curriculum;
maintaining
community;
encouraging
staffing.
recognized & negotiated boundaries, goals & outcomes; building &
positive relationships; developing & maintaining links with the
attractive & accessible physical environments; catering for diversity;
student voice & involvement; and supporting & ensuring high quality
We successfully applied to the Felton Bequest for funding to undertake a study to
ascertain the feasibility of opening a third campus of our registered school in
Shepparton. If another campus is indicated, we have also been allocated funds for
the campus establishment.
The Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority undertook a review and
evaluation of operations of our school, including the campuses at Noble Park and
Morwell. We were extremely pleased that the BEST school was assessed as being
compliant with the minimum standards for registration under the Education &
Training Reform Act 2006.
We received two grants under the Federal Government‟s Building the Education
Revolution for capital works at Noble Park and Morwell.
Our partnership in the Northern Region with the Pavilion (Banksia-LaTrobe Secondary
College) alternate education setting won a NAB Schools First Impact Award.
We contracted a consultant to undertake an internal review of our RTO.
We were invited to participate on the Advisory Group of the Department of
Education and Early Childhood Development‟s Alternate Education Review. KPMG
undertook the review on behalf of the State Government and their presentation to
the Advisory Group indicated promising findings and recommendations. However it
has been very disappointing to note the repeated cancellation of group meetings
since mid year and the failure of DEECD to publish the review report.
Berry Street is a member of the Equity in Education Alliance which is made up of
VCOSS members who are concerned about the burden of the financial costs of
participating in compulsory education in Victoria. The Alliance facilitated a very
successful Equity in Education Forum this year.
For some year, Berry Street has been an active partner in the development of the
SparkL program, the goal of which is to ensure disadvantaged students become
confident, creative and literate learners. The program is generously funded by a
private foundation and also involves the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Foundation
House and the Victorian College of the Arts. SparkL was officially launched at the
Malthouse theatre in late October and Marg Hamley spoke on behalf of the partners
about the contribution community organisations can make in collaboration with
educationalists.
3.5
Highlights from the Groups
3.5.1 Gippsland
Trish McCluskey (Director) brought new energy when she became the Regional
Director in late 2008. This was evident with the number of new initiatives in the
region.
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