Student Achievements

Celebrating Our Multicultural Student Leaders!

This Term, Greater Shepparton Secondary College proudly hosted our Multicultural Student Leadership Celebration, a special event recognising the incredible achievements and cultural contributions of our student leaders. The day brought together our school leadership team, principals, Multicultural Liaison Officers, and EAL Domain Leader to celebrate students who are shaping our school into a more inclusive, connected, and empowering community. From thoughtful discussions based on Open Dialogue principles to inspiring presentations by our Year 12 Multicultural Student Leaders, including a new school uniform proposal and multicultural event survey insights, the day was filled with leadership, reflection, and pride. We ended the celebration with a shared cultural feast, where students showcased dishes and stories from their heritage, a beautiful reminder of the rich diversity that makes GSSC so special. Congratulations to all our multicultural student leaders for your passion, initiative, and commitment to inclusion. Your voices are powerful, your leadership is inspiring, and your impact continues to grow!

Celebrating Our Multicultural Student Leaders:

A Day of Culture, Leadership, and Empowerment This term at Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC), we proudly hosted the Multicultural Student Leadership Celebration, a day dedicated to honouring the outstanding achievements, voices, and cultural heritage of our multicultural student leaders. The celebration served as both a reflection of the incredible work these students have accomplished and an opportunity to envision the next chapter of inclusive leadership at our school. The event brought together our College Multicultural Student Leadership Team, Executive Principal, Neighbourhoods and Campus Principals, School Leadership Team, Multicultural Liaison Officers (MLOs), and the EAL Domain Leader, alongside our passionate student leaders representing a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Together, we celebrated the diversity that defines GSSC, a school community enriched by over 70 languages, countless traditions, and a shared commitment to mutual respect and belonging. The celebration commenced with a respectful Acknowledgment of Country, recognising the Traditional Owners of the land and honouring their enduring connection to culture, language, and community. This moment of reflection reminded everyone of the importance of cultural understanding as the foundation of all meaningful leadership. Throughout the day, students engaged in leadership discussions, team-building activities, and Open Dialogue sessions that encouraged honest conversation and collaboration. Guided by Open Dialogue principles, students spoke freely about their experiences as multicultural leaders, celebrating successes, identifying challenges, and brainstorming creative solutions for the future. The atmosphere was one of empowerment and unity, where every voice mattered and every story was valued. As the Multicultural Liaison Leader, I was deeply inspired to witness our students lead with empathy, pride, and confidence. They reflected on the impact of their contributions to major school events such as Harmony Day, Refugee Week, Africa Day, and the EAL Cultural Morning Teas, each of which has strengthened cross-cultural connections and deepened understanding across our campuses. Our Year 12 multicultural leaders delivered an impressive presentation highlighting their school uniform proposal, incorporating feedback gathered from student surveys across all year levels. They also presented data from recent multicultural engagement surveys, revealing high levels of student interest in future cultural awareness initiatives and leadership opportunities. Their professionalism, creativity, and research skills truly set an inspiring example for younger students. Looking forward, GSSC’s multicultural leadership program will continue to grow. Next year, the leadership team will expand to include representatives from every house and neighbourhood, ensuring a more inclusive structure that represents the full breadth of our student community. Our Year 11 leaders will also step into mentorship roles, supporting younger multicultural students to develop leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. This mentoring initiative will create a strong and sustainable leadership pathway that continues well beyond Year 12.

The day concluded with a joyful shared cultural feast, where every leader brought a dish from their family’s heritage. Tables were filled with vibrant flavours and stories from around the world, from Iraqi Kababs, Middle Eastern sweets and African stews to South Asian curries, European pastries, and Pacific Island delicacies. As students shared the stories behind their dishes, laughter and conversation filled the room, reminding us that food, like leadership, has the power to bring people together. The Multicultural Student Leadership Celebration was not just a day of recognition, it was a powerful affirmation of the strength that comes from diversity. It highlighted how leadership at GSSC is grounded in inclusion, empathy, and collaboration. We congratulate all our multicultural student leaders for their passion, initiative, and dedication to making Greater Shepparton Secondary College a place where every culture is valued, every student feels seen, and every voice contributes to our shared success.

Hussam Saraf (Sammy)

Multicultural Liaison Leader