Dear Gisborne Secondary College Community,

It is an absolute honour and privilege to join the Gisborne Secondary College community this term as Acting Principal, while Sarah Rose takes a well-deserved period of long service leave.

From my very first week, I have been warmly welcomed by staff and students alike. I was particularly impressed by the initiative of our student leaders, who took the time to introduce themselves and show me around the school grounds, sharing what they value about Gisborne Secondary College. Their pride in the College and their thoughtful reflections on our community were a strong and positive introduction to the culture of the school.

Term 2 began in a fitting and meaningful way with our whole-school ANZAC Day assembly. We were privileged to hear from Mr Tony Graham of the Gisborne and Macedon Ranges Returned and Services League, who shared insightful reflections and stories that helped bring the significance of ANZAC Day to life for our students. This important occasion provided an opportunity for our College to come together and reflect on service, sacrifice, and the values that continue to shape our community today. It also reinforced the importance of our College Values: Respect, Achievement, Innovation and Diversity.

By the end of day three, I had met with our School Council and was encouraged by the level of commitment from all parents and the genuine pride they have in our school. It was also pleasing to see, for the first time in some time, that students were represented on the College Council.

I thank all parents, students, staff, and community members who have volunteered their time to serve on the School Council and to be a vital voice in the decision-making process at our college this year.

ANZAC Day

I was deeply honoured to attend both local ANZAC Day commemorations alongside our four school captains.

Charlie and Charlotte, our College Captains, represented the college with confidence and respect. They spoke exceptionally well, recounting past conflict experiences of Colonel Marcus Fielding, and laid a wreath at the Mt Macedon dawn service.

Zakk and Erica, our College Vice Captains, also did an outstanding job representing the college at the Gisborne cenotaph morning service. They delivered a moving reading of the poem Brown Slouch Hat and laid a wreath.

“Proud” hardly captures the depth of feeling experienced while watching our students. They have represented our college and community with great distinction.

My sincere thanks to all GSC staff who contributed to the organisation of the ANZAC Day events, as well as those who attended.

Our Staff

In my first week of observations, I have already witnessed the dedication, commitment, and genuine passion for our college demonstrated by all staff and members of the Leadership team. I have visited numerous classes across all learning areas and year levels, where I observed students being challenged from the moment they walk through the door and engaged in learning activities that are directly aligned with our curriculum outlines and assessment outcomes.

I have also been briefed by multiple staff on the exciting experiences, camps, excursions, and other activities planned for our students this term. I am truly impressed by the commitment to ensuring the best possible learning opportunities are provided each and every day.

Term 2 Focus: ‘Being Brilliant at the Basics’

This term, my focus is simple but powerful: ‘Be Brilliant at the Basics’

At Gisborne Secondary College, the “basics” are the everyday actions that every student is capable of demonstrating - regardless of talent or circumstance. They are the foundation for success in learning and in life. These include:

Showing respect and kindness to others at all times
Attending school every day, on time, and fully prepared for learning
Wearing the College uniform with pride and consistency
Ensuring mobile phones and earbuds are switched off and securely stored during school hours
Ensuring all behaviours align to our college Values

While these expectations may appear straightforward, they are essential. When consistently followed, they create the conditions for safe, orderly and focused learning environments where all students can thrive.

My role this term is to support our community in maintaining these conditions so that every student has the opportunity to achieve their personal best academically, socially, and emotionally. A strong focus on “the basics” ensures that valuable teaching and learning time is protected, and that classrooms remain environments where students can concentrate, engage, and succeed.

Our Shared Commitment

Gisborne Secondary College remains committed to working in strong partnership with students, staff, and families to support student learning, engagement and wellbeing. This partnership is central to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive school environment.

Our College Values - Respect, Achievement, Innovation and Diversity - continue to guide the way we learn and interact each day. These values are not standalone ideals; they are lived through every day behaviours, decisions, and interactions across the school community.

This term, we will continue to reinforce clear and consistent expectations across the College. These include:

Attendance - Regular attendance is critical to student success. Arriving on time, every day, and being ready to learn ensures students can fully participate in their learning programs. Even small amounts of time away from class can significantly impact understanding, progress, and achievement.

Mobile Phones - Mobile phones are not to be used during school hours. This is a non-negotiable expectation aligned with Department of Education requirements and College policy. Phones must be switched off and stored in lockers for the duration of the school day. This supports reduced distractions, stronger peer interactions, and safer learning environments. We ask families to support this expectation by communicating with students through the school office during the day if needed.

Uniform - The College uniform plays an important role in promoting safety, inclusion, and school pride. It ensures students are easily identifiable and supports participation in specialist learning areas where safety equipment and appropriate footwear are required. Wearing the uniform consistently also strengthens a sense of belonging and reduces barriers between students.

Behaviour - Our expectation is that all students actively demonstrate the College Values in every setting. This includes respectful interactions, safe behaviour, and a commitment to learning. Where behaviours negatively impact the safety or learning of others, intervention and restorative processes will be applied, with a focus on re-engagement and support.

Working Together

We recognise that these expectations are most effective when reinforced consistently at school and at home. We ask for your continued support in having conversations with your child about what it means to be ready to learn each day and to uphold the standards that allow all students to succeed.

Throughout Term 2, these expectations will be explicitly taught, revisited, and reinforced through mentor sessions, classroom practice, and whole-school messaging. This shared and consistent approach ensures that students clearly understand what is expected of them and why it matters.

Looking Ahead

I look forward to working closely with students, staff, families, and the broader Gisborne community throughout the term. My focus remains on ensuring that Gisborne Secondary College is a safe, structured, and supportive environment where every student can focus on learning and achieving their best.

Thank you once again for the warm welcome. I am looking forward to getting to know the community further in the weeks ahead and working together to make Term 2 a positive and successful term for all students.

Kind regards,

Suzie Harrison

College Acting Principal

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