Welcome back for Semester 2! We’re set for a busy term as we move into subject selection processes for some years level and our senior students complete their final term of classes before embarking on final examinations.

We capped off our first week back at school last week with a whole-school assembly. The focus of this assembly was predominantly to celebrate NAIDOC Week which fell during the semester break. We had the pleasure of hearing from Uncle Ron Murray who shared a story and welcome to country as well as playing the didgeridoo and had the entire student body and staff up and on their feet to complete a ‘didge cleanse’. Two of our Year 12 Captains Rue K and Hattie P read Acknowledgements of Country in Indonesian and Japanese respectively and we heard from Indigenous students Georgia, Chelsea and Lila who spoke. Our Indigenous Captain Cameron P did an amazing job of coordinating the NAIDOC Week elements of the event and introducing Uncle Ron to the school.

We also heard from one of our Wellbeing Captains, Emily D who spoke about the Wellbeing Art Show ‘What is in Your Emotional Backpack’ that is happening at GSC tomorrow, Saturday 22nd July (more details later in this edition). In the lead up to Production 2023, we were also privileged to get a sneak peek with a small performance from the show – details about the show and the link to book tickets can be found later in this edition. I encourage you all to support the Wellbeing Art Show and our Freaky Friday Production – these have been an absolute passion projects for our staff and students, and we are so excited to share them with our school community.

Following the assembly, a Smoking Ceremony was held near the B-Block courtyard lead by Uncle Ron Murray and Uncle Paul Chapman. It was a very special day that rounded out a week of activities to acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC Week and our Indigenous connections.

With regard to our Capital Works Program, we’ve welcomed the installation of 2 portable buildings (4 classrooms) at the back of the Performing Arts centre. These have been operational from the start of this term and have helped to alleviate the pressure on available teaching spaces whilst the renovations of I-Block into a Senior School Centre recommence after the appointment of new builders.

Earlier this week we welcomed families to the Course Information & Subject Expo Evening in support of students who will shortly start making subject preferences for 2024. What a fabulous evening it was seeing all our subject area displays and teaching and careers staff interacting with students and families helping to inform their subject choices and career path planning. We were thrilled with the strong turnout from families. I’d also like to extend my thanks to our amazing GSC staff who gave their time to make this important evening happen.

Looking to later in the term, with regard to student free days, please note in your calendar that there will be no classes running on Thursday 14th September as students/parents will instead be involved in Parent/Teacher Interviews. See the College calendar section for more important dates.

Student recognition/celebration:

I have the pleasure in recognising a number of our students who have been nominated for the Macedon Ranges Youth Awards, Cameron (Indigenous Captain), Ollie (sporting achievements), Rue and Harreson (School Captains). These are just some of the incredible young people we have in our school community.

Congratulations!!! Recently some of our students from Years 7 - 10 competed in the 2023 Big Science Competition. The Big Science Competition is one of the biggest international science competitions. There were four paper levels which correspond to each year level. Sitting the Big Science Competition could lead to selection in science extension programs including the Australian Science Olympiads and Curious Minds – girls in STEM. Our student performances included High Distinction - Isobel T. Distinction - Shaelan H. Christian M. Austin B. and Quinn M. Credit - Skye F. Ellie H. and Charlie F. Participation - Asher B. Zane V. Amelia F. Darcie H. and Veronica R. Sensational effort, well done everyone.

Congratulations...Term 2 VHAP English and Mathematics students from Year 7 who completed their ten-week course with Virtual Schools Victoria. Well done Pollyanne B. Asher B. Brigitte P. Hugh D. Skye F. Isobel T. and Kaylahn S. Awesome work from everyone.

Over the recent school holidays, two Students from GSC competed in the Junior National Chess Tournament. The tournament consisted of some very strongly rated players across the state. Will M managed to earn 1 Tournament point by securing 2 draws in 2 matches and Charlie F managed to secure 1.5 tournament point by securing a win and a draw.

Given the levels of their opponents both students played exceptionally well and gained some valuable experience for future tournaments and competitive play.

Finally, a huge congratulations to Year 9 student Finn M on his recent achievements outside of school with basketball. Earlier this year Finn tried out and was successful for a position in the U16 Vic State team - he was one of three local boys to be selected out of 200 that tried out. The next phase saw Finn undertake High Performance training over a 10-week period and over the school holidays he travelled to Perth with Basketball Victoria to compete in the U16 National Championships. Competing against other state teams over a period of 9 days they finished 5th overall out of the 13 teams competing. Photos of Finn in action below.

I wish you all a positive term of learning and enrichment activities.

Sarah Rose, Principal

Life Science