From our Principal

Focus on Respect

This term we have been focusing in on how we show respect with our theme being "You be you, I'll be me". This means that we can be different, live with being different and get along

Respect is not just a word we use; it is an idea that defines us and everything we do, in and out of school. Respect starts with understanding what makes us unique. Even though we are individually made up of lots of different of cultures, beliefs, and experiences, we are 95% the same and agree on 95% of the same things, and this diversity make us all better. By respecting each other’s differences, we can create a place where everyone feels valued and understood. Respect means treating others the way we want to be treated. This idea can change our lives, as It is about recognizing the dignity in every person and acknowledging their worth.

Respect for our environment and the community we share is also important. When we respect our surroundings, we show pride in our school and each other, and set a positive example for others.

Importantly, respect includes self-respect. This means taking responsibility for our actions, striving for excellence, and believing in our potential. By respecting ourselves, we build confidence and resilience, enabling us to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.

This work on this idea throughout the term has shown that respect is the cornerstone of our community, and fosters an environment where everyone can grow, learn, and succeed together. 

Digitech Olympics

This years Math and DigiTech Olympics was once again a huge success. 70 students from Pascoe Vale North Primary School, Glenroy Central Primary School, Glenroy West Primary School, Dallas Brooks Community Primary School, Oak Park Primary School, Belle Vue Primary School and Fawkner Primary School joined us for fun and interactive math games, Micro Bits robotics, the Lego Bridge Challenge and Balloon Rocket Estimation. 

The overall winner was Pascoe Vale North Primary School, and I was delighted to attend their assembly last week to present the trophy in front of their community.

Lots of fun and interactive games were played outside such as Jenga and Hackey Sac. Quotes from students on the day were,

• “I can’t wait to come to High School as it’s not scary like I thought!”
• “My favourite part of the day was having a yummy lunch and meeting other kids from different primary schools and playing games together especially in the coolest cafe!”
• “Loved the bus ride to Glenroy College and estimating how long it would take to get there,”
• “All the activities were fun and loved estimating how far the balloon would go,”
• “All the staff were so friendly and can’t wait to come to Glenroy College in 2 years!”

Well done to all of our participants, as well as to our amazing staff who created and facilitated the events on the day. A shout out to Jo Pampanella for driving the event and ensuring that it went off without a hitch. 

VCEVM Expo

This year we held our first VCEVM expo. I am passionate about allowing student to show what they do at school, and this should go far beyond taking home their work and showing a report every now and then.

The expo was a great chance for our vocational students to show the work they’ve done and display with pride their growth, an opportunity they haven’t always been afforded throughout their education.

Local member Kathleen Matthews-Ward joined us along with guests from network schools, the Department of Education, parents and local business owners to celebrate. Kathleen also gave the expo and the college a huge shout out in Parliament the following week!

I am hoping this will be a model of the way we make learning visible at Glenroy College and allow every child to present their work to the community like these wonderful advocates did.

Merri-Bek Interschool Innovators

One of the excellent advantages of being part of the Merri-Bek North Education plan is the opportunities that come to Glenroy students from partner groups like the STEM centre for Excellence.

This month saw the second of three days for the Merri-Bek Interschool innovators program.

I have attached the outline of the program for your reference, but students from the four schools learned the art of marketing, honing skills in presenting, developing marketing strategies, and dazzling with persuasive prowess.  

Thank you to the Science Gallery of Melbourne University and the STEM centre for Excellence for facilitating this amazing program supporting the young people of Merri-Bek. A huge thanks also to Bek Grey who oversees the Merri-Bek North Education Plan and to Claire Feely from Glenroy College of all of their work pulling this together.

Communication

That’s all for this newsletter, but don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and keep your eyes open for COMPASS and email notifications.

I hope you all have some time over the holidays to rest and refresh, and come back ready to give the final term for the year your all.

Andrew