From the Principal

Best Wishes to Year 12, 2018

Our hardworking Year 12 students are about to commence their final exams – how the year has flown.  As has become a GEC tradition the whole school congregated on the basketball courts last Tuesday creating a guard of honour as the Year 12s headed off to Funfields to celebrate the end of classes.

Although this is a stressful period for students, it can also be stressful for families and the people that have supported the students, not just this year but throughout their schooling.   I am confident that the preparation and support they have received over the past years will ensure that they are able to achieve the best results possible.

Year 12 teachers are available to support students throughout their study period as is the wellbeing team, the Assistant Principals and myself.  If you have any concerns or needs please contact me at the College.

State Schools Spectacular

Congratulations to all students who were involved in the State Schools Specular Mass Choir and to the students in the Performing Arts Choir and Orchestra. Congratulations to Sophie Rowsell who had a very significant role in 3 acts as an actor and did a wonderful performance.

Once again it was a fantastic show and a fantastic opportunity for our students.  Thank you to Laura Baker-Goldsmith and Tori Wood who supported students throughout all the rehearsals and the performances.

Relay for Life

Congratulations and thank you to students, Ashleigh Harris and Sierra Danon, who again took the lead on coordinating the GEC team – Getting Even with Cancer.   It is a huge job and Ashleigh and Sierra are to be commended for their initiative.

Visual Arts and Technology Exhibition

Last week was a truly wonderful showcase of the amazing talent of our students in Arts and Technology.  Once again our staff have provided an engaging and challenging program for students in Years 7 – 12.  Every year there is something new to see.  This year I was particularly impressed with the range of photographic pieces created by students. I would like to thank our Arts and Technology Leader, Bernadette McIvor, for leading the production of the exhibition.

Japan Science and Culture Tour

This was our first time to Japan and the trip was a great success.  Students learned a lot and have many wonderful memories.  Thank you to Mr Tsarpalas and Ms Maniatis for looking after the students and helping to provide them with this learning experience and Ms Muramatsu for all the work involved in preparing and organising the trip.

Planning has commenced for next year’s trip New Caledonia which will be in September.

Parent Survey

Thank you to all parents (113) who completed the parent survey late last term.  We value the positive feedback received and take on board the suggestions for further improvements.   We received some data and a summary of the comments this week.  School Council and the leadership team have reviewed the data and discussed strategies to further develop our strengths and improve in areas of need.

I am always willing to hear your feedback so please do not hesitate to give me a call, send an email or contact the office to arrange a time to meet.

Professional Practice Days for Teachers / Monday Before Cup Day

As part of the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2017, teachers will receive one day per term when they are out of the classroom to focus on the improved delivery of high quality teaching and learning.  These are not student free days.  Casual Replacement Teachers (CRTs) will be employed to cover classes. We are scheduling the days ahead of time and have planned them so that there is minimal impact.

Several staff have opted for the day prior to Cup Day.  We believe this will minimise disruption to students.  Also, the Year 12 exams will have commenced.

Year 10 and 11

• Students will have supervised private study or an opportunity to work on assessment tasks.
• Year 10 and 11 students to be in regular full school uniform.

Year 7 – 9

• We will run a combination of timetabled classes and alternative activities.
• A timetable will be provided to families.
• Year 7 – 9 students can wear full PE uniform as they will have a double of sport.

Many families choose to go on a holiday over this time. If you intend to not have your child attend on this day please let the office know as soon as possible.

The canteen will be closed on Monday 5th November.

Finally

Lockers:  All students are required to have a lock for their lockers.  Combination locks are available at the General Office ($15).  Any lockers without locks will not be available for student use.  I ask for parent support in providing a lock for their son or daughter.

Lost property: We have a growing mountain of unnamed lost property including jumpers, jackets and shoes.  I ask parents and carers to ensure all items of clothing and books are named so that they can be returned to students

The GEC staff team enjoyed good weather and some fierce competition in Ballarat at the Teachers Games—GECs 10th year in the last school holidays.  Sue Rio achieved a bronze medal!   Well done to the GEC team.

Sheereen Kindler

Principal