that supports educators
and community playgroup facilitators to improve their practice with up-to-date training.
Currently working in partnership with the Victorian Cooperative on Children’s Services for Ethnic
Groups (VICSEG), Angela wants to develop quality family day care training to women from Culturally
and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. The role of these partnerships include creating
resources to support women entering the family day care workforce, improving the quality of
practice and building the confidence of women from different cultural backgrounds.
Angela intends to spend the scholarship money on her professional development and training to
ensure the programs offered by the Brotherhood of St Laurence Family Day Care are of a high quality
and meet the needs of the local community.
Congratulations to winners and runners up!
Two runners-up were chosen from each category. They won the $500 scholarship prize money.
Early Years Winner
Angela Robinson, Brotherhood of St Laurence Family Day Care, Craigieburn
Runners up: Lindy Dwyer, McEwen Drive Preschool, Sunbury and Ebru Arnavut, Homestead Child
and Family Centre, Roxburgh Park
Primary School Winner
Mariko Sato, Mount Ridley P-12 College, Craigieburn
Runners-up: Louise Cashen Kismet Park Primary School, Sunbury and Jennifer Mawson Holy Child
Primary School, Dallas
Graduate Winner
Emily Derix, Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School, Sunbury
Runners-up: Melissa Bonaddio Mount Ridley P-12 College, Craigieburn and Katherine Wharton
Sunbury Downs College, Sunbury
Secondary School Winner Kathee Tocci
Hume Valley School, Broadmeadows
Runners-up: Michael Cooper, Aitken College, Greenvale and Tony Bottino, Hume Central Secondary
College, Broadmeadows
Open Category Educator Winner
Jaime de Loma-Osorio Ricon
Banksia Gardens Community Services, Broadmeadows
Runners-up: The Computer Club Hume City Council, Broadmeadows, and Cassandra Lock and
CaraJane Millar Department of Human Services, Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service Australia
Outstanding Team Winner
The Environment Action Team
Meadow Heights Primary School, Meadow Heights
Runners-up: Sarah Shatford and Marisa Jarvis Hume Anglican Grammar, Craigieburn and Sunbury
Downs College and Victoria University, Sunbury
LORI FARCHIONE-ZAPPIA WINS STATE AWARD
TULLAMARINE EDUCATOR CREATES ONLINE RESOURCES TO HELP TEACHERS
Lori Farchione-Zappia, Early Years Teacher, Dawson Street Preschool, received the Outstanding Early
Childhood Teacher award at the Victorian Education Excellence Awards 2012.
Lori’s winning project evolved directly from observing children’s learning behaviour. She captured
their voices, listened to their ideas and weaved their responses into curriculum ‘webs’. In this
interview, Lori talks about her award-winning project, entitled ‘Webbing’, and the importance of
producing quality programs for children in the years before they start school.
What is ‘webbing’ – the system that you developed?
Webbing is a tool I use, together with my assistant Rosa Di Pasquale, to create a plan with the
children. It’s a visual account of the children’s learning. We listen to the voice of the child. We
observe and document their interests and ideas. The web starts with one broad idea e.g. ‘castles’
and branches out into several ideas, the learning plan can continue for as long as the children remain
interested. The children follow their own interests. The work is based on the philosophy that
children are active in their own learning. I facilitate this process and extend their thinking to instil a
love for learning and inquiry.
What led you to develop it?
I was presented with a number of challenges around transforming the Early Years Learning
Framework research into practice. I embraced the opportunity to critically reflect on my current
program planning process. The framework made me reflect and think about the importance of
interactions with children.
How does the program work?
It allows children to investigate a project in depth. Educators work as partners in learning and
promote children’s curiosity by asking questions, providing materials, time and space and extending
children’s thinking where appropriate. Educators take photos and record children’s responses and
the experiences are then documented and placed in our journal for families to read and view.
A lot of team work and organisation is required to implement this type of planning. As a teacher I
also rely on my assistant to document the children’s learning, take photos of the whole process and
listen to their interests.
Who will benefit from it?
This is a collaborative approach where educators, parents and children are collaborators and
beneficiaries of the learning process. Parents are an essential resource for their child’s learning,
and educators encourage children to discuss, critique, compare, and problem-solve through group
work. Together, we try to provoke and stimulate thinking.
Lori plans to attend a study tour of the Reggio Emilia school in Italy. She hopes to share her journey
and knowledge about Webbing by writing a book to support educators to link programming formats
to the National Early Years Learning Framework.
GETTING READY FOR
THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Registrations can now be lodged for children attending preschool in 2013 and 2014 and Three Year
Old Activity Program in 2013. Forms are available from Hume City Council’s Customer Service
Centres and website.
