GEC College News

From the Principal

Our students have embraced the many opportunities provided to them.  There has been a great range of activities at the college this term - some of the highlights include:

  • The Swimming Carnival was a wonderful Whole School event.  We wish all the students participating at the Beachside carnival all the best.
  • We held a very successful interschool Chess Tournament and will have a team compete at the state finals.
  • Many students represented the college in a number of interschool team sports.
  • Our variety of lunch time and after school clubs and activities continue to grow and I encourage all students to get involved.  Activities include - Robotics Club, Chess Club, Rainbow Retreat, UJEB, Anime Club, Latin Dance, French Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Book Club, numerous activities in the library, Instrumental music ensembles, various Year 12 subject study groups.
  • It was wonderful to have our Year 7 Meet and Greet 
  • All Year 9 students are participating in the Morrisby Testing as part of their careers education
  • Year 7 camp was wonderful with our students engaging a range of experiences and making new friends
  • Our Breakfast Club runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.00 – 8.30am in the Wellbeing Garden

 

We have celebrated International Women’s Day and will soon be celebrating Cultural Diversity Week, Harmony Day and Francophonie Day.   

School Council Elections

I am delighted to announce our School Council for 2022.

Parent representatives: Carlos Ardila, Tal Spinrad and Alyssa Woolf join Susannah Farfor, Stephen Loyer, Issy Arieli

Staff representatives: Colin Shnier and Aaron Petersen join Gabrielle Darvell

Student representatives:  Darcy Messenger joins Hasini Teddu

 

I thank all those retiring councillors for their superb work over the past year(s): Clinton Chiumello, Nathan Horrigan, Jelena Markovic, Keren Vesely, Ben Wickham, Jenny Sanchez and Aimee Harris

The work of our councillors is very much valued. 

 

We will hold our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 23rd March, 6.30 – 7.00pm in the library.  All welcome.

Homework

By now students should be in the habit of completing set or self directed homework tasks to further develop and consolidate their independent learning skills by completing homework tasks. 

 

Students are responsible for recording their homework each lesson in their planner.  Parents and carers are encouraged to review the planner weekly with their child and discuss the tasks set.

 

Homework has a positive effect on learning and is an important part of reinforcing the concepts that are introduced in class. It also plays a significant role in building work ethic, self-discipline and responsibility.   

 

Teachers at Glen Eira College are encouraged to exercise their discretion in assigning tasks that are appropriate for their students. Homework assigned across different learning areas will be coordinated by teachers to avoid unreasonable workloads for students. 

  • Homework is the work the teacher sets for students to practise a skill or develop their understanding of the content. Short, quality, purposeful homework tasks make a difference to fostering good lifelong learning and study habits.
  • The setting of homework needs to take into consideration the need for students to have a balanced, active lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, sport and recreation, cultural pursuits and employment where appropriate.

 

We acknowledge John Hattie’s research in his book “Visible learning” that suggests the following;

  • The highest effects of homework in secondary school are associated with rote learning and practice or rehearsal of subject matter
  • More task-orientated homework has higher effects than deep learning and problem solving tasks
  • Teacher involvement in homework is key to its success.

 

Click on this link to see our Homework Policy. If you have any questions of concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the classroom teacher, year level coordinator or myself.

 

Homework Help runs in the library Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the library 3.30 – 4.30pm.

Finally

  • We are always looking for ways to involve our parents in our community. Please contact me if you have ideas of how you would like to be involved. Our Parents and Friends group is an excellent way to meet other families and I encourage you to join.
  • Lockers:  All students are required to have a lock for their lockers.  Combination locks are available at the General Office ($15). Any lockers without locks will not be available for student use.  I ask for parent support in providing a lock for their son or daughter.
  • Mobile phones are to be locked in student lockers during the school day.  They cannot be used for payment at the school canteen.
  • Lost property: We already have a growing mountain of unnamed lost property including jumpers, jackets and shoes.  I ask parents and carers to ensure all items of clothing and books are named so that they can be returned to students

 

Should you have questions or concerns at any time do not hesitate to contact me at school, I am always happy to speak with you.

 

Sheereen Kindler

Principal