College News and Reminders

2026 Prep Backpack Blessing & GNLC Staff Affirmation Service

You are warmly invited to attend the 2026 Prep Backpack Blessing & GNLC Staff Affirmation Service on Sunday 8 February at 9.30am. Please use the link attached to RSVP your attendance.

Compass

Stay informed throughout the year via the Compass app. If you have not yet logged in to Compass, now is the time to do so. For more information, please refer to A Parent's Guide to Compass - The App.

Updating Personal & Medical Details

Please take a moment to check that your contact details are current in Compass, including phone numbers and emergency contacts. Accurate details help us reach you quickly when needed. If your child has any changed medical conditions, please inform the First Aid Officer (jessalopezj@goodnews.vic.edu.au) so that these can be amended.

Student Attendance & Extended leave

The Department of Education emphasizes the importance of daily school attendance for all students. Parents must provide a reasonable explanation for any absences and communicate these with the college. We encourage you to schedule appointments and family holidays outside of school hours to minimize absences. 

Communication of absences: 

• Less than 5 days can be communicated via Compass Attendance Notes
• 5 days or more (considered “Extended Leave”) must seek permission from the campus principal via email to extendedleave@goodnews.vic.edu.au at least four weeks before the start date of the intended leave.

Early collection procedures

A reminder that if you need to collect your child early, please follow our early pick-up procedures outlined in the attached document Student Collection, Departures and On Campus Procedures.

Carpark Information

Our carpark is a busy place, and child safety should be the highest consideration of all users of the car park. 

• Parents are asked to use “drop-off/pick-up” zones when a child exits personal vehicles.
• Please observe speed limits and crossings in the school grounds. Follow directions of Yard Duty staff. 
• Do not park in Reserved Carparks or Bus parks.
• Additional carparking and drop-off zones are available off Caraleena Drive.
• Be mindful of our neighbours on Caraleena Drive – do not park across their driveways.

College Uniform Students should be wearing their school uniform on the first day of school. All uniform information is available on our website: https://www.goodnews.vic.edu.au/uniform

NB. This year is the last year for the uniform changeover period. Secondary Years students with “old logo” uniform items have until the end of this year to transition to the “new logo” uniform.

Respectful Partnership

At GNLC, we aim to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe community for all. We value our partnership with Parents and the important role you play in supporting our college’s values. We ask that we engage respectfully and positively together—whether on campus, at events, or in communication with staff. Together, we can continue to foster a caring and supportive environment for everyone.