Annual Report 2013-2014

“Mentoring

changed

my life!” Shanai Smith

Standing Tall Graduate 2012

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Vision

Students fulfilling their potential to live rich and rewarding lives and be valuable members of the community.

Mission

The training of community mentors to support and encourage students to reach their full potential.

The Standing Tal l Prog ram. . .

Provides training and support to members of the community who are willing to act as mentors to school students.

We Bel ieve . . .

One of the greatest chances for a young person fulfilling their potential is to take advantage of educational opportunities offered in a school. There is a high price to be paid for the fact that a number of young people in our society are not taking advantage of the educational opportunities offered in a school setting. Optimal educational outcomes for young people are based on their

wellbeing and sense of connection with the school and community to which they belong.

One of the most protective factors for a young person is the support and

encouragement afforded by a one-to-one relationship with a caring adult. The responsibility for the wellbeing of young people lies with the whole

community, not just schools. There is a latent goodwill in the community which can be tapped and

realised to support schools achieve the outcomes for which they are established.

Standing Tall in Hamilton works within the Australian Youth Mentoring Benchmarks, which fosters the growth of high quality youth mentoring programs.

Our Va lues

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Our Peop l e Staf f Tracey McDonnell - Program Coordinator Jane Crowe - Program Administrator

Standing Tal l Committee of Management Members Heather Ward - Committee Chairperson (2014) Dan Spencer - Committee Chairperson (2013) Bre Fort - Committee Secretary Scott McQueen - Committee Treasurer Tom Blackwell Jane Chin Casey Manson Annette Read Graham Schroeder Rob Vecchiet

Patron Dr Geoff Handbury AO

Ambassador Ms Jeanette Pritchard

Community Champions Councillor Bruach Colliton - Southern Grampians Council Reverend Peter Cook - Hamilton Uniting Church

Scott, Annette, Casey, Jane, Bre, Tracey, Heather and Rob

(Dan, Tom and Graham not pictured)

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Cha irperson ’ s Report In 2013/2014 Standing Tall has continued to strengthen it’s position as a highly valued and admired mentoring program. Later this year we celebrate it’s tenth anniversary. The fact that we are still here is a testament to the hard work of the past and present Coordinators, Assistants, Mentors, Mentees and the Committee of Management. Tracey and Jane are to be commended for their ability to continually grow the program so that it meets the needs of the students at Baimbridge College in Hamilton. At the last Annual General Meeting Bre Fort, Dan Spencer and Rob Vecchiet were re-elected. Dan took over the role as COM chair but unfortunately shortly afterwards had to move away due to work commitments. Earlier this year we added Graham Schroeder and Tom Blackwell to our committee. They have proven to be very valuable additions. Jane Chin and I have met with the girls on a fortnightly basis and are always impressed with the work ethic and thought that goes into maintaining a program of this size.

This is our tenth year of operation and therefore the tenth year of making a real difference in the lives of the young people who pass through the program. As a class room teacher I see the changes in the students that are involved in the program, they become more confident, more willing to have a go, and miss fewer classes. This program is regularly referenced as an outstanding program and is acknowledged Australia wide.

We continue to work with and learn from our sister programs in Warrnambool, Camperdown and Heywood. Standing Tall values the support of our Patron Dr Geoff Handbury AO and the Handbury Family Trust, the Victorian State Government through it’s Engage! program, Iluka, Victoria Police, the Inner Wheel Club, Rotary, Hamilton District Skills Centre and the Uniting Church. These people and organisations have provided mentors and money to support the program. Finally, I wish to thank the COM, Tracey and Jane for their hard work this year. To the mentors thankyou for being so generous with your time. Thankyou to the mentees for being open to forming a new relationship, and finally thankyou to the parents for allowing this to happen. I can’t wait to see what the next ten years bring! Happy Birthday Standing Tall! Heather Ward Chairperson Committee of Management

