From the Principal

Our students have embraced the many opportunities offered to them.  There has been a great range of activities at the college this term - some of the highlights include:

  • The Swimming Carnival was a wonderful whole school event.  We wish all the students participating at the Beachside carnival all the best.
  • Many students represented the college in a number of interschool team sports.
  • Our variety of lunch time and after school clubs and activities continue to grow and I encourage all students to get involved.  Activities include: Engineering and Robotics clubs, Chess Club, Art Club, Rainbow Retreat, UJEB, Anime Club, French Club, Book Club, numerous activities in the library, Netball, Instrumental music ensembles and various Year 12 subject study groups.
  • Rehearsals have begun for this year’s production, Freaky Friday.
  • Our staff have run online information evenings Year 7, 8, 9 and 11.
  • Year 12 Geography students have been on an excursion.
  • All Year 9 students are participating in the Morrisby Testing as part of their careers education.
  • Year 7 camp was wonderful, with our students engaging in a range of experiences and making new friends.
  • Our new Breakfast Club is up and running Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.00am – 8.30am in the Wellbeing Garden.

We have celebrated Lunar New Year and will soon be celebrating International Day of Mathematics, International Women’s Day, Cultural Diversity Week, Harmony Day and Francophonie Day.   

 

On our casual dress day 26th March, I hope to see all of our students wearing something that represents their cultural background or if not wear something orange, the colour of Harmony Day.

School Council Elections

I am delighted to announce our School Council for 2021.

 

Parent representatives: Susannah Farfor, Stephen Loyer, Issy Arieli join Johnathan Lock, and Nathan Horrigan  

Staff representatives: Gabrielle Darvell and Ben Wickham join Jenny Sanchez and Clinton Chiumello

Student representatives: Hasini Teddu joins Aimee Harris

 

I thank all those retiring councillors for their superb work over the past year(s): Kristen Skinner, Nicole Harris, Kristen Kearns and Mael Gaudy. All of the work of our councillors is valued. 

 

We will hold our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 18th March, 6.30 – 7.00pm in the library. All welcome.

Homework

By now students should be in the routine of completing set or self directed homework tasks to further develop and consolidate their independent learning skills by completing homework tasks. 

 

Students are responsible for recording their homework each lesson in their planner. Parents and carers are encouraged to review the planner weekly with their child and discuss the tasks set.

 

Homework has a positive effect on learning and is an important part of reinforcing the concepts that are introduced in class. It also plays a significant role in building work ethic, self-discipline and responsibility.   

 

Teachers at Glen Eira College are encouraged to exercise their discretion in assigning tasks that are appropriate for their students. Homework assigned across different learning areas will be coordinated by teachers to avoid unreasonable workloads for students. 

  • Homework is the work the teacher sets for students to practise a skill or develop their understanding of the content. Short, quality, purposeful homework tasks make a difference to fostering good lifelong learning and study habits.
  • The setting of homework needs to take into consideration the need for students to have a balanced, active lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, sport and recreation, cultural pursuits and employment where appropriate.

We acknowledge John Hattie’s research in his book “Visible learning” that suggests the following;

  • The highest effects of homework in secondary school are associated with rote learning and practice or rehearsal of subject matter
  • More task-orientated homework has higher effects than deep learning and problem solving tasks
  • Teacher involvement in homework is key to its success.

Homework Help is available Tuesday & Wednesdays after school in the library (3.30pm - 4.30pm).

Volunteer tutors are available for assistance with most subject areas.

 

Click on this link to see our Homework Policy. If you have any questions of concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the classroom teacher, year level coordinator or myself.

Finally

We are always looking for ways to involve our parents in our community. Please contact me if you have ideas of how you would like to be involved. Our Parents and Friends group is an excellent way to meet other families and I encourage you to join.

 

Thank you to parent, Paul McNeill, who has initiated working bees at school on the 3rd Sunday of the month, from 3-5pm.  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.   

  • Glen Eira Living Safely Program - Get your free Crime Prevention Kit from the General Office.  This Crime Prevention Kit is part of the Glen Eira Living Safely Program— a partnership between Glen Eira City Council, Victoria Police, Neighbourhood Watch and the Glen Eira Neighbourhood House Network,
  • Our wonderful new oval complex will be ready for our students to use at the start of term 2.
  • 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.
  • Mobile phones are to be locked in student lockers during the school day.
  • Jewellery - apart from a watch and a maximum of 2 pairs of studs or sleepers, any other jewellery should not be seen or left at home.
  • Lost property: We already 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.

 

Should you have questions or concerns at any time do not hesitate to contact me at school.

 

Sheereen Kindler

Principal