Engagement program to run in local schools

Youth Connections has announced it will run a parental and community engagement program for parents and carers of aboriginal students in eight schools in the Peninsula area.

This follows the grant of funding by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

The program will operate out of Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy Campus, Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus, Ettalong Public School, Empire Bay Public School, St John the Baptist School, Umina Public School, Woy Woy South Public School and Woy Woy Public School.

"Studies show that building effective partnerships between families, parents and schools to support children's learning leads to better learning outcomes," said program coordinator Mr Scott Campbell.

The program will support programs already being operated by schools, and will also deliver workshops to parents, careers and the aboriginal community to assist with the development and growth of skills in leadership, computer technology and public speaking.

"These workshops will not only help participants to engage positively and actively within the education system but will assist them in other areas of their lives, in turn helping the community and improving educational outcomes for our children and young people," said Mr Campbell.

Parental and Community Engagement is a community-driven program supporting parents and carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people to be engaged in their children's education.

Caption: Parent Rachael Reeves, Parental and Community Engagement Program coordinator Scott Campbell, parent Jo Brannigan, student Zac South, Aunty Anita Selwyn, Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina campus principal Brent Walker, Ettalong Public School aboriginal community support worker Tania Whiting and Koorana AECG member Kenndell Smith.

Media release, 17 Jun 2013

Gabrielle Tawyer, Youthconnections.com.au