From the
Leadership Team
It has been a period of revolving doors at Greater Shepparton Secondary College as our future 2023 members of the school community visit us for transition and our first ever graduating class leave us.
As you can imagine, this results in an emotional roller-coaster for staff as we embrace the excitement and joy of meeting our newest Year 7s, while at the same time facing the sadness as our Year 12s, many of who have developed strong connections with staff, head out into the world beyond the classroom and the GSSC school gates.
Over seventeen transitions have taken place, beginning with our smaller primary schools in Term 3 and moving to our larger feeder primary schools in Term 4. Additional transition sessions for PSD and CALD students have occurred, and our Koorie students will join us on 7th December. These visits are designed to build familiarisation of our physical spaces and start the positive relationship building with GSSC staff.
Keeping in theme, and referring back to the revolving door, our students have also been visiting neighbouring primary schools. On Thursday music students visited Wilmot Rd to showcase their skill development while encouraging future GSSC students to join the celebrated music program.
The inaugural Graduation Ceremony took place in the gymnasium on Tuesday and was a highly successful event, well attended by our families whose child has helped write some GSSC history.
The formal farewell saw students attend in their finery, receiving a certificate during the presentation and enjoying final performances of song, dance and poetry reading.
Year 12s then travelled to the Valedictory dinner celebration to share a meal with peers and staff, all while listening to final reflection speeches from student leaders, enjoying a video clip of the year that was and taking to the dance floor to celebrate our multicultural community. Three cheers to all those involved in making this a memorable event!
The wider community has also been given further opportunities to walk through our doors and either present to our students, or, enjoy our students presenting to them. Koorie students participated in the Street Smarts program run by representatives from the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and the students from the all dance classes put on an amazing display of their learning for families and friends to enjoy.
This week our Year 11s have begun their Year 12 studies by participating in the early commencement program. Next week it is the Year 10s turn to experience what Year 11 looks and feels like as they undertake classes with their 2023 teachers.
The school year may be drawing to a close, but the learning continues and the connections are continuously being built as we live our goal of being greater together.
Karen Utber
Bayuna Principal
for
The Leadership Team