Programs

A deliberate pairing of a more skilled or experienced person with a lesser skilled or experienced person, with the agreed upon goal of having the lesser skilled person grow and develop in their competencies.
A two-way professional collegiate partnership which contributes to the growth and development of both partners.
Goes beyond buddying, coaching, and counselling and moves towards a deeper partnership in working together creatively developing professional and personal growth.
Helps to make skills and experience inter-generational.
Creates satisfaction and enjoyment in the workplace.
Gives us the opportunity to leave a legacy.

Cloning or becoming a substitute parent.
An alternative to counselling or confessional relationship
For those who lack an action-based commitment to excellence and the high standards and expectations of the profession,
For those who are not willing to confront their own limitations.
For those who are uncomfortable with the multiple dimensions of diversity in schools.
A job – mentoring is a privilege and an opportunity to share work experience.

The purpose of the program is to offer training to Business Managers so that they can support newly appointed Business Managers, aspiring Business Managers, current Business Managers or Business Managers who are returning to the role following an extended absence.

The program aims to foster and encourage a spirit of self-reliance among Mentees and is not about training them to perform the specific duties or tasks associated with being a Business Manager.

The goal of the program is to assist participants in developing the necessary leadership skills and competencies, as well as develop a wider understanding of the Business Manager role and its newly emerging directions.

The Mentor Program application process.

This program has provided valuable support to many new and aspiring Business Managers and I urge you to consider applying for a Mentor or Mentee position for the next program. Our previous program participants will be happy to discuss the program with you and provide any assistance with completing your Mentor or Mentee profile form.

Why do we need you to complete the Profile form? to gather information about you, what you want to achieve from participating in this program and to help us to match the mentor partnerships. We hope you do not find the process onerous; it isn’t designed to create extra work for you. We are happy for you to use dot points when filling in your profile, it provides us with an opportunity to understand your needs from the program and your partnership. Remember there are no right or wrong answers, we are interested in you!

The program cohort is small – we try to keep the program at no more than 10 – 12 partnerships, to be able to provide you with a better outcome. It does not matter if you work in a primary, secondary, special developmental, senior college or multi campus school, each partnership determines what their focus will be and sometimes during the journey the focus changes and that is okay too!

Mentor Program Application & Information

This year we are presenting the Mentor/ Mentee program in a slightly different format with a new presenter. This program has been developed with June Weir and is designed for new business managers to connect with a mentor to improve their skills and provide support. The dates and content are listed below. I have attached the application form for a mentee to complete. There is no pre-requisite to participate. The feedback from this program over many years has been extremely positive with participants gaining new skills and knowledge. Please contact Nancy (nancy.sandilands@education.vic.gov.au) or Bromwyn (Bromwyn.Minihan@education.vic.gov.au) if you have any questions. We look forward to receiving your applications.

Venue & Session Times

Venue: Deakin University, Downtown which is next to Southern Cross station in Melbourne.

Sessions: Start at 8.30am and conclude at 3.30pm.

Leadership Tools – resolving conflict not just managing it… interpersonal skills (this will incorporate difficult and challenging conversations (morning session)

Merit Protection Board (afternoon session)

Governance – PAL (morning session)

Financial accountability and Integrity moment (afternoon session)

PDP – smart goals (morning session)

Writing Skills (afternoon session)

Qualifications – how important they are – building our capacity as leaders (Deakin Uni representative) morning session

Summary of program (mentor and mentees to speak and present their project)