A photocopy of the child’s birth certificate or passport and a non-refundable $12 administration fee
is required. For more information and for a list of Council Preschool Centres visit
www.hume.vic.gov.au/Services_For_You and click on ‘Children’ or call 9205 2200.
LIVING LEGENDS
DISCOVER YOUR OWN BACKYARD
Living Legends, the home of retired champion race horses, situated in Greenvale’s Woodlands
Historic Park, is undergoing a complete makeover. Several historical artefacts have been added to
the display at the Living Legends Homestead. These include a French Harp imported to Australia by
the McCracken family at the turn of the last century in the early 1900s and the original leather
bound instruction book which includes music scores and extra information on the harp.
Visitors will also be able to view historical paintings in the homestead by Gregory Smith, a Fellow of
the Victorian Art Society and its current president. “The paintings are in a style that benefits the
history and heritage of the homestead and the park. The ageless majesty of the river red gums
and surrounding views such as those over Macedon Ranges is captured as it would have been seen
by the painter in the 1840s,” said Andrew Clarke, CEO of Living Legends.
Another visible change will be a brand new entrance to the site, with new front gates and
illuminated signage. There will also be new horse shelters and fencing. A new minibus has been
purchased to offer a local pick-up and drop-off service with guided tours. Visitors will be able to
enjoy kangaroo tours as Living Legends is the closest place to see them in the wild. A new pictorial
brochure will be handed to visitors, depicting the history and heritage of the Woodlands. It will also
include details of the owners and the property’s link with Victorian horse racing from its earliest
days.
For more information on things to see and do in Hume head to the Sunbury Visitor Information
Centre (43 Macedon Street, Sunbury), visit www.dyob.com.au or call 9744 2291.
LOCAL CONNECTIONS TO WORK
CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH WORK
Since May this year, a new service called ‘Local Connections to Work’ (LCTW) has been made
available to Centrelink clients. It is part of a national initiative to engage local service providers and
help them deliver a range of services from a Centrelink service centre.
“Having community organisations providing services from one location enables people to more
easily access what they need. These may include education and counselling services, financial
assistance, advocacy, housing services, employment, health support services, youth and family
services,” said Joanne Tawhiri, Building Australia’s Future Workforce and Service Delivery Reform
Team Leader at Centrelink Broadmeadows.
According to Joanne, for many people the barriers to finding work vary, from long term
unemployment, family issues and financial stress to mental health, and many other barriers that
prevent customers from being connected to providers and services within the Hume municipality.
Last financial year, 4,602 customers were assisted through initial joint interviews with Centrelink and
employment services providers. During this period, 1,396 citizens found job placements and 1,100
found education and training placement.
Visit www.humanservices.gov.au for more information.
THE HUME GLOBAL LEARNING VILLAGE ADVISORY BOARD
AND THE IMPORTANCE OF LIFELONG LEARNING
The role of the Hume Global Learning Village (HGLV) Advisory Board is to strengthen partnerships
between village members and improve learning opportunities in Hume. The board, an executive of
representatives from government, business and academia, provides strategic direction and high
level advice to Hume City Council and the community. IED spoke to board members about their
views on the importance of the HGLV and the future of education and lifelong learning in Hume City.
The Hon. John Cain former Premier of Victoria and HGLV Advisory Board Chairperson
“The importance of the HGLV is that it emphasises the Hume Social Justice Charter – which
I was part of when it was established in 2001. Education is a key part of the Charters’ mission, which
addresses issues of economic and social wellbeing by creating a learning culture in the community.
Education is the most important factor to avert the inequalities that are so apparent in our
society today. These inequalities can be reduced and cultural understanding improved by
lifelong learning programs and initiatives like the HGLV and the Hume Global Learning Centres.“
Peter Kearns Intellectual Director of the PASCAL International Exchanges
“When well executed initiatives like the HGLV are critically important in providing opportunities for
community members in combatting disadvantage and enhancing quality of life. In a world of
rampant globalisation, rapid change, and growing inequality, these initiatives re-affirm social
justice and humanitarian values, and the things that matter to local communities. The HGLV
has been an international leader in progressing these aspirations.”
Judith Slocombe CEO Alannah and Madeline Foundation
“Whether young or old, the key to a better future is learning. The HGLV and the Hume
Global Learning Centres play a key role in bringing important learning opportunities to the
whole community.”
Stefan Romaniw OAM, Executive Director of Community Languages Australia
“The HGLV builds community, giving people of all walks of life and language and cultural
backgrounds the opportunity to grow as a person. For young or old, the HGLV is a place to
get to know the world around you and its workings. All this brings knowledge, self-esteem
and inner strength, thus creating ongoing opportunities and harmony.”
