From the
Leadership Team
Reflection may be described as looking back, so that the view looking forward is even clearer.
As I write this column, I am doing exactly that – reflecting on a wonderful first year here at our brand-new Hawdon Street campus and, thinking of our achievements and our learnings that we can take into the new school year.
Our new GSSC campus was officially opened by the Premier and the Minister for Education on February 11. At this event, we had only been together at our new site for eight days and everything was still very new and different.
Now, 10 months later as I walk around the college, I see students being so familiar with not just the layout of the buildings, but also with each other. I watched last week as a group of students sat in a circle in the yard clapping and enjoying each other’s company as they gave Kris Kringle presents to each other. This, to me, is a true reflection of the year and an indication that we are working towards building a sense of greater belonging and care among our students.
When I speak with students about their year, the most common remark is “I have made so many new friends!” Learning is important but so are the connections we make to build our support networks. Nothing makes me happier as a Principal than seeing our young people enjoying their time at school.
Many of our celebratory events including Harmony Day, NAIDOC Week and Refugee Week formally celebrate our diversity, however each day, I see students from different cultures forming special connections and friendships, playing sport together and sharing their ideas. We are building a mutual understanding and respect for each other, celebrating both what makes us unique and different and our common ground.
The diverse make-up of our college and broader community was put under the spotlight back in May when ABC hosted its regional Takeover program, selecting 44 winners from a pool of 1000 young people who shared their stories of discovering themselves, their cultural identity, passions and strength, despite adversity. Many of our students took part in the program and it was such a proud moment to see their voices amplified and their stories shared.
Our achievements throughout the year have included musical and dance showcases, theatre performances and sporting competitions. Year level and house assemblies have also been a chance for us to come together and to showcase our student leaders, who so capably hosted these events.
On the note of sporting competitions, I must make special mention of our historic win at the Hume Region Track and Field Championships held in Albury a few months back. GSSC placed first among all 38 regional high schools, which is quite an achievement in itself, but also marks a first for a Shepparton public school to take out the title!
I could not reflect on the year that has been without talking about our Year 12’s for a moment and congratulating you all for graduating. Our Class of 2022, made up of 250 students, was the first to graduate from our new college and what wonderful role models you have proven yourselves to be. As you await your VCE results on Monday, I wish you all the very best.
While you have worked so hard towards these results, please know there are many measures of success and, an ATAR is just one of those. What I have seen you all endure and achieve throughout your secondary school journey gives me every confidence you’re all destined for great things.
Please remember that we are here to support you and if you would like to chat about your results or options on Monday, our Careers staff will be on hand to help. It’s an age-old cliché that when one door closes, another opens but it really is the case for careers. The pathways and opportunities are endless.
In closing on 2022 reflections, I would like to mention two very special acknowledgements in the way of the Department of Education and Training Secretary’s Marrung Award and the Australian Centre for Career Education’s Maryanne Mooney Perpetual Trophy for Excellence in Career Services.
The College was awarded these accolades for our innovative approach to inclusion and collaboration with our First Nations community and for our careers support and development programs offered to our students.
Being our last newsletter, I would also just like to remind people of our return for 2023.
On Monday 30th January we will welcome our new Year 7 students together with our Year 11 and 12 students. The following day, on Tuesday 31st January all students will return to school for 2023.
Some information regarding arrangements for these first few days and weeks will be provided soon as we look towards an exciting Term 1, comprising of a Year 7 activities day and families night, a VCE information session and some welcome BBQs for our broader school community. Please keep an eye out on Compass for the latest updates.
As I close this report, I would like to sincerely thank you, our families, for your support throughout the year, it is invaluable to our success.
On behalf of all the staff here at GSSC I wish all our families a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to seeing you next year.
Barbara O'Brien
Executive Principal
for
The Leadership Team