Assistant Principal’s Term 3 Update
As have moved through Term 3, it has been encouraging to see our students embracing opportunities to learn, connect and challenge themselves across a time of change at Greenvale Secondary College. This term has been filled with engaging learning experiences and events, with many chances for students to demonstrate our school value of Excellence.
Celebrating Learning
Book Week and Book Dress Up Day was a wonderful celebration of reading, imagination and creativity. It was fantastic to see so many students and staff getting involved in activities, and bringing their favourite books and characters to life, including senior students and teachers setting the example of a love of reading for younger students.
Students were also immersed in Science Week activities, with a range of activities designed to provoke investigation and problem-solving. This included incursions such as Virtual Reality and our own Mr Murphy’s rocket demonstration. Students in Year 7 and 8 had the opportunity to visit the Melbourne Museum providing, enriching their learning of the Science curriculum through real-life exploration and allowing students to make meaningful connections between what they learn at school and the wider world.
Our students have also continued show excellence by extending themselves through extra-curricular activities such as Interschool Sport and the Performing Arts showcase of music and drama. Engaging in such activities allow students to show commitment and consistency in their preparation, and give other schools, students and parents an opportunity to share in their teamwork and resilience.
We congratulate all students who have participated in these all of these events and thank the staff who have supported them throughout the term.
Preparing for Learning Success
For our senior students, Term 3 has been an important period of preparation and consolidation as they near the end of Unit 2 and 4 studies. Along with students in Years 9 to 11, those enhancing into Year 12 subjects are now turning their attention towards exam preparation, with two classes of students set to undergo GSC’s first ever VCE external exams in early November.
For all students undertaking exams in Term 4, these types of assessment provide an important opportunity for students to experience formal examination conditions, practise their revision and study strategies, and receive valuable feedback about areas for further improvement. We encourage our students to establish effective study routines, make use of the support available at school and approach their preparation with confidence and purpose.
Excellence – Being Present and Engaged in Learning
Throughout Term 3, we have placed a strong emphasis on our school value of Excellence. For us, Excellence is not simply about achieving the highest result. It is about students consistently striving to be their best, making positive choices and taking responsibility for their learning.
A key focus for Term 3 was being in class and learning during the school day. Every lesson matters. Students will not fully benefit from the learning opportunities provided by their teachers if they are regularly absent from class, arriving late, or leaving lessons unnecessarily.
As we head into Term 4 we will continue to work to teach students the importance of punctuality and active participation in every lesson. Being present, prepared and ready to learn is one of the simplest and most powerful ways students can demonstrate Excellence. We encourage families to discuss with their students how they can every day choose to take on the educational opportunities that being a school student presents. Excellence begins with being present, being engaged and making the most of every learning opportunity.
We wish all students and their families as safe and happy spring holiday break.
Lucy Gibbs, Claire Farnan, Ken Sinderbery and Melinda Gall