GECPA News

GECPA Term 4

Not long now until the end of 2021.

At our last GECPA committee meeting of the year (AGM) we reflected on our accomplishments and the challenges we faced in 2021.

We know that when we as parents and carers come together to partner with GEC it provides a richer and more diverse learning experience for our children. It also makes for a stronger College community. We want this! That is why we are so proud to be part of your Parents Association. We encourage all new Year 7 parents and carers to join. Please reach out to us to find out how: gecpa@gec.vic.edu.au

Thinking of our accomplishments this year:

We continued our monthly meeting, albeit virtually. This allowed us to get to know each other even better and discuss articles, podcasts, webinars, etc. related to the changing face of education hurried along by the pandemic. The highlight for me was the Parents Victoria Online Conference and specifically Caring through connection – watch here.
We also continued to look for opportunities to ensure that we are working closely with GEC to support the College community. After all, we can accomplish more together than we can apart. A big shout out to the leadership team at GEC for being responsive to our requests and suggestion and in seeking the input of parents and carers on a range of matters. Thank you too for all their meeting attendance.
The challenges to organising social events and fundraising were obvious. However, this did provide time to think strategically about who we are, what we can contribute to GEC (in addition to our support with the Breakfast Club, second-hand uniform stall, Working Bees, Production suppers, various sub-committees to name a few) and how we engage more and more effectively with the school community. Watch this space…

If you missed the last round of email reminders contact us: gecpa@gec.vic.edu.au

I hope we all have a well-deserved, well-earned break to conclude 2021 and here’s hoping 2022 is a ‘better normal’.

Nicole Bishop

Convenor, Glen Eira College Parents Association

Bouquet of Thanks

Our very own Cathy McNaughton created this beautiful bouquet (below).

The hand-picked, fragrant bouquet was a gift for all members of the GECPA committee. It sat prominently on the table as we enjoyed a meal together in our AGM in November. Cathy explained that it was to celebrate our year of friendship, a symbol of our support for the College and as a ‘Thank You’ to all GEC teachers and staff at GEC for their care and professionalism in educating and supporting our kids through the rollercoaster year. Special mentions went to Penny, Kelli and Gabrielle. We couldn’t have done it without you.

I wanted to reciprocate and send a special ‘Thank You’ to our indefatigable, irreplaceable Cathy. Your numerous contributions to the Parents Association include your commitment to promoting awareness of Dyslexia, regular meeting attendance, Working Bees, newsletters… and I could go on. Thank you too for your friendship - that 4 hour bike ride is etched in my memory. Where do you get the energy?

From all of us at GECPA

Secondhand Uniform News

A huge thank you to Tessa, Mychelle, Cathy, Jelena and Ian who took time away from work and family, to help set up and run the secondhand uniform stall on Tuesday. It was a great success, and your effort is most appreciated.

Thank you to all families who generously donated their child’s uniform to the school. You have helped the new Year 7 families reduced their expenses for their child’s first year at high school, which we all know can be extremely expensive.

We are still collecting uniform items for our next stall in the early start of Term 1. You may drop off all uniform items at the office this week or at the start of the Term 1.

Look out for the date of our next secondhand uniform stall in the school or GECPA communications.

Rose Robinson

GECPA

Looking after your teenager’s mental wellbeing

Researchers from Monash University and Prevention United are offering free access to their Partners in Parenting (PiP+) program. This is an online, evidence-based parenting program which helps empower parents to raise their teenagers with confidence. Teenage years often come with highs and lows due to the rapid emotional and social development.

The PiP+ programs is made up with 10 user friendly interactive modules (15 – 25 minutes each) that can be watched on your own time.
Updated with a new module providing expert-endorsed information about parenting through the pandemic

Find out more here.

Warning for parents: Squid Game

The Netflix series Squid Game is an 8-part South Korean drama series about people who find themselves in financial crisis and are invited to play in a mysterious tournament, which promises a way out of their dire situations. The games are brutal and deadly. The series has been reviewed by the Australian Council on Children and Media (ACCM) on the 28 October 2021 and has made the following comments and recommendations.

Overall comments and recommendations

Children under 17

“WARNING: Not suitable due to extreme, frequent and graphic violence; frequent coarse language; sex scenes; forced sexual activity; alcohol and drug use; gambling.”

Children under 17 – 18

PARENTAL GUIDANCE: recommended due to extreme’ frequent and graphic violence; frequent coarse language; sex scenes; forced sexual activity; alcohol and drug use; gambling

Gardening at GEC

Students Saskia and Emma planted the last of some 200 new plants at GEC at lunchtime on Friday 19 November. They added compost from food scraps to improve the sandy soil. Plants included indigenous trees and ground covers donated by Glen Eira Council, red flowers and silver foliage plants and cuttings (school colours) donated by parents. These should brighten up gardens along the eastern side of Booran Road and near the park and add to biodiversity. Thanks to Naomi Zander, Sheereen Kindler and parent Catherine McNaughton for organising the plantings and to parents Paul and others for working bee assistance.

Parent working bees each month on the 3rd Sunday afternoon have picked up lots of litter, weeded and fenced new plantings – and a chance to make some new friends amongst parents. Some huge woody weeds went into the green bin for composting at the November working bee, stomped down to make them fit!

A Greener Festive Season

The festive season means spending time with family and friends - but it also involves lavish meals and gifts with the potential for wasted food, unwanted presents and a lot of unnecessary packaging. Here are our top tips for a more sustainable festive season:

Create your own living Christmas tree with an indoor plant you already have. Simply add some paper streamers or reusable decorations you already own for a fun and festive look. Or, create a cool succulent tree

Buy your loved ones donations or experiences, rather than things they may not need
Reduce food waste by writing a shopping list, catering realistically and putting your food scraps in your green bin
Send e-cards instead of paper cards
Avoid disposable plates, cups and cutlery
Re-use wrapping paper or use children’s artwork, fabrics or newspaper to wrap presents
If you are purchasing a toy or something that requires batteries, consider including a battery recharger with your gift

Catherine McNaughton Editor, GECPA Newsletter

Contributors: Tessa Spanneberg and Nicole Bishop