GECPA News
GECPA Term 1
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Dr. Jane Goodall
Welcome to 2022. A big hello and welcome to our new Year 7 parents and carers.
We all know that some things are uncertain. For example, we don’t yet know what 2022 will throw our way. I’m hoping for a ‘better’ normal.
But some things are certain - 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. But this invitation is not limited to Year 7 parents. This invitation is to all parents and carers at GEC. Become a member and be part of a community wanting to contribute and make a difference.
The next Glen Eira College Parents Association (GECPA) Committee Meeting will be online at 7:30pm on Wednesday 9th March.
There are a number of options for you to get involved:
- Become a member of GECPA. We look forward to meeting you.
- Join any of our Committee Meetings. Your input is welcome.
- Reach out and tell us what matters to you during your time as part of the GEC community. After all, this is your parents’ association.
For more information on any of the above - please contact us at: gecpa@gec.vic.edu.au
Nicole Bishop
Convenor, Glen Eira College Parents Association
Some Tips and Tricks
Year 7 parents: This really is a new phase of learning. This is the start of social, emotional and physical development for your child. This is a big year for them. This is a big year for you.
- In Year 7 Maths, students are encouraged to develop a range of mental and technological strategies to enhance their computational skills and acquire a variety of ways to demonstrate and communicate their mathematical understanding.
- In Year 7 English, there will be novels and newspapers, poems and plays, digital media and dreamtime stories. Students are also encouraged to develop their own perspectives on a range of issues.
- Time management skills become important. I like this one: Time management skills that improve student learning (acc.edu.au) but there are so many out there.
Year 8 tips and tricks in the next issue.
Kids and Family Well-being and Covid Surveys
The Australian Human Rights Commission invites children (9-17yo) and their families to participate in a survey about how living through the past two years of COVID-19 has affected children's mental health and wellbeing. There are two surveys – one for children and young people, and another for parents, grandparents or carers. Each survey should take about 10 minutes to complete and closes on March 20, 2022.Child Wellbeing and COVID: National Survey | Australian Human Rights Commission
People with Disability Australia
Invite participation in research looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health and wellbeing of women with disability via this survey.
Walking group Tuesday evenings
A group of GECPA parents meet every Tuesday evening for a walk (usually an hour) around our local parks. A pleasant way to exercise, chat and meet other GEC parents. We have a WhatsApp group to confirm walk locations, weather and numbers. Please email GECPA if you want to come too.
Working Bee Sunday 20th February
The 3rd Sunday each month 3pm-5pm meet at the basketball courts. We look after new plants, sweep leaves, pick up litter and generally improve the school grounds.
Caulfield Station precinct structure plan
Look out for the Glen Eira Council draft plan coming soon! Caulfield Station Precinct - Glen Eira City Council | Glen Eira City Council
Caulfield Racecourse Masterplan
Caulfield Racecourse Trust, DELWP Crown Land plan for new racing facilities, sports and entertainment events buildings and affordable housing. 20011_CCR-LMP_Draft_20200623.pdf (crrt.org.au)
Save the Lakes at Caulfield Racecourse (Glen Eira Climate Action Group) is a community group (including GEC parents) hoping to protect the southern lake from plan to turn into a car-park, protect trees and to protect and rehabilitate a small nature-based lakes/wetlands park within the bigger park. (15) Save The Lake At Caulfield Racecourse – Posts | Facebook
Lakes with nature values would support GEC students environment studies, recreation, and new sports facilities could be available for school and community use.
Walking across the racecourse from Caulfield Station to school gate is restricted by limited opening hours. Hopefully with horse training ending, locals and GEC students and staff will have more convenient/earlier access to and through the reserve. Caulfield Racecourse Trust
Gate-Opening-and-Closing-Times.pdf (crrt.org.au) info@crrt.org.au 9114 2580
Schools and youth engagement program Glen Eira Council
Glen Eira Council’s Youth Service Team will soon invite Glen Eira schools to work with Council engaging young people on topics including climate action in Glen Eira, neurodiversity and wellbeing, youth employment, volunteering, news literacy and technology. 24 schools have expressed interest so far. The program would support schools civics and citizenship curriculum.
How to talk to your kids about cyber security and securing your portable devices
Australian Government’s Australian Cyber Security Centre advice for kids and families
Our children are more connected than ever through the use of portable devices and the power of technology. Because of this it’s important to know how to use devices and the internet securely. Kids use the internet for school and playing with friends, but it is essential they know the difference between cyber friend and foe.
Information on discussing cyber security with your children, family and friends, including safe internet use, social media tiles, posters and guides available at;
Cyber Security Instruction Manual: A Kid’s Guide To Using the Internet Securely
Open Arcade event CBD - Students designed futurist outdoor games
Queensbridge Square, 3 Queens Bridge St Southbank 3006
Four digital games outdoors on a big screen to play. The fun, inclusive, free and safe initiative was selected as a pilot in the Reimagining the City Challenge, and people of all ages and abilities are invited to play. No equipment is required – simply step into the game zone to trigger the start of play. Each game runs for about five minutes. Free and can be played seven days a week from 7am to 8pm, until 3 March.
Open Arcade: Gaming for Everyone - What's On (melbourne.vic.gov.au)
Students help design futuristic outdoor play in Melbourne CBD | Swinburne
We are looking forward to seeing you during the year! Please do not hesitate to get in touch and ask us anything!! With best wishes, GECPA Committee
Catherine McNaughton
Editor, GECPA Newsletter