Principal's Report

NAIDOC Event 

We held our NAIDOC Week Celebrations during the first week of term where we were joined by Aboriginal Elder, Thane Garvey who conducted a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. The whole school then went on a walk around the oval, commemorating Michael Long’s Long Walk from Melbourne to Canberra in 2004 to put aboriginal issues on the national agenda. 

This was a special day for all of us at Greensborough College as it continues the tradition started last year, for our school community.  Thank you to Ms Jess Manzie and the Wellbeing Team for facilitating the event. 

Subject Selection for 2027 

This is the time of the year when we start planning for 2027.  Students in Years 8 to 11 are in the process of selecting their 2027 Subjects.  Course confirmation days are planned for later in the term.  

From Week 5 the Year 7 students will begin the process of selecting their enrichment subjects for 2027.  

It is an exciting time thinking and planning.  We encourage students to take up the opportunities to discuss with teachers, friends and family what they are considering for 2027. 

VCE Vocational Major Application Process 

All students considering entry into the VCE Vocational Major Program will need to complete an application form, attend a course confirmation interview on Tuesday 8th September and then an interview with a selection panel which will include one of the principals.   

Students considering the VCE Vocational Major program need to demonstrate commitment to learning, meet attendance requirements, show learning growth and explain how the program will support their pathway plans.  It is not an automatic entry process.  Students who do not complete the application process are not likely to be enrolled in the program. 

The application forms are now available from Mr Ellul. 

Year 11 Debutante Ball – Friday 21st August  

This annual event is being held at Melrose Receptions in Tullamarine.   

On this day there will be no scheduled classes for Year 11 students who will have a study day at home.  

Debutantes will be presented to the principals.   Good luck to all debutantes and their partners and a big thank you to Melissa and Michaela from Diamante Debutantes for all their work with our students. 

Semester Awards – Monday 10th August 

We will conduct our annual Semester Awards on this date.  Parents of award recipients will be notified next week and invited to attend.   

• Year 7 & 8 Awards - period 2 (10.00-11.00).  

• Year 9 & 10 Awards – period 3 (11.30-12.30) 

• Year 11 & 12 Awards – period 4 (12.30-1.30) 

 We are looking forward to celebrating our students’ achievements so far. 

Curriculum Day – Tuesday 18th August – Pupil Free Day 

The staff (teachers and ES) will be onsite on this day participating in professional development.  The office will be opened from 8.30 until 3.00pm. 

Update Regarding Protected Industrial Action 

As you may be aware, members of the Australian Education Union (AEU) are currently undertaking protected industrial action as part of negotiations for a new Victorian Government Schools Agreement. 

One of the measures in place is a ban on participating AEU members performing work outside their ordinary hours of duty. This action aims to highlight the significant amount of work that school staff regularly undertake beyond their paid hours to support teaching and learning, student wellbeing, and extracurricular activities. 

For teaching staff, duties will generally be performed between 8:40am and 4:40pm on Mondays and Tuesdays and 8.40am and 3.40pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Education Support Staff have varying hours, with the College Office remaining open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:00pm on Fridays. 

As a result, families and students may notice some changes, including: 

• Parent and carer meetings being scheduled during normal working hours. 

• Emails and phone messages being responded to within ordinary working hours. 

• Assessment, marking and student feedback taking longer than usual. 

• Some meetings, administrative tasks and school activities being postponed, reduced or rescheduled where they would normally occur outside standard hours. 

Our Priorities Remain Unchanged 

The following areas are not expected to be affected: 

• High-quality teaching and learning. 

• Student supervision, safety and wellbeing. 

• Support for students with additional learning or wellbeing needs. 

• Approved camps, excursions and major school events where arrangements are already in place. 

• Urgent communication relating to student safety and wellbeing. 

Communication with Staff 

We remain committed to maintaining open and effective communication with families. 

Under normal circumstances, the College aims to acknowledge emails and phone messages within two business days wherever possible. During this period of industrial action, responses may take longer than usual as staff work within their ordinary hours of duty. 

If you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe, or are unsure who to contact, please email the College and your enquiry will be directed appropriately. 

Why Is Industrial Action Occurring? 

The AEU has advised that members are seeking improvements through the new enterprise agreement, including: 

• Competitive salaries for teachers, principals and education support staff. 

• Improved conditions and recognition for education support staff. 

• Measures to reduce workload and administrative burden. 

• Greater time for planning, preparation, assessment and collaboration. 

• Improved attraction and retention of staff. 

• Additional support for increasingly complex student learning and wellbeing needs. 

• Smaller class sizes and reduced face-to-face teaching loads. 

• Full government funding of any agreed improvements. 

   

These arrangements apply only to staff who choose to participate in the protected industrial action. The College respects the industrial rights of all employees and will continue to manage school operations effectively while minimising disruption to students and families. 

Thank you for your patience, understanding and ongoing support. We will keep our community informed should there be any significant changes or impacts on college operations.