Principal's Report
Mrs Pauline Barker
National Reconciliation Week 2026: All In
National Reconciliation Week (NRW), held annually from 27 May to 3 June, is a significant time for all Australians to reflect on our shared history and consider how we can contribute to a more inclusive and respectful future. These dates mark two key milestones in Australia’s journey toward reconciliation: the successful 1967 Referendum and the High Court’s 1992 Mabo decision, which recognised the land rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is All In, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. All Inmakes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change. The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.
Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.
At our school, we recognise that reconciliation is not just about learning history—it is about building respectful relationships and fostering a deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, perspectives, and contributions. Throughout the week, our students and staff have engaged in a range of activities designed to promote awareness, respect, and action.
Reconciliation is an ongoing journey. It is about acknowledging the past truths, including the injustices experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while working together toward healing and understanding. Importantly, it is also about recognising the resilience, strength, and continued contributions of First Nations communities.
As a school community, we are committed to continuing this work throughout the year. Whether through embedding First Nations perspectives in our curriculum, strengthening community partnerships, or encouraging meaningful conversations, reconciliation remains a shared responsibility.
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home. Taking time to learn about local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, acknowledging Country, and supporting Indigenous voices are simple yet powerful ways to contribute to reconciliation.
National Reconciliation Week reminds us that while progress has been made, there is still more to do.
National Sorry Day Tuesday 26th May
Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.
At Greensborough College, we fly the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag, with the Australian Flag. At all events and ceremonies, we perform an “Acknowledgement of Country” that honours the traditional custodians of the land.
Student Dress Code 2026
What are the changes to student dress code policy?
The student dress code policy has been updated to help make uniforms more affordable. The update includes requirements that:
all student dress codes ensure uniform are affordable
uniforms do not include branded pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, leggings and socks.
When did we review our Uniform Policy?
Throughout terms 3 & 4 in 2025 the Uniform Sub Committee conducted surveys of parents and students, met with suppliers and reviewed the policy and presented the updated policy to School Council, which was endorsed in November 2025.
Here is a summary of the approved items to be worn.
Tracksuit pants
Can be the fleece in fabric
Must be navy blue
Must have elasticised waist and bottom leg cuff
Must not have logos. The only permitted logo is the College logo.
Must not have any external pockets
Are not leggings.
Academic Shorts
Can be tailored or loose cut
Must be plain navy blue academic or business style
Must have a zip and fastening
Must not have logos. The only permitted logo is the College logo.
Must not have any external pockets
Must not be shorter than 5 cm above the knee
Slacks/Trousers
Can be tailored or loose cut
Must be plain navy blue academic or business style
Must have a zip and fastening
Must not have logos. The only permitted logo is the College logo.
Must not have any external pockets
Sports Shorts
Can be stretch or microfibre and/or with a built-in brief
Must be plain navy
Must not have logos. The only permitted logo is the College logo
Must have an elasticised waist
Must not be shorter than 5 cm above the knee
Must not have external pockets
Bike shorts are not acceptable
Caps, Hats, Beanies and Scarves
Plain navy blue with College Logo
Plain navy blue with no logo
Scarves are to be no longer than 180cm
Second Hand Uniform
The College has a subscription to the Sustainable School Shop where second handbooks and school uniform can be bought and sold. Here is the link.
www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au
There is also further information on the College website.
Assistance purchasing uniforms
State Schools Relief provides support to families. Please contact the school if you would like to use this service.
Uniform Supplier
The College’s uniform supplier is Noone. There is a store on the school site and a store in Ivanhoe. Go to our website for more information including a price list.
College Expectations
All students are expected to follow the Student Dress Code. The Uniform Policy is included in this newsletter. It includes a table clearly detailing the requirements for each garment.
Track Pants
We continue to have students wearing non-uniform trackpants. Wide legged trackpants are of particular concern.
As part of the sports uniform students may wear tracksuit pants that meet the following requirements (image attached):
Must be plain navy
The GC logo is the only acceptable branding permitted
No other logos including embroidered logos
Must have elasticated waist and bottom leg cuff
Pants cannot have any external pockets (e.g. cargo style)
Leggings are not acceptable
Please note, the Greensborough College branded trackpants can still be worn.
We understand that some families may need to purchase new trackpants. As such, we will pause issuing uniform infringements for trackpants that meet all requirements except the elasticated waist and bottom leg cuff until 19 June. From that date, uniform infringements will be issued and school-based consequences may follow.
Uniform can be purchased at the uniform shop on campus every Monday, 1pm-4pm. Alternatively, Noone Imagewear in Ivanhoe is open every day. Trackpants that meet the uniform requirements can also be purchased at retailers such as K-Mart and Target.
If your family is experiencing any difficulty in meeting uniform requirements, please contact your child’s Year Level Leader.
The Uniform Policy can be found on the college website uniform_policy_nov_2025.pdf and at the end of this Issue.