Rob again threw caution to the wind as he commenced another round of his comedy routine at the start of the meeting. It was a slow start as members were still keen to get their order for brekky in and await their coffee; hence they dribbled in, one after another and heckled at the same time. It’s a tough gig!

Given the difficulty that some down the back are having with hearing the proceedings I will suggest that we populate the end of the dining room where the screen is first. There is no real easy fix to the sound system at this stage, so the installers have recommended that we try this first (as we have in the past) as a solution. This was the initial intent for us to sit in this section.

 

Judy gave an update on Kevin Stevenson and John Langley. We will ensure that we keep in touch and offer any support we can.

 

Ted gave a quick outline of the market survey results. Thanks Ted for a great survey, giving us a lot more factual information than we have ever had. It makes it a lot easier to go to our key partners with strong evidence.

Toni urged new board members and any Rotarian to attend the District Assembly in Melton on May 26^th.

 

Kevin reported back on the BBQ at the Railway station for Groovin the Moo. This year was down on takings as one of the key acts was on, when it has traditionally been very busy, hence a big rush at the end as well as the busses dropping of the revelers further away from our site, left us with a few snags still on the plate. However apparently all of the bus drivers and taxi operators as well as other key rail and security personnel were provided with a top up. This is good PR and community service.

 

Bruce and Paul H (in absentia) indicated that again at late notice we have been asked to facilitate the RecLink BBQ at the footy, this Wednesday at Cal Gully oval 12-12.30 start. Bruce is organising food and drinks and ensuring that the facilities at the park are clean and accessible (i.e. BBQ, gas, table etc.)

Ray, George, John Cannon and Graeme will assist on the day as Bruce will be otherwise detained. Thanks Bruce and Paul for your organisation.

 

Geoff reported that there will be a board meeting at St. Aiden’s on Tuesday May 21. Please abide by local parking rules.

 

Our guest for the morning was Julie Hommelhoff. Julie was raised in Healsville and has been residing in Bendigo for 32 years. Having been a Principal for 14 years, Julie has now been Principal at Lightning Reef Primary school for two and a half years. With a high percentage of students affected by family trauma and now with 63 students from a Karen background enrolled, the school faces a number of challenges that many of us have never had to deal with.

Initially both confronted and concerned about student’s family’s attitudes to education and authority, Julie has firmly established a series of policies and procedures which are supportive of staff and she has a “no nonsense” approach to discipline and attendance. There is a high expectation of students by all staff and this is expressed by the positive support of the Passions and Pathways program which our club has supported. Over 41 local Bendigo businesses support this program, where students in grades 5&6 learn about Bendigo, what working is about and why lifelong learning is important. Undertaken during term 3, the curriculum is underpinned by Literacy and Numeracy as well as the visits to businesses and the development of a student led project. This all culminates in the Student Expo for all schools (6) participating in September. The program costs over $27,000 extra to operate and this sits outside of any funds provided by Government. This is why our support as well as those of businesses is so critical.

Another great project is the breakfast program, where over 50-60 students each day have a nourishing breakfast. Many of these children arrive early to school as “school is the safe haven”.  This is coordinated by staff volunteers each morning and food is provided via a number of local agencies. Foodshare is one of these agencies.

Once a month lunch is also provided to students, again all prepared by staff volunteers.

Other projects identified on the schools wish list is a playground for the grade 5& 6 students, shade sails and shelter at the front gate, where students congregate well before time. Often students are hot, cold, wet or hungry and that is before they get into the school grounds.

Thanks Julie for another enlightening presentation from the heart.

As indicated, our club supports the Passions and Pathways program and George has volunteered to follow up on a warm weather gear request and John Cannon has offered to investigate a once a month sandwich/BBQ program.

 

Graeme