Page 8 - Demo

FUSION 2024 Page 8raised an impressive $9,553.42, was our way of giving back to a vital community partner. Food Bank has been a generous supporter of Boronia K-12 College, helping us provide food for our Breakfast Club and distribute food boxes to families in need. The funds raised from this event went directly to support their ongoing work in fighting hunger.Building Connections Across Generations: The Intergen ProjectAnother cornerstone of our wellbeing initiatives this year was the continuation of the Intergen Project, a partnership with Knox City Council and Swinburne University that fosters intergenerational social connection. After the success of the 2023 program, we reimagined the format in 2024, allowing students and older participants to take the lead in shaping weekly activities. The aim of the project remains to strengthen social connections between younger and older generations, with a focus on supporting wellbeing in the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Victoria.This year, we invited a new group of students from Years 7-9 to participate in the program. Ten students were selected to join a diverse group of older residents from Knox, forming strong bonds through weekly activities like games, cooking, and crafts. The connections that formed between students and seniors were heartwarming to witness. Conversations flowed freely, and students showed tremendous respect and kindness to their older counterparts. The success of the project was truly driven by the commitment of our students, who demonstrated empathy and maturity in their interactions each week.Fostering Inclusion Across All DimensionsBeyond individual programs, our focus on inclusion has been a core theme throughout the year. Whether it%u2019s promoting cultural understanding, supporting neuro-diverse students, or addressing mental health, we%u2019ve worked hard to create an environment where all students feel valued and understood. Through thoughtful planning, we have been able to identify students who would benefit from additional support, particularly those needing help with social and emotional regulation, as well as cultural inclusion.To ensure the success of these students, we%u2019ve developed high-quality Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that focus on setting specific goals for each student. These goals are tailored to help students succeed in their learning journey, while also fostering growth in areas of social connection and emotional regulation.Brightside Art Project: Transforming Lives Through CreativityCreativity and self-expression have proven to be powerful tools in promoting wellbeing, and one of the most impactful programs this year has been the Brightside Art Project. Thanks to Knox Focused Youth Services, this program has given students from Years 7 to 11 the opportunity to explore their artistic talents in a nurturing and supportive environment.Under the expert guidance of artists Kyle Brightside and Emma Lumsden, students worked on designing and creating skate decks and helped to develop a new mural for our school%u2019s art garden. The program not only allowed students to discover new creative skills but also provided a sense of achievement and connection to their peers. The resulting mural is a stunning representation of our school community, capturing the beauty of our environment and the essence of what makes our school special. It prominently features Kiara the Cockatoo, an enduring symbol of our connection to nature and community.A Bright Future AheadAt Boronia K-12 College, our focus on wellbeing, inclusion, and community will continue to drive the work we do in the years ahead. We believe that by supporting students in their social, emotional, and academic growth, we are helping them become well-rounded individuals who are ready to take on the challenges of their future educational journeys. Through programs like the Intergen Project, Brightside Art, and our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, we are laying the groundwork for a future where every student can thrive%u2014both inside and outside the classroom.As we look ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond, we remain dedicated to our mission of creating a truly inclusive, supportive, and engaged school community, where all students can reach their full potential.