GSSC Leadership Team

.A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common is referred to as a community. Never more than over the last two weeks did we feel that sense of community as Greater Shepparton Secondary College worked collaboratively with other service providers to ensure our families remained informed, connected and nourished.

Martin Luther King once said, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”. What could be more challenging than a snap lockdown, the closure of many schools and businesses, a 14-day quarantine for thousands of families and then many of those families running short on essentials such as food? 

Step in Greater Shepparton Secondary College Multicultural Education Aides. Not only did they translate information being shared by the school, but they made themselves available to our families and then worked long hours into the nights, networking in order to source and deliver food. We are so proud of the employees that make up GSSC, but specifically wish to acknowledge and thank the MEAs for outstanding voluntary contributions to the entire Shepparton community.

Greater Shepparton Secondary College would also like to thank our school community for the patience, understanding and co-operation they have shown as we follow the advice of our health professionals in managing the most recent COVID-19 outbreak in Shepparton. These are unprecedented challenges and it has been encouraging to witness the quick and positive response by you all.

That said, we appreciate these are trying and anxious times. As a school, we will play our part in the whole-of-community response to this health issue. This includes helping to keep our students, staff, parents and carers informed of the latest advice from our health authorities. 

The health and well-being of students and staff is central to all that we do as we follow this health advice. Please ensure you regularly check the Compass parent portal, the GSSC Home page, Facebook page and your emails to keep up-to-date.

Families with further questions or concerns around COVID-19 relating to quarantine, please call GV Health on 1800 313 070;  this is a direct line. 

Remote & Flexible Learning

Learning Mentors are the first port of call for all enquiries relating to your child’s teaching and learning. Learning Mentors have been conducting daily check-ins at 9am during the quarantine period, however this will change as we move to the latest, updated version of the Remote Teaching and Learning Guide.

Please refer to the report from Megan Michalaidis on our Teaching & Learning page, in this Newsletter for details about the changes. 

In our last newsletter we highlighted the importance of daily attendance and this becomes even more important as remote learning continues. Please encourage your child to maintain healthy sleep patterns and work to established routines, being ready to learn by 9am each day. Levels of engagement will increase and be maintained if students attend all scheduled classes. 

Please contact your child’s Learning Mentor, or House Leader if you have any concerns or questions. Staff are only too happy to help.

Parent/Student/Teacher Interview Bookings

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews are now open for booking. Interviews will take place from Tuesday 14th September until Friday 17th  September and due to current social distancing requirements will take place via Teams. Please visit the Compass portal to book your time or contact the school for assistance. 

Conversations about your child’s progress builds an understanding with the teacher and are an essential part of promoting positive outcomes. Book in and touch base.

GSSC Hawdon Street Site

How refreshingly positive to see the Facebook post showcasing the interior of the new build. It created much anticipatory joy amongst staff as they imagined interacting with students in light-filled spaces with comfy and functional furniture. 

The vibrant furniture packages represent the Neighbourhood colours, helping to create the sense of belonging that the Neighbourhood and House system will support. It is a shame that current state-wide restrictions will put a hold on site visits, but that certainly will not stop the energy and enthusiasm that is being put into the planning for 2022. 

Pictured is the open learning studio in the Campaspe, Kiewa and Goulburn Neighbourhood.

Stay safe, stay informed. We look forward to welcoming your children, our students, back to on-site learning – hopefully soon!.....

Daisy Utber

Acting Campus Principal, Mooroopna

For the Greater Shepparton Secondary College Leadership Team