Languages for kinder children
The State Government plans to teach at least 3000 kindergarten pupils a language other than English over each of the next four years.
As part of the government’s $17.9 million early childhood language second language will be conducted in 120 kindergartens.
A further 10 kindergartens services would become bilingual where half the programs offered in a non-English language.
An information session for parents, teachers, kindergarten managers and others in kindergarten communities in Gippsland will be held at Traralgon tomorrow.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said advice of the sessions was sent to kindergartens last week.
Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos said the information sessions would explain how the second language program will work when it is introduced next year, funding eligibility and the expression of interest process for those wanting to apply.
Ms Mikakos said learning languages at kindergarten age often enabled children to learn the language of their grandparents, inspire interest in other cultures and help them better learn English.
She said the Australian-first initiative would help children to be ready for school and life.
Ms Shing said it would also give them more opportunities to reach their full potential.
More than $35,000 was raised in West Gippsland during the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal.
Captain Amanda Hart said the final total of $35,221.10, which does not include over the phone donations, was unexpected.
In 2017, the appeal raised $33,999 and Ms Hart was surprised to see that figure surpassed.
“Considering you know people are doing it tough, farmers especially, people are still so generous. I’m really blown away by the response. There’s no way we could do what we do without the support of the community.”
“We just want to say a massive thank you to people who helped collect,” she said, specifically highlighting the Drouin Lions Club and individual members of the community who offered to help.
In addition, Bona Vista Primary School held a “Red Day” during a cross country running event. The students brought money to donate and listened to a talk from Ms Hart.
The Sleep Out saw 10 participants – a slight increase on last year – raising just over $3000.
While the total was slightly down on last year’s tally of almost $4000, it was still a positive outcome with hope it will continue to grow.
“It’s something that we’d like to get more people involved with,” said Ms Hart.
She urged local businesses to jump on board for the 2019 Sleep Out to raise awareness of homelessness whilst raising money for the Red Shield Appeal.
The rising cost of bills such as electricity and gas are amongst the factors causing people and families in West Gippsland to seek help from the Salvos.
“Every situation is different, obviously, but it’s often things like the unexpected rise in an electricity bill. People then struggle to buy groceries to feed the family or pay school fees,” said Ms Hart.
Many coming to the Salvos are seeking bill assistance, food assistance or blankets and clothing.