It is timely that I remind students and families that COVID-19 is still present in the community and on the rise according to recent reports.

Having avoided the virus for so long, I succumbed last week and tested positive. The virus affects people in different ways, but we know it is highly infectious. As soon as I had symptoms I used the rapid antigen tests, which revealed a positive on the third day. I have isolated at home since. I know we all worry about taking time off school and work, however it is important for our own health and that of others.

We can still keep in touch and that is the wonder of technology. I was able to keep in contact with school through email and Microsoft teams. I conducted video conferences and the old-fashioned telephone calls to keep up to date with my work. Students can do that too. Lessons and email contact are available via COMPASS and there is support available for students who have prolonged absences.

There has been a spate of students coming to school sick and with symptoms. We urge families to keep students at home when they are sick and exhibiting infectious symptoms. There are plenty of Rapid Antigen Test supplies available at school. We encourage students to wear masks if someone at home has tested positive to COVID-19. Hand hygiene continues to play an important role as well as the other strategies of keeping your distance, sneezing protocols and the use of air purifiers.

School Uniform

I have noticed that there are many students not wearing their school uniform correctly. We have a uniform policy at our school that we follow and when students are not wearing the uniform correctly we require explanations from families and assurances that students will be wearing the uniform correctly in the near future.

There are also consequences for not wearing the uniform correctly without parent explanation. We expect families to support the College when students breach the policy.

For school excursions it is very clear that students wear the school academic uniform when on an excursion unless otherwise stipulated. For some excursions that require vigorous physical activity, the students will be required to wear PE Uniform. This will be stated on the excursion event form. Students not in correct uniform for excursions will not be attending the excursion.

As the Principal of the College, and on behalf of school council, I have asked all of the staff to implement the school uniform policy and issue consequences to students who breach the uniform policy.

At our school we model our school values and we have high expectations of everyone in the community. “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept”. We cannot turn a blind eye to behaviours that do not demonstrate our values or meet our expectations.

We ask that students and families support our school to be the best it can be.

International Men’s Day 19th November

International Men’s Day is celebrated on 19th November every year and is marked in around 80 countries worldwide. It is an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the men in your life and the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all.

As a mother of two young adult males, I am pleased to promote this day and its objectives. At Greensborough College we implemented targeted programs for our young males such as Man Cave, B2A and Consent Workshops.

Objectives of International Men’s Day

Valuing male role models
Acknowledging the contribution of men and boys
Improving male health
Fostering positive gender relations
Making the world a safer place for everyone

Highlighting positive role models and raising awareness of men’s well-being. The theme for International Men’s Day 2022 is Helping Men & Boys.

For more info visit the website on how you can get involved visit the IMD website

Pauline Barker

Principal

The Great Race Melbourne

Year 10 & 11 VCAL