Senior students who are likely to enter the workforce immediately after graduating from Cornerstone, hosted a special guest recently, who offered advice to these future employees.

Brian Ravenscroft is employed by the Government of Western Australia within the Department of Commerce and Labour Relations.  His time with the Year 11 & 12 students was designed to provide important information and guidance about the ways to protect themselves, as well as advising of a free teaching resource available to new employees.

Whilst at the College, Brian distributed material to help the students determine if their pay rates were fair.  WA Paychecker is an online wages calculator that helps workers determine if pay and conditions are as they should be.  It asks questions about the hours worked and the benefits received, and then calculates what the pay rate should be under the State award.  For someone entering the workforce for the first time, it was valuable information.  This resource is available at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/WAPayChecker

Additionally, the ‘Your First Job’ teaching module was explained and a brochure was given detailing the benefits of participating.  This can be found at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/labourrelations/yourfirstjob

This visit was organised as part of the Careers guidance offered by the College.  Staff wish to ensure that whether a student pursues tertiary studies, TAFE training, or enters directly into the workforce, that they are as prepared as they can be.

The morning was extremely beneficial to the participants, and it is sure to have provided a sense of confidence amongst these senior students.

Cornerstone Christian College has done it again!  For two years running, the College has taken out the first place position in the Cows Create Careers Project.

The Cows Create Careers Project is run by Western Dairy and Dairy Australia in conjunction with the staff at Cornerstone to increase the profile of dairy, as a career and education opportunity.  

Last year, our team were the State Winners and representated WA at the National Mooin’ Transfer in NSW.  This year, Johaline, Mariah, Catherine and Rachel have taken out the top spot in the Junior Division and have won a cash prize for their efforts.

Mrs Jill Wright, the co-ordinating teacher of the event is understandably proud of her students, who competed against a large number of schools and teams to take home the honour.  A special ceremony today, held at Abbey Beach Resort, saw teams travelling in from as far away as Denmark and Boyup Brook to participate in this final event. 

Hundreds of students, teachers, industry representatives and advocates were present today to witness our team’s win, which obviously delighted those present from Cornerstone.  To add to this success, another team from Cornerstone took out third place for their entry. 

Last year’s team of Eilidh, Gemma and Kaylee presented the audience with their entry into the National event.  They have every reason to be proud of their presentation as well, and we continue to celebrate with them their success.  The baton has now been passed to a new team of students.

Congratulations to each participant from the College, and to Mrs Wright who has so obviously led a great program to ensure our success two years running. 

Aimee Vander Schaaf is undertaking her practical teaching experience at Cornerstone this term, and has a lot to show for her time with us.

Earlier in the term, she began to help her Year 11 & 12 students put together an internal Careers Expo.  Students were teamed up and had to select a career that interested them.   The teams were then required to create a presentation that explained the educational and training paths that would need to be followed to pursue that career. 

The research was completed a short time ago, and earlier today, the Year 11′s and 12′s opened their expo up for Year 10 students to benefit from their findings.  Each team had to set up a stand and provide as much information in a well presented and attractive display that would catch the eye of the visiting students.  Their Year 10 guests were then asked to rate each stand on its success.

Aimee said that the process was helpful for both the presenters as well as today’s visitors. 

“The students had to negotiate within their team as to which career they would present.  Those who plan to follow an apprenticeship route after school chose a career in line with that.  Some, who plan to attend University, have gathered information on the courses available for their career choice”, she said.

The presentations were varied.  Some host teams provided information packs to interested students and performed like true marketers to generate a crowd.  Some stands were beautifully presented and demonstrated that a great deal of care and attention had gone into their work.  The careers too were varied and included a range of different professions such as drafting design, interior design, nursing, floristry and even the process involved to become a pastry chef.

Reactions from the Year 10′s were encouraging, with a great deal of enthusiasm indicating that the event was well received.

A special thankyou must go to Aimee for her substantial part in the success of the day.  Well done!

As part of Cornerstone’s desire to open opportunities for career paths in a number of areas, the Military were on hand today, giving interested students helpful advice.

Arranged by the College’s Careers Advisor, Miss Jo Needham, a select group of students spent time hearing of the advantages that come with further education within the armed forces.

Additional career planning is occurring in a number of fields over the coming weeks.  Edith Cowan University will be coming to discuss the options they have available, and TISC will be spending time helping students work through the requirements to gain entry to University.

The educational outcomes of our students are of the greatest importance, but part of this process involves providing students with every opportunity to pursue their own career choices.  Today’s visit is just a part of the guidance that Cornerstone provides.

The first ever Vocational Education Training (VET) students at Cornerstone launched into their new educational opportunities this week.  A visit by National Corporate Training (NCT) Director, Alan Blencowe saw the beginning of a new journey of exploring the advantages that vocational training can provide.

Thirteen Year 12 students will complete their final year of study at Cornerstone holding up to four TAFE certificates.  For some, they will also be working towards their TEE for the opportunity to head to University.  Students will complete Certificate I in Business, Certificate I in Furnishing, Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation and Certificate II in Sport & Recreation (coaching).  In addition to these 13 students, a number of others will work towards  individual Certificates whilst primarily focusing on their TEE.

According to Alan Blencowe, the advantage of this pathway of study brings distinct benefits.   A VET qualification places students in a better position to obtain a placement at TAFE, and in some instances, takes at least a year off an apprenticeship.

College teacher, Miss Jo Needham, who heads up the College Careers Centre,  is also delighted by the opportunities Cornerstone students can now experience with this program.

‘This is so exciting.  The fact that a student can, for example, reduce a cabinet-making apprenticeship  by a whole year is wonderful.  We have a significant number of students who will leave the College with Nationally Recognised Qualifications.  It’s great”, she said.

The program is delivered by a registered training organisation (NCT)  in partnership with Cornerstone staff.  The VET subjects can be undertaken without any additional fees to participating students.

Year 9 students at the College were celebrating the completion of their Career Portfolios this week, and thanks to a grant from Southwest Vetlink, they were able to bring parents and supporters together for a luncheon.

Miss Jo Needham, the Careers Coordinator at the College welcomed guests which included Linda Spencer who is the representative from Southwest Vetlink. 

After the welcome and some ice-breaking games, the Year 9′s had the opportunity to show the completed work to each other and their guests.

The theme for the project has been ‘Chase your Dreams’ and students have been encouraged to look at what they can put in place to reach their career goals.  The material produced will be extended next year to further narrow down each student’s goals and help them prepare for their senior school years or alternative education and employment options.

According to Jo Needham, the College students have performed brilliantly on this project, and Cornerstone students are known within the region as having exceptional communication and interview skills.  She is pleased with the support that Vetlink has provided to her and the College.

Linda Spencer stated that her goal is to support teachers like Jo and others at Cornerstone, to be the best career people possible.  ”Events like today’s social gathering is about bringing parties together to discuss and plan career options.”