The students received tutelage from local artist Al Phemister, who guided them throughout the program teaching art. 

Program Facilitator from the Southern Region Business Enterprise centre Suzan Fagan presented both the students and Mr Phemister with the certificates, stating that both her and the students were grateful for all the work that he has done.

“Al has been fabulous, he has done it all voluntarily and helped guide the students through the program,” Ms Fagan said. 

“We can’t thank him enough for the effort that he has put in.”

Mr Phemister said that he enjoyed his time working with the students, and believes he got just as much out of it as they did.

“They are a tremendous group of kids, we did trips to the tip and they used their creativity in selecting recycled material to make the sculpture,” Mr Phemister said. 

“It has been a great experience for me and I hope to get Yass High involved in this year's Sculpture in the Paddock.”

The Links to Learning Program is funded by the NSW Government and administered by the NSW Department of Education and Communities.

The program aims to enhance the development of students' self-esteem, confidence and resilience, improve their ability to manage themselves and their relationships with others, help them develop a sense of purpose and aspirations for their future.

One of the students who completed the course, Brittany Staines said that it has been more than just learning.

“At the start of the program no one was close. It has brought us together and we have gained new friendships, it’s been nice to have these people and new friends to talk to,” she said. 

The program has also included working in areas of food technology, education through games and different activities, creating different social skills and learning how to read body language.

The main points of the program is to create life skills; communication skills, teamwork, patience, confidence, respect, numeracies and literacy basics, employment skills; time management, organisational skills, career guidance, motivation, and community involvement and appreciation; project development.

“We were given the opportunity to interact with the elderly,” another student Taylor Smith said, “We baked cakes and gave out Easter cupcakes at Easter.”

All teachers at the school have said that the program for Adderson Riters has been rewarding, with his attendance and engagement having increased since the start of the program. 

Student Luke Miller said that he was finding Monday’s exciting.

“We have a small class and we all come together on Monday. We have been able to learn about art and even visit the rubbish tip, which we made our bird feeder from,” he said.  

The program will run again next term with a new group of students, the original class will continue to meet on Monday to discuss their progress of their other classes.