Category Archives: Vocational

Rotary Wheatbelt Swim for Reading on 9 March 2019!

1 in 3 Australians have literacy skills low enough to make them vulnerable to unemployment and social exclusion. Developing a love of reading in our kids can change that! We are partnering with Wheatbelt communities to help create a brighter future for country kids, but we need your support

About our Fundraiser

The Rotary Wheatbelt Swim for Reading is a fun, annual event that brings together people of all ages to splash in the Bruce Rock Swimming Pool for a good cause. Funds raised support early childhood reading programs. Participating schools include Bruce Rock, Quairading and Narembeen. New schools are welcome to inquire via Swim Team Leader Jeff Anderson 0429 110 226. 

Participants can swim as much or as little as they like as it’s about getting wet and having a go – although some of the Wheatbelt young champions can’t resist a training opportunity!

https://vimeo.com/302203245

Join us at the Bruce Rock Aquatic Centre

Saturday 9th March

Swim starts 1:30pm

Registration from 1pm

 

Free Entry

Sausage Sizzle $5

Note all children and young people under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with authority to sign participation form.

Young people who participate in the Swim and fundraise for the reading programs that benefit early childhood students are eligible for selection for the Rotary personal and leadership program for 14-17 year olds (known as “RYPEN”) https://rotary9465.org.au/sitepage/new-generations/rotary-youth-program-of-enrichment

or the Rotary development program for 18- 26 year olds (RYLA) https://rotary9465.org.au/sitepage/new-generations/rotary-youth-leadership-awards-(ryla)

Swimmers:

Download a manual sponsorship form:

Set up an online fundraising page: https://www.chuffed.org/project/ewarotary-wheatbelt-love-reading-2019/signup

Supporters:

Sponsor an individual swimmer via their sponsorship form or make a general donation via our secure online fundraising page: https://www.chuffed.org/project/ewarotary-wheatbelt-love-reading-2019

About our Project:

Our online and offline fundraising supports reading programs in Wheatbelt schools. We partner with local schools and libraries to reward kids who meet reading goals with book vouchers. We also spread the message that reading, and storytelling is fun and important for ensuring the best outcomes in life. Schools who participate in the swim can earn bonus funds from Rotary on top of what they raise themselves.

We also run other online competitions during the year to reach the wider Wheatbelt and distribute grant funds from the Rotary Foundation to new participants. Last year, our Love of Reading Teacher Champion Award attracted video entries from schools and the champion teacher was Lauren Van Dongen from Narembeen. 

https://vimeo.com/302203245

E-WA Guest Presenter: District 9465 Vocational Service Chair Mike Raspa – 17 September 2014

Rotary District 9465 Vocational Services Chair Mike Raspa was our guest presenter on Wednesday 17 September.

Mike has been a Rotarian for 15 years and is passionate about the contribution that a good club Vocational Services program can make to the community.   He sees the  the range of activities covered by the Vocational Services Avenue of Service as key to the health and wellbeing of clubs, with a  good vocational program helping to bond the community and the club. With vocational opportunities starting at age 0 with the Imagination Library (childhood literacy) and extending through school-age scholarships to pride of workmanship awards for people of all ages, Mike has a point.

Listen to Mike’s presentation as he outlines the range of vocational services available to clubs, and suggests ways in which clubs can use vocational activities to  enrich members’ Rotary Experience.

Marilyn Hopkins

Marilyn Hopkins – Worthy Recipient of the RI Vocational Service Leadership Award

VOCATIONAL SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD

The award citation reads:

The Vocational Service Leadership Award recognizes Rotarians who have made a significant impact in advancing vocational service.

An individual may receive this award only once.

Candidates must have exhibited significant support of vocational service by fulfilling each of the following criteria:

• Exemplifying integrity and high ethical standards in their vocation and in Rotary
• Using their vocational talents to serve the community.

Personally undertaking at least one of the following:
1. Mentoring a young person to help that person succeed in vocational pursuits
2. Organizing a vocational service discussion or group workshop to inspire others to take action
3. Teaching other club members about their vocation by participating in a classification talk
4. Participating in a business networking event that introduces non-Rotarians to the principles of vocational service
5. Implementing an activity to celebrate Vocational Service Month in October
6. Participating in another vocational service project that meets local needs

Awardee:  Marilyn Hopkins – Margaret River Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Margaret River has provided funding for a program aimed at encouraging year one students to use their local public library called reading rabbits.

All year one students in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River are given a Reading Rabbits pack that includes general library information, colouring in and a special reading rewards card. Every time the student borrows a book from the library they will be given a stamp on their card.

After ten visits to the Library by one of the students prizes such as stationery, stickers and book vouchers available from the Margaret River Bookshop are awarded as incentives to encourage reading.

Reading Rabbits is sponsored by Rotary Club of Margaret River, The Margaret River Bookshop and Scholastic Australia.

Marilyn Hopkins was instrumental in setting up this program together with the Shire Librarian as a Vocational Program of the Margaret River Rotary Club. The success of the program is self evident.

Marilyn as a lawyer has used her skills for social causes and is a long standing member of Rotary.

Marilyn is a most worthy recipient of Vocational Service Leadership Award and the first recipient of this award in D9465.  She will join a distinguished list of previous recipients on the Rotary International register of awardees.