From the Leadership Team

We have enjoyed an exciting first term in our state-of-the-art college facilities. As we look back over the first ten weeks on the Hawdon Street campus, we can be proud of the way our students and staff have settled into their Neighbourhoods, navigated their way around the buildings and utilised all that is on offer, for a well-rounded teaching and learning environment. 

We have also seen some major events and celebrations over the last fortnight including the Year 7 Adventure Camp to Kyneton. Over 150 students enjoyed some lovely autumn weather to connect with each other in team activities including the low ropes course, the giant swing, an orienteering program, a challenge course and a favourite activity for the brave - the Leap of Faith.  This activity involved jumping off the top of a power pole! The night-time activities included Capture the Flag and a quiz show.  The year 7s back onsite were provided with a special curriculum enrichment program, including a local excursion to Star Bowl.

On Friday 25th March sixty-two senior students and their families attended the Presentation Ball at Eastbank. A tremendous amount of preparation preceded the evening and on the night our students shone. They were polished and stunning not only in their appearance but also their sharp dancing skills. It was a very happy and memorable event for all involved. Thank you to Imogen Short, Events Coordinator, for her great organisation, ensuring the event ran smoothly. Full report on page 5, along with some great pictures!

On Monday this week our Year 12 students held their first casual day, dressing to the theme of ‘Op-Shop’. Their gold coin donations raised $136 for Goulburn Valley Food Share.

 In the second half of this term our PAC (Positive Acknowledgment Chronicles) Cup has been focused on students arriving to class on time. Across the college we saw some outstanding efforts from each of our Houses. It was very competitive around the Neighbourhoods, with the top three results being evenly represented between houses in Biyala, Dharnya and Bayuna. The overall winner was Murray House (TEAL) Biyala, with a total of 3,283 positive acknowledgements! 

Next term our PAC cup focus will be on coming to class prepared for learning with all equipment required - especially laptops! 

Thank you to all of the families who participated in the online Parent Teacher Student  Conferences, over the last fortnight. These are very valuable opportunities to not only keep in touch with how students are progressing, but also to continue to strengthen the connections between home and school. If you have any concerns about how your child is progressing, please do not hesitate to contact their Homegroup teacher or House Leader. 

Term 2 commences with a week of sporting events including Cross Country and Junior and Senior Sports days.  New clubs will also be added to the recess and lunchtime programs – providing students with a broad range of extracurricular activities to look forward to. 

We also look forward to meeting some new families at a Year 7 2023 Family Information Evening & Neighbourhood tour, on May 11th 2022 at 5.30 - 7.00pm

In Term 2 our canteen will open at recess and lunchtime. A large range of fresh foods will be available as well as drinks and snacks. A full menu and daily specials will appear in the Student Bulletin. Students are advised to put an order in before school to avoid the lunchtime line up - and receive a free zooper dooper! *Gluten free can be catered for but order before school*

As term one comes to a close; we would like to take the opportunity to thank our families for being involved in the activities and events that took place over the term; and for the support and encouragement you provided to your children as we settled into our new school. 

All the best to our families fasting during Ramadan. We wish everyone a restful Easter and Holiday break. Term 2 will commence on Tuesday 26th April, following the public holiday commemoration for ANZAC day.  

Kerri Souter

Neighbourhood Principal Biyana

for

Leadership Team

Greater Shepparton Secondary College