Students and schools

Ready, Set, Go

What is Ready, Set, Go?

Ready, Set, Go prepares students in their final year of primary (Year 6) for the transition to secondary school. It aims to give young people skills to deal with change and other challenges they may face. The program is for Year 6 students at St Columba's Primary School, Elwood.

What does Ready, Set, Go offer?

• Sessions of one hour per week over ten weeks in Term 4
• students have input into the topics they would like covered, which may include:
  • confidence-building
  • resolving issues and building positive relationships with peers
  • positively adapting to change
  • safe online communication and communications technology
• annual graduation ceremony tailored to each group
• annual reunion event in the first term of secondary school for both students and parents to maintain contact, share experiences and support each other. 

What are the benefits of Ready, Set, Go?

This program helps prepare students for a range of challenges, including those beyond the school walls. It results in improved self-esteem, reduced social isolation and lower incidence of addictive behaviours.

How can I find out more about Ready, Set, Go?

Contact:
Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service
5/22-28 Fitzroy Street
St. Kilda 3182
T: 9537 1416
E: stkilda@goodshepvic.org.au

School Focused Youth Service (SFYS)

What is the School Focused Youth Service (SFYS)?

The School Focused Youth Service is part of a Victoria-wide program connecting schools and community service organisations within a local area.

Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service coordinates the Keilor/Melton School Focused Youth Service with a SYFS Coordinator based at our St Albans site. By working together with local schools and other community organisations, we aim to find creative new ways of meeting the needs of vulnerable young people, particularly in relation to keeping them at school or in other forms of education or training.

This service does not work directly with young people; it works by connecting schools and community organisations. Our focus is on young people aged 10-18, particularly those who are vulnerable and may be at risk of leaving school early.

What does the School Focused Youth Service (SFYS) offer?

• Assistance with education costs for vulnerable young people
• project funding for strategies to address needs and gaps in services
• opportunities to improve connections between schools - including primary, secondary, catholic and independent schools - and community services
• opportunities to improve awareness of local services and resources that can help vulnerable young people.

How can I find out more about School Focused Youth Service (SFYS)?

Contact:
Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service
354 Main Road West
St Albans Vic 3021
T: 03 8312 8800
E: stalbans@goodshepvic.org.au

The Good Stuff Guide (210.4 KB) provides information about successful SFYS activities in the Western Region of Melbourne.

Schools in Community Action (SICA)

What is Schools in Community Action (SICA)?

Schools in Community Action (SICA) is a leadership program for Year 4 (9/10 year-old) students at St Columba's Primary School, Elwood. It began in 2005 in response to parent concerns about bullying behaviour, competitiveness and intolerance. The program develops positive leadership skills and an appreciation of the how positive leadership can generate environmental and social health and wellbeing.

What does SICA offer?

• A weekly class session over two terms (twenty weeks):
  • Term one - activities to develop awareness of student's own strengths and leadership skills and exercises to explore various leadership roles within the community. Activities include team-work exercises, role plays and studies of successful community or environmental projects.
  • Term two - group activities on a chosen project including research, developing partnerships with relevant organisations and creating resources.

How can find out more about SICA?

Contact
Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service
5/22-28 Fitzroy Street
St. Kilda 3182
T: 03 9537 1416
E: stkilda@goodshepvic.org.au