CONNECT – AUGUST 2023

I hope you have settled into the Term well. We continue to have plenty of events and activities for our students to support and to be involved in– especially with the revised Enhancement offerings. In the past weeks we have had students rehearsing for the Victorian State School Spectacular as well as students participating in the Australian Mathematics Competition.

With Term 3 nearly at its midpoint, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on our focus value for this term of: Respect. It is encouraging to see the many ways our students have been demonstrating this value, including:

• Giving everyone the opportunity to learn.
• Actively listening and checking for understanding when needed.
• Treating others the way you want to be treated.

PARENT TEACHER STUDENT CONFERENCES

 Parent Teacher Student Conferences will be held on the 23rd of August.

This is an important opportunity for all families to engage in the learning journey with their child and our school. The partnership between student, school and parent is critical to ensuring academic success.

Parents can log into Compass and select their preferred times for these conferences.

WHOLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

Term 3 commenced with a Whole School Assembly that focused on Naidoc Week and its theme for 2023: “For the Elders.” Penny Norris, our Koorie Engagement Support Officer, delivered an engaging speech using her knowledge and perspective to remind us to reflect on the journeys, dedication, wisdom and strength of our Elders.

Education has been one of the most, if not the most important right that our Elders have fought for, modelled, and encouraged us to pursue. Education has since laid the foundations for many of our people to improve health, life, employment and positive intergenerational outcomes. Ensuring that every child has access to quality education is crucial, yet this is still not the reality for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and there is still work to do.

STAGE 2 CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

Planning is in full swing following the confirmation of stage 2 funding for our College facilities. Excitingly, we are now working towards starting construction in the final week of this term. Our tentative completion date is the end of September 2024.

Although we will be in communication with parents and families regarding the impact construction may have on school traffic and parking, we do encourage you to plan accordingly as the construction will create increased traffic along Glencairn Drive.

SCHOOL REVIEW – OUTCOME AND NEXT STEPS

The recent school review was pleasing and our community should be proud of the work achieved by the school review panel. Our College and staff were recognised for their incredible efforts in establishing a new school. After a rigorous few days the panel has instated the following goals for the next strategic period:

• Goal 1- Improve student learning.
  • Key Improvement Strategies:
    • • Enhance student agency in learning.
      • Embed the G5 instructional model and PLCs.
      • Develop future curriculum and programs.
      • Further develop and embed parent and community partnerships.
• Goal 2 – Improve student wellbeing.
  • Key Improvement Strategies:
    • • Maintain a positive climate for learning.
      • Enhance the valuing of diversity and inclusion.

POSITIVE CONVERSATIONS: THE POWER OF PARENT TEACHER STUDENT CONFERENCES

As Term 3 Parent Teacher Student Conferences approach, it is an appropriate time to consider the impact of this twice-yearly opportunity for families to attend the College, to sit down with their teachers, and to participate in open and honest conversation about their student’s learning and progress. We invite and encourage all Greenvale Secondary College parents and guardians to be part of this important element of the ongoing teamwork between the school and families to support student learning.

THE BRIDGE OF COMMUNICATION

Although digital platforms serve as a day-to-day communication method between yourself and the school, Parent Teacher Student Conferences act as more of a bridge between the classroom and the home. Having a conversation in the environment in which your child learns, and is confident talking with their teacher in, provides a chance to see a different side of your child; families are often surprised to hear the assuredness with which students speak about their own progress, learning data and growth. Coming into the learning environment for shared discussion can activate a conversation that is less likely to occur over the phone or in a two-way conversation.

THE POWER OF COLLABORATION

Education is a shared journey and your involvement is vital. Parent participation in and engagement with children’s learning has been shown to strongly influence student achievement, engagement, motivation and school completion (Bond, 2019). When you attend parent conferences you are not only demonstrating to your child that you are committed to their education, you are showing them that there is value in maintaining a positive relationship with the school (Cheung, 2019). Creating an opportunity for students to see this collaborative partnership in action encourages open communication from the child to home about the challenges and triumphs of schooling. When challenges arise this established rapport with teachers enables constructive dialogue and effective solutions.

SHARED POSITIVITY

A positive conversation during conferences can unlock new perspectives for all participating parties, which can help all involved build a shared understanding of the child’s learning style, interests, and aspirations. This knowledge can then be used to tailor teaching strategies and support mechanisms, and can assist teachers to better understand and set long term goals. Even though conferences can include frank discussion about difficulties and areas of need, students often leave with a sense that challenges can be overcome. When they know that their parents and teachers are aligned and have a deeper understanding of the outcomes they are striving towards, students can feel motivated to work towards their goals. The shared interest of the significant adults in their learning sends a powerful message that education matters and that their efforts are valued.