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Coord inator ’ s Report Another successful and rewarding year at Standing Tall Hamilton. This last year has seen the program nominated for two awards and one of our program graduates recognised for her contribution to community and committment to her education. The beginning of this year also saw success when a full time student in the mentoring program moved into full time employment as a result of pathways provided in the Standing Tall program. Funding has been built upon and partnerships within the community and regionally have been strengthened and new partnerships forged. Standing Tall has a strong reputation regionally, during a presentation to the Great South Coast Education Attainment Forum Dr Kaye Scholfield, CEO of RMIT Hamilton reporting Standing Tall as the most successful intervention for young people across the region based on educational research carried out by RMIT Hamilton. Data collected through the program also reflects what we already know that having a caring adult outside of the immediate family will allow for a child to grow into the greatest version of themselves while also effecting a positive change on the child, the mentor and the community in which the mentoring occurs. Standing Tall has received a nomination for the regional community partnership award and again has been nominated for the Powercor Business Achievement Award. The program was also recognised by the Australian Council of Educational Research for best practice with a community and school partnership. A case study of the program has been circulated across Australia and internationally allowing other mentoring programs to learn and grow from our success. A great Standing Tall moment during the past year was to watch a graduate of Standing Tall, Shanai Smith, receive an award for her outstanding commitment to community and overcoming difficulties to remain in tertiary education beyond secondary school. Shanai was recognised during her time in the Standing Tall Program for her compassion and commitment to the program and a role as peer mentor was created for her in recognition of her dedication to the program. It was wonderful to see Shanai recognised by the community she lives in and actively contributes to by giving up her time to speak at events raising the awareness of the impact of mentoring. Congratulations Shanai and to those who gave generously of their time, energy and wisdom to guide and support Shanai on the journey to become the best possible version of herself! Standing Tall is able to provide real pathways into employment and this year has seen a great result. Matt Leehane has transitioned successfully into full time employment from full time study. Matt has enjoyed a long and rich relationship with his mentor Karyn Dyson who provided opportunities during their weekly mentoring hour to visit work sites that would provide a pathway for full time employment. A wonderful outcome for Matt and Karyn and Standing Tall mentoring. 2014 sees the final round of funding received through the state government Engage! Program. This funding has provided opportunities for students to strengthen their skills allowing for positive growth and change in all of the students and mentors involved in the program. The state government has again provided the opportunity to apply for this funding and Standing Tall like many mentoring agencies will submit an application. Our patron, Dr Geoff Handbury and the Handbury Family Trust, have generously provided philanthropic support to the program during the past seven years and have increased their

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contribution this year with funding confirmed until the end of 2017. Mr Handbury has a strong belief in the power of mentoring and ability of a strong relationship between generations to change lives strengthening the community surrounding them. The children of the Standing Tall program are truly blessed to have this support, as is the community of Hamilton, who will see the benefit of our young adults in employment and tertiary study, as well as growing into emotionally intelligent adults exhibiting kindness and compassion with a strong sense of civic duty. Data collected through the program this past year continues to reflect the success of the Standing Tall mentoring program. We saw 100% of Standing Tall students positive about school and 100% happy with who they are. There was a significant increase in students reporting that they had a stronger sense of direction in their lives after being mentored. Our local data supports international research on the significant impact of mentoring on the outcomes of students. A study of 500 mentored children completed by The Boston Consulting Group on the social return of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program provides strong evidence of the positive impacts on participating children. It concluded that mentored children were:

more likely to hold a post-school qualification and more likely to be employed; more likely to volunteer in their community; more likely to donate to charity; give more money and more volunteer hours; more likely to thrive at a personal level feel confident and make good life choices; and more likely to feel happy.

This study also concluded that this particular mentoring program offers an $18 return to society on every $1 invested. This return took into account increased taxes, consumption and philanthropic activity over a lifetime. Certainly this is a strong return on investment. The Education Foundation of Australia 2007 put the cost of early school leavers at an estimated $2.6 billion a year in higher social welfare and health and crime prevention. At a local level Standing Tall actively contributes to reducing these negative impacts on young people, their families and our community. I look forward to another productive and busy year at Standing Tall and thank all the workers, volunteers and partners of the program who recognise and support the beliefs and aspirations of Standing Tall to build a strong community both socially and economically and to allow children to strive to be the best they can through the Power of Mentoring. Tracey McDonnell Program Coordinator Standing Tall in Hamilton Inc

