School helps students to shine bright

The SHINE education program has displayed its 2018 successes, which include convincing a John Willcock College student to jump from a 48 per cent school attendance rate to 90 per cent.

The school service — traditionally for disengaged girls — held its annual graduation ceremony recently to congratulate students who have turned their lives around in the program.

One student highlighted how the program had helped her deal with substance issues in her network, while another said SHINE had helped her with domestic issues within the family.

Though SHINE has previously only accepted Geraldton girls referred by concerned teachers, the program has recently expanded.

This year Northampton District High School joined John Willcock College and Geraldton Senior College as partnership schools.

Allendale Primary School also trialled the program this year with 22 students, marking the first time SHINE had engaged primary school girls.

Principal Lisa Criddle said Year 5 and 6 students that would benefit from self-esteem building and confidence-heightening education were selected, after consulting with parents.

“One parent has commented that her daughter has grown emotionally from the program and another is excited to say the program has helped her daughter with the confidence to speak in front of others,” she said.

“Students have loved hair, make-up lessons along with tips on style and looking after yourself.

“For some, this may be a career option later on and for others, it’s about developing their belief in themselves and setting goals for their education.

“The mentoring from the older girls and the staff has been the biggest highlight with some strong bonds being developed between the older SHINE girls and our young SHIMMER girls.”

This year, SHINE engaged with about 90 students.

John Willcock College and Geraldton Senior College will be known as Champion Bay Senior High School and Geraldton Senior High School respectively from the start of the 2019 school year.