John Paul College Vocational Major students have recently taken part in two meaningful projects that highlight the importance of community engagement, compassion, and collaboration.
Recently, Year 11 VET Community Services students volunteered with FareShare, supporting the organisation’s mission to provide nutritious meals for vulnerable members of the community. Across two days, students prepared and packaged thousands of meals, including chicken and mushroom casseroles and tomato-based dishes, while also assisting with warehouse and kitchen operations. FareShare expressed their gratitude, saying, “Thank you students on our behalf and on behalf of the many people who have benefited from their generosity. We hope that their experience in the School’s Kitchen has inspired them and reinforced the idea that anyone and everyone can help others who are less fortunate.”
Meanwhile, Year 12 VCE Vocational Major students collaborated with members of the Frankston RSL Sub-Branch to produce Veteran Biographies, a publication honouring the stories of local veterans. Through this intergenerational learning project, students developed teamwork and leadership skills while preserving important local histories. The completed biographies were presented to Frankston RSL President, Kevin Hillier OAM, during a special lunch event in September. One of the featured biographies, that of veteran Rebecca Marson, has also been published by the Victorian War Memorial Australia.
Both initiatives reflect the values of service, empathy and connection that underpin the Vocational Major program - demonstrating how learning beyond the classroom can have a lasting impact on both students and the wider community.