Pr inc ipa l ’ s Report It is always valuable to reflect on a program after a little time has passed. Now that we are at the tenth anniversary of the birth of Standing Tall, I can say that I could not be more pleased with its evolution and the impact it has had on students in our school. From the first year when Dy Shewell was mentoring one of our Year 11 students with Jeanette Pritchard overseeing all elements of the program from training mentors on weekends to liaising with school staff and pairing students with mentors – the program has not looked back. The phrase that “it takes a village to raise a child” has never diminished in it’s importance and has continued to be the keystone of the philosophy behind the program. The program has evolved to the point where today we have a Committee of Management with representation from beyond the school yard representing a broad cross section of our community. We have Tracey and Jane in place to oversee the day-to-day running and future of the program and we have parents and students recognising the value of a significant adult in a child’s life – referring themselves or their child to the program. I am delighted with the outcomes Standing Tall has achieved for the many students in the program over ten years. I am equally proud to be part of a community that cares enough about their young people to provide time, effort, expertise and finance to do as much as possible to secure the future of our youth and the sense of community to which the program has contributed so strongly. Thank you Jeanette Pritchard for the creation of Standing Tall and to all those who give their support to ensure its survival into the future. Thank you also to all the mentors who have so generously given their time to be trained and then continued to give by supporting a young Baimbridge College student and helped guide them towards a more positive future. Robert Vecchiet Principal Baimbridge College

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Wel lbe ing Coord inator ’ s Report The reassuring thing about being a part of the Baimbridge College community is the sense of connection that each individual can feel through a variety of programs. Standing Tall contributes in no small way to this sense of belonging, and I am delighted to reflect on some of the ways that this program has contributed to the wellbeing of students here during 2013/2014.

Each school term at Baimbridge College brings new challenges for families. There is usually some reports of a change in family life: a change that upsets the normal routine, such that young people are affected. These changes can include things like illness or death in the family, the loss of employment, family violence or a change of residence. Sometimes these difficulties are compounded by problems at school, whether academic or social.

Standing Tall helps young people to overcome challenges such as these in indirect and subtle ways. The careful matching of students with mentors is a great example of this. Where a student is missing the influence of a significant role model in his/her life, the program provides this. The relationship between student and mentor is monitored and nurtured to provide stability, positivity and routine so that the student develops a healthy connection to school and the opportunities that education provides.

These connections don’t happen by chance. The skilful work of a coordinator and administrator, working quietly behind the scenes, establishes the environment for this to happen smoothly. This year, I have been privileged to participate in the training program for volunteers and to witness the huge amount of work that goes into the recruitment of individuals who are to be involved in the program. I also see the daily routine of checking with students involved in the program. Tracey and Jane are to be congratulated for the way in which they go about their work to ensure that the program flourishes. As a result, meetings between students and mentors happen with a minimum of fuss: students learn to rely on their mentors, look forward to their weekly catch-ups and any concerns for the wellbeing of students are raised confidentially with me. The commitment of Tracey and Jane to this program is awesome.

It goes without saying that volunteers are an essential part of the program’s success. The dedication to young people that the volunteers show was acknowledged at a recent dinner during Volunteers Week. It was clear to me during that evening’s discussions that mentors accept and support their mentees without judgement or hesitation. This openness and sincerity are the qualities that many young people need and to which they respond. Comments from mentors such as:

“…He’s a great kid. He just needed a bit of help with his choices to get him on the right track…” OR “…She was having some trouble making friends, so we just worked on a few ideas together…”

These are just some examples of the magic that happens when the right partnerships are formed through good management, dedication to the cause, and continuity.

I hope that Baimbridge College continues to benefit from the work of Standing Tall for many years to come and that the sense of connection to the school and the community of Hamilton grows stronger through this great program.

Cath McGowan Student Wellbeing Coordinator Baimbridge College

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Activ ity Report The past year has been another successful year for our Mentoring program, as we journey into our tenth year here in Hamilton. The School facilities are well utilised by our participants; the Mentoring room serves as a base for mentors and mentees, providing a comfortable space to get to know each other, learn new things and have a lot of fun with a variety of games and activities available. Our Standing Tall family have been joined by ladies from the Hamilton Wool and Craft Guild this year to complete a knitting project. A beautiful blanket has been created by our mentor and mentees. We are very grateful to Jacinta Wareham and her team for all their help. We have some aspiring musicians amongst our students, so trips to the Music department have also been a great experience. For the computer minded folks, the computer labs have been a good place for some chats and IT time.

