Magical St Mary’s

From the artisans to the students, to the school leadership team, and even grandparents, everyone involved in the success of the new HoL Caf’e program at St Mary’s District High School is in furious agreement that there is real magic happening.

“What could be better than tomatoes picked from the school farm, made into relish, added to hamburgers, served to our community and visitors by our HoL Café team? Hands on Learning is exactly as positive as I Imagined it could be. And that is exciting.  Sometimes the reality isn’t always there when you introduce something new.  St Marys has a student population of amazing young people, but under the surface we have many students who would benefit from the strong relationships, connection, and guidance possible in HoL.  Given the right staffing, it is a key engagement strategy for our students.

Carolyn Watson, Principal

Principal Perspective for a smooth HoL implementation:

1. Appoint the right people – The stars just aligned for us the year. We have the most wonderful two staff, including one out of retirement, who both create a safe, positive, productive environment.
2. Start Slow, deliberate and plan well.
3. Build a Shared Understanding across the school, among staff and students.  We held information sessions at lunchtime for years 7-10, and spoke about the program at assembly.
4. Honour Student Voice. We provided the opportunity for students to express interest in the first weeks of term.  Amanda and Ken identified a shortlist for interviews from 54 student expression of interest.
5. Empower Artisan-Teachers to lead the student selection process with student interviews and parent conversations.
6. Balance Your Group. Our students have a mix of social, emotional and behavioural support needs.

Introducing the artisans

“I love it in here.  I know the school well as an assistant in the classroom, cleaner and member of the school association.  The students really need the chance to achieve in different ways and it is a special environment at school.  I have a strong sense the students feel comfortable and notice the way they are in here is different to the classroom.”  
Amanda

“I came out of retirement to run HoL.  I love the kitchen.  It’s a sanctuary for me.  Some people play golf, some go to the RSL, I enjoy teaching kids about cooking.  This program ticks all the boxes for me.  It provides opportunities for kids, giving them connectedness and a string place in the school.  And the Focus Plans are just gold.  It was the end of the day last Tuesday and not a student flinched or tried to leave early.  They knew the reflection at the end of the day together, what we were doing, was so important.
Ken

The future is brighter

“Before HoL, I got suspended multiple times.  In HoL I’ve pulled my head in. Cooking is my different world in my head.  I find it hard in class.  I fidget a lot, get agitated and talk. The only reason I wanted to be part of this group is because I’m a hands on person. When I’m in HoL Café I don’t fidget because I’m active.  Its amazing and I am so lucky to have this chance. I feel special being part of this group. My teachers are noticing I can concentrate in class and I’m now getting ‘A’s on my daily report card.
David, Year 9

Meet the Students

“I love this group, I love it. It helps me so much. It’s built up my confidence and made me more comfortable talking to people. Before in class I always had a grumpy attitude and would only talk to the people in my friend group. Here I get to work with different people, understand and feel comfortable. Now I can go to someone new and make friends because this group lets me speak up for myself and get help for myself.

Nikki, Year 7

“The secret to Hands on Learning is in its name. You get to be hands on with most of what you are doing.  In class you are not able to do much hands on and it’s harder to communicate.

Dom, Year 7

“I feel comfortable here.  I usually only talk and do stuff with my friends. It’s so good. I’m making new friends and getting myself out there.  When I get asked a question in class I don’t normally speak up. I keep it to myself. I think everyone is judging me, but being in here makes me realise it doesn’t matter who you are, be yourself.  We all have value. In here, I feel comfortable, everyone is welcoming, happy, we enjoy ourselves, we get to work as a team.  We have fun.  Ken and Amanda let you know that it’s alright to make a mistake, you know they are here to help.

Shae, Year 10

“HoL is a great place to build your confidence and make more friends. At the start of the year I wasn’t talking to strangers, now I’m in HoL I’m able to talk to people I don’t know. Outside of school I have a stick business selling bags of kindling for $5.00. Now I’m able to talk to the customers and help them. I like the idea of business entrepreneurship, it requires social skills which I’m becoming good at.

Max, Year 7

“I love it! I communicate with people now that I used to say hello to any not talk to. I’ve got more confidence.”

Delta, Year 9

“Haydon loves this.  It’s amazing to see how well he does.  HoL Café is the one day he goes to school for the full day. A lot of kids aren’t academic but have many other talents. Haydon drives all the tractors on our farm, fixes his own car and loves doing any hands-on stuff.

His self-confidence has shot up. He is out the door fast to get to school. He knows he is going to enjoy his day and he is a different kid.  The tasks they do have lots of Maths and English elements.  It doesn’t come across as hard work but he is learning.  We’d be devastated if it wasn’t here and are grateful and so appreciate that the school has made this HoL program possible.

Annette, Hayden’s Nan