From the Principal Team

It has been a wonderful and busy start to the term here at Glen Eira College. I’d like to begin by expressing heartfelt thanks to our amazing host families, who recently welcomed 22 students from our sister school in New Caledonia. Your generosity in opening your homes and sharing our vibrant city and surrounds – including visits to Melbourne’s markets, Luna Park, Healesville Sanctuary, and so many fabulous places – made this exchange a truly memorable experience for all. Your support is so appreciated.

We are also pleased to share some staffing updates. Nicholas Ford has joined our Principal Team as Acting Assistant Principal, and Niketa Archer has taken on the role of Acting Wellbeing Leading Teacher. Both Nicholas and Niketa bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their positions, and we are excited about the positive impact they will have on our school community.

This term has also seen us engage closely with our community through the SEAL information night. Thank you to the parents, carers, and students who attended and provided valuable feedback on the SEAL program. We shared exciting developments, including plans for more individualised pathways for Years 10, 11 and 12 – such as the option to undertake a three-year VCE and/or access the CHES for university enhancement in Year 12. These initiatives are designed to ensure every student can pursue a learning journey tailored to their strengths and future goals.

We have also been in the midst of Year 9, 10 and 11 course counselling sessions. These have provided an important opportunity for students and their families to meet one-on-one with a course counsellor – either a teacher or school leader – to discuss each student’s strengths, aspirations, pathways, and subject selections. This personalised process ensures that students are making informed choices that align with their interests and ambitions for the future.

We are also taking a renewed, multi-tiered approach to attendance, with our reintroduction of an attendance officer, Tina Boutselis, who will make first contact with families regarding student absences. If absences increase, the matter is escalated to our Sub School Leaders, Wellbeing Leading Teacher and Assistant Principals so we can support each student according to their individual needs. We kindly ask parents and carers to notify us via XUNO if your child will be away, providing the reason so we can best support their learning.

In week one, we proudly launched our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Matrix - a fantastic resource developed by our dedicated SWPBS team in consultation with staff and students. The matrix provides a clear framework for positive behaviour, aligned to our core values. Students participated in lessons about the matrix to help them understand how we can all contribute to a positive and respectful learning environment. The matrix frames expectations positively for each space within our school, making our values real and practical for every student.

Our commitment to professional learning continues, with teaching staff undertaking observations aligned to the SWPBS framework and the Department’s rollout of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM 2.0). This term, we are focusing on explicit teaching practices: establishing clear entry routines, stating learning aims and success criteria, and using advanced organisers in starter tasks. Teachers will observe colleagues in action and be observed themselves, all within a supportive, collaborative framework, as we continue to strengthen our shared language and scaffold learning for all students.

As always, your feedback is truly valued. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to email us at glen.eira.co@education.vic.gov.au.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.

Jane Thornton

Principal

Important Safety Notice: Caulfield Reserve Access, Safe Pathways, and Consequences of Trespassing

As part of our commitment to keeping our community safe, we would like to update you on some important discussions and actions taking place regarding student safety around the Reserve, in partnership with the Caulfield Police Station and our school community partners.

Recently, I met with the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust (CRRT), the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC), and Victoria Police. Together, we are working to prevent risks to students and other reserve users while protecting this shared public space and restricted spaces.

No-Go Zones & Shortcuts

We remind all students and families that certain areas of the Reserve, especially around the Western Stables, are restricted access zones. These areas are marked for your safety, and it is vital that everyone respects these boundaries. While it may be tempting to take shortcuts through these areas to save time, doing so is unsafe and strictly prohibited.

Please see the map below, the restricted access areas are highlighted in red. Additional signage and barriers are being installed to reinforce these boundaries. Please speak to your young people about the importance of only using approved pathways when moving through or around the Reserve - detours may take off an extra few minutes, but safety must always come first.

Consequences of Trespassing

Entering restricted areas is considered trespassing. Beyond personal safety risks including injury, encounters with vehicles or horses, and the possibility of causing or being blamed for property damage, there are also legal implications. Trespassing is a serious matter and will be investigated by the police.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like further clarification about safe pathways or restricted areas, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your support and partnership in keeping our students and reserve users safe.

Jane Thornton

Principal

Student Conferences (Years 7–12) – Thursday 28 August

Our Years 7 to 12 Student Conferences (previously Parent-Teacher Interviews) will be held online via Webex. Please use the usual booking system on XUNO to schedule your appointments. There will be more information closer to the conferences.

Date: Thursday 28 August 2025

Time: 12:00pm – 7:30pm

Format: Online via Webex

No formal classes will be running at school on this day.

What’s different about Student Conferences?

Unlike previous parent-teacher interviews, student conferences include students as active participants. Students are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting with their parents/carers. During the meeting, they will respond to three reflective questions posed by their teachers:

What is something you’ve done well or are proud of this term?
What has been difficult, and how did you deal with it?
What is one thing you want to improve next term?

This approach supports student voice, builds confidence, and helps students take ownership of their learning.

What to expect:

Each session will run for 6 minutes.
Students are encouraged to attend the meeting. We understand that this is not always possible. We do however hope that providing an online platform provides more flexibility for parents/carers.
Webex links for each teacher will appear next to your booking times on Xuno.

Please note: these links may not be clickable. You’ll need to copy and paste the link into your browser.

You may enter a virtual waiting room before the interview starts. The teacher will admit you when ready.
Students cannot attend the meeting without a parent/carer present.

Preparation and Support:

Teachers will help students prepare their responses in class during the week of the conferences (Monday 25 - Wednesday 27 August).
If you require a translator, please contact the front office in advance.

Instructions on Webex platform:

How to join:

For computers (PC/Mac)

Click the meeting link, or copy and paste the link into your browser.
If prompted, click “install Webex” and follow the installation instructions.
Please complete this process before your interview day.

For phones:

Visit your app store and download the “Cisco Webex Meetings” app.
Open the app and sign in, or create a new account if needed.
On the day of your interview, click the meeting link and follow the prompts to join.

Fixing sound, microphone, and video issues:

If you experience issues with sound, microphone or video on Webex, please try the following:

Make sure your microphone is not muted (mic icon should not be red or crossed out).
Click the small arrow next to the mic or speaker icon to choose the correct device.
Go to “Audio settings” to test your microphone and speakers.
If the camera is not working, ensure it is turned on and allowed in your computer’s privacy settings.
If problems continue, try leaving and rejoining the meeting, or restart your computer.

If you experience any technical difficulties on the day, please call Webex support 1800 493 239 or the school on 9571 7838 for assistance. We look forward to seeing you online and working together to support your child’s learning journey. Please email chizuko.inoue@education.vic.gov.au for any queries prior to the Student Conferences.

Chizuko Inoue-Andersson

Acting Assistant Principal