Avoca technical college, Mannum base.

 A. Core entry program Components

• Vessel Resident Capacity: The river schoolship "TS Cocoon" has 16 student berths on main deck and is staffed by two full-time, specially trained teachers. There are adult cabins for staff and visitors, top deck.
• Duration: The intensive start program runs for one fulltime residential cruise term (approximately 10 weeks).
• Focus: The curriculum combines maintenance of essential SACE subjects with specialized Environmental Adventure Challenge Studies focused on the ecology, conservation of the Murray-Darling River and remediation of mental health.
• Student Enrolment: Students will be enrolled in the Avoca College, Slipway marina, Mannum to comply with education law. The Avoca "Time Out" cruise camp is the entry to Avoca College. Avoca teachers in charge of the Cruise Camp ensure continuity of their basic SACE program and introduce shared residential and partnerships living skills .
• Activities: The structured schedule includes supervised kayaking (for exercise and reflection), group team-building exercises, and competency development in areas like food preparation and healthy adult living skills.

• The program is managed by specialist teachers to help students recover stability and re-engage positively.
• Technology Management: Students’ mobile phones are managed by teachers and are available only with permission for essential communication, minimizing distraction and addressing the problem of isolation exacerbated by constant mobile use. Laptop computers are part of student learning kit.
• The Logbook: Each student is required to maintain a personal daily Log summary of their time and thoughts. This log is private and confidential between the student and the Avoca teacher/mentor. Disclosure to parents is solely at the student's discretion.

 A. Judicial Referral

The Avoca residential College and Schoolship Program is also proposed to the SA Youth Court as a therapeutic and rehabilitative option for young people, off track, and requiring a significant intervention outside their current environment.

• Referral: Individual teachers or school counsellors may advise parents of this opportunity as a solution for a student's ongoing disengagement or mental health issues related to either home of existing study programs.
• Responsible adult Decision: The decision to enrol a child in a school is ultimately made by adults. Parents or guardians have the right to change school for their child. Not all schools are in the best interest of the child. The start with Avoca College is a first term reset in preparation for their new learning and supported living style.
• Team Building: Students meet and collaborate with other adolescents facing similar challenges, fostering a positive, mutually supportive peer group.

The "Time Out" school camp program is designed to produce young adults with:

• Enhanced Mental Well-being and Confidence: Recovery from depression and misery, leading to greater mental stability and self-belief.
• Positive Life Skills: Competency in healthy adult living, food/cooking, and balancing work, rest, and recreation.
• Social and Partnership Skills: Strong group team skills and the ability to form positive relationships.
• Educational Re-engagement: A "reboot" of their thinking, leading to a renewed positive path toward their future and continued SACE studies.

Capitalisation and all recurrent expenses for the schoolship operation and student support are paid via DGR tax-deductible donations to the DGR Senior High school, Environmental Education and training program.

Student Berth Sponsorship:-

• DGR Donation $40,000 funds capital cost of one residential berth on a school ship 
• Naming rights for one student berth (tax claimed over 4 years as a capital donation). 
• Donor name displayed on the bed 

One Bed-night Sponsorship:-

• DGR Donation $110.00 
• Name listed on the donor list, acknowledging the number of bed nights sponsored. 

Community Member Resort and Residential Cruise boat marina:-

• All sponsors are welcome to cruise with our staff team using an adult berth. 
• Cruising members donate the cost of this fare and claim the receipt on their tax. 
• Members can donate to the DGR Trust for the licence to occupy right to moor their river boats at the marina resort.