CONNECT – MARCH 2025

PRINCIPALS REPORT 

As we reach the end of Term 1, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a highly productive and positive start to the year for our school community. Our students have settled into their learning with focus and determination, and it has been particularly pleasing to see the strong engagement in classrooms and the pride students are taking in their work. Term 1 always sets the tone for the year ahead, and the commitment demonstrated by our students positions them well for continued success.

I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our staff, who have worked tirelessly to establish clear expectations, build positive relationships, and create engaging learning environments. Their dedication ensures that every student is supported to achieve their best. A highlight of this term has been the range of opportunities available beyond the classroom.

From extracurricular activities to student leadership initiatives, it has been encouraging to see students stepping up, getting involved, and contributing to the broader life of the school. These experiences play an important role in building confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging.

As we head into the term break, I encourage all students to take the time to rest, recharge, and reflect on their achievements so far. Term 2 will be an important period of continued learning and growth, and we look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready to build on their progress.

Thank you to our families for your ongoing support. The partnership between home and school is vital, and we greatly value your role in supporting your child’s education.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break and look forward to another successful term ahead.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL 

Recently we had the pleasure of shortlisting several students who applied for the revised roles in the College Student Representative Council. These students then were provided the opportunity to deliver a presentation to their group or attend interviews. Throughout this process, all applicants impressed us all with their commitment to the College as well as their maturity and professionalism. 

TRANSITION EVENTS

The College has now announced dates for both our 2027 Family Information Sessions and College Tours. The enrolment demand on our College continues to increase and we are looking forward to meeting future families to show them how great our school is. Bookings for both the Information Sessions and College Tours will be available by visiting our website – www.greenvalesc.vic.edu.au  

2026 COLLEGE STAFFING 

The College has been busy with recruitment, and in 2026 we have the following new staff: 

•  Miss. Aberdeen Cox – Leading Teacher (Head of Year 8) 
• Mr. Barry Diwell – Learning Specialist (Maths and Science) 
• Mr. Joshua Lee – Classroom Teacher (Health and PE) 
• Mr. Jack Van De Griendt – Classroom Teacher (Health and PE) 
• Mrs. Tanya Benich – Classroom Teacher (Health and PE) 
• Mr. Lachlan Henderson – Classroom Teacher (Health and PE) 
• Miss. Melike Karakaya – Classroom Teacher (English and Humanities) 
• Miss. Haylee Downes – Classroom Teacher (English and Humanities) 
• Mr. Andy Xu – Classroom Teacher (Accounting and Humanities) 
• Mrs. Jeanette Williams – Classroom Teacher (Food Technology) 
• Miss. Angela Todorovska – Classroom Teacher (Art and Media) 
• Miss. Camilla Li – Classroom Teacher (Chinese) 
• Mrs. Yimin Chen – Classroom Teacher (Chinese and Maths) 
• Mr. Abdullahi Ahmed – Education Support (Careers) 
• Mrs. Lisa Holub – Education Support (Inclusion Support) 
• Mrs. Leesa Harmes – Education Support (Enrolments) 
• Miss. Tianah Messina – Education Support (Sub School Administration) 
• Mr. Beau Fraser – Education Support (Inclusion Support) 

The following staff are Connect Teachers in 2026: 

In 2026, the College is guided by the following members of the Leadership Team: 

• Mr. Mark Natoli – Principal
• Mrs. Melinda Gall – Assistant Principal 
• Miss. Lucy Gibbs – Assistant Principal 
• Mrs. Claire Farnan – Acting Assistant Principal / Head of Teaching and Learning 
• Mrs. Tanya Vella – Director of Student Services 
• Mrs. Susi Dombrzalski – Business Manager 
• Mr. Dean James – Head of Curriculum 
• Miss. Shannon Lazarus – Head of Assessment and Reporting 
• Mrs. Tania De Baize – Learning Specialist (English & Humanities) 
• Mr. Barry Diwell – Learning Specialist (Math’s & Science) 
• Miss. Brittney Moro – Learning Specialist (Arts & Technology) 
• Mrs. Maree Glynn – Learning Specialist (Health & PE/RR) 
• Mr. Davey Van’t Schip – Head of Year 7 
• Miss. Aberdeen Cox – Head of Year 8 
• Mrs. Rana Bakdache – Head of Year 9 
• Mr. David Kershaw – Head of Year 10 
• Mr. Ken Sinderberry – Head of School 11 

The College has also completed the process to appoint staff to positions of responsibility for 2026, these include: 

• College Sport Coordinator – Mr. Jack Van De Griendt 
• Connect Leader – Miss. Kathleen Timms 
• Languages Leader – Miss. Nine Ye 
• Student Voice and House Leader – Miss. Lucinda Vrzovski 

2026 ANNUAL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

The College Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) documents a sharp and narrow focus on school improvement priorities and provides clarity and purpose for all members of the school community as we work towards the goals documented in our School Strategic Plan. The plan for 2026 was developed based on parent, student and staff input and we are excited with the work we have agreed to deliver this year. 

ANNUAL PRIVACY INFORMATION REMINDER 

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ privacy policy and the Schools’ privacy collection notice. 

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy [insert link to your school policy], describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.  We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Microsoft 365 safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Microsoft 365, please contact the school. 

 For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages: 

• Amharic 
• Arabic 
• Chinese 
• Dari 
• Gujarati 
• Mandarin 
• Somali 
• Sudanese 
• Turkish 
• Urdu 
• Vietnamese