PRINCIPALS REPORT

With Term 2 nearly at a close I would like to thank all of the students and staff for their contributions throughout the Term. In particular, I would like to highlight the many events and activities held for each year level – in which our students developed stronger relationships with each other and our teachers. It has been pleasing to see students modelling our Value of Leadership, which is a focus for Term 2. Students have been:

• learning to hold themselves and others accountable by organising themselves to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
• learning to be open to new and different ways of learning by challenging themselves and persisting with learning.
• learning to treat everyone fairly by behaving in ways that won’t disrupt the learning of others.

All of our year levels have been completing end of unit assessment tasks and our teachers have been busy providing feedback on all of the year levels that they teach. In the past weeks students have been representing the College in sport, going to the Zoo, attending Chinese cultural excursions, visiting the Shrine of Remembrance – all at the same time as starting the important process of course counselling and subject selection for 2025!

SEMESTER 1 REPORTS

Semester Reports for all students will be published in the final week of Term 2 on Compass. Parents will receive a notification when their child’s reports are ready to be viewed. All parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their child’s relevant Mentor Teacher with any follow up questions or concerns.

Please take the time to discuss this report with your child and celebrate their learning. We are proud of their achievements and hope you are too!

SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS (SWBPS)

Our community will be aware that the College has commenced the implementation of the SWPBS initiative, which is being led by Melinda Gall. We look forward to providing updates and information on this important work