Junior School News

Thank you to all of our supportive community, including our parents and carers, in assisting us to such a positive start to 2022.

Our Year 7 cohort have had a great start to what will be a successful year for them on their journey through secondary school. Attending the Rawson Village Camp has definitely been a highlight for them in the first 6 weeks of the term, and this will establish how they see themselves for the remainder of the year.

Traditionally on the last day of term 1, we hold our annual event of Cross Country where we see students from all year levels supporting each to run, jog or walk. Every year we see individuals set records and mentally and physically push themselves to be a part of a great event and I encourage all junior school students to attend and also to support their peers. It is also a good opportunity to gain points for their houses - Ruby, Emerald, Topaz and Sapphire.

It is very pleasing to see students in the Junior School in full school uniform. Most students have all their books and planners, which makes for a very smooth beginning to the year. If you have any difficulties in getting any books or uniform, please contact the Junior School.

Could parents also advise the front office of any change of address and phone numbers as soon as possible. If your child is absent, a note or medical certificate needs to be brought to the coordinator upon the student’s return to school.

The Junior School Team is looking forward to continuing to work with students and their families in 2022.

Sarah Mortimer

Junior School Leader

Year 7 Rawson Village Camp

The Year 7 Camp, which was held at Camp Rawson in Gippsland from 28th February until 4th March, was a fantastic event and a real opportunity for Year 7 students to take part in a range of activities that were outside of their comfort zone. Many students left camp energized and excited at having taken up the challenges presented to them and the added bonus was that so many students made connections and new friendships. Ms Maniatis and I are both very proud of the enthusiastic participation of the Year 7 students on camp and in particular, of the effort made by so many students to participate in all activities, including those that were very challenging such as high ropes, mountain biking and orienteering.

A reminder to Year 7 students that it is very important to ensure that the correct uniform is worn to school each day. It is also very important to arrive on time to school and to each class. Please remember that we are here to support you, so please let us know should you have any concerns.

Chris Zuccala and Mary Maniatis

Year 7 Coordinators

Student reflections about Year 7 camp

I made so many new friends at the Year 7 camp. I loved the activities but the one activity that I loved the most was swimming. I'm so glad it wasn't in the lake!

Cara Casamento 7C

My Year 7 camp experience was excellent. I participated in all the activities and gave each one a shot no matter how far they were out of my comfort zone.

Scarlett Cheney 7C

Camp was really fun doing the activities with my friends. It was also a great chance to meet new friends in my cabin and activity group. We had to go to bed at 10:30 but that meant we had plenty of time to talk to our friends before lights out. We had to wake up and get ready for breakfast at 8:00. Overall the camp was a very fun experience and I enjoyed it a lot.

William Stacey 7D

Year 8 News

What a start! As expected from Year 8, we are seeing some great examples of resilience, kindness and growth. Teacher feedback regarding classroom behaviour is overwhelmingly positive, with reports of students working hard and helping one another.

During a Year Level Assembly last week, students were reminded of the need to act respectfully towards peers and teachers. Something which is visibly being acted upon. We have also witnessed courageous instances of young people taking a stand against bullying, either by reporting incidents to teachers or by calling out negative behaviours. We encourage students to continue these positive behaviours in the build-up to the National Day of Action Against Bullying on 18th March. This year’s theme is Kindness Culture, something we are passionate about promoting in the Junior School.

With International Women’s Day on 8th March, there is also the opportunity to get involved in promoting the stories of inspirational women. It is also the chance to reflect on our own attitudes and behaviours in order to work towards reducing the impact of sexism.

With the year well and truly underway, we would also like to promote participation in extra-curricular activities. There are many opportunities to take part in sporting, musical, gaming and academic clubs and organisations. Interschool Sports sign-ups are currently accessible to students on Level 1. Chess Club, Book Club, Homework Club and Dungeons & Dragons are also thriving. There is no better time to get involved.

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any queries or questions. Our door is always open and inboxes never full.

Daniel Bouchet-Hibbert and Jake Sherman

Year 8 Coordinators

Year 9 News

As we approach week 7, there is so much that has already been accomplished at GEC. The Swimming Carnival, the Morrisby Profile, the On-Demand testing in Mathematics, Breakfast Club and a host of other clubs that have started and are progressing smoothly.

The Year 9 students have in the majority put in their best efforts in listening respectfully and following the GEC Code of Behaviour: namely the Glen Eira 5 located in the student planner. We again seek your continued support in optimising your child’s education and wellbeing.

We have made great strides with the students wearing their uniform with pride at school and in the greater community: we acknowledge your support and effort in this. Nevertheless, we need to remember and be vigilant about the rules regarding jewellery, hair, shoes, and socks, and distinguishing what to wear in Health and P.E.

Progress Reports are being written and will be released soon. Teachers will be looking at student progress over the last 7 weeks. Some parent may find the descriptors difficult to understand, therefore please feel free to make any inquiries to clarify.

Shortly the Morrisby Profile interviews will be conducted, and parent are quite welcome to join their child in finding out what path would best suit them.

Parent teacher interviews is a student free day and will be conducted on Tuesday 29th March from 11.25am to 7.00pm. Bookings will be available prior to this on XUNO. To reduce any disappointment, please make your booking with the class teachers at the earliest convenience, as these are on a first in basis.

Edgar Bonne and Parminder Kaur

Year 9 Coordinators