John Kikkert had first met Fran when she was waving bon voyage, together with the School Principal, to students from their school (including Thin) on the April sailing of the One and All. Fran hails from Sydney, attended University of NSW for her teaching qualifications and taught in rural areas. She then travelled the world, raised 4 children, settled in the Adelaide Hills, and has taught English at ASSOE for 16 years.
The school at West Croydon is amazing, teaching 11-17yos in intensive English classes for new arrivals from non- English speaking backgrounds. There are 3 pathways for which students are tested on arrival:
Pathway A comprises those who have come from very difficult backgrounds (often war-torn) and who are struggling to integrate - this program lasts 2 years.
Pathhway B comprises those who have had limited learning opportunities but show potential to learn quickly
- 6 terms
Pathway C comprises those who have come from countries with strong education systems (eg Japan and China) but have difficuly mixing - 4 terms.
The 4 components of English teaching are foundation, intermediate, advanced and transition.....Thin, from Pathway B, has now graduated to high school. .
Last year 150 students graduated to high school. This year there are 525 students enrolled with a school maximum capacity of 600. Refugees and migrants make up 70% of the school population, with the 3 largest contingents from Afghanistan (40%), Syria (11%) and China (8%). As well as concentrating on the English language and literacy, significant effort is made to sustain student well being. Some do SACE while there.
The reward from teaching these students is profound......Fran could have retired years ago but loves her job.
When the editor visited the school to interview Thin, he found it to be the happiest secondary campus he had encountered.
Thin Hlaing - Rotary Youth Sailing Challenge
Thin came from Myanmar and lives with her aunt Khin. She is now a year 10 student at St Columba College. Learning the ropes on the One and All was quite testing in a range of ways.....making new friends, understanding commands and grappling with unfamiliar techniques like climbing the mast. The goal was to reach the top. Her Red Shirt team formed the middle watch but the midnight shift was no fun. There were games and periods of seamanship techniques which were enjoyed. The weather was good and the views exhilirating, as shown in her video. Unfortunately Thin slid down a rope and burnt her hands. Everyone rallied around her. Friendships were deepened. She thanked the club for skills acquired and the strengthening experience.
Each time the editor visits the ship that mast just keeps on getting taller!
Fran and Thin were roundly applauded for their addresses.
Report from Youth Committee Chair, Marie Rothe
Tonight was Youth night. Marie introduced her committee: John Kikkert, Ross Burton, Ross Smith, David Middleton, Stephen Baker - new members Deb Forbes and Astrid Sorrell were apologies. Matters discussed at tonight's committee meeting included making the Quiz Night (Saturday August 30) a big success. We need more tables of 10 (only 3 lots so far), and more wine for the wine wall.
Programs include the Youth Sailing Challenge, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) for 19 - 26yo, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) for 14 - 17yo, Long Term Student Exchange 15-16yo, National Youth Science Forum (Yr11), Stem symposiums, and Health of the River.
Sponsorship and judging is provided for the annual Fish Tank entrepreneurship awards run by Unley City Council. We have supported an attendee at the SA Youth Music Camp, Carclew, and the SA Youth Orchestra. Peace Poles are to be erected at St Raphaels Primary, Urrbrae High and Mitcham Primary. Requests for donations have been received for Braille Music Short Course and Youth Opportunities.
Spots
Patsy Beckett displayed her 'golden' suggestion box for members to write poems....sorry....suggestions, to the Board.
President Rhonda announced that new members will be invited to a welcoming night 6-8pm on 8 August at the Caledonian Hotel, North Adelaide. An email is to be sent shortly. She reflected on the barrage of messages received from the regional conglomerate....listening and learning....or maybe getting too much useless info.
Garry Taylor mentioned that he had organised musical students from Unley High to entertain us at the Quiz (plus manage the answer sheets) and to perform at the Carols.
Valerie Bonython advised that the Minister for Primary Industries had last week announced a grant of $400k for capital works at Calperum....much needed.
