Programmes
Skool's Out is an innovative social networking and peer support programme for young people with a disability. Our aim is to create opportunities, make new friendships, find interests and gain skills all under the guidance and support of our experienced staff. Some of the activities on offer: art & craft, cooking, gardening, Wii Fitness, games, sport, watching DVDs and outside excursions.
Skool's Out operates from 3 to 6pm at two locations.
Monday and Tuesday at Lakelands Community Centre, Kanwal.
Wednesday and Thursday at 221 Albany St North, Gosford.
What's been going on
School Holidays
During the school holidays, Skool's Out and T-Team joined together for three excursions.
On July 7th, we took the ferry from Ettalong to Palm Beach. Unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side and we had a cold, wet and windy day. Some of the kids were adventurous and did a trek up and over the hill to see where "Home and Away" was filmed whilst others played a bit of footy and played in the sand.
The next day Janet from Bunnings from Lake Haven put on a craft workshop where we made a mosaic snake on a piece of wood. This was a hit with the kids with everyone producing a masterpiece.
The following week on July 14th, we had an excursion to the Reptile Park. The weather looked threatening in the morning but turned out to be a sunny day.
We saw lots of animals including spiders, snakes, alligators, Elvis the crocodile, koalas, wombats, kangaroos and the cutest baby dingos(only 8 weeks old). This was a great day and the kids got to see and learn about animals that we don't see everyday.
Term 2
In Term 2 the Skool's Out students were involved in a number of exciting activities. They undertook Bunnings craft workshops, cooking, craft activities, sporting activities, bowling, Kids HQ and visits by the Fire Bridgade from Wyong and East Gosford.
The visit by the Fire Brigade was a highlight for everyone. The fireman spoke to the kids about what to do if there was a fire at home. Firstly you ring the Fire Brigade on 000, then remove themselves from the fire in a safe manner, "Get down LOW an GO GO GO!" and wait at the evacuation point for help to arrive.
They also showed us what a fireman looks like dressed up in his firefighting uniform. Some kids find this uniform to be scary, but the fireman put on each item of clothing so we could see that he was a real person and was there to help. Then came the fun part. The Skool's Out kids were allowed to climb into the fire engine and turn on every light and siren!
This brought a few people out to see what was happening. Next we were showm how the hoses operated. Everyone had a turn and there was water going everywhere. Even the Skool's Out bus had a wash.
This was a great experience for the Skool's Out kids with everyone wanting the firemen to come back in the near future.
Term 1
Whether old or new, there has been no shortage of fun for Skool's Out students. We attended a confidence building workshop to practice talking in groups. Students were encouraged to talk about what they did in the holidays to gain confidence in talking to others and social skills.
Cooking classes always stir-up some smiles, we made chocolate crackles. We also played a variety of sports this month at Lions Park near Toukley Bridge and Adcock Park at Gosford, including cricket, football, tennis and bocce. Everyone sharpened up their safe bike riding skills with a visit to CARES Bike safety at Ourimbah. Students learnt how to fit a helmet safely and road rules. They then got the opportunity to ride on the practice track which had traffic lights, roundabouts, stop and give ways signs.
Skool?s Out have also been out and about bowling, visiting Kidz HQ, cooking, doing easter craft and an end of term party.
There is a criteria process for students to enter this programme. Contact Sue Groves for further details on ph: (02) 4350 2600 or email suzanne@youthconnections.com.au. Download the flyer here: download. Download an expression of interest form here: download.
