YARRA TERM 3 2022, WEEK 5
Hello everyone! What an active and creative week we’ve had!
We started on Wednesday the 10th, with a slight change from the gym to boxing. We finally were able to meet Sal, a firefighter and boxing instructor that takes care of our group throughout the term. He introduced the group to his main value, Attitude, which we needed to rein in throughout this grueling but ultimately satisfying workout. Sal helped us look into keeping a positive mindset and persevering, which all the students took on extremely well. He also touched on fire safety, leaving us with some homework for the next time we meet. Secondly we went to our friends down at Yarra Youth Services, experiencing their creative spray painting workshop. This allowed quite a few of our creative bunch to express themselves and surprise us at their work. This day was filled with a lot of self expression and positivity, which we see as key for these young people in their journeys of self-exploration. We utilize these services because both boxing and creative outlets help people to reflect and recover, especially good for those without those currently in place.
On Thursday the 11th we had a bit of a different session. Partnering with REACH, a youth lead and directed organisation, the students took part in a workshop which included a variety of additional groups, including different locations of Operation Newstart. Our crew joined these strangers in a socially directed and activity heavy day. The staff focuses on openness and unconditional positive regard for all the young people involved. Our students held raving reviews of feeling heard and being comfortable in the space, excited for their second session in a few weeks. Additionally, staff enlightened us to the group's adaptability and eagerness to participate in all of the activities, being positive role models for the other participants.
On the last day of the week, Friday the 12th, we had an adventurous day planned. Collecting the students we went to Collingwood Alternative School (CAS) where we set ourselves up to go biking. This session is an introductory session to our later bike donation day, where we will build bikes and teach a local English language school’s students how to ride a bike and the ABCDDDE of bikes (Air, Brakes, Chain, Drop test, Dangling bits, Dress, & Everything else). Our students were all given one of the above topics to speak about and had a test try at explaining it to our group. This builds our confidence in communication and adaptability to public speaking in front of a group. After this we were introduced to Tony, a Youth Resource Officer who helped run some drills for us before we left for the bike trail. We rode strong, breaking only once for a small rock climb along the way, following the Yarra River to Fedsquare. Here we let loose exploring Hosier lane and Culture Kings, before having a little muck-around on an empty playground. The crew did well understanding when to stop and keeping a steady pace, without any sense of giving up.
!NOW FOR OUR WEEKLY STUDENT REVIEW!
!THIS WEEK IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NOAH!
How was boxing this week? Was Sal a good instructor? Would you like to do this again? What kept you motivated throughout the session?
“YEAH IT WAS GOOD, SAL WAS NICE AND FUNNY. NOT INTERESTED IN DOING IT AGAIN. THE TEAM WAS DOING IT SO IT FELT GOOD TO DO IT”
What was good about the activity at Yarra Youth Services? Would you use this service again?
“IT WAS FUN, BECAUSE WE GOT TO DO ART WITH THE SPRAY PAINT. YEAH I WOULD USE THIS SERVICE AGAIN, POSSIBLY TAKE FRIENDS.”
Was REACH comfortable, and kept you well informed? Would you use their services again?
“REACH WAS WELCOMING, FELT WELL INFORMED, DIDN’T REALLY TALK ABOUT USING THEM IN THE FUTURE BUT I WOULD USE THEM.”
Did you feel confident on the bike trail? Was it challenging for you? How did you face this challenge?
“YEP, BECAUSE RIDING A BIKE IS NOT THAT HARD FOR ME, I HAVE A MOTORISED BIKE AT HOME, BUT RODE NORMAL ONE’S BEFORE. IT WAS A GOOD ACTIVITY AS A GROUP, A CHALLENGE WAS THE HILLS BUT I JUST CHANGED THE GEARS AND IT HELPED. CONFIDENT ENOUGH.”
How fast was the group moving and why?
“AS FAST AS THE SLOWEST PERSON, UM TO KEEP EVERYONE TOGETHER.”
What positive characteristics did the group use this week?
“I USED RESPECT, EVERYONE LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER”