TIPS FOR A PRODUCTIVE PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEW

1. Prepare Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have before the meeting to ensure you make the most of your time.

2. Active Listening: Listen carefully to insights of the teacher who is in the classroom with your child regularly, and share your observations about their learning outside of school.

3.Constructive Approach: Approach the conversation with a positive and open mindset, focusing on solutions, growth and what’s next for the child.

4. Goal Setting: Aim to collaborate with the teacher to leave with some achievable goals for your child’s academic and personal development.

5. Follow-Up: After the interview, continue the dialogue at home by discussing the action plan with your child and reinforcing the importance of their role in their own education.

Cheung, C. S. (2019). Parents’ involvement and adolescents’ school adjustment: Teacher–student relationships as a mechanism of change. School Psychology, 34(4), 350–362. https://doi.org/10.1037/spq0000288

Bond, M. (2019), Flipped learning and parent engagement in secondary schools: A South Australian case study. Br J Educ Technol, 50: 1294-1319. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12765

It’s been another busy start to the semester, with students battling the wind to continue their learning for 2023. Our focus value for the term is Respect and students have been considering how they are contributing positively to the Greenvale Secondary College community and how they can support each other and their teachers to create a safe and engaged learning environment.

Next week is the International Day Against Bullying and Violence. Students will learn about being upstanding citizens and will learn strategies to stop bullying.  We will be pledging our commitment to respectful behaviour towards each other and members of the college community. Students will participate in house activities to earn points and to build teamwork skills.

As both year levels work towards progressing to the next level, we are looking forward to parent teacher interviews as an opportunity to reflect and set goals for the rest of the year. We hope to see you all there!

STUDENT SERVICES

Term 3 has started with a bang. Already in 4 weeks students have had many opportunities to grow and learn, especially in the areas of self-agency, resilience, relationships and safety.

MANCAVE AND BIG SISTER EXPERIENCE YEAR 7

Greenvale Secondary College again hosted the Mancave and Big Sister Experiences.  What a day! The school received overwhelming gratitude from the students for this learning and self exploration opportunity.

VICTORIA POLICE YEAR 7 PRESENTATION

Safety online is everyone’s responsibility.  Following on from the educational program during Start Up week, the Victoria Police presented information to Year 7 students in relation to personal safety online.  Legalities in relation to actions, photographs and bullying were discussed.

RAISE MENTORING YEAR 7

Fourteen students from Year 7 are participating in the Raise Mentoring Program in term 3.

The Raise Program, supported by volunteers in the community, provides students with the opportunity to improve social and emotional outcomes, decrease negative behaviour patterns and increase engagement with education.

LOVE BITES YEAR 8

Respectful Relationships education is a core compulsory component of the Victorian Curriculum from foundation to year 12. It is all about embedding a culture of respect and equality across the entire school community.

The Year 8 students have been participating in the Love Bites program to enhance their knowledge of respectful relationships.

The Love Bites Junior Year 8 Program consists of:

• Respectful Relationships, Bullying and Gender (Year 8), and covers themes such as respect in relationships, gender roles and stereotypes, gender and relationships, jealousy, sexual harassment and homophobia, challenging harassment, discrimination and gender stereotypes and seeking help.

The aims of the Love Bites Program is:

• To provide a safe environment in which young people can talk about Relationship Violence, and Sex and Relationships.
• To promote and model respectful relationships for young people.
• To raise awareness about Relationship Violence – its prevalence and forms.
• To bring about attitudinal change in relation to Relationship Violence.
• To engage young people, male and female, on the issues of Relationship Violence in a non-sex-segregated environment with male and female facilitators.
• To challenge gender stereotypes, attitudes, values and social institutions that perpetuate male violence against women.
• To deconstruct the myths that exist in local communities and society generally on Relationship Violence.
• To encourage and educate young people to support their friends.
• To educate young people through a creative and relevant process that builds on their existing knowledge base.
• To introduce young people to local service providers in an informal environment.
• To develop youth-led community campaigns on the issues of Relationship Violence.

THINK U KNOW

Recently we welcomed parents and carers to the THINK U KNOW information session. The Australian Federal Police provided valuable information on keeping our children safe online and within the community.

https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL HEALTH VICTORIA

The Australian Dental Health Victoria will be visiting Greenvale Secondary College in November.

Forms have been sent home with students, however if these have been misplaced please come into the front office to ask for another form.

Forms are due by 14^th August.

FROM SECONDARY SCHOOL NURSE JANAN ALLOUCHE

Dental Health Week is next week (7-13^th August). This year the Australian Dental Association is focusing on the importance of caring for your oral health to improve your overall health. 