Our students and mentors have made use of the kitchens in the Home Economics centre this year, many fantastic meals have been created and shared. Our Mentors and Students are often out and about in town. Lunches out in some of our local cafés provide great opportunity for meaningful conversations. We would especially like to acknowledge Roxburgh House and Tosca Brown’s for their generous support of our program, they

have provided us with coffee vouchers for our Mentors, and have become favourite places amongst our participants. The Hamilton Library and Art Gallery are a favourite amongst our participants. Many of our students were very excited to attend the Heirloom exhibition created by a graduate of the Standing Tall program. Visits to local businesses often provide our students with pathways for their future; students visited the Hamilton Ambulance Station, Robson’s Pharmacy, Aitken’s Automotives, the Men’s Shed, VicRoads, the Hamilton Airport and visits to local building sites. Hamilton has great local attractions which are frequented by our mentors and mentees; BBQ’s and picnics at the Botanical Gardens, fishing and bird-

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watching at Lake Hamilton, swimming at HILAC, exploring the Steam Train at Apex Park and visits to Wannon and Nigretta Falls. Our participants are always excited to get involved in giving back to their community. A number of pairs headed out again to fundraise in the annual Western District Health Service 2014 Doorknock Appeal, Standing Tall students are also involved in selling ANZAC day and Legacy badges in town. October brought around National Youth Mentoring Week, which we celebrated with our mentors at Roxburgh House. Standing Tall Graduate Shanai Smith spoke of her experience of being in the program and the role it played in her life, leaving our Mentors reinspired. We are were also proud to have Mentor, Geraldine McDonald nominated as a finalist in the Australian Mentor of the Year awards, recognising the valuable contributions she has made to her mentee and this program. We ended our year with a Christmas Party at the Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning (HIRL), with a generously catered BBQ by the Hamilton Rotary Club. We were delighted to be joined

by our Mayor Albert Calvano and his wife, Yvonne and the Southern Grampians CEO, Richard Perry, as well as a number of our local supporters, committee of management members, mentors, mentees and their families. This celebration also included the graduation of some of these students from the program. November also saw many new community members be trained as mentors, and we have seen mentoring pairs commence this year. Including are a number of our local Police, which is part of our partnership with Victorian Police.

National Volunteer Week saw us back at Roxburgh House celebrating the volunteering efforts that our Mentors and Committee of Management put into our program. We look forward to celebrating our 10 year anniversary in the coming year, and seeing lots of new relationships form and grow throughout the year ahead. Jane Crowe Program Administrator

Cather ine & Brooke Brooke is in Year 8, this is her third year in the Standing Tall program. “Catherine is so nice, someone who encourages me and listens to me. We are able to talk about so much, and she is such a good listener. I have a new friend, someone who cares, someone who I can talk to; about the happy stuff, but also any concerns I have. We can share our life experiences with each other. She encourages me to try new things, to do well at school, to get involved in my community. I have began coaching a 11-12 year old basketball team. Through these experiences I feel I can relate a lot better with people, my confidence has increased. She has taught me to chase my dreams and goals. My dream is to be a successful musician, and I know that with hard work and dedication, it is achievable. She has helped me with my memory, I am much better at remembering things now. I really enjoy our mentoring time together, we have excellent chats about life over great lunches, whether it be here at school, or out in town at cafés, or the gardens. We plan to visit the art gallery soon also. Being a part of Standing Tall has been amazing, it has given me new friends, both in Catherine and my previous mentor, Robyn. Friends who can encourage me to be the best person I can possibly be.”

Catherine has been mentoring in the Standing Tall for five years, Brooke is her third mentee... “During my time as a Mentor I have mentored three students and seen each one of them grow and develop socially, educationally and personally. I hope that perhaps I have assisted with that growth. Mentoring with Brooke is so rewarding, she appreciates the effort made to meet each week, if she forgets or is running late she apologises profusely, because she knows I'm taking my lunch hour to spend with her! Some days at work, it's a hard slog, but you turn up to mentoring and hear about the events of the week from Brooke and she makes me laugh telling me about the trials and tribulations of being a pet rabbit owner!! Being a student these days, seems so much harder and more complicated with social media, family expectations and school, than when I was there, I admire not only my Mentee but others who are in the program, taking the initiative to join such an awesome program. “

Alan & Patr ick Alan is in his fourth year mentoring here at Standing Tall, Patrick is his second mentee...

“When faced with the challenge of an entry in the Annual Report to ‘get some words down about what it is you enjoy about spending time with each other, some of the ways you’ve both grown, and some of the things you’ve done together’, I had to do some soul searching.

My initial response four years ago when accepted as a mentor was to examine the Standing Tall program system from a personal point of view questioning my motives for wishing to be a mentor.

