From the Principal

What a wonderful term we have had. Our students have been involved in a wide range of programs already this term including the Swimming Carnival, interschool sports, Francophonie Celebrations, Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day, a range of excursions, lunchtime activities and more. You will read about many of these throughout the newsletter.

The Year 12 formal was a wonderful event – our students looked so beautiful and happy as they danced the night away.

Rehearsals are well underway for this year’s production, Freaky Friday. Make sure you save the dates – performances are on the 22nd – 24th June.

Parent Education Sessions

As part of GEC's commitment to supporting our students through their learning, we recognise the important role that families can play to ensure that support continues at home.

Last week we had a wonderful presentation to parents, "How to Get Your Child’s Learning Mojo Back", from Clinical Psychologist & Family Therapist, Andrew Fuller, which was very well attended. Andrew provides free resources on his website, https://andrewfuller.com.au/

Andrew spoke about learning strengths and provided the following link where students and their parents can assess learning strengths for free. www.mylearningstrengths.com

Participants receive a letter outlining their top learning strengths and an area to overcome.

We have booked Susan McLean to present an educational and entertaining session for Parents and Carers– a workshop on cyber safety.

Save the Date: Monday 16th August 2021.

Susan is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of cyber safety and young people. She was the first Victorian Police Officer appointed to a position involving Cyber safety and young people.

Her knowledge is unparalleled and leaves audiences shocked at the reality of the online world. It is a wake up call to even the most switched on parent and is delivered with Susan's famous 'no nonsense' approach. The session will cover the positive benefits of technology as well as what parents need to be aware of:

Cyberspace 101. The reality of the online world. It’s not a matter of if – rather than when.
What are kids doing online? Learn the latest apps and platforms your kids are either on, want to be on or are being told about at school. TikTok, Omegle, House Party & more.
Online Grooming. What is it and when/how does it occur? What are the warning signs & what to do if you suspect this is happening to your child.
Cyberbullying. What it is, where it happens, what it looks like, how to prevent and what to do if it occurs. Also the legal consequences and the possible criminal charges.
Sharing Nudes. The taking and sending of explicit images. The social and emotional consequences as well as the Law.
Problematic Gaming. How to manage digital devices in your home to avoid problems and what to do if/when they arise.
Exposure to damaging content. Including online pornography & sites that encourage suicide, self harm & eating disorders.
Top Tips– how to assist the children in your care to stay safe online with rules, parental controls and restriction passcodes.
The session will conclude with time for questions.

Finally

If you have any wonderings, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to call me at the school to talk or arrange a time to meet.

As wonderful as the term has been, it has been tiring for many of us as we continue to manage our lives post the challenges of 2021. I trust that the upcoming holiday period will allow you all the opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Sheereen Kindler

Principal