By Aaron Cordy
EDUCATION is a lifelong process. It is becoming more evident that standardised classroom structures don’t suit all children, and a bit of flexibility is needed to help young minds grow.
Shepparton Flexible Learning Centre (SHFLC) have offered that understanding and support to young people in Shepparton for just over 10 years. Last month, they celebrated this milestone with their first-ever yearbook, which was designed by the students and presented at an open day for family, local services and carers.
The SHFLC is one of four campuses of the North East Flexible Learning Network, which is part of Wodonga Senior Secondary College. They aim to provide students who experience difficulties accessing mainstream school with an educational option tailored to suit often complex educational, social, developmental, psychological, health, legal or family situations.
“We are still a government school, supporting students to gain the confidence and skills to ultimately be able to return to mainstream school. A focus is often to balance academic success with wellbeing, while supporting successful pathways,” said Site Principal Michelle Sheehan.
“Our goal is to support students to build the confidence they need to successfully re-enter mainstream schooling, or, for those nearing the end of their education, to transition smoothly into the next stage of their lives. We aim to connect them with community services that can support their wellbeing, daily living skills, and general needs, and to guide them toward meaningful pathways such as TAFE, employment, or relevant community agencies, ensuring they are well equipped to navigate life with independence and resilience.”
From its humble beginnings at Hayes Street, Shepparton, SHFLC fulfilled that vision of supporting young minds, steadily growing into the thriving campus on Wilmot Road, with over 140 students reengaging in school with a faculty and programs that truly have their best interests at heart.
“They’re beautiful students. It’s so nice to feel that they feel like they belong. That’s a lot of what our school is about. To support students to feel like they mean something, that they matter,” said Michelle.
