Interviews

On Thursday July 19th we interviewed the 23 applicants for our Overseas Learning Experience.
It was an extremely difficult task picking 18 students from the group of 23. The written applications were very good and the students all did a great job selling themselves and answering the interview questions.
I was very pleased with how well each student handled the interview process. They also demonstrated their maturity throughout the meeting we held to announce the list of successful applicants.
The 18 who were lucky enough to be selected now have a very busy term ahead of them as they prepare for 21 days in China.
The Overseas Learning Experience will begin on October 17th when we board our flight to Shanghai.

Student Applications

We were very pleased to receive 23 written applications from our Year 10 students yesterday. These students will all be interviewed on Thursday July 19th.
It is going to be a difficult process but the good news is that we are able to take 18 students on the trip, which is 2 more than we originally thought.
I am looking forward to having the students selected and beginning our preparations for this fantastic experience.

Student Selection

Twenty five Year 10 students from YSC indicated that they are interested in participating in the Overseas Learning Experience. They attended an information evening at school just before the term 2 holidays. These students must have their expression of interest submitted by the end of the school day on Monday July 16th. Interviews will be conducted on Thursday July 19th and successful applicants will be notified on Friday July 20th.

Once selected students will work together for 2 classes per week to prepare themselves for the trip to China. Our students will also work with the students from Neerim and get to know them before our trip. Students from Bairnsdale Secondary College who participated in the O.L.E. last year will visit to share their experience and knowledge with the students from Yarram & Neerim.

In the timetabled classess students will prepare for their tour experience. This will include preparing passport applications, determining a Code of Conduct for the tour, budgeting spending money, familiarisation with Chinese culture and etiquette. There will also be an opportunity to learn some commonly used Chinese language phrases.

The main requirements of us made by the program funding are:

o Students must complete an extensive enquiry-based learning project examining how youth culture in China is different from our own. Their work must be submitted to the Department as part of the accountability requirements

o Following the tour, students must complete a report on their experiences and this must also be provided to the Department.

Great News!

After visiting China in March with several other Gippsland Principals I had planned to go back in October with the same group to continue building the relationship with our sister school. I have signed a memorandum of understanding on behalf of Yarram Secondary College with Changshu Foreign Language Middle School. Our aim is to work together on teaching & learning, school leadership and administration.

The Great News is that, along with Neerim District Secondary College, we have been granted funding to take a group of students to China for a 20 day visit. The students will spend 10 days attending CFLMS and living with a family in a home-stay situation. They will also get to experience Shanghai & Beijing, and see a number of China's well known attractions.

Below is a photo of me signing the MOU with Lily, who is the Deputy Principal of CFLMS.