From the Leadership Team
A warm return to school Semester 2 everyone! It has been a very smooth start for students and staff. Our first semester was an exciting, settling-in time for everyone. As we head into Term 3, we take this energy and positivity forward and embrace the second half of our first year on Hawdon Street with confidence and enthusiasm.
Students have transitioned into their Semester 2 electives, and our senior students are consolidating their course requirements. While our days have had frosty starts lately, our basketball courts and ovals have been fully maximised with activity over the recess and lunch breaks.
There is much to look forward to this term including the Athletics Carnival, Sports days including the Herald Sun Football competition, Touch 7s, soccer and badminton, and the GSSC Beep test championship.
The Year 6 to Year 7 transition visits will take place and we will be showcasing student talents with some musical performance evenings lined up for later in the term. Special learning enrichment opportunities will take place including the Science Roadshow, new and engaging breaktime sports and clubs’ activities, the Mt Hotham snow trip, and so much more!
Over the holiday break our college was presented with the Department of Education’s Marrung Award, which acknowledges the unique knowledge and skills that Aboriginal staff and allies bring to the department, to create better educational outcomes for Aboriginal students.
The Greater Shepparton Secondary College was awarded the Positive Climate for Learning Award which recognises the strong engagement and meaningful collaboration with the Goulburn Valley Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (LAECG), and the Koorie community.
With the commencement of the new semester, students have been involved in making subject selections for 2023. Counselling support is provided to assist students and families in making viable and informed decisions for selecting subjects, that will provide opportunities and meet the interests and talents of our students. Subject Selection booklets have been provided and family information sessions were held last week for year 9s entering year 10 and year 10 students selecting subjects for Year 11. On Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th July scheduled subject counselling appointments will be available for all current year 10 students. The current Year 9 counselling sessions will take place on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th July.
Yesterday our current year 7 and 8 students were supported through entering their subject selections through Web Preferences. There will be 'catch up' sessions on Wednesday 27th for students who were absent from school.
The highlight of this week has been the wonderful showcase of indigenous culture across the college as we celebrated NAIDOC 2022. Throughout the week every Homegroup has learnt about past and current NAIDOC themes, the Uluru Statement of the Heart, and local heroes within our community.
At recess we have enjoyed visits from special guests, with traditional games, weaving and damper making happening at lunchtimes. The Dunguludga Dana program celebrated the achievement of art work and the creation of possum skin cloaks that will be proudly displayed in each neighbourhood.
The culmination of a wonderful week took place this afternoon with a special NAIDOC assembly including a smoking ceremony and student dance performances. This event was well supported by our wider community.
This year’s theme - Get Up! Stand Up! and Show Up! - highlighted the depth of talent and leadership we have, represented within our college.
As a college community, we continue to build on the successes we have achieved in the first half of the year by providing every opportunity for our students to shine and to achieve their best.
Dougie Souter
Biyala Neighbourhood Principal
for the
Leadership Team GSSC
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