MERRI-BEK TERM 1 2024 WEEK 3
Hello everyone!
Another bites the dust with the weeks smashing through! Week 3 is down the drain and on comes week 4! But before then have a quick read of how week 3 went for us 🙂
On Wednesday the 21st we met our crew at Oxygen youth space and delved into an open discussion around respectful relationships. We discussed social cues and body language, relationship values, consent, healthy relationships, LGBTQIA+, amongst other topics. The crew were greatly involved in controlling the flow of the conversation, and asked and answered questions throughout, furthering others and their own understanding of these topics. Once we finished this session we ate our lunch and played a game of pool before heading off to our tafe tour at Kangan Batman. During our tour we got to explore the entire campus asking any questions about courses and the space. The students were able to experience a new space and type of learning that is optional for a way of continuing or better improving their education in the future.
On Thursday we met the crew back at Collingwood station and headed straight for the Yarra river for our canoeing day. The group were eager but also wary, not all having vast knowledge of how to paddle. When we entered the space we went over ground rules and what we expected with behaviour on the water as well as their language. Challenging situations can be stressful, which allows us to snap or act out easier than when we feel in control. With this activity being on the water and having students new to this space, we talked over how we expect the group to talk to one another and what to bring for the warm day ahead. Once we collectively brought down the canoeing supplies, we slipped on the safety gear and formed pairs. When we hit the water it was a quick learning period before we headed down the river to Flying Fox colonies. During our paddle we had many twists and turns but the pairs made quick work and communicated well during our travels. When we finally returned we made quick work of putting the boats back and worked as a team to hoist them back onto the trailer. After we headed off to Fitzroy Pools for a well deserved swim, as the yarra river isn't the cleanest.The group splashed around and played some marco polo, did some dives and just enjoyed their time before we changed and headed off for the day.
On Friday, our group collected once again at Collingwood for another water activity, this time, surf life saving. In this session we headed to south melbourne surf club, and met with Alisdair, a professional lifeguard. Being welcomed to the space, we explored the storage shed and tower. When we had our fair share of looking around and talking about the many dangers of the beach, we headed to the lounge to talk further about Surf Life Saving Victoria. After this we looked closer at saving lives by going to the basics of first aid. We even got to experience cpr by working mannequins and going through a minute round on constant compressions. When done we had a quick lunch break before changing again into wet suits and heading off to the water. While some students battled the waves others watched while taking some photos and collecting sea shells. When out the students had their time to experience the boards and beating water, battling the tide before riding it back to the beach to begin some rescue missions. Many flipped and giggles were all round as everyone had their go. When done we did a quick pack up and changed with some hot showers in between, before finishing for the day and cleaning up for heading for the weekend.