Oral health refers to the condition of a person’s teeth and gums, as well as the health of the muscles and bones in their mouth. Poor oral health – mainly tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss – affects many young people in Australia.

 There are links between diseases in the mouth and diseases in the body. Bacteria in the mouth can travel to different sites of the body and inflammation in the mouth can increase the body’s overall inflammation. For more information on this please click here.

There is also some evidence to show that e-cigarette use (vaping) affects the bacteria in our mouth and increases the risk of tooth decay. As young people are increasingly vaping this may have a significant impact on their long term health. More information here. 

Without good oral health, a persons quality of life and ability to eat, speak and socialise is negatively affected. This makes it very important to keep our teeth and smiles for life.

If you have not had a recent visit to the dentist, it is a great time to make an appointment.

A visit to your dentist for face-to-face advice is the best way to get your questions answered.  

 For more information please visit Dental Health Week – Australian Dental Association (teeth.org.au)

NUTRITIOUS EATING AND STAMINA

GSC is working with the requirements of DET, Vic Kids Eat Well program, the school canteen and Food Bank Victoria to educate and to have nutritious food on offer.

Students have access to free fruit everyday.  Pears and apples can be picked up from the front office.

Breakfast Club is open to all students on Thursday mornings.

Forgot your lunch at home?  Lunch items can be provided to students via Student Services and the front office.

A review is taking place in relation to the food on offer through the canteen.

Home packs are on offer if families need some assistance at home.  Please contact Tanya or Steph from Student Services.

Term 3 has been an amazing time of growth for the instrumental music program at Greenvale Secondary. Our school’s ensemble program has expanded from a small group to having up to 24 participating students–each playing new and different instruments (some that students had never heard of or even seen before). The ensemble program is a fantastic opportunity for students to try something new–and can be an experience that may never present itself again later in life. We strongly encourage as many students to participate in ensemble and the instrumental music program. Try ensemble and learn to play the many instruments we have on offer, including, but not limited to: Euphonium, French Horn, Trombone, and Trumpet.

Through the College’s new enhancement program we have seen our music program grow even further. Anyone interested in being involved in the music program, even though they may not be taking lessons, now has the chance to learn an instrument. Interest has been immense. We are so excited for what is to come for the instrumental arts program at Greenvale Secondary College.

We have a few exciting performance opportunities coming up next term. So, students, please keep up regular practice (20-30 minutes around 4 times a week) to be performance ready. Students not in the instrumental program are encouraged to support their peers by attending concerts so the performing arts can continue to flourish.

MEET OUR ADMINSTRATION TEAM

Elizabeth Cullen – Business Manager

Liz is responsible for all HR, finance, facilities and operations matters at the College. You can get in touch if you have any enquiries or queries.

Sonia Saitov – Sub School Leader

Sonia is responsible for sub-school administration and attendance. You can get in touch if you need to report an absence or have a query about your students’ attendance reports. Sonia may also be in touch with you about consent for participation in excursions and College events.

Connie Midiri – Executive Assistant/Daily Organiser

Connie is responsible for daily organising and the school’s schedule. Connie is also responsible for transition and enrolment enquiries.

Introducing Jasmine Spurr – Administration Trainee

Jasmine joined the College early in Term 3 as an Administration Trainee. You will see Jasmine at the front desk in reception answering your calls. Jasmine is a local to Greenvale and passionate about this community – she will be a friendly face and helpful assistance around the College.

Our Administration Team are always happy to assist and support all students and families at the front reception daily. Our Administration Office is open 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday. We are committed to doing our best and if you ever have any questions or queries, we are here to help.

ARIVING LATE TO SCHOOL

Students who arrive late to school, after 8:50am, must sign in through the Compass Kiosk either using their student card or Compass Login details.

Parents/Guardians can either use the Compass Kiosk to sign their child in late or they can contact the Office on 8393 0000 to advise us of any tardiness.

EARLY DEPATURE FROM SCHOOL

We realise that at times you need to pick up your child early from school. When your child needs to be picked up early from school, please either contact the Office on 8393 0000 or send your child with a note to bring into the Administration office letting us know the time you will be picking up your child. This will ensure the class teacher will be notified when your child needs to leave class. 

When picking up your child early, you are required to come into the Administration Office to sign your child out through the Compass Kiosk.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

The instrumental music program is an optional opportunity for students interested in learning, or exploring, a musical instrument. The College offers a variety of instruments taught by highly qualified music teachers. Families can complete a sign up form, which includes payment terms and conditions, for Terms 3 and 4. Instrument hire is also available. 

For students already participating in the program, please remember to let your music teacher know in advance if you need to miss or reschedule a music lesson. You should also speak with your music teacher as a first point of contact if you have any questions or concerns.

