Principal's  Report

On Tuesday 8th March 2022, Greensborough College held its inaugural International Women’s Day Brunch. 

Fifty girls elected to be a part of the brunch, where they listened to the journeys of Kate Thwaites, Federal Member for Jagajaga, Elizabeth Nealy, Mayor of Banyule and Erin Stewart, author journalist and former Greensborough College student.

This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias. We are called on to imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. A world where we can forge women's equality, together.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics collects gender inequality statistics.  These are compelling reasons why we need to break the bias.

• Gender pay gap: Women’s average weekly ordinary full-time earnings across all industries and occupations was $1,558.40 compared to men’s average weekly ordinary full-time earnings of $1,812.00
• Workforce participation: For people with young children. 64% of women with children 5 years old or younger participate, compared with 95% of men. 
• Women are still retiring with significantly less superannuation than men.
• Women represent 58.4% of students in higher education and out-number men in higher education completion rates but a gender pay gap exists in favour of men across 16 out of 21 fields of study at an undergraduate level, and 16 out of 19 at a postgraduate (coursework) level.
• Women are more likely to report experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress or a mood affective disorder than men
• Women are five times more likely to be victims of sexual assault than men are and instances of sexual assault against women are increasing

At our school we deliver gender equity education to all of our students through the Respectful Relationships curriculum. We are proud to be a Lead School in this Program mentoring and supporting other schools with their work in this space. Celebrating International Women’s Day at our school with our girls has given them agency and voice.  Teaching the Respectful Relationships curriculum to all of our students helps us forge a gender equal world.

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."  Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States

School Council 

School Councils play a key role in Victorian government schools, and being a member of the school council is a rewarding and challenging experience. Acting as a team, council supports the Principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students.

Each councillor brings their own valuable life skills and knowledge to the role. Councillors participate in developing the broad direction and vision for the school, interpreting data or financial statements, and understanding legislative and policy requirements.

I am very pleased to announce that the following parents, student and Department of Education (DET) staff will form the 2022 School Council of Greensborough College.

Parent Representatives:              

• Margaret McNicol
• Kate Lansbury
• Lisa Commandeur
• Kellie Smeath 
• Rachel Doherty
• Jayne Leatherman

DET Representatives:    

• Pauline Barker
• Glenn Jenner
• Stella Ramos
• Donna Osborne
• Angela Lawson

Community Representative:

• Rick Le Gassick

The first meeting of the new School Council will take place at the College on Wednesday 16th March 2022. 

At this meeting, the School Council will co-opt a community member it believes has a particular skill set to enhance the composition of the School Council.

I would like to thank the outgoing members of School Council for their positive contribution to the governance of the College over the past year.

• Silvia Zuzeck
• Lisa Dunne
• Meegan Triance
• Michelle Molinaro

There are TWO student vacancies. We are seeking a Year 12 student and a student from another year level to be members of School Council. If you are interested please come and see Angela Lawson at the Office.

Presentation Ball

It gave me great pleasure to be a part of the 2021 Presentation Ball which was held in February this year at L’Unica Receptions in Parkville. The Presentation Ball has been a long-standing tradition at Greensborough College, and while we have seen many new additions to the College over the past few years, we are proud to be able to continue with this event, which offers our young people a host of opportunities and experiences.

We started on this journey a year ago, full of hope and optimism after 2020. However, we all know how last year panned out, yet it was testament to the persistence and drive of the couples who participated and of the team at Diamante Debutantes – Melissa, Portia and Michaela – that we were finally able to hold the Presentation Ball. 

Pauline Barker

Principal