GECPA News
Your invitation to discover….
All our children attend GEC and I'm sure you have noticed just how culturally diverse the place is.
Maybe yours is one of the many families that speak languages other than English.
But how can you connect with other GEC families from your home country?
How might you help and support the school community to make the school a fun and more enjoyable place for your children?
Well, GECPA (Glen Eira College Parents Association) is here to do just that!
Currently we run our informal monthly meetings through Skype to connect and share ideas.
Join us in a meeting to discover and to share your ideas and thoughts.
Simply email gecpa@gec.vic.edu.au for an online invitation to join our next meeting on Thursday 10th September at 7.30pm.
Rose & ElizaCo-convenors
Who We Are?
We are members of GECPA and these are our stories…
My name is Jelena and I have two kids, one of whom is in GEC. I joined the GECPA team to get to know other parents and to support the school in any way I can. And I love the close connections the group has formed, which has certainly helped lift my spirits in recent months.
Originally from former Yugoslavia, I have lived in Melbourne for 15 years now and love it. I don't love the lockdown but am sure we will get through it. I admire the tenacity and the resilience the principal and the teachers - and the rest of us, too, children included! - have shown during those difficult times and am looking forward to seeing everyone again on the other side!
(Jelena Markovic)
I am a mum of 3, all at GEC. My kids are in Yr 10, 9 & 7. I have been a small part of GECPA for the last 4 years, contributing different amounts as my family situation allowed. The hardest thing I found about high school was the distance for parents – Primary school parents got to know each other at drop off/pick up. Not so in high school! GECPA enables me to meet other parents at GEC that are like minded, and also keeps me up to date with things happening around the school. A bit about me: I work part time, and love spending time with my family and our dog. We are big on camping and spent two Long Service Leaves driving around our fabulous country. My 3 favourite spots in Australia – Babinda Boulders in QLD; snorkelling Ningaloo Reef at Cape Range National Park WA & walking the gorges at Karijini National Park WA.
(Julie Scott)
Hi I’m Catherine McNaughton. I have enjoyed the friendships of GECPA members, walking group and school community. I compile the parent’s section of the newsletter and hope you find the stories and events informative.
My daughter Erin is in Year 9E. My son Ross graduated from GEC in 2017 and is now studying engineering at Swinburne University.
I am an urban planner passionate about sustainable cities and planning for cycling. I am a member of Glen Eira Council’s Sustainable Transport Advisory Committee, Glen Eira Bicycle Users Group and Glen Eira Climate Action Network. I have created a productive home permaculture garden including a naturestrip herb and salad garden. At Caulfield Primary School I organised students planting a small indigenous urban forest, veggie gardens and nature play gardens, over 10 years. In 2019 I organised a lunchtime planting for National Tree Day with students at GEC along the Booran/Neerim Road fence line of grasses and indigenous trees. I love sewing and crafts and am a regular at the Caulfield Primary School Craft group. In recent weeks I have been studying Amsterdam University’s Unravelling the Cycling City Course, online.
My partner Geoff took a family portrait – very 2020.
(Catherine McNaughton)
Glen Eira Council My Brother Jack short story and poetry competition
There is still time to enter your poem or short story in the My Brother Jack Awards for 2020. Creative writing is so good for you – helping to exercise your creative mind and strengthen your imagination. There has never been a better time to take that creative brain for a jog, so get writing and see what happens! There is a category for everyone and some great prizes on offer.
Entries close Monday 7 September.
https://library.gleneira.vic.gov.au/whats-on/my-brother-jack-awards
The Thrifty Gardener Workshop
Saturday, 17 October 2020 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Stonnington Council zoom Webinar
Be inspired to reuse waste materials in your garden to help the environment and make your garden beautiful, functional and productive on a budget. Join this free webinar covering the basics of sustainable garden design with Richard Rowe from Sustainable Gardening Australia. https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/Library/Whats-On/The-thrifty-gardener
Sustainable Art 2020 Kingston Online Exhibition
Led online by contemporary artist and jeweller's Louise Meuwissen, John Brooks and Pennie Jagiello, this exhibition brings together the work of artists and participants as they transform recycled materials found around their home into sculpture, jewellery and wearable art. 18 August -19 September
https://www.kingstonarts.com.au/WHATS-ON
OptiKA 2020 - Kingston Photographic Award
Photographers and videographers of all skill levels are invited to capture images of Kingston that respond to the evocative theme of 'connection'.
Now in its 12th year, OptiKA is one of Kingston Arts most popular programs, enhanced by the accessibility of the medium - now that most people have a mobile phone, they also have a camera! Images must be taken within a Kingston City Council location. Please refer to full terms and conditions for more details. Check out this year's Online Professional Development Workshops.
Entries close: midnight, Monday 5 October
https://www.kingstonarts.com.au/PUBLIC-PROGRAMS/OptiKA-2020
Cathy McNaughton & Rose Robinson
GECPA