Operation New Start

Northern Region

7 Stanley Street   
Collingwood 3066

Phone: 9419 3816
Fax 9416 4005

collingwood.co.alternative@edumail.vic.gov.au
www.collingwood.vic.edu.au/cas/newstart.html

Purpose
Operation New Start allows students who are experiencing difficulties at school, to engage in a high challenge, outdoor pursuit program that assists them in reaching their potential.

It allows students a unique opportunity to develop new skills and self confidence while accessing vocational links into TAFE and industry.

Vocational Orientation
Students visit a host of different work settings  which may stimulate a chosen career path.
Work Experience placements can be organised through the New Start Careers Network.

Community Projects
Students become involved in emergency services training such as the C.F.A., and take part in projects which benefit the larger community.

 

Program Activities

Operation New Start is a joint initiative between the Victoria Police and Department of Education.
One teacher and one police officer engage eight students each term in a selection of the following activities.

Certificates

  • First AidSurf Lifesaving
  • Swimming
   Outdoor Activities
  • surfing
  • canoeing
  • mountain biking
  • rock climbing
  • sailing
  • bush walking
  • cross country skiing
  • skiing/snowboarding
  • high challenge ropes course
 

Program implementation

 Selection Criteria
The program offers:
  • goal setting
  • work experience
  • vocational orientation
  • work experience
  • community work
  • camps
Students are involved in the program for 8 weeks over a term and maintain contact with  host school 1 day a week. 		Participation in  OPERATION  NEW  START  is open to any young person who meets the following criteria.
  • Participants will be aged from 14 years & six months to 18 years. Applicants will need to display a commitment to participating in the program
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a Northern Region school  and will continue to attend their host school one day a week.
Students will enter a selection process to determine whether he/she can  participate without putting themselves or others at risk.

Enrolments

Referrals from parents, Student Welfare Coordinators, Victoria Police, Dept. Human Services and other welfare agencies can be made throughout the year.

Telephone the New Start coordinator - 94193816  for an application form to be posted. Interviews are conducted in the last week of the term prior to starting.

Payment

Schools will be asked to contribute a fee to cover program costs for the student placed on Operation New Start.

 
   

New Start Aims

  • To allow young people to make positive choices in their life and set realistic goals.
  • To provide meaningful learning opportunities in a challenging environment.
  • To promote individual achievement and the  development of self-confidence.
  • To practise and develop social and physical skills in a safe and supportive environment.
  • To provide opportunities to return to mainstream schooling, TAFE, apprenticeships or general employment.

 

Links


Collingwood Alternative School - Home   
Department of Education and Training
Victoria Police