|
David Martin CEO Western Riverina Community College Inc (WRCC) and Principal Western Riverina Community School (WRCS). David arrived in Griffith 34 years ago working for NSW Ag, thinking he would be here for about two years until he met a nurse from Urana, married and now has three adult sons. With a background in education administration and business, David joined WRCC in 2004. Since then, he has been instrumental in driving the College’s impressive expansion. Through additional board roles with Community Colleges Australia, he has also helped to develop and strengthen the contribution of community colleges across Australia. David holds a Master of Education Leadership and Policy, Bachelor of Adult Learning and Development, as well as qualifications in business and accounting. Also known for his involvement in the community, He received the Governor-General’s Award for services provided to Scouting Australia in 2011 and was named ACT Rugby Volunteer of the Year. He is also a keen sailor in his leisure time. WRCC is a NFP PBI with governance provided by a Board of Volunteers. “Our lighthouse or purpose is to strengthen and reduce barriers in the communities we serve through the provision of education. Ultimately our purpose tunes towards the reduction of suffering or maintaining a focus on public benevolence. The link between PB and education is supported by extensive research indicating long term social and intergenerational positive change because of education. WRCC has a turnover of just over three million dollars, employs over 35 people. The College does make profits, but profits are reinvested in courses that support organisational purpose. The College is 42 years old, 2,500 students annually generating over 6,000 enrolments, operates in every postcode and provides services to over 500 businesses in the western Riverina. Western Riverina Community College is the auspice body for the Western Riverina Community School (WRCS). WRCS goals involve providing an alternative educational model for young people. A schooling model where the mainstream school environment has not catered to their individualistic educational learning needs and have subsequently disengaged from school. In this frame, WRCS blends key strategic objectives to create a school whereby students engage in NSW school syllabus. Moreover, this represents an approach to educational delivery based in an adult learning setting.  The focus on the creation of a learning environment aligned to adult learning theory provides opportunities for “at risk” young people in our community. The School allows disengaged or marginalised young people the opportunity to complete their school education. Furthermore, through completion of school education, students build positive visions for their futures underpinned by post-school employment and or further education or training opportunities. Enrolments are capped 35 based on space alone. The school was started because there was a need, no one else was addressing the problem and they could do it well. There values are, to be respected, consultative, equitable and responsive. The point of differences: • Additional supports breakfast, medications appointments etc. • Actions set to ensure and improve attendance. • Aligned with and registered with NESA. • Safe and caring environment. • Strong anti-bullying stance. • Not many rules to largely based in respect for self and others. • Set within and adult learning context notions of Andragogy as opposed a pedagogical approach. • A different approach to learning. • To allow students to develop a vision of a future previously unimaginable. • A focus on creating sound foundations of knowledge. WRCS has an application and interview process for each student and a position is earned not given and can be taken away. Assessments are based on what is best for the student and the current student cohort. Every individual has the power to exert the forces to control themselves and make a change, but this choice does not extend to others. They consider that everyone deserves a chance. This means it is the student's choice only, to come to school and engage in learning. Students are invested in their own learning and enrolment agreements are signed by all parties involved. Student wellbeing is the basis of our actions to facilitate learning • Reduce stress • Reduce fight and flight • Enhance learning and engagement • Create new visions of future not previously imaginable. ******************************** |
Something to Smile About
Debutante Ball 
Sergeant Bill 
Stupid Silly Joke 
Farmers Market 
