In what seems like the blink of an eye, we are already at the end of term 1.

It has been a term with so many positives. As I walk around the school each day it is affirming to see the growing engagement of students and the blossoming agency they are taking over their own learning and wellbeing. The vast majority of our students are living our values of Integrity, Respect, Achievement and Teamwork every day, and I know our school will continue to flourish as this happens.

House Swimming Carnival

Last week we held Glenroy College's first House Swimming carnival in 23 years, and I couldn’t have been prouder of how it turned out. Participation and behaviour was outstanding, and the reports we got back from the pool staff noted they we very impressed with the whole day - indicating that the Glenroy College student behaviour and engagement in the day far outstripped observations of recent carnivals from other local schools.

It became clear that this was a popular event with students, and it was lovely to have students walking up to me saying thank you for the day, and hoping that we can do it again.

As expected the Golden Hornets (Gold House) came out on top, and it is with no hint of bias that I foresee their dominance going on to create a new dynasty, a new pantheon of sporting excellence within the northern suburbs that is unlikely to be rivaled for generations to come.

Ok, maybe a bit over the top, but the pure joy seen in Gold house upon the announcement was one of those moments I will remember forever. It was quite an affirming moment both professionally and personally.

Events like these are an immense undertaking, so thanks go to Michael Stevens and Jo Pampanella who (with great support from many groups withing the school) pulled the day together, the admin team for all the back end, and of course the outstanding team of staff who did not stop all day to ensure the event was a success.

Now on to the House Athletics Carnival!

Parent Breakfast

This term saw our first parent breakfast, and we were delighted with the number of people who came through to connect with other parents, meet with the college leadership team and student leaders from across all year levels.

We are planning another one in term 2, so keep your eyes peeled for an invite.

Berry Street Educational Model

Next term we will be starting our work in incorporating the Berry Street Education Model into our work here at Glenroy College. This research based model is designed to equip schools with practical classroom based approaches to increase student engagement and to support students self-regulation and relationships - all with the end goal of significantly improving their wellbeing and academic achievement.

We will be dedicating numerous curriculum days to the training for this over the next few years, and it is exciting to be able to bring this framework into our school. You can find more information at this link.

School wide Positive Behaviours

Our core business is not just about the skills and content within a learning area, but importantly it is about preparing our students for the real world around them.

It is an unfortunate reality that as learners, young people sometimes make poor choices (as we all did as students.) They also will need to understand that there will be consequences for their actions, and learn the appropriate ways of dealing with situations as they arise.

Our policies and processes are centred on protecting our most vulnerable students, because that is the level at which inappropriate behaviour must be stamped out. They must also build in opportunities for student to take away some learning and the ability to redeem themselves, something that we take very seriously as a college. I think we can all agree that behaviours that make students and staff feel anything less than valued and safe have no place in our community.

They definitely have no place at Glenroy College.

We will continue to unashamedly prioritise student and staff safety and the creation of a place where all students can learn, and all teachers can teach. This will continue to be at the heart of every decision I make as Principal of Glenroy College, and I am always more than willing to speak with students and families if we can be doing more towards this goal.

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.

Have a great week!

Andrew

Auslan