I believed I was too old to bridge the ‘Generation Gap’ and so selfishly thought I had much to gain but little to give. Time has proved me wrong!

I went back to the Standing Tall training manual and the page ‘WHAT IS A MENTOR’ jumped out at me! One particular sentence made so much sense: “Do not walk behind me, do not walk in front of me, walk beside me.” About that time I attended a talk by Celia Lashlie on her international bestselling book ‘HE’LL BE OK: Growing Gorgeous Boys into Good Men’. She many times in her book mentioned ‘The Bridge of Adolescence’ - how important it is in the transition from childhood to adult to have someone guide the youngsters safely over the “Bridge”!

It all makes sense now, especially through my relationship with Patrick. Without seeking rewards, I do have much to gain - I gain a lasting friendship, treasured memories, shared self belief, and above all the knowledge that that over “The Bridge of Adolescence” I have helped Patrick across, by walking not behind him, by walking not in front of him, but beside him!”

Patrick is a Year 8 Student, he has been mentoring with Alan for two years...

“Alan is a great mentor, it is great hanging out with someone so wise, who can teach me lots of interesting stuff, he used to be a teacher, so he has lots to share. We enjoy a lot of the same things. Standing Tall has given me a new friend, someone with common interests.

He teaches me a lot about music, different cultures (especially his Scottish heritage), facts about different places, and how things differ to Australia. We enjoy reading Poetry together, we have explored the works of Robert Burns.

He encourages me in my love of music, gets me to play pieces on my violin. Alan is hoping that we might soon sing and play the violin together somewhere. We have watched Symphony performances together.

We do play a mean game of Ping Pong in the mentoring room, but we like to get out of the school grounds and explore around the community, learning new experiences in different environments. We have been to the gardens and also the lake to eat fish and chips and go bird watching with Murray & Dylan (another mentoring pair). We have enjoyed many trips to Kings Bakery for pies, visits to explore the Steam Engine in Apex Park, and also visits to the Art Gallery.

There is so much we can learn from each other, this is a great experience!”

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Introducing Shanai Smith...

Shanai is one of the finest graduates of Standing Tall Mentoring in Hamilton. This is her story... “Mentoring changed my life! Before Jackie (Mentor), I didn’t have much confidence, I kept to myself. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, I hated being at school. Through the Standing Tall program at Baimbridge College, I met Jackie. She listened to me, she encouraged me to chase my dreams and supported me in achieving some of my goals, including helping me gain my first job at KFC. She showed me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. I now have confidence in myself, and I have a plan for my future.” Shanai is now living independently and studying at TAFE - Certificate 1 in Work Preparation, with views to further her education by studying Childcare. Shanai was the first recipient of the Southern Grampians Youth Achievement Award earlier this year for her dedication to volunteering in the community. She was the first Peer Mentor in the Standing Tall Hamilton program, which has since became her legacy, with two students following in her footsteps. Shanai hopes to become a mentor herself one day soon. Mentoring has empowered Shanai to share her life experiences in the public speaking arena. She now speaks to children regionally about the benefits of mentoring and has been highly praised for her speaking abilities at recent Standing Tall events.

“Surely a no better example of Baimbridge College’s Standing Tall success was Shanai’s confident presentation and her wish to continue in the program as a mentor.”

Alan McConachie, Mentor

“...the highlight was having Shanai speak, as I imagine she would’ve been rather shy and unconfident when she first joined the Standing Tall program. I thought she showed courage

and confidence to speak to a group of mostly strangers and while you helped with your questioning, it was great to hear her talk about the help she had gained from the mentoring

program. As a mentor of the program, I was very proud of her and she should be very proud of herself.”

Ce l ebrat ing pos it ive outcomes

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Financ i a l Reports

2013 Budget 2013 Actuals

REVENUE

Engage! Funding 30,000 30,860

Patronage (The Handbury Family) 25,000 25,000

Other Donations 5,000 2,350

Total Revenue 75,000 73,210

EXPENSES

Salary and Wages 60,850 59,597

Marketing and Promotional Materials 1,000 377

Office/Administration Costs 2,050 1,812

Mentor/Class Expenses 500 750

Program Activities and Events 500 1,449

Meeting Expenses 250 198

Gifts 250 29

Transport and Accommodation 1,500 1,259

Sundry 500 750

Consultants - -

Conferences/Courses/Seminars 1,250 278

Workcover 1,000 822

Total Expenses 69,650 67,322

Net Cashflow 5,350 5,888

STANDING TALL HAMILTON

2013 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT

Scott McQueen Treasurer Committee of Management

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Stand ing Ta l l Student Feedback

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Stand ing Ta l l Teacher Feedback

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Stand ing Ta l l in the News. . .

