GEC College News

From the Principal

Welcome to all students and families - returning and new. It has been a great start to the year for students and staff. Our wonderful Parents & Friends association organised our annual second hand uniform sale just prior to school commencing. Many families were able to take advantage of the opportunity. Thank you to the team of hard working parents who were on hand to help.

 

Our staff spent the first 2 days of the year engaged in professional learning. We took time to:

  • review our 2019 staff, student and parent survey data
  • review our 2019 VCE results data
  • ensure a common understanding of our Behaviour for Learning Process and our SABRE instructional model
  • work with Glen Pearcell, an expert in differentiating teaching and learning, who led the teaching staff in professional learning
  • provide Learning Areas with an opportunity to work together

We are in the second year of our 4 year Strategic Plan. Our focus is to continue to improve outcomes for each of our students, providing them with a challenging and supportive learning environment with a range of opportunities to develop their skills and talents. The table below indicates the goals of our strategic plan and the Key Improvement Strategies we have set ourselves for 2020.

 

The Glen Eira 5

The Glen Eira 5 is a document that articulates the practices behind the promises we make as staff, students and parents at GEC.

 

5 promises teachers make to our students;

  • maintain a safe learning environment.
  • know how you learn and what direction your learning should take.
  • make classes engaging.
  • listen, encourage and support.
  • involve the wider community in your learning.

5 promises staff make to one another;

  • share resources.
  • support one another.
  • work collaboratively to improve student learning.
  • be consistent in applying policies.
  • learn from one another.

5 characteristics you will see in our teaching;

  • differentiate teaching and learning to support and challenge the full range of abilities.
  • structure  lessons according to SABRE.
  • be innovative and reflective.
  • be enthusiastic.
  • be accountable for improving student outcomes.

5 things you will see from our students;

  • be enthusiastic and motivated.
  • communicate and be respectful.
  • seize opportunities to participate and learn.
  • work together, acting responsibly and creatively.
  • direct their own learning through questioning and exploring.

5 things you will see from our parents, carers and guardians;

  • be involved and contribute to the broader educational program.
  • play an active role in the child’s learning.
  • support their children in achieving their learning goals.
  • promote the school values.
  • maintain open lines of communication with the school.

Being involved at GEC

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.
  • Nominations for School Council are due Wednesday 20th February.  This is a great way to get involved in the College. If you are interested in nominating, you can collect a nomination form from the General Office or contact us and we will email a nomination form to you.  We have three parent vacancies.

VCE Results

We were delighted with the wonderful results achieved by our Year 12 students. Congratulations to 2 Dux - with an ATAR of 99.25.   

  • We had a 100% pass rate    
  • Our students’ median study score was 30 – rising annually
  • 5.6% of study scores were 40 or above
  • 22% of our students scored ATARs (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) greater than 90, 39.5% of our students scored ATARs greater than 80
  • 95% of students received 1st round tertiary placement offers
  • 8 students received the VCE Baccalaureate

Professional Practice Days for Teachers

As part of the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2017, teachers will receive one day per term when they are out of the classroom to focus on the improved delivery of high quality teaching and learning. These are not student free days. Casual Replacement Teachers (CRTs) will be employed to cover classes. We are scheduling the days ahead of time and have planned the day so that there is minimal impact.

 

Some staff took their term 1 day on the day of the Swimming Carnival.  The remaining staff will take their day in the week 2nd – 6th March 2020 (Year 7 Camp Week).  Teachers will ensure planned work is provided for students.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Insurance

Just a reminder that any insurance needs to be taken up on an individual user pays basis. The Department does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents and guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance/ambulance cover, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs. Parents/guardians can purchase insurance policies from commercial insurers if they wish to insure their child.

 

Finally

The Victorian Government is providing free sanitary pads and tampons in every government school.  Dispensing machines have now been installed into the toilets in the gym, PAC, toilets in the main building on each floor and the Language Centre.   

 

Sheereen Kindler

Principal