GECPA Term 4

There is no doubt that this has been a disrupted academic year, but the disruption has been most notably for our Year 12s. One of our thoughtful Year 12 students organised a ‘Care Pack’ for all her fellow Year 12 students. What a wonderful example of kindness in action. We salute you, Gabriella Voges!

Each year, GECPA also organises an annual ‘Year 12 end-of-year Gift’. This year we arranged for each Year 12 student to receive a personalised card (with message of congratulations) and a $20 gift voucher. We also wanted to support our local businesses. A shout-out goes to a new local business operated by two talented young women called Simply Personal:

www.instagram.com/simply_personal_co/ and to the family-run favourite that is Lizzy’s Chocolates in Carnegie. Lizzys Chocolates | (see image below). We would like to thank them again for making this process so easy. I hope this is the first of many….

Plus…am I the only person thinking Xmas gift ideas? Check out Simply Personal and Lizzy’s for awesome options.

I was going to say something sage and pithy to our Year 12s about one door opening and the other closing and then I realised that I don’t actually remember my final year of high school. Suffice it to say that we at the GECPA spent a lot of time thinking and talking about our Year 12’s this year. We wish each and every one of you all the best in the future.

In terms of the ordinary…Don’t miss out on any upcoming activities that GECPA organises click here to subscribe.

For more information about the Glen Eira College Parents Association, to attend our monthly committee meetings, AGM in November or to contact us: gecpa@gec.vic.edu.au

Nicole Bishop

Convenor, Glen Eira College Parents’ Association

Next meeting – Picnic, BBQ & AGM

Thursday 25th November 6.30pm Glen Huntly Park next to school. We’re optimistic about the weather and COVID-safe restrictions. BYO picnic and picnic set to reduce packaging waste.

Working Bee Update

Glen Eira College Parents’ Association (GECPA) hosts Working Bees on the third Sunday of the month from 3pm to 5pm. Next Working bee is Sunday 21st November.

We want to ensure that the College is a school that excels aesthetically as well as academically. We rely on the generous support of our school community members. The Working Bees are purely voluntary but they do provide a great opportunity for ‘friend-raising’ and building a strong sense of community.

We have many jobs to get through. Don’t worry if you have never been to a Working Bee - we will show you how! Come and get your hands dirty while supporting the College. Or, help out with sweeping up leaves and picking up litter.

We hope to see you there!

Recent Plantings around GEC

During recent Working Bees 100 indigenous plants and around 50 ornamental plants were planted along the Booran Road fence-lines (near the PAC) and along the eastern fence (facing Glen Huntly Park).

The plants add to the students planting here on National Tree Day back in 2018. Plants include sheoaks, correa alba, correa reflexa, poa grasses. Glen Eira College was one of 17 schools and early learning centres provided by the Glen Eira Council planting local plants. Being indigenous, the plants will grow rapidly to provide habitat and an attractive bush garden for students and the community enjoy.

Glen Eira College Second-hand Uniforms

GECPA is planning a second -hand uniform stall if and when it is deemed to be COVID-safe. The uniform stall is a helpful service for families. Reminder: Please donate your unwanted uniform items to the office. Kindly ensure that all items are in reasonable condition and have been washed and dried before you bring them in. We thank you for your generosity.

Year 11 and 12 Maths scientific calculators – collection

Are you finishing with your scientific calculator at the end of the year and would like to donate it to the school? GECPA will be collecting calculators at the office after VCE exams and will offer them to the Well-Being Coordinator for needy students. Please don’t let your students throw them in the bin as they are expensive and valuable for other students!

World Teachers' Day

Friday 29th October

‘Teachers at the heart of education recovery" is the UNESCO theme for 2021 World Teachers Day. Thanks to all Glen Eira College Teachers and Staff for you exceptional work with our kids.

October is Mental Health month

Mental Health Australia has launched its October 2021 calendars. The calendar includes daily ideas for all Australians to look after their mental health in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. There are a number of calendar available…Select the calendar of your choice attached or at https://lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au/calendars

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

Approximately 1 in 5 Australians including kids in each classroom have some form of dyslexia.

Individuals with dyslexia have trouble with reading and spelling and learn in a different way.

Dyslexia occurs on a continuum from mild to severe and no two are alike. There is no cure for dyslexia since it is a brain based difference, however with appropriate instruction aimed towards their learning needs, most can overcome their literacy difficulties.

Schools are in the forefront in identifying, assisting and reaching students with dyslexia and related challenges.

https://dyslexiaassociation.org.au/dyslexia-in-australia/

GECPA parents have experience with raising kids with Dyslexia – if you need someone to talk to please email gecpa@gec.vic.edu.au

Webinar: Preparing today’s learners for uncertainty

The webinar will be presented by Associate Professor Michelle Lazarus and the focus will be on uncertainty tolerance (UT) and how parents can identify and support their children in preparing them for uncertainty in future education and work. How we respond or process complex situations is recognised as an essential workplace skill.

Register here

Scholarships for Victorian students

Victorian students from Grade 4 to Year 12 may be eligible for a range of scholarships. Applications are now open for 2022.

Scholarships are generally offered based on:

financial need or difficulties
your child’s school results
school and community activities your child takes part in.

Scholarship payments will help with the cost of your child’s education, and they are provided by various government and non-government organisations.

Find a full list of scholarships available on the Education Department website.

See scholarship details here

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Sustainable Cooking Class Glen Eira Council Youth Program

Thursday, 28 October 2021 5:30 - 6:30 PM Free online

Youth Services’ Youth Climate and Sustainability Action Group (YCSAG) alongside James McLennan from Grassroots Sustainability, are hosting a free cooking class for young people aged 15 – 25 years. Together we will prepare a delectable meal, and delve into the problems with our current food system - food miles, transportation, packaging, globalization, economy and health. While eating our sustainable meal we will discuss what we can to change our food habits to aid in the climate emergency.

Sustainable Cooking Class | Glen Eira City Council

Installing Solar power at home info session

City of Monash and Solar Savers

Wednesday 27 October 2021 6:30- 7:30PM, free online

Learn about residential solar power in this free, interactive session hosted by Solar Savers.

Take the first step to cut your power bills and reduce emissions.

Targeted at homeowners and renters, you’ll have the opportunity to ask the experts and hear honest advice about the products, costs, and benefits of a solar PV system and batteries.

Book now

Solar Savers website

Contact Sustainable Monash team 9518 3555

Are solar and batteries right for your home – info session City of Stonnington and Australian Energy Foundation

Monday, 8 November 2021 6:30- 8 PM

This information session will help you:

understand how solar and batteries work
find out how to choose the right system for your home
understand how to claim government rebates
learn how to confidently navigate the solar market.

Part of Stonnington Council’s climate emergency response working towards a zero-carbon, climate-ready future. More info on how to keep your home cool while saving energy at Australian Energy Foundation website.

All you need to know about solar and batteries City of Stonnington

environment@stonnington.vic.gov.au or call 8290 2051

Catherine McNaughton Editor, GECPA Newsletter

Contributors: Nicole Bishop, Tessa Spanneberg

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