Professor Greg Baxter Pro Vice-Chancellor with Victoria University
“Talent is not a demographic. By promoting lifelong learning opportunities, we enable people to
realise their potential to learn more about themselves and the world.
Through this, they improve enjoyment, income and health for themselves and for the whole
community.”
Terry Kennedy, Local Employment Coordinator North and Western Melbourne, Australian
Government
“Whether it is through training in the workplace or a course to get a better job – there are hundreds
of reasons why a person will want access to learning. The more access there is to such opportunities,
the more inclusive and healthy the community becomes.”
Jillian Riseley, General Manager, Digital Inclusion
“The HGLV mission encourages us to reach our potential as individuals. In particular, the HGLV is a
demonstration of communities taking the initiative to enable themselves.”
Nadine Kotob, Recipient of the 2012 Hume, Young Citizen of the Year
“The future of our society has more potential to grow and prosper when in the hands of educated
individuals. Learning opportunities will enable young people to foster principles of equality and
socialism. They are essential in providing a support system in acquiring the confidence to excel in
life.“
Rosemary Fisher Strategist, executive and a passionate advocate of lifelong learning
“The act of learning can be personally fulfilling. It helps us have pride in ourselves and selfconfidence. And this in turn leads to prosperity and is good for our community. Lifelong learning
helps us make a difference for ourselves and for the world around us.”
Ray Griffiths Kangan Institute CEO Directorate
“Under the leadership of The Hon. John Cain, the HGLV is providing Hume residents with the
inspiration, opportunity and means to engage in learning at any age. It’s alliance with educators
from all levels, employers, members of parliament and local Hume City Councillors and staff working
together to make Hume a true learning community.”
For more on the HGLV Advisory Board and to read our Board members’ statements in full visit
www.hume.vic.gov.au/Libraries_Learning and click on ‘Imagine,Explore, Discover’.
THE HUME GLOBAL LEARNING CENTRES
HUBS OF ACTIVITY AND LEARNING
Designed to create opportunities for the Hume community to participate in lifelong learning
programs and activities, the Hume Global Learning Centres (HGLC) in Broadmeadows and
Craigieburn are making an important impact in our community. Places where people can meet and
socialise, attend classes and training sessions, exhibitions and launch events, the Hume Global
Learning Centres are unique venues providing a range of facilities to individuals, community
organisations and businesses. They are lively hubs of activity and learning and home to the
Broadmeadows and Craigieburn libraries.
IED spoke to visitors and regular customers to find out what they most liked about the centres. A
common favourite in both venues was the centres’ café that serves delicious food and coffee while
doubling up as the ideal space for a work meeting or a catch up with friends.
For more information visit www.hume.vic.gov.au or call 9356 6999.
A regular computer hub user, Raj Pal says that his children and wife visit the library regularly. “The
children’s section is great for our children as it gives them something interesting to do.”
Kangan Institute started using the HGLC – Craigieburn centre regularly from July and are taking full
advantage of the contemporary training rooms and library facilities. The institute has been running
VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) classes daily at the centre. “Our VCAL students –
mostly local youth aged between 15 and 19 years – have very positive things to say about it. They
love the training rooms, the free tea and coffee, the modern-looking library environment and the
fact that they are treated as young adults rather than school kids,” said Community, Youth and
Health Group Manager at Kangan Institute, Deanne Semmens. The break-out ‘pod’ rooms for client
meetings are also one of Deanne’s favourite features.
Andrew Tran and Amin Ramadan are both from Gladstone Park Secondary College and come often
to the study areas at The Age Library in Broadmeadows. “I like coming here; we can do our
studies and when we have a break we can read some of the magazines,” said Andrew. Amin agrees.
“It is very convenient too as it is so close to public transport and the Broadmeadows train station.”
“We love the service being provided here. I think it is fantastic because my children can look at
books and talk about them because there is a separate area just for them, I believe children
don’t learn unless they talk about the books and stories they are reading,” said mum Elizabeth
Forde.
Hatice and Oskan Yamak are the parents of Meryem and Betul and have been attending bilingual
storytime sessions in Turkish at The Age Library in Broadmeadows for a little more than a year. “It is
great for the children, they can hear stories in their own language it is a fantastic program for the
whole family,” said mum Hatice.
First time visitor, Carrie Standford was impressed with the nice, bright and open space available at
the new centre. “It is a great place to meet my friends, you don’t have to be silent here.”