COMPASS LOG IN

Families requiring assistance with their Compass login can contact the Administration Office on 8393 000 and we can assist you with your login details and password.

CANTEEN ORDERS

Families can order their child’s lunch through Compass each day, before 10:30am.  Students are to go to the canteen to collect their orders at the start of lunch.

If you miss the cut off for lunch orders, you are welcome to bring lunch or money to the Administration Office so your student doesn’t miss out.

PARENT PAYMENTS

Greenvale Secondary College would like to remind all parents of our voluntary financial contributions for 2023. Schools provide students with free instruction to fulfil the standard Victorian curriculum and we want to assure you that all contributions are voluntary. Nevertheless, the ongoing support of our families ensures that our school can offer the best possible education and support for our students. We want to thank you in advance for all your support, whatever it may be, during your time at Greenvale Secondary College. It will make a huge difference to our school and the programs we can offer.

You can read more about the College’s Parent Payment arrangements here: 2023-GSC-Parent-Payment-Arrangements.pdf (greenvalesc.vic.edu.au) Payments can be made via Compass, over the phone or at the front reception desk.

2024 Parent Payment arrangements information will be released in Term 4.

MOBILE PHONE REMINDER

Greenvale Secondary College has a firm policy regarding student use of mobile phones at school.

At Greenvale Secondary College, inappropriate use of mobile phones by students is any use during school hours (unless an exception has been granted), particularly use of a mobile phone:
• in any way that disrupts the learning of others
• to send inappropriate, harassing or threatening messages or phone calls
• to engage in inappropriate social media use including cyber bullying
• to capture video or images of people, including students, teachers and members of the school community without their permission
• to capture video or images in the school toilets, changing rooms, swimming pools and gyms
• during exams and assessments
• to communicate with other mobile phone devices or social media

The College understands that students may bring a personal mobile phone to school, particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school. At Greenvale Secondary College:
• Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored
during school hours.
• Exceptions to this policy may be applied in certain circumstances.
• When emergencies occur, parents or carers can reach their child by calling the school’s office.

Please note that students are not permitted to use their mobile phones to pay at the canteen – cash or physical card is accepted.

You may receive a call asking you to collect a student’s mobile phone from the front office if the phone has been confiscated more than once.

Please take a moment to remind your students of these expectations. Thank you for your ongoing partnership.

 KEY DATES

ATTENDANCE – IT’S NOT OK TO BE AWAY! 

Daily school attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don’t fall behind both socially and developmentally. Children and young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives. It is important that children develop habits of regular attendance at an early age. 

We realise some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But we also know that when students miss too much school – regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically.  

It is important that you contact the school as soon as possible on 8393 0000 or log onto the Compass Portal to inform us of your child’s absence.  

We also ask parents/guardians/carers to regularly monitor their child’s attendance through the Compass Parent Portal. 

UNIFORM – TERM 3

In Term 3 all students should be wearing their Full Winter School Uniform. If students are not in Full School Uniform, we ask that a note is brought to the Administration Office explaining why your child cannot wear their full school uniform, so a uniform pass can be issued for the day.

LOST PROPERTY

Students at times lose their clothing and personal items. If your child has lost clothing or school items, please come and check the lost property cupboard at the Administration Office.

It is important to put name tags on your child’s clothing/stationary to ensure any lost items can be returned to the owner.

EVERY DAY COUNTS 

A day here or there doesn’t seem like much but… 

PURCHASE OF UNIFORMS

Uniform items can be purchased from Noone Imagewear.

New Craigieburn Store Open. Shop A2-E,  420-440 Craigieburn Rd, Craigieburn.  Shopping Precinct – Craigieburn Junction. Cnr Craigieburn Rd and Aitken Boulevard. Store is located next to Carpet Call.

Online orders can also be placed directly at https://www.noone.com.au

LA TROBE NEXUS PROGRAM

HUME YOUTH SERVICES

Hume Youth Services is hosting a range of FREE activities to enjoy during the Holidays from the 18th
of September 2023!

Activities Include:

• Youth Fest Town Hall Takeover
• Poetry Writing
• Art Workshops
• Cooking Workshops
• Create Your Own Board game Day
• Sports Days
• Game Arcade Day
• Work Rights Training

Bookings are essential for some activities, CLICK HERE for more information.
All programs have limited spaces, and some require online registrations.
If you require further information or support with an activity registration, contact Hume Youth Services via
phone: 9205 2556 or email: youth@hume.vic.gov.au

GREENVALE KANGAROOS CRICKET REGISTRATION

FUSION ONE DANCE STUDIO