Published by the System Policy Division Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

Published by the System Policy Division
Department of Education and
Early Childhood Development

Melbourne

February 2013

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State of Victoria (Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development), or in the case of some materials, by third parties
(third party materials). No part may be reproduced by any process
except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968
the National Education Access Licence for Schools (NEALS)
(see below) or with permission.

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such an institution may copy and communicate the materials, other
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Authorised by the Department of Education
and Early Childhood Development,
2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.
This document is also available on the internet at
www.education.vic.gov.au

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/wannik

Contents

1. Wannik Education Strategy 4

2. Wannik Education Scholarship 4

3. Selection of Students 5

4. Use of the Scholarship Funds 5

5. Accountability for Wannik Education Scholarship 5

Attachment 1 - Allowable Use of Wannik Education Scholarship funds 6

Attachment 2 – Regional Contacts 7

1. Wannik Education Strategy

‘Wannik’ is the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s school strategy for Koorie students, prepared in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) and was launched on 15 February 2008.

Wannik (pronounced 'Wunn-ick') comes from the Gunai/Kurnai language meaning 'Learning Together - Journey to Our Future'.

Fundamental to the Wannik Education Strategy is the improvement of outcomes for Koorie students across the whole of Victoria’s government school system, and repositioning the education of Koorie students through a culture of strong leadership, high expectations and individualised learning.

2. Wannik Education Scholarship

The Wannik Education Scholarship Program was introduced in 2009, and is available annually to support high achieving Koorie students in Years 11 and 12.

The Wannik Education Scholarship program offers:

§ A two year scholarship for Koorie students in Years 11 & 12

§ A maximum of $5,000 – ($2,500 per year) over two years

§ 20 Wannik Education Scholarships awarded annually

2.1 Who Can Apply for the Wannik Education Scholarship

The Wannik Education Scholarships are for high achieving students who:

§ Completed Year 10 at a Victorian Government School in 2012

§ Are planning on completing Year 11 and 12 at a Victorian Government School in 2013 and 2014

§ Are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent

Please note applicants will be selected based on their 2012 academic results and involvement in school and community activities.

2.2 How to Apply for a Wannik Education Scholarship?

Students need to go the Department website to apply for this scholarship and download the application form: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/aboriginal/Pages/wannikscholarships.aspx

§ The completed application form should be sent (mail, email, fax) by Wednesday 13 March

§ Failure to complete all the information required in the application will result in the application being invalid.

3. Selection of Students

A Selection Panel made up of representatives of the Department and its partner Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) review applications and selects the 20 successful applicants.

Applicants will be chosen based on their 2012 academic results and involvement in school and community activities.

4. Use of the Scholarship Funds

Scholarship funds are paid to the school which manages the expenditure of the funds on behalf of the scholarship holder. Decisions on how the money is spent should be a collaboration between the school, family and student.

The school will purchase items drawing on the funds from the Wannik Education Scholarship in line with agreed student and family input. Funds may be used for leadership opportunities, study supplies, stationery, photocopying, internet fees, laptop, software, desk, books, calculator, specialist subject requirements, materials and equipment. Attachment 1 - Allowable Use of Wannik Education Scholarship Funds

Where required, the family and the school may involve a Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) for guidance and advice. These officers are part of the Koorie Education Workforce operating in each region. Attachment 2 - Region Contacts

5. Accountability for Wannik Education Scholarship

A Wannik Education Scholarship Progress Report is required at the end of Year 11 of the Award, and will be signed by the school principal. This report will include the academic results for each subject. Scholarship holders must demonstrate satisfactory attendance and academic results to maintain their scholarship throughout the scholarship period.

It is the responsibility of the school to seek advice and support from the Koorie Education Workforce and liaise with the family if the student is disengaging, or at risk of disengaging, or considered unlikely to complete their senior schooling. Principals must notify the Koorie Strategy Unit by email if the student is unlikely to successfully complete their scholarship in each year.

In the event that there are issues that may require intervention or decision making with respect to the Wannik Education Scholarship, schools should contact the Koorie Strategy Unit directly.