Nicole Pritchard, a regular library user, agrees. ”We have been here a couple
of times just to borrow books or DVDs. It is really easy to find things, easy to borrow library items
out or renew them. I like the fact that there is a café here. It is not a stuffy library where you
need to be quiet.”
In 2009, Jenny McKinnon, Administration Manager at Health Skills Australia was looking for a venue
in which to conduct Aged Care training in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne. “We found the Hume
Global Learning Centre – Broadmeadows and have been using the venue regularly ever since for a
variety of courses,” she said. “With bright, well-equipped training rooms, helpful and enthusiastic
staff, transport and parking close by, the HGLC – Broadmeadows stood out from other training
options we had investigated.”
Milindu Nissanka and Avanti Caldera, 3rd and 4th year university students are regular users of the
quiet study space at the HGLC – Craigieburn. “I study here when my tests are coming up. It has a
really nice atmosphere, I have my own personal space and gives me time to work at my own pace,”
says Avanti. “I come here quite often,” said Millindu. “I use a few of the services such as the highspeed wifi internet and sometimes the quiet study rooms”. Milindu Nissanka and Avanti Caldera
“On many occasions, a visit to the HGLC – Broadmeadows café has saved me several calls or emails
as I have been able to catch up with local workers as they are having their lunch or a coffee.
Nowadays, I tend to hide in the café mostly when I need to leave our very busy office to write
reports or funding applications.” Jaime de Loma-Osorio Ricon, Community Development Manager,
Banksia Gardens Community Centre.
For TAFE students Christopher, Jesse and Caz the computer hub is their favourite area at the HGLC –
Craigieburn. “It is easy, you just have to sign up, book and use the computers,” said Jesse. TAFE
students Christopher, Jesse and Caz
“I’ve been coming to the HGLC – Broadmeadows since it was opened in 2003. When I was a child, I
used to come to the library and borrow books, DVDs etc. Now I come mainly to use the internet at
the ePlay area.” Ming Le, 19 year old student
SUMMER READING CLUB
UNTANGLED TALES
Get ready to join the Summer Reading Club – Untangle Tales for a chance to win fantastic prizes. Any
child aged between 4 and 17 years old can join. Simply come into a library near you after Monday 26
November 2012 and register for the Summer Reading Club (SRC).
To be part of the SRC all you have to do is read 10 books and record the titles of the books you read
in your SRC reading record. Fill in your details on the entry form then put your completed reading
record in the SRC box.
You will also be able to collect some incentives along the way, such as temporary tattoos, stickers
and bookmarks.
Last year Hume Libraries had over 700 children registered and 385 children entered the draw for the
Summer Reading Club. Hume children read 12,530 books in two months averaging 202 books read
per day. The aim now is that the children read even more books this year, and reach the target of
13,000 books. For more information visit www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au or call 9356 6900.
PENCIL DRIVE CAMPAIGN
DONATE YOUR OLD PENCILS
The Pencil Drive is a fundraising campaign looking for any old pencils which are left over from the
school year. Collected by volunteers, the pencils are sent to the Soksan International School in
Cambodia.
A number of schools in Hume are involved in the Pencil Drive campaign, which is run by Kilmore
International School; they are: Roxburgh Park Primary School, Roxburgh Park Rise Primary School,
Hume Central Secondary College and Mount Ridley Primary School. “The help and support given has
been fantastic and it is really heartfelt that people were so generous without much encouragement.
These institutions have no idea of the real value of their gifts,” says Jessica Lamb, Pencil Drive
spokesperson. To donate or for more information visit www.cambodiankidsfoundation.org
HUME LIBRARIES
www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au
The Age Library
Hume Global Learning Centre – Broadmeadows
1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows, 3047
Phone 03 9356 6900
Craigieburn Library
Hume Global Learning Centre – Craigieburn
75-95 Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn, 3064
Phone 03 9356 6980
Gladstone Park Community Library
Taylor Drive, Gladstone Park 3043
Phone 03 9356 6990
Sunbury Library
44 Macedon Street, Sunbury, 3429
Phone 03 9356 6970
Tullamarine Library
58 Spring Street, Tullamarine, 3043
Phone 03 9356 6966
Hume Mobile Library
The Hume Mobile Library operates on
a weekly timetable across Campbellfield,
Collaroo, Dallas, Greenvale, Meadow Heights and Roxburgh Park.
Phone 03 9356 6980
Hume City Council
1093 Pascoe Vale Road
Broadmeadows VIC 3047
Phone 03 9356 6900
Fax 03 9356 6935
Email glcbooking@hume.vic.gov.au
www.hume.vic.gov.au
The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views or opinions shared
by the Hume Global Learning Village and Hume City Council.
IED is printed on 100% recycled paper