By PETER DOUGLAS
MORE than 40 people recently attended the celebration of the Big Futures school mentoring program at the newly renovated Coonara Springs in Olinda.
Those present included representatives from the Yarra Ranges Council, school principals, mentors, students in the program and community members.
Mentor from Mater Christi College, Jude Leibel, along with Isaac Foster, a student from Sherbrooke Community School, spoke of their appreciation of being involved in the program.
Vice-principal from Mater Christi College, Carmel Feeney, thanked Big Brothers, Big Sisters for bringing the program to local schools.
Meanwhile, Cr Mike Clarke thanked the mentors for their participation in the program and assured those present the Yarra Ranges Council strongly supported the program.
Schools involved in Yarra Ranges include Upwey High School, Mater Christi College Belgrave, Sherbrooke Community School, Bayswater Secondary College and Boronia K-12 College.
The participating schools expressed they have students with lots of potential but, because of challenges they face, are not fulfilling that potential.
The schools believe the support and encouragement of a caring member of the community would make all the difference.
People wanting to know more about becoming a mentor in the program can find more information on www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au/bigfutures.
