Feedback received from Echuca

I would like to thank the Trustees of Opening the Doors Foundation for the financial support that they have given the Koorie students over the last couple of years. By helping the students it has made my job as Koorie educator easier as the students have all the equipment they need and uniform before the year starts.

Three students completed their Year 12, which without the support from Opening the Doors Foundation families would have found it difficult to manage and they may have left.

Two students completed their VCE exams and have both applied to do nursing at University next year. One student completed his VCAL year and has a traineeship with Echuca Caravan Park landscaping. One student is completing VCE over 3 years and will be returning next year.

In Year 12 this year there are only two students who should do well and go on to University also. I think only one of these students will be applying for Opening the Doors Funds.

In Years 10 & 11 there are 10 Koorie students enrolled in 2006, 15 of these hope to complete their VCE and go to University or TAFE. All students are capable of going on to higher education after completing their VCE.

Of the 38 students enrolled in 2006 approximately 30 of them came from sole parent families, but all of the parents are committed to sending their children to school for an education.

Since Opening the Doors Foundation has been operating retention rates of students in Years 10 & 11 have improved dramatically, and if students have left during the school year everyone of them has gone on to alternate education - TAFE or Adult Education or Traineeships which suited their need more than St Joseph's College.

A lot of Koorie students are planning to continue at school, and are capable of doing it. The families really appreciate the support they receive, and the students in the lower years, 7,8,9 just think (I am sure) that a magic wand is waved and they have what they need. The students in years 10,11 & 12 are aware that Opening the Doors Foundation provides funding to help them select the subjects of their choice that will enable them to go on and achieve their dreams.

In the 1990's - and on a bit, I actually heard Koorie students who had potential in an area, choose not to do some subjects that were too dear, and they would not be able to afford it. Those days are gone.

Once again I would like to thank Opening the Doors Foundation for the assistance that they give the Koorie students. I have noticed also that students in Years 10,11 & 12 are challenging themselves in their subject selections and are planning to go on to a varied range of occupations. Maybe with the support they gain at this time in their life they will go on to achieve their dreams.

Nancy Bono

Koorie Educator
23.11.05