Multicultural Leadership and Community Service

Celebrating the Students Who Bring Our Cultures Together GSSC’s first and largest multicultural recognition event honours 235 students 

On Thursday 8 October 2026, the Greater Shepparton Secondary College Multicultural Team hosted the school’s first and largest multicultural recognition event, celebrating 235 students for their contributions to cultural understanding, leadership and community service. Held in the Enterprise Building Theatre during Term 4, the Recognition for Outstanding Multicultural Leadership & Community Service brought together students from Years 7 to 12, school leaders, teachers and education support staff. It was an opportunity to celebrate the young people whose time, ideas and teamwork have helped make GSSC a place where cultures are shared, identities are respected and students feel they belong. For the Multicultural Team, the message was simple: every contribution matters, and the students behind those contributions deserve to be seen, thanked and celebrated. 

A year of culture connection and participation 

The recognition celebrated students’ service throughout 2026, while also acknowledging valued contributions made during 2025. Across the year, students have helped bring GSSC’s multicultural celebrations to life. Their involvement has included Harmony Week performances, the cultural flag march, fashion show and kite competition, alongside Nowruz celebrations, Refugee Week, Africa Week, and the school’s first Cultural and Languages Expo. These events have given students opportunities to share their heritage, learn from one another and take pride in the many languages, traditions and experiences represented within our school. Behind each celebration were students willing to contribute. Some performed in front of an audience or represented their culture in the flag march. Others created displays, offered henna activities, helped prepare resources, supported the organisation of events or encouraged their friends to participate. Together, their efforts turned school events into opportunities for learning, friendship and connection. 

Recognising the work behind the scenes 

The celebration also acknowledged contributions that may be less visible but are equally valuable. Students supported the development of Home Group educational PDFs and videos, helping the wider school community learn about cultural and religious occasions, including Ramadan, Muharram, Holi and independence celebrations. Their suggestions for cultural music played through the school bell offered another way to share and celebrate the diversity of GSSC. Others contributed ideas for future multicultural initiatives and helped strengthen connections between the school and their communities. Students also supported halal barbecues, helping welcome students and families during Year 7 transition activities and sports days in 2026, and contributing to Aspiration Day, Activities Week, Orientation Day and Year 12 Graduation activities in 2025. These acts of service reflect leadership in practice: noticing where help is needed, working alongside others and contributing to something that benefits the whole school. 

Student voices at the heart of the celebration 

The event placed students at the centre of the recognition, both as recipients and as hosts. Anan Muhammed led the proceedings as the main MC, with fellow student MCs Fofoa, Adinda (Bel), Suha, Angel, Rabia and Nyota guiding the year-level recognition. As names were read, students were invited to stand and wave, giving their peers and staff an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions with applause. Each name represented a student who had played a part in strengthening our multicultural school community. The program included addresses from Executive Principal Mrs Barbara O’Brien, EAL Domain Leader Mr Mark Heathcote, Multicultural Liaison Leader Mr Hussam Saraf (Sammy) and Year 12 Multicultural Student Leader Safa Zahir. Their participation brought together school leadership, staff and student perspectives in a shared celebration of service, inclusion and belonging. 

A special thank you to our Year 12 students 

An especially meaningful part of the event was the recognition of our Year 12 students as they approached the end of their secondary school journey. The celebration provided an opportunity to thank them for the contributions they have made during their time at GSSC, including those who have supported school activities from Year 7 through to Year 12. Through volunteering, cultural participation, leadership and encouragement of younger students, they have helped create opportunities for others to become involved. Their example shows younger students that they, too, can contribute, take responsibility and make a difference. Year 12 students received their certificates during lunchtime before returning to their Session 5 classes. Students in Years 7–11 continued with the recognition program through the afternoon, with lunch shared inside the theatre. As our Year 12 students prepare for their next steps, we thank them for the time, energy and care they have given to our school. Their contributions form part of the community that future students will join. 

A shared achievement 

Recognising 235 students highlights the breadth of participation in multicultural life at GSSC. It reflects the work of students across year levels and backgrounds, supported by staff and families who encourage them to get involved. The GSSC Multicultural Team extends its sincere thanks to the leadership team, teachers and education support staff who supported the event and continue to create opportunities for students to participate. Thank you also to the student MCs, speakers and everyone who assisted with the organisation and recognition. Above all, thank you to our students. Whether you performed, volunteered, created a display, shared your language, supported a barbecue, contributed an idea or helped someone feel welcome, your contribution has mattered. Congratulations to all 235 students recognised for Outstanding Multicultural Leadership & Community Service. Your leadership makes a difference, and your contribution is recognised with pride and gratitude. 

Hussam Saraf (Sammy) 

Multicultural Liaison Leader 

Greater Shepparton Secondary College 

On behalf of the GSSC Multicultural Team