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Education and Links

Education for children :

Playgroups

Local Playgroups

A playgroup is where young children, accompanied by a parent or carer, meet regularly to socialise and play together. There is opportunity for the grown-ups to chat and make friends while the children enjoy activities set up and supervised by the adults. Cost is low – either free or $1 or $2 per session. Most playgroups close during school holidays. For more information or contact details for your nearest playgroup, contact your local council (links to Council contact details)

Playgroups provide parents and caregivers with the opportunity to meet new people, gain support and ideas in relation to parenting and child rearing. They allow babies, toddlers and preschoolers to socialise as they play and learn together. All playgroups are different but the emphasis is on fun and friendship.

Preschools

Preschools can also be referred to as “kindergartens’. Preschools are generally open to children who turn four years of age by 30 April in that year of attendance. Some preschools have pre-qualifying requirements in relation to enrolment, such as older siblings have attended that kindergarten, proximity to the preschool and so on. You should contact any preschools you are considering to ascertain their requirements.

Preschools provide preschool age children the opportunity to develop their physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills prior to attending primary school (link to primary schools).

Preschools generally take enrolments the year before your child attends preschool, so again you should contact the preschool or your local council to find out the enrolment closing date (link to local councils)(link to preschools)

Preschools generally operate for up to twelve hours per week, during school terms. (link to school terms) These hours can be divided up over two to four days each week.

Some preschools also facilitate a three year old fun group one day per week. You should contact your local preschool for more information in this regard.

 

Primary Schools

Primary schools are aimed at children aged 5 and over in their first year of attendance. Primary schools years begin at Prep (short for preparatory) and then grades 1 through to 6.

In Victoria, it is compulsory for children to attend primary school, unless you have obtained an exemption from the Department of Education and Training. Children who complete primary school are aged between 11 and 13.

School uniform is compulsory in most primary schools in Victoria. For more information in relation to excursions, religious education, eating facilities and curriculum, contact the primary school that you are considering enrolling your child.

For both primary and secondary schools, there are private and government school options.

More detailed information in relation to schools in the Goulburn Murray region can be found on the following website :

http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/SchoolsOnline/

Other government and non-government schools can be found via this link :

http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/SchoolsOnline/

 

Secondary Schools

Secondary schools are for children aged between 11 and 13 in Year 7, and 17-19 for the final year of secondary school.

The years for secondary schools are Years 7 through to Year 12. Secondary schools prepare students academically for adult life, and are a necessary pre-requisite to tertiary education, unless students apply as mature aged students.

Most secondary schools request that students wear school uniforms.

More detailed information about secondary schools can be found on the following website :

http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/SchoolsOnline/

General school information

For both primary and secondary schools, there are private and government school options.

Contact details for government and non-government schools in the Goulburn Murray Region are listed below. (see link to education)

Other government and non-government schools can be found via this link :

http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/schoolsonline/

 

Tertiary schools

The following tertiary options are available in the Goulburn Murray region:

Goulburn Ovens Institute of Technical and Further Education – GOTAFE

  • Extensive range of courses from Certificate through to Advanced Diploma courses and excellent employment prospects
  • Flexible modular delivery – full time, part time, workplace or off-campus
  • Perfect location in the Shepparton CBD
  • Excellent IT and library facilities
  • A second campus close to the Shepparton CBD specialising in agriculture and horticulture
    For more information, contact:

    Tel: 1300 733 111
    Web: http://www.gotafe.vic.edu.au

La Trobe University Shepparton Campus

  • Perfect location in the Shepparton CBD
  • Excellent IT and library facilities
  • Degree and Diploma Programs in Business, Commerce, Education and Humanities
  • Excellent employment prospects for graduates
  • Scholarships are available for commencing students

    For more information, contact:
    Tel: +61 3 5821 8450
    Fax: +61 3 5821 8176
    Web: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/shepparton

The University of Melbourne

Australian Catholic University

Programs are offered at the campus of Notre Dame College in Shepparton

For more information, contact:
Student Administration
Tel: +61 3 5336 5300
Web: http://www.acu.edu.au

Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE (Echuca Campus)

Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE services a vast geographic area extending 25,000 square kilometers throughout Central and Northern Victoria. To meet the training needs of such a dispersed population, campuses have been established in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Echuca, Kerang, Kyneton and Maryborough.

Telephone : (03) 5483 1333

Campaspe College of Adult Education

Whether you want to return to study, broaden your work skills or learn a creative art, you're sure to find a course to suit you at Campaspe College of Adult Education.

No matter if you are fifteen or eighty, Campaspe College of Adult Education can open up a world of opportunities and personal achievement, so find out about our courses and how they can benefit you.

Telephone : (03) 5482 4601
Website : www.ccae.vic.edu.au

Victorian University (Melva Johnson Campus)

Offering both TAFE and higher education options in Echuca.

Telephone : 5482 4038
Website : www.vu.edu.au

The following universities offer courses by distance education :

www.deakin.edu.au
www.monash.edu.au

You should consider contacting the Overseas Qualifications Unit

http://www.employment.vic.gov.au/CA256BC200830268/All/15D0D
86D949D1013CA256F730004E686?OpenDocument

if you need to complete bridging courses to practice in your area of expertise.

 

The Academic Year

In Victoria, the school or academic year is divided into four terms. The children have four school holidays each year, and information in relation to school terms can be found by clicking on the following link:

http://www.det.vic.gov.au/det/schooled/schooldates.htm

University school terms differ, and you should contact your University for more details.

Public Holidays

On other occasions during the year, employees and students may not be required to attend school or work on public holidays. Schools will publish that information in their school newsletters.

Employees should check with the employer and their contract of employment/relevant award if they are required to work on public holidays.

Public Holidays are gazetted holidays and will be available from your employer.

Web links :

http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/SchoolsOnline/

This site provides easy access to a wealth of information about Victorian government schools for all types of users, students, parents and teachers alike. Explore the site and access information that includes school curriculum and programs, special features and virtual tours of schools that match your interest, and if you find a school that suits your preferences you can make an enquiry to the school using our easy to use online enquiry form. You can send your questions to schools directly or simply request an information package from the school.

http://www.det.vic.gov.au/det/schooled/schooldates.htm

Provides a link for information in relation to school terms in Victoria.

Sources :

http://www.det.vic.gov.au/det/parents/intro.htm accessed 19 December 2005