Principals Report

Term 2 is certainly one filled to the brim with rich student learning and engagement opportunities. The College as ever, remains committed to the ambitious proposals set out in our Annual Implementation Plan with all work contributing to improved student wellbeing and learning outcomes.  On the Engagement and Wellbeing side of our business a team of staff have completed their School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) training course, which is the foundation of processes and programs such as the introduction of the College's Merit System and Behaviour Matrix. The Teaching and Learning Team have continued their work this term ensuring students have access to a guaranteed and viable curriculum, while improving teacher practice through Learning Walks both within the College and at other schools in our network.

Since our last newsletter we've seen excursions enhancing educational prospects run across all levels, including but not limited to the Metcalfe Mini-Farm, Newport Railway and The Downer Group Apprenticeship Program, Ecolinc for Outdoor Ed and Chemistry subjects, The Holocaust Museum, Women in Trades Careers Expo, a Physics Excursion to iFly, an Agriculture Taster Day and Outdoor Ed rock climbing at Cliffhanger. Today our Year 12s have travelled to Bendigo for the Tomorrow Bound Careers Expo. All of these activities link directly to our curriculum as well as our college values, particularly those of achievement by preparing students for success at school and beyond, and diversity by providing insights and cultural experiences.

We've also had numerous external providers attend to run incursions which enhance student learning and career prospects including First Aid for Year 10 and 11 Outdoor Education students and Responsible Service of Alcohol for Year 12 students, Ancient Day for Year 7 and a Japanese cultural experience (Kendo workshop) for Year 7 and 8. Alongside these we continue to welcome the Blue Edge program and the 'I CAN' ASD Mentoring sessions supporting intervention and inclusion practices. 

On the sporting front the College has been represented in numerous sports and has celebrated successes in Junior Boys and Girls Soccer, Intermediate and Senior Girls AFL, and Division Cross Country.  Today our Junior Girls have competed in AFL.  A fuller report is available in the Sports update in this edition.

This morning our Student Representative Council put on an event for the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, raising funds for Cancer Council Victoria that will be put into cancer research, prevention and support.  This was a wonderful occasion that saw our students enjoy a cup of tea and a selection of treats at recess and lunch.  They raised $482.00for their chosen charity. As you will read later in this edition, we are also supporting the vulnerable within our community through the Gisborne Foodbank program. These are just some of the many community support initiatives the students and families of Gisborne Secondary College are involved with.

It is with great sadness that I have to advise our school community of the recent passing of a staff member, Nelly Molina Samano.  Nelly joined GSC in January 2021 and was a highly respected member of our Education Support staff team, working directly with our students requiring integration support.  She will be deeply missed by staff and students.

With over 80% of our student population travelling to and from school by bus and in light of the tragedy that has affected students from our neighbouring community it is important that everyone is reminded of the safety and behavioural expectations whilst on the buses to ensure the safety of all travellers and other road users.  The college has bus captains assigned to all bus routes who have an important leadership role in ensuring acceptable behaviour and where not that this is reported to the school.  Bus drivers should always be able to undertake their role without distraction from passengers.  All buses are fitted with individual seatbelts and it is a legal requirement that students wear a seatbelt when travelling on a school bus.  I would ask that you discuss with your child/ren appropriate and safe bus travel.

Following on from this you will no doubt have seen in the media that last week two schools within our neighbouring communities suffered terrible tragedies.  A school bus from Exford Primary School was involved in a crash where children suffered serious injuries. In a separate incident Straughton College lost a student to a fatal stabbing that occurred in Sunshine.  I have reached out to both schools to offer our support and we are already preparing to fund raise for the Exford Primary School community in the future.  If any student or family is affected by either or both of these events, our Wellbeing team is available for support.

For me this is my final college newsletter as Acting Principal.  I'm proud of the progress we've made as a College during my tenure and I would like to thank the entire school community for their support during my time as Acting Principal. I look forward to further serving this community upon my return to my substantive role of Assistant Principal, Junior School.

Finally, to sign off on a really positive note, I'm thrilled to announce that I earlier this week received formal advice from The Hon Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Education, Minister for Women, that in the 2023-24 State Budget, the Victorian Government has invested more than $2b to build and upgrade schools.  As part of this announcement, Gisborne Secondary College will receive $5.8m to build a new trades hub.  As we have further information about this exciting project, I'll certainly share this with our school community.

Russell Wigginton, Acting Principal