Dear Families,

Our Funky Hat and Sock Day was very successful! Congratulations to our Student Engagement Leaders, Felicity, Lily-Ann and Kurt who organised the day and served the Hot Dogs.

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

Our Clean Up Australia afternoon was postponed because of the wet weather. We will now have that tomorrow afternoon. Thank you to the Environment Team Mackenzy, Jack M, Raph and Mitchell, for organising it.

HEALTHY EATING POLICY

We have been observing the children's lunchboxes this term and felt it was a timely reminder to ensure we are packing healthy lunches for students. A reminder also that we are a water only school.

Attached is a copy of our Healthy Eating Policy.

The following has been taken from the Department's Policy and Guidelines around Healthy Eating.

Enjoyment of healthy foods and drinks has a wide range of positive benefits for student health and learning outcomes such as:

providing important nutrients that students need to be alert and engaged in classroom
activities and for healthy physical development and performance
supporting the development of healthy eating habits and preferences
paving the way for good health and prevention of chronic illness.

It is important that parents, teachers and students work together to support a whole-school-approach to healthy eating and build a school culture which supports students to choose nutritious foods and drinks, and a healthy lifestyle.

To support a whole-school-approach to healthy eating schools should:

work with parents, teachers and students to promote healthy eating practices
apply a healthy eating approach to all food and drink services provided to the school community by the school
ensure healthy food choices are made available to the school community by their school
ensure everyday food and drinks are always available as the main choices and select carefully food and drinks are selected carefully and limit the availability of occasionally food and drinks
never supply:
high sugar content drinks such as energy drinks and flavoured mineral waters with high sugar content
confectionery such as chocolate, lollies, yoghurt compound and coatings, fudge and chewing gum

NAPLAN

NAPLAN begins next Wednesday 11th March and concludes Monday 23rd March. Our Grades 3 and 5 students will sit tests in Writing, Reading, Language Conventions and Mathematics. NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment that allows us to see how your child is progressing in key literacy and numeracy skills against national standards. It is important to remember that these tests are just one aspect of our school’s assessment and reporting process—they do not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments our teachers make to understand your child’s individual learning needs. Our staff are dedicated to ensuring a smooth, supportive environment for all students. We encourage you to reassure your child that the best approach is simply to do their best.

SCHOOL COUNCIL AGM

On Monday 16th March at 6pm, we will be holding our AGM where the Annual Report will be presented. Following the AGM, at 6.30pm we will hold the first meeting of our newly formed Council. Light refreshments will be provided. Nominations have closed for school council, and we would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new members Kasey Cook, Erin Cowan and Sam Wilkinson. Thank you to Lauren Hicks, Morgan Lang, Renee Ewart, Justin Young, Carly Tuhan and Filippa Kimmorley, who have renominated.

Parents & Friends

On Saturday 21st March, the Parents and Friends have booked the Bunnings BBQ site for their fundraiser this term. They are looking for volunteers to work shifts throughout the day. The shifts begin at 8am and finish at 4pm. It would be wonderful if you could spare some time to man the BBQ sometime during the day. Many hands make light work. Please message Ash on 0478 823 452 if you can help out.

2026 GSSC Welcome Expo at Greater Shepparton Secondary College.

This event is open to all GSSC students and their families, community members, and those considering enrolling at GSSC, now or in the future.

Date: Thursday 12 March 2026

Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Location: 31–71 Hawdon Street, Shepparton

The Welcome Expo is an opportunity to visit the College, explore our facilities, and learn more about the wide range of learning opportunities, programs and support services available to students. Throughout the evening there will be music and entertainment, technology giveaways including tablets, laptops, monitors and headphones, and prizes available across every stall. A free BBQ will be provided with Halal options available.

Visitors will have the chance to meet teachers, staff and student leaders, take tours of our Neighbourhoods, and learn more about subject areas and domains through interactive showcases of classroom learning. Information will also be available on clubs, hands-on learning programs, careers and pathways, wellbeing services, disability support, and administrative assistance including bus travel and local permission forms.

Doors will be open for the evening, and families and community members are encouraged to come along and take a look at the facilities and opportunities available across the college.

Have a lovely long weekend,

Regards, Filippa

Birthday Week