When Students Need More Than English: Navigating Settlement Services
Tuesday 18 August 2026 4:30pm – 5:30pm AET, Online
EAL students from refugee and migrant backgrounds often face complex settlement challenges that can affect their learning, wellbeing and engagement. As trusted adults, teachers are frequently asked for information and advice about housing, employment, health, education pathways and other settlement matters—but many educators are unsure what services are available or where to refer students for support.
In this practical webinar, Carole Pondevie-Lay will provide an overview of the settlement services ecosystem and explore how educators can better support students navigating life in a new country. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of key services available at different stages of settlement, including the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP), Services Australia, Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS), Workforce Australia, Foundation House, AMEP Pathway Guidance, Skills and Jobs Centres, Learn Locals, local government services and community organisations.
The session will equip educators with greater confidence to respond to student questions, identify appropriate referral pathways and support learners to access the services they need to thrive.
Speaker
Carole Pondevie-Lay is Community Liaison and Engagement Manager at Melbourne Polytechnic, the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) lead provider across five Victorian contract regions. She oversees the Volunteer Tutor Scheme (VTS), Youth and Pathway Guidance activities, and strategic partnerships that support newly arrived migrants and refugees.
An English as an Additional Language (EAL) educator with more than 25 years’ experience in the settlement sector, Carole has worked extensively across education, community engagement and settlement services. She is passionate about strengthening pathways that support migrants and refugees to participate fully in education, employment and community life. Carole has been a member of the Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) Board since 2024.
Cost
$15 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)
$40 – Non-members
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Please note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant.
Terms and conditions
Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket.
A Certificate of Attendance will only be provided to participants who attend the live session.