From the Principal

It has been wonderful to see our students playing and learning on the new sports oval complex.  This will enhance the PE program and provide much needed recreational space for our students. 

Budget Announcement

In the State Budget 2021-22, the Victorian Government invested $1.6 billion to build and improve schools, including $340 million for major upgrades and new buildings at 52 schools and $85 million to expand six Victorian schools to meet enrolment growth and be ready for the 2024 school year.

I am delighted to share that as part of this investment, Glen Eira College will receive at least 6.577 million to upgrade and modernise our school, including adding facilities for an additional 250 spaces to meet growing demand. 

This is an exciting time for our school community. The Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA), in conjunction with Department of Education and Training regional office staff, will support us over the course of the project, ensuring the educational vision of our school is realised.

Nick and I attended the first meeting this week and we are now developing our Educational Rational.

Year 9 NAPLAN Certificates of Achievement

A new feature of the NAPLAN assessment is being launched this year, the award of Year 9 Certificates of Achievement.

The new certificates aim to celebrate and recognise the importance of both excellence and learning growth.

Beginning in 2021, Year 9 students who achieve outstanding results or who significantly improve their results in NAPLAN tests will receive a NAPLAN Certificate of Achievement.

The certificates will be awarded for two categories of achievement:

• Category one: the achievement of excellence through getting a result in the top band for reading or numeracy, or both.
• Category two: the achievement of outstanding learning growth through improving by two or more bands between the NAPLAN Year 7 and Year 9 tests for reading or numeracy, or both.

For more information about the new certificate and measures for learning growth, refer to Year 9 NAPLAN certificates of achievement on the Department’s website.

Parent Education Sessions

As part of GEC's commitment to supporting our students through their learning, we recognise the important role that families can play to ensure that support continues at home.

We have booked Susan McLean to present an educational and entertaining session for parents and carers on cyber safety.

Save the Date: Monday 16th August 2021

Susan is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of cyber safety and young people. She was the first Victorian Police Officer appointed to a position involving cyber safety and young people.

Her knowledge is unparalleled and leaves audiences shocked at the reality of the online world. It is a wake-up call to even the most switched on parent and is delivered with Susan's famous 'no nonsense' approach. The session will cover the positive benefits of technology as well as what parents need to be aware of:

• Cyberspace 101. The reality of the online world. It’s not a matter of if – rather when.
• What are kids doing online? Learn the latest apps and platforms your kids are either on, want to be on or are being told about at school. TikTok, Omegle, House Party & more.
• Online Grooming. What is it and when/how does it  occur? What are the warning signs & what to do if you suspect this is happening to your child.
• Cyberbullying. What it is, where it happens, what it looks like, how to prevent and what to do if it occurs. Also the         legal consequences and the possible criminal charges.
• Sharing Nudes. The taking and sending of explicit images. The social and emotional consequences as well as the Law.
• Problematic Gaming.  How to manage digital devices in your home to avoid problems and what to do if/when they arise.
• Exposure to damaging content. Including online pornography & sites that encourage suicide, self harm & eating disorders.
• Top Tips– how to assist the children in your care to stay safe online with rules, parental controls and restriction passcodes.
• The session will conclude with time for questions.

Finally

Congratulations to Genevieve and Leo! - I was delighted to receive the following wonderful news from Judo Victoria.

‘We are pleased to let you know of the great achievements by your students at the recent JVI Autumn Competition 2 May 2021

Genevieve Salinas - Gold medal in the Senior Girls age group 

Leo Schall - Silver medal in the Cadet Men age group 

These are great achievements and we are confident that they will continue to improve their judo skills.’

Lost Property – There continues to be a pile of unnamed items in lost property.  Please ensure all items of clothing, books and equipment and lunch boxes are  clearly named so they can be returned when found.

Term 3 – In term 3 I will be taking long service leave.  Nick Hamer-Smith will be Principal during this time and Ry Mathieson will join Aaron as Assistant Principal.

Sheereen Kindler

Principal