Premier Napthine launches

Standing Tall in Heywood and

District.

Standing Tall in Heywood and District was

launched by the Hon. Dr Denis Napthine MP,

Victorian Premier and Minister for Regional

Cities. The Premier talked about the great

success that Standing Tall Mentoring has

seen, “It ultimately improves a young person’s ability to access further education and

employment opportunities ensuring they thrive into adulthood and become great

members of our local community.”

The following newspaper articles can be viewed in full on the

Standing Tall in Hamilton website:

www.standingtallhamilton.com.au

Standing Tall Stands Up

The Hamilton Times, Issue 1 - April 2014

Standing Tall Mentoring was chosen by the

Australian Council of Education Research for

displaying best practise within a school and

community partnership.

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Youths being

recognised for their

contributions

The Hamilton Spectator, 5th April 2014

Standing Tall in Hamilton is a

partner in the Youth Awards

recognising outstanding youth in

our community.

Shanai’s dedication to

volunteering is

rewarded

The Hamilton Spectator, 17th April, 2014

Standing Tall in Hamilton Graduate Shanai

Smith has received the Youth Achievement

Award for her dedication to her

community through her volunteering

efforts.

Policeman humbled by awards honour

The Hamilton Spectator, 24th June 2014

Standing Tall Mentoring is proud to call Inspector Nick

Finnegan our friend. Nick was instrumental in the formation

of the Police partnership with Standing Tall in Hamilton which

now allows children in the program to be mentored by

Victoria Police regionally. Congratulations Nick!

Rotary Honour for Heather

The Hamilton Spectator, 17th June 2014

Heather Ward, Chairperson of the Standing Tall Mentoring’s Committee of Management , is the latest Paul Harris recipient from Hamilton North Rotary. Heather has been awarded Rotary’s highest honour in recognition for her outstanding contribution to youth.

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Stand ing Ta l l across the reg ion . . .

Camperdown

Standing Tall in Camperdown is going well in its seventh year of operation. Seven community members are currently volunteering their time to mentor seven Camperdown students. 2014 has seen the Standing Tall program aimed primarily at the Year 5 and 6 students. Standing Tall Camperdown fosters a high quality, strong connection between mentors and their student. Mentoring pairs are enjoying spending their one hour a week together undertaking activities such as craft, creating things with loom bands, making items for school programs, board games and sometimes just enjoying a hot milo and cup of tea together. Seeing the dedication the students have to their mentor is the biggest enjoyment of being involved in the Standing Tall program. Megan Vandenberghe Program Coordinator and Student Wellbeing Officer Camperdown College

Heywood

New mentoring matches have commenced this year, with Mentors working on building their mentee’s confidence. These new relationships are going well. Existing Mentoring sessions are moving along nicely, with mentees and mentors using known networks to find work placements, or volunteering roles in the community. Mentors are going above and beyond to support their mentees. Recently, mentors attend athletics carnivals at both schools to support their mentees; travelling to watch their mentees in dance shows, or attend an art exhibition. Mentee’s families reported that their children are really enjoying the mentoring experience. Term 2 began with our mentors taking part in another training session, promoting the use of

strength based approach to mentoring. We had 15 mentors attend this night session. The evening allowed mentors to converse and share their ideas and successes in mentoring. The evening progressed with an introduction to the school’s cooking facilities which are available to the mentoring program. All mentors worked in teams with the aim of producing healthy burgers and a dessert. There were many laughs, only one cut finger, and very edible food. This has led to many of our mentors using the kitchen facilities with their mentees. We are very proud to have three of our mentees on the school’s Student Representative Council; Hannah Carter, Felicity Dunn and Kyra Cain. It is fantastic to see our participants develop their leadership skills within the school community.

