Senior School 

Another busy period of time for the senior school students and staff for the beginning of Term 2!

Unfortunately there are some serious illnesses and not just COVID going around and this has had a significant impact on numbers of both staff and students at school.  It is becoming a daily battle to ensure we are able to put a teacher in front of every class, and this may mean that some classes are covered by CRT’s, other members of teaching staff, or as a last resort classes may be collapsed and merged. 

To support your child’s learning it’s really important they are able to bring a fully charged device to access TEAMS and work. Please note, no student will be disadvantaged through absences of their own or of their classroom teachers, provided they follow College procedures. If assessments are missed through illness, we will ensure an alternate opportunity is provided. It is however vitally important that families alert the school of illness/absence by ringing the school absence line (5428 0899) and leaving a message recording the absence details. If your student tests positive to COVID you must let the school know this and also record this via DHHS. As per our normal absence practices, if a scheduled assessment is missed, students MUST provide either a medical certificate or a Stat Declaration. This is a VCAA requirement and has been communicated to students and families previously. 

Good luck to our Yr. 10 students who are out on Work Experience in Week 5. We certainly hope that you all have a fabulous experience. Staff will be attempting to make contact with each student’s employer either with a visit or through a phone call. We can’t wait to hear about your experiences in employment and hope they are a very worthwhile one. 

Our Yr. 11 presentation ball was held on Saturday the 7th  May, and it was so great to see our Yr. 11 students involved and their guests have such a great night. All participants should be really proud of yourselves for making the night so successful. You all looked great and the dancing was fantastic as well. Exam period for Yr. 11’s and completion of Unit one is fast approaching, so ensuring you are keeping up to date with classwork and assessments is very important. You should now have a well-established study routine supporting you throughout the week. 

For our Yr. 12 students the year is ticking away very quickly. Mr Tikulin is regularly posting on TEAMS with important information from Uni’s and other course providers. Keep checking the Careers channel on the Yr. 12 TEAM to keep up to date with important dates and information. Many tertiary institutions have their Open days in Term 3 and this can be a great opportunity to investigate courses and Universities/Tafes etc.

Staying healthy in our current climate is becoming very important to give yourselves the best opportunity to be successful. Balancing all the commitments in your life and ensuring you eat well and get adequate rest help maintain our health. 

Richard Palmer

Acting Assistant Principal

Gisborne Secondary College