On Tuesday 26th April all year 9 students attended the Beacon Charter Signing event, along with students from St Joseph’s College, Moama Anglican Grammar and River City Christian College. The purpose of the event was to inspire and assist students to commit to furthering their schooling, finding employment or attending higher education and for the community to show their support to the young people in finding positive career pathways.
Whilst at the event students listened to some formal speeches from the Beacon Leaders, outlining key information about the Beacon Foundation including the ways in which they aim to help young people. The students then heard from a guest speaker, Joanna Werner. Joanna grew up in Gunbower and attended Echuca College before going on to become a three time Emmy Nominated, AFI, AACTA and multi Logie award winning producer. Joanna is the Executive Producer, Producer and Co-Creator of acclaimed teen drama series Dance Academy which has gone on to be a global success screening in over 160 countries and winning many awards in Australia and around the world. Some of Joanna’s other productions include Ready For This, Secret City and Dance Academy: The Movie.
Joanna is currently in post-production on a telemovie called Riot and our year 9 students were fortunate enough to be the first group to whom she has shown the preview for this telemovie. Joanna spoke to the students about her upbringing and her pathway that led to the development of her company, Werner Film Productions, which has brought her much enjoyment and success. She delivered an inspiring message to the students in regards to allowing themselves to have dreams and then working hard and showing persistence to achieve them.
The Charter Signing ceremony included the signing of a Pledge Board. By signing the board, all year 9 students agreed to the Beacon Pledge:
“I willingly commit myself to the active participation in the Echuca Moama Beacon Foundation Project and its programs. I also pledge myself to exploring my career options and applying myself to my studies with the aim of moving on to further education, training or employment when I finish my time at this school.”
The Charter Board will be displayed in the front office of our school.
