From the Principal

Instrumental Music Gala Evening

Our instrumental music students recently played to a packed Performing Arts Centre and were amazing.  I was so proud of the effort students put in to their performances – many of the pieces having a high degree of difficulty.  I greatly appreciate the work of our Instrumental Music Teachers and our Performing Arts Leader, Laura Baker-Goldsmith.    

Year 7 2020

It was wonderful to officially welcome our 2020 Year 7 families to Glen Eira College at our welcome afternoon tea.  We are expecting approximately 175 students in Year 7 next year.  Parents had the opportunity to listen to a range of staff and learn about the many wonderful programs and opportunities.  

Funding Announcement

This week we welcomed Steve Dimopoulos, State Member for Oakleigh, and Josh Burns Federal Member for McNamara to school.  They announced to the student assembly that the College will receive $100, 000 to further develop our outdoor learning spaces, which is absolutely wonderful news.

Furthermore, Glen Eira College has been allocated a total of $143,764 across 2019 and 2020 for a range of essential maintenance and compliance programs.

Growing up Online: Susan McLean Parent Presentation to Parents & Carers - Not to be Missed 

Tuesday 8th October in our PAC – 6.30pm

Book tickets via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/BEZEB

Susan McLean is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of Cybersafety and young people. She is a mother of three and was the first Victorian Police Officer appointed to a position involving Cybersafety and young people. She took her first report of cyberbullying in 1994 and since then she has conducted extensive research and has completed advanced training in this area in both the USA and UK and is a sought after presenter and advisor to schools, elite sporting bodies such as the AFL, GP’s, and both State and Federal Governments. She is a member of the National Centre Against Bullying (NCAB)Cybersafety Committee and is afforded ‘expert’ status on the Safer Internet Programme Data Base. She is also a member of the Australian Government's Cybersafety working group and a published author. Her book 'Sext's Texts & Selfies', is the definitive parents' guide to helping their children stay safe online.

Growing up Online: An informative and entertaining session for parents and carers is delivered with Susan's famous 'no nonsense' approach & will cover the positive benefits of technology as well as what parents need to be aware of:

• What are kids doing online – The popular social networking sites and apps. What they are, what are the legal ages to use them & why these rules should be obeyed. The difference between an 'online friend' and a 'stranger'.
• 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.
• ‘Sexting’ – the taking and sending of explicit images...what are the REAL consequences. (Primary school kids too).
• Potential dangers and safety tips – how to assist the children in your care to stay safe online via parental controls and restriction passcodes.
• Learn the lingo…….be able to converse with your children in the language of cyberspace.
• Be confident in setting rules and boundaries around internet use in the home. It's OK to say NO
• The session will conclude with time for Q's. Susan also provides a range of useful handouts and information about where to go to access further up to date information.

Finally

State Schools Spectacular: Our students will be performing in the State school Spectacular this Saturday.  Students have been working hard in preparation. 

New Caledonia trip: 39 excited students will be participating in our biannual trip to our sister school in New Caledonia.

Lockers:  All students are required to have a lock for their lockers.  Combination locks are available at the General Office ($15).  Any lockers without locks will not be available for student use.  I ask for parent support in providing a lock for their son or daughter.

Lost property: We have a growing mountain of unnamed lost property including jumpers, jackets and shoes.  I ask parents and carers to ensure all items of clothing and books are named so that they can be returned to students.

I wish all students and their families a safe and relaxing holiday.  To the Year 12 students - I trust you will make the most of the opportunity to complete the practice exams to the best of your ability.  This will inform you as to where your energy and time needs to be spent in the final weeks of study.

Our enthusiastic staff will again be competing in the annual Teacher’s Games in Geelong and I wish them all the best – and bring back a medal!

Sheereen Kindler

Principal