The Standing Tall Garden, headed by Bodie Skinner and his mentor, Karen Mizzi is developing well. It is located by the front entrance of the school office, our mentors and mentees have

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worked hard to get this space looking lovely, and it is an achievement that all participants of our program should be proud of. Heywood Consolidated School is in the unique position to piggyback off Heywood & District Secondary College with the Standing Tall program for our grade 5/6 students. This year we have 4 mentors visiting with 2014 seeing three of our mentors follow their students across to HDSC. Mentors & mentees started out gently getting to know one another. One comment from a teacher - “It’s so cool these people (mentors) give up so much of their time to do this mentoring, the kids appear to be really enjoying it, and it’s good for the school too!” We have a busy period of time coming up. Term 3 will mark our 1st anniversary of Standing Tall in Heywood and District. We are celebrating this with a dinner and guest speaker at the Heywood Hotel Restaurant. We hope this will be another opportunity to involve more community people and business. Amanda Karatau-Keightley Program Coordinator Heywood & District Secondary College

Warrnambool

Standing Tall in Warrnambool has enjoyed another very successful year with some very positive and rewarding outcomes for both mentors and students alike. The program, now in it’s fourth year has seen a total of thirty-one students fulfil their two years in the program with nine students graduating at the end of last year. As the program is focussed on early intervention strategies and reengaging students who are at risk of leaving school before completing year twelve, it is extremely pleasing to see our graduating students committed to continuing their education with an 84% attainment rate of students who are continuing their education at Brauer and Warrnambool Colleges. Standing Tall in Warrnambool currently coordinates eight weekly mentoring sessions conducted at Brauer and Warrnambool Colleges. The program is currently working with 34 year 7 & 8 students who are matched and mentored by a trained community volunteer. Each volunteer mentor meets with their mentee for a one hour weekly session during school hours. Program highlights: During the past year Standing Tall in Warrnambool

has assisted a total 39 students via the program. Engaged and trained 42 community volunteers. Provided a total of 370 in school mentoring sessions. Provided young people in need, 13,690 mentoring hours. Enjoyed the support of 21 individual local organisations and businesses. STiW conducted five major events which raised funds and awareness of the program. While funding the program remains a major concern for the Committee of Management the support and commitments from the local community will ensure the program is around meeting the needs of at risk young people for some time to come. Gary Parsons Program Coordinator Standing Tall in Warrnambool

A year in p ictures . . .

Standing Tall Coordinator, Tracey McDonnell and COM Chair, Heather Ward celebrate National Volunteer Week with a

dinner at Roxburgh House

Standing Tall Cooking Competition judged by partner and strong supporter

of Standing Tall, Tony “Gilly” Macgillivray

Graduation of newly trained Mentors.

Patrick McGregor-Rhodes and Alan McConachie visit Nigretta Falls

Mentee Sarah Cross doing her Work Experience at Roxburgh House

Mentee Matt Leehane during a work site visit

Margy Stevenson and Jennifer Castleman visit Robson’s Pharmacy for a

facial

Tracey McDonnell with Inner Wheel president, Faye Gumley at the Film Night

fundraiser for Standing Tall

Mentee, Zoey Rogers thanks Toby at Tosca Brown’s café for his sponsorship

of Standing Tall

Mentors celebrating National Volunteers Week

Zane Juchtzer and Paula Cutler working

on the knitting project

Mentors Keleigh Flavel, Min Youngman and Margy Stevenson celebrating

National Volunteer Week

Many thanks to our

Standing Tall Mentors Jan Addinsall

Pam Alsop

Ashley Binney

Lynette Binney

Bob Cadden

Paula Cutler

Peter Dwight

Karyn Dyson

Amber Fitzpatrick

Keleigh Flavel

Catherine Fraser

Phillip Gillin

Murray Gunn

Liz Haines

Jon Herrmann

Matt Hill

Mark James

Robyn Linke

Geraldine McDonald

Alan McConachie

Robyn Nagorcka

Briana Picken

Mat Robinson

Dy Shewell

Dan Spencer

Michael Stewart

Margy Stevenson

Wayne Stiff

Richard Thatcher

Min Youngman

Get involved with Standing Tall

Become a Standing Tall Friend

Become a Standing Tall Mentor

Make a tax deductible donation

Become a Sponsor or Corporate Partner

Visit www.standingtallhamilton.com.au for further details.

Standing Tall in Hamilton is supported by the

Victorian Government through the Engage! program.

The generous financial support of

our Patron Dr Geoff Handbury AO and the Handbury Family Trust

has strengthened our Community and allowed 200 Baimbridge Students to benefit from

Standing Tall Mentoring so far.

Standing Tall in Hamilton Inc School Based Mentoring

85 Stephen Street, Hamilton VIC 3300 Phone: 03 5572 2788

Web: www.standingtallhamilton.com.au