SAIL Program

We have finally come up with a name, the SAIL Program. Apart from being a neat acronym it summarizes the journey the students have taken through rough and calm weather (metaphorically) to be here now. We are keen to have a logo to with the name to put on posters and funding applications in the future. To this end we would like the students to draw a picture each of the word ‘sail’- which will probably involve a boat of sorts. We hope that one will stand out as a logo. Could we have contributions done on clean white paper by the end of the September.

Attached is a provisional list of contact details for most of the tutors. Please fill out the form below for any details that are missing- provided that you are happy for everyone to have it.

Getting to the Hall is not easy for most of us and unfortunately, people outnumber cars. If you do happen to have a space in your car that could be filled by another tutor it will always be an enormous help. Refer to the table below for locations and contact details of all the tutors. If petrol is an issue please speak to us and we can work out a way to reimburse you.

We also know of families that would like to come to SAIL but  are unable to get to the Hall. Again, if you have space these people would be grateful to fill it.

Please understand that we totally understand that everyone will need to miss some Saturday mornings. The more you can come, the better. Particularly with the age and experiences of the students it is imperative to keep events regular and give them time to prepare for change in the pattern however small.

When you are unable to come please try to contact Anna Grace (9489 5939) so that we can plan around it. We do want to make it very clear that we do not expect you to come every week of the year so please don’t feel guilty for missing the odd Saturday. As with the kids, we are just thrilled when you show up.

If you know of any way of receiving money or item donations they are always most welcome. Anything from posters to decorate the walls of the rooms we use to million dollar cheques will be greatly appreciated. Financial donations are fully tax deductible and a receipt can be easily provided.

Thanks to the organization of Rosie and the generosity of the Melbourne Uni Student Uni we now have about $500 at our disposal. As we are still establishing ourselves we think it would be a good time to buy things that we will be able to use to help us tutor in the long run. Books, games, teaching aides and more basic things like chairs and tables. On the form below please give us any thoughts you may have about the best way to spend the money.

In the event that you find good quality items at exceptional prices in the course of your week please buy them. We trust everyone’s judgment on these matters and think it is probably better to look over a long period in our own time than a short one as a group. We are able to reimburse you if you can provide the receipt for items you have purchased. It will take a week to process if you provide us with a receipt. If you are going to purchase items please be sure it is a good deal, it will be regularly useful and you are sure we haven’t got it already. Also be aware that any items paid for by the funds will have to be left at the Hall and will be carefully locked away. 

The Program has been receiving a small profile of late. The Farrago article got an amazing response which resulted in many more generous people coming to help us out. The same piece is part of a promotion pack for the City of Marribynong. It has received a very positive response form the local Southern Sudanese Community as well. We have also registered in a soon-to-be-published directory for the Victorian African community.

As always, if you have any further suggestions please discuss them with the rest of us.

If you ever have any query, question, quibble or, even better, suggestions then please feel free to approach any other tutor to discuss it. We are ready willing and able to take any input you may have either with ideas you want to run by yourself or that others of us can help you with.

If you also want to be involved in funding applications or other administrative tasks to do with the program please let us know.

In the event that we have or ever do forget to thank you profusely for coming out and helping, this section serves to fill the gap. Thank you for making the effort to come and help. The kids think we are wonderful (and we unanimously agree)!