College News

Robotics Competition

On Wednesday 22 May, the after-school robotics club held their ultimate robotics battle! There were a few close calls, but in the end, 'Sumo Pusher' the robot took the win. Congratulations to all involved!

2024 Therapy Dogs

We are very excited to introduce Bailey, a 3-year-old Groodle,  and Sophie, a 5-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, to the GNLC community. Bailey and Sophie, together with their owners Deb Patten and Melisa Champness have all gone through training to be certified Therapy Dogs Team.

Therapy Dogs come to school under the supervision of their owners to react and respond to our students and their environment. This means you may see Bailey and Sophie anywhere in the school to support students. Students will be encouraged to gently pat or talk to the dogs where appropriate. 

Research shows a range of benefits including: 

• increase in school attendance 
• gains in confidence 
• decreases in learner anxiety behaviours resulting in improved learning outcomes, such as increases in reading and writing levels 
• positive changes towards learning and improved motivation, and 
• enhanced relationships with peers and teachers due to experiencing trust and unconditional love from a therapy dog. This in turn helps students learn how to express their feelings and enter into more trusting relationships. 

Rules are enforced when Bailey and Sophie are working at school, including a limit of two children patting or cuddling the dogs at once, no touch or talking when they are working to support an individual student or small group and letting them have time out when they are in their rest areas (taking a break from work!).

Dog Therapy Opt-Out 

We understand that there may be some families who do not want Bailey or Sophie to work directly with their child. So please take the opportunity to respond to the email that will go home this week if you do not wish your child to work with Bailey or Sophie. 

Mrs Melisa Champness

Learning Enrichment Coordinator

RED X Racing

RED X Racing had its first race of 2024 on 4 May at Calder Park Raceway. With a cool and early start to the day, the team of students from Years 7-12 made their way to the racetrack to set up their pits and get their two bikes ready for scrutineering. This race was the first at Caler Park, as part of the Victorian Human Powered Vehicles series. As many new riders raced around the 2.3km circuit, the day got warmer and the team bonding increased. GNLC students cheered loudly for their teams as the tricycles raced around the track. It was a great experience to compete against other school and community teams from Victoria and for all team members, old and new, to get back into gear and use their training. This was an important event for the RED X Racing team in preparation for their second day event at Sandown Raceway on 27 July and a 24-hour endurance race at Murray Bridge in September.

Ms Brooke Peters

Teacher

Principal's Office Art Competition

After the success of last year, we will be holding our follow up Principal's Office Art Competition. Please see the attached flyer or the Arts Extra-Curricular page in Schoolbox for more information. All students from P-12 on either campus are eligible to enter.

Ms Celeste Cameron

Arts Learning Area Coordinator

Uniform Shop Transition

This is a reminder that the College is transitioning uniform suppliers this month.

During the transition period in the coming weeks, please note that uniforms may not be available for purchase from our old supplier or the new supplier. This transition will start on Friday 10 May, so if you need any current uniform items we recommend going to the Noones uniform store this week or ordering online.

From Friday 10 May, there will be a period where uniform will be unavailable for purchase (possibly around 3-4 weeks). If your child is missing a uniform item due to the transition period, parents are asked to provide a note to the teacher listing the uniform shop transition as the reason. The College will be flexible for students affected by the transition period. 

Please see the file attached for more information regarding the College Uniform Update. More information will follow soon including a FAQ sheet and details of new uniform items. Please remember that current uniform items can still be purchased and worn until the start of 2026.

A Visit from the Kangaroos!

Will Dawson, Curtis Taylor and Charlie Lazzaro from the North Melbourne FC visited GNLC today on behalf of AFL Victoria to promote AFL to school communities. Students participated in some lunchtime kick and goal shooting competitions with the players, while Year 2 spent their lesson learning Auskick basics!