Students from the Grange 2008 Evolving Leaders Program just completed their first residential for 2010 during the second week of February. The outcomes for this residential were healthy body/healthy mind, study and organisation, release and relaxation.

Program Summary  The Residential was delivered over four days at Typo Station. The first day involved travelling from Melbourne, followed by an inspiring talk delivered by the founder of Typo, Matt Pfahlert. Students were fascinated to hear his life story and they were all left spell bound by Matt’s levels of commitment and words of advice. He cleared up many myths that students and staff had about the property and every student was fully engaged with his stories. Friday started with students self-initiating the morning jobs and breakfast duties that are a key component of Station life at Typo. After 3 years, all students knew their responsibilities and completed daily jobs with little assistance from staff. They worked efficiently in teams and undertook tasks without hesitation. The students were then divided into two groups where they did a study skills workshop on time management and a nutritional cooking session on food that provides a ‘healthy body, healthy mind”. As all students are entering VCE or VCAL this year, these workshops aimed to assist individuals to start school with the best possible opportunities to succeed.  In the evening Steve Roberts, a yoga instructor from the King Valley conducted some relaxation exercises with the young people before they retired to bed. On Day three Steve returned to do an hour yoga class with emphasis on releasing stress and learning relaxation methods. Following the active yoga session, Sammy Rumbelow from the King Valley showed everyone how to do relaxation massage. She did demonstrations and then carefully supervised the young people to massage each other’s shoulders, necks and backs. The whole group was very relaxed and had to refocus on eating lunch and doing afternoon hands-on release activities such as fishing, art and joinery.

Paul Stolz, the CEO of Evolve took a group to William Hovell dam to try their hands at bait fishing. Unfortunately, the fish were bathing in warm water and were not interested in nibbling on bait however; the students spent the day wading in the water and enjoying each other’s company. The art group completed a mandala design that included personal interests and sources of motivation under the guidance of Vicki from Evolve. The joinery workshop involved a range of individual projects such as making a box, bush stools and tactile wooden objects. The technology teacher, Bill Bain, ran this session. It was inspirational to watch our young people encouraging each other and sharing personal reflections while completing set homework tasks away from school.

Here is some feedback from the Grange 2008 students on the last residential at Typo Station after three years: 

Bonnie: “I’ve got incredible, unforgettable experiences, memories and knowledge from the program. We’ve done awesome activities and I hope to come back in the future.”

Renee: “I’ll keep the memories and friendships we’ve formed.”      

Kaitlin: “Typo has a lasting effect.”

Mason: “I really enjoyed the outdoor experiences.”

Dylan:”I thought the outdoor experiences were fun, exciting and challenging.”

Corey: ”I’ve learnt a lot of skills at Typo. I’m grateful for that.”

Leigh: “I’ve done a lot of things I never would have done without this experience. I’m grateful to have been accepted into this program.”

Kaylah: ”I wouldn’t change anything in the World if I could (about the program).”

Monalisa: ”Typo has helped me connect to my inner self. To be yourself helps you complete all the tasks at Typo.”

Jaime: “All the activities we’ve done have been challenging.”

Jordynne: “All the activities were challenging, fun and exciting.”

Ngakita: “I’ll never forget the experiences and skills that Typo has given me.”

Megan: “It’s disappointing that this is the last residential.”

Milissa: “ Everyone in the group is unique and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Claire: “Typo has given me many memorable memories.”

This is what the staff have to say...

Bill Bain: “Thank you for your trust and respect.”

Tracey Fawcett: “Typo is amazing. The experience is surreal.”