Curriculum

 

In addition to the regular curriculum. Three programs have been introduced to engage students.

 

FitKids is an exciting and innovative 30-minute morning exercise program filled with fun games designed to enhance physical fitness and teamwork. Increasingly, researchers are finding that brain activity and brain development are enhanced by physical exercise. Since the start of the FitKids program, the teaching staff have seen a remarkable difference in behavioural management issues and learning capabilities among the students.

 

 

Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) has been introduced to encourage the students to read on a daily basis as a means of improving literacy skills. This initiative has provided a wonderful literary experience that many of the students have never had.

 

Emotional Literacy – In a safe and comfortable learning environment, students are encouraged to put their emotions into words. Students explore their feelings, roles and relationships through games and role plays with the aim of developing strategies to reduce their reactive and often negative behaviour.

 

2008/2009 achievements

 

2008/2009 has been a busy one for the Galilee School with many successes and achievements to note:

 

• The Galilee School was successful in obtaining a grant from the Westpac Foundation to assist with a Horticultural Program to be added to the curriculum.

• The Galilee School benefited from the Commonwealth Government’s plan to invest $14.7 billion in schools across the country and became eligible for up to $50,000. A decision was made to use the funds to create a safe playing surface for the FitKids exercise program and an outdoor climbing and recreation area for the young people attending the school. The finished product is a great success and well used by both the students and the school staff.

• Galilee school students and staff have had the wonderful opportunity this year to take sailing lessons with the Canberra Yacht Club at Yarralumla. Students learnt not only the skills of sailing but a greater appreciation of the weather, teamwork and cooperation. These sailing lessons were made possible through the generous donation and initiative of the Rotary Club of Canberra Sunrise.

• Congratulations went to Rob Horsefield when he won the Yogie Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Young People’. Rob has been with Galilee for almost 9 years, working 5 days per week on a voluntary basis implementing the Respite and Enhancement Program in conjunction with the School. Through the Respite and Enhancement Program, Rob takes young men out of mainstream secondary schools, for 1 - 3 days per week to work with them in a technics workshop setting, with hands on projects. Rob has worked with over 50 young men in his many years at Galilee and provided them with support, mentoring, skills, education, and an absolute belief in their capacity to fulfill their potential.

 

About Galilee School

 

The Galilee School provides an alternative education program for disadvantaged and at-risk young people aged 12 and 16 years in the Canberra region.

 

The school is an accredited senior school covering years seven to 10. The school encourages students to work towards a Year 10 Certificate. Students attend the school during normal school hours five days a week where they focus on numeracy and literacy skills in an environment that is supportive and encouraging.

 

The students are provided with breakfast and lunch to improve their health and ability to concentrate, and are offered transport to and from school to maximise attendance.

 

 

Aims

 

• Increase each student’s skills in a range of areas

• Enhance personal development, including emotional and educational

• Develop leadership skills

• Assist students in developing an enthusiasm for
  lifelong learning

• Help students adapt to mainstream educational approaches to learning, and

• Provide skills and vocational experiences that will assist students in their future employment.

 

Staff at the school strive to impart to each student the value of respect for self, others and the community. The Galilee School encourages students to assist with decision and rule making, teaching them how to function as a positive influence in their own families and peer groups. Galilee believes strongly in supporting its students to develop personal support networks and key relationships with peers, families, as well as the broader community.

 

 

Contact

 

Galilee School

 

Phone: 02 6296 3410

Fax: 02 6296 3470

Email: galilee@galilee.org.au

 

Physical address

 

Lions Youth Haven

Kambah Pool Road

Kambah ACT 2902

 

Postal address

 

PO Box 205

Mawson ACT 2607