A word from our Learning Specialists

2024 has ended with some incredible curriculum achievements. The Enrichment Showcase took place Semester 2 with some highly innovative content produced and showcased by students. The Music Development Program displayed a compilation of music compositions including music soundtracks composed for video games. Esports students- Thomas Lambourn and Edison McDonald did a brilliant job speaking to the classes who visited the display explain the concepts behind the video games they had created. A huge thank you to the teachers who assisted in the running of the showcase this semester and to all Enrichment Program teachers for the creative and immersive content designed in each of the subjects. The feedback from students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive and is testament to the innovation taking place in the curriculum space this year.  

A huge thank you to the Learning Area leaders for their ongoing contributions in the Curriculum Committee space this year. Learning Area Leaders have been working relentlessly toward finalizing a 7-10 Assessment Guidelines document to ensure high expectations underpin college-wide assessment processes in the junior year levels. Leaders have also put forward exciting ideas for improved reporting practices highlighting the ongoing pursuit of excellence within the leadership team. Leaders have also continued refining their developmental rubrics ensuring the rubrics reflect the skills embedded in the learning objectives of each subject. Another great development has been the inclusion of student voice in the rubrics which has resulted in the inclusion of ‘I can’ student friendly statements linked to the student’s point of need in their learning. As we brace ourselves for a transition into Curriculum 2.0 in 2025, it’s important to reflect on the incredible contributions of very Learning Area Leader as well as guest attendees who have joined the rich discussions around curriculum, reporting, Enrichment and all things curriculum related.  

Kami Gillick-Lewis 

Learning Specialist- Curriculum Innovation 

2024 has been a busy year for Literacy and Numeracy at Greensborough College. NAPLAN and PAT testing bookended the year, helping provide insights into student progression for students, families and teachers. This year our mean (average) scores in Year 9 Writing, Reading and Grammar & Punctuation were above the state average.  This result is a testament to the achievements of students, teachers and educational support staff. 

This year we thank and farewell three of our tutors, Sharyn Niclasen, Lauren Hall and Amy Nguyen.  Amy and Lauren will be continuing their careers in education, with Sharyn retiring from teaching.  All of our tutors and staff have been vital in assisting our students during Mathematics and English classes.  Thank you to our other staff this year, Donna Osborne & Neo Stewart.  They have collectively assisted over 100 students in small tutoring sessions throughout the year which is a tremendous achievement.  

 Additionally, our team has developed a Literacy plan for 2025 and beyond after successfully completing the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership’s ‘Leading Literacy’ course.  This project will encompass a range of different strategies aimed at improving outcomes for students and upskilling staff.  Thank you to Lisa Dunne & Paul Rycroft for your professional insights and expertise when working on this project. 

During the break, students should find a novel they enjoy and take some time to read (For parents seeking out some last-minute gift ideas, Readings have some great reading suggestions online!). Once students finish that summer novel, some math puzzles would be a great next step!  Have a great break and we look forward to an industrious 2025. 

Andrew Ericksen

Learning Specialist - Literacy & Numeracy

Teaching staff in the Inclusion PLC groups have shared information about the strategies they designed and implemented to support students with a range of learning needs including: ADHD, ASD, dyslexia and behavioural challenges in a Showcase. I would like to acknowledge the support of Kami Gillick-Lewis, Stella Ramos and Wendy Rowe in facilitating the important professional conversations. 

Congratulations is extended to the now full VIT registered teachers who completed their Teaching Inquiry Project in PLC time this year, with the support of their mentor Sarah Daley. Thanks too, to Callum Harber, Meegan Triance, Rose Thomson, Pauline Barker and everyone else who supported the newly VIT registered teachers.    

In addition, the VCE Improvement PLC Group has been active in preparing to deliver the best learning experiences to our VCE students in 2025. Thanks to Laura Frazer for her leadership in this area, and to all of the VCE teachers for their contributions.  

Thanks to all staff for their dedication to the school’s PLC process and ultimately, to the students who benefit from this work.  

Lisa Dunne 

Learning Specialist – Instructional Leadership 

As we reflect on a wonderful year, I want to acknowledge the incredible efforts our staff have made to supporting every student in our community. This year marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of the first year of the Disability Inclusion reforms. This has brought with it a significant workload for all staff that are involved but our collective commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and ensuring that each student has the most equitable access to education has allowed for us to experience success. 

It has been heartwarming to see the supportive and inclusive spirit of our student body. Our students have embraced our school values of respect and equality, creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued. This culture of inclusion is vital as we continue to build on the strengths of our school community each year. 

Finally, a special shout-out goes to the D.E.B.T student advocacy group, led by the dedicated Ms. Melia. Their efforts have empowered students to voice their needs and advocate for themselves and their peers. The work they’ve completed has been instrumental in promoting awareness and understanding around disability and inclusion and has amplified student voice within Greensborough College. 

Callum Harber  

Learning Specialist - Inclusion & Authentic Learning