Late last month the students braved the cold weather and even colder water to launch canoes they had constructed as part of their TAFE delivered Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational.

The students, Alex Haylett, Jayden Helm, Tia King-Stow and Cherise White, although harbouring some niggling doubts as to whether their vessels would float, took up the challenge and launched their canoes

This took a considerable degree of courage, according Brooke McKenzie who had been invited to the launch for her life-saving qualifications.

But she did confess she had no intention of jumping in the water, should the canoes sink or capsize.

Fortunately, the canoes, as required by Department of Education Guidelines, proved to be unsinkable.although Cherise did find a unique way of plugging a tiny trickle.

Once they had gained their confidence, the students paddled effortlessly down the river to the Riverside Café, where they enjoyed a well-earned lunch by the water.

In spite of the large quantity of food consumed, including a renowned “freak shake” each, the students managed to keep their canoes afloat for the return journey up river, proving, not least to themselves, that they are capable of completing a project requiring perseverance and skilled craftsmanship.

This is the fourth year the program has been run at BCS in collaboration with Tuncurry TAFE, with a total of 14 canoes having now been constructed under the expert guidance of TAFE teacher Brian Jones.

Through their participation in this program, the students not only attain a recognised TAFE certificate, but also demonstrate that they have work-related skills and the determination to see a project.

Special thanks go to Brian Jones, for his expertise and enthusiasm, to Mick Worth for facilitating access to the forestry shed during construction and to Brooke McKenzie for acting as lifesaver.

Attachment 5 6298 Alex Haylett