Senior School News
Welcome to the students, families and staff of the Senior School 2017 and a special welcome to our new students. I know some new students joined us during our Transition program late last year, which was a great opportunity for them to have an introduction to GEC. It is fantastic to see how well the new students have settled in and have been able to successfully navigate their way around a new school. Thank you to their buddies who have assisted in their transition.
It was fantastic to see all returning students on the first day back on Wednesday at our Senior School assemblies looking refreshed and eager to start the new year, another year older and wiser. We are looking forward to a successful and harmonious year with many academic and extra- curricular endeavours ahead.
As the new school year commences, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce the Senior School Team:
Senior School Leader - Haroula Loucaides
Year 10 Coordinator - Lou Tsarpalas
Year 11 Coordinator - Mary Maniatis
Year 12 Coordinator - Laura Brancatella
Careers and Pathways Coordinator - Carol McCaskie
VASS Coordinator - Matthew Polwarth
Together with classroom and team teachers, the senior school team is really looking forward to working with students this year. We will continue to strive towards our motto of “Cross the Line”. We are proud of the graduating class of 2016, who received such outstanding results. They proved that with hard work, determination and a drive to succeed, you can reach your goals and live your dreams. Our vision is to continue to grow and improve student outcomes with the class of 2017.
I look forward to working with the Senior School students, where together, we will set goals to:
- Improve student outcomes.
- Maintain and improve effective inclusivity of students and staff with regular communication.
- Instil a sense of high expectations for academic, social and behavioural improvements.
- Celebrate your successes.
Now is the time for students to get organised and to stay organised. Students are reminded to manage their time effectively, attend school regularly and prepare accordingly for upcoming SACs/assignments and exams.
It is very important that parents and guardians have a good working relationship with the classroom and team teachers, Year Level Coordinator and Sub School Leader because by working together we can ensure the successful progress of each student. The Senior School Team is experienced, compassionate and is genuinely interested in ensuring the best school experience for all students.
The College looks forward to a very exciting and prosperous 2017 school year with the College value “Do your best, allow others to do their best and always act respectfully” guiding our direction and purpose.
Haroula Loucaides
Senior School Leader
Year 10 News
Welcome to the Senior School. Welcome to the new Year 10 students and their families.
In my address to the Year 10 students on the first day, I told them that they had earnt the right to now be in the Senior School. I also reminded them that with rights go responsibilities – the responsibility to themselves to do the best they can and to respect the teaching and learning ethos of the college. I also reminded the Year 10s of the many extra-curricular activities they can do to further their total education experience.
At the end of last year you would have received a Year 10 Work Experience information pack along with forms to fill in and complete. Work Experience for all Year 10 students is on the last week of term 2 (Mon 26/6 - Fri 30/6). If you haven’t received the forms or misplaced them please contact me or Ms Carol McCaskie, our Careers Coordinator, so that we can send you all the relevant documentation.
I wish all the Year 10 students, their parents and teachers a most productive 2017 and, as always, please feel free to contact me to discuss any issues or concerns you may have.
Lou Tsarpalas
Year 10 Coordinator
Year 11 News
Welcome to all families of Year 11 students. For families whose child is studying VCE for the first time, it is an exciting time as students really begin to map out their future plans by undertaking subjects specific to their career pathway. For families experiencing VCE for the first time there are many new processes to learn but at this stage keeping your child on track, studying and reviewing class notes, completing homework and meeting SAC deadlines is crucial to their success. Every month I will endeavour to provide general information about the VCE so that you can become more familiar with its operation.
I look forward to working with all families to ensure a smooth transition for all students as they begin their VCE journey.
On Tuesday the 7th February the College held its annual swimming carnival and I must say, the Year 11s certainly entertained us with their diving techniques. They drew a big crowd who reacted sympathetically to a few belly whackers. Well done to all Year 11s who competed and attended the day.
P.M. Maniatis
Year 11 Coordinator
Year 12 News
The beginning of the year is always a busy time. Students have nominated for the Year 12 Executive Committee which is working towards the use of the common room/study room and organising the Year 12 formal. Our school captains have been welcoming and checking on students during recess and lunchtime.
Congratulations to all house captains and vice captains whose role it is to assist house teachers with organising their team during the swimming and athletics carnivals.
Overall the cohort has settled into 2017 extremely well. Students are focussed on reaching their potential, by being in class, working to the best of their ability and seeking assistance when required.
I look forward to working with students and parents throughout the year.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if your have any queries or concerns.
Laura Brancatella
Year 12 Coordinator
Darwin Defenders Commemorative Service
On Thursday 16th February the school captains, junior school captains and myself attended the Darwin Defenders Commemorative Service at the Shrine of Remembrance. The ceremony honoured those who served and those who died during the attacks on Darwin during 1942-1945. It was an opportunity for veterans, their families, dignitaries and school students to participate in a moving ceremony that aims to remind us all of the cost of preserving peace and democracy in Australia.
Laura Brancatella
From the School Captains
So far, our final year of high school is off to a great start!
Despite suffering from scorching summer days, we have pulled through, getting straight down to work to prepare for the year ahead. (This involved creating paper fans in order to stay cool.) Our study periods have given us a good chance to catch up on work and prepare notes for our classes.
The first two weeks have been jam-packed with plenty of excitement. Swimming Carnival came along nice and early giving us all a chance to get in the water and earn points for our houses. Many of us got into the carnival spirit by dressing up in some very impressive costumes. The new Year 11 & 12 house captains did an awesome job motivating students of all ages to participate.
We were all very eager to receive our Year 12 jackets and the fact that majority of our year level decided to wear them on a 35 degree day shows how excited we really were. It was this moment that made us realise that we really are in Year 12.
The second week also brought the formation of the Year 12 Executive committee. As a large group, we will have a wide range of opinions to help organise many of the big events to come and look forward to representing our peers and voicing their opinions.
As captains, we would like to mention what a great Year 12 cohort we have this year and we can’t wait to create heaps of memories during our final year at the college. Let’s make it a good one.
Ben Hobbs-Gordon and Charlotte Skinner
School Captains