The Wannik Education Scholarships are valued at $5,000 over two years. The first instalment of $2,500 will be provided in Year 11 and the second instalment of $2,500 in Year 12 upon completion of a successful Scholarship Progress Report.

· Year 11 Scholarship Progress Report must be endorsed by the principal and forwarded to the Koorie Strategy Unit

· The second instalment payment is conditional upon the schools completion of a satisfactory Year 11 Scholarship Progress Report.

· Year 12 students must complete an evaluation questionnaire at the completion of the final year of the scholarship

Funds must be fully expended each year. Only in exceptional circumstances, where all funds have not been spent, may the balance be carried forward to Year 12. Schools must seek advice to carry forward funds by contacting the Koorie Strategy Unit.

Any funds not expended at the end of Year 12 are to be returned to the Koorie Strategy Unit.

Attachment 1 - Allowable Use of Wannik Education Scholarship funds

Scholarship fund are provided to directly support students to optimum achievement in Years 11 and 12. The below list of allowable use of funds is provided as an example only.

Allowable Use of Funds

· Leadership opportunities

· Study supplies, stationery, photocopying

· Laptop Computers and software, internet fees relevant to topics studying

· Subject materials, books, equipment

· Other specialist VCE/VCAL/VET items eg Camera for Photography, Graphic Set for Graphic Arts

· Excursions relating to academic excellenceeg Student Parliament Canberra

· Study desk at home

· Home Printer

· Relevant cultural events and activities relating to educational outcomes eg NAIDOC Week participation (does not include travel or accommodation)

Not allowed:

· Travel (except school excursions)

· Accommodation

· School Camps

When in Doubt:

· Contact Wannik Unit on

· Write to Wannik Education Scholarship 2012, Level 3, 33 St Andrews Place East Melbourne 3001

Attachment 2 – Regional Contacts

Wannik Regional Koorie Education Workforce

Members of the Koorie workforce in each region include: Koorie Education Coordinator (KEC), Koorie Transition Officer (KTO), and Koorie Engagement Support Officers. (KESOs)

North Eastern Victoria Region

Regional Offices

Benalla

Postal address: PO Box 403, Benalla, Victoria 3672
Location: 150 Bridge StreetEast, Benalla, Victoria 3672
Phone: (03) 5761 2100
Fax: (03) 5762 5039

Glen Waverley

Location: Level 3, 295 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley 3150, Victoria
Phone: (03)9265 2400
Fax: (03) 9265 2444

North Western Victoria Region

Regional Offices

Bendigo

Postal address: PO Box 442, Bendigo, Victoria 3552
Location: 7-15 McLaren Street, Bendigo, Victoria 3550
Phone:(03) 5440 3111
Fax: (03) 5442 5321

Coburg

Postal address: Locked Bag 2001, Coburg, VIC 3058
Location: Level 2, 189 Urquhart Street, Coburg, VIC 3058
Phone:(03) 9488 9488
Fax: (03) 9488 9400
Melway ref: Map 17 K12

South Western Victoria Region

Regional Offices

Ballarat

Postal address and location: 109 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat, 3350
Phone: (03) 5337 8444
Fax: (03) 5333 2135

West Footscray

Postal address and location:
Level 3, Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly Street, West Footscray, 3012 (entry via glass sliding doors)
Phone: (03) 9291 6500
Fax: (03) 9291 6565

Early Childhood Servicespostal address: PO Box 224, Footscray VIC 3011
Location: Quay West, 71 Moreland St, Footscray VIC 3011
Phone: (03) 9275 7000
Fax: (03) 9275 7222

Geelong

Postal address: PO Box 2086, Geelong, Victoria 3220
Location: 5A Little Ryrie Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220
Phone: (03) 5225 1000
Fax: (03) 5225 1099

South Eastern Victoria Region

Regional Offices

Dandenong

Postal address: PO Box 5, Dandenong 3175
Location: 165-169 Thomas Street, Dandenong 3175
Phone: (03) 8765 5600
Fax: (03) 8765 5666

Moe

Postal address: PO Box 381, Moe, Victoria 3825
Location: Corner Kirk and Haigh Streets, Moe, Victoria 3825
Telephone: (03) 5127 0400
Facsimile: (03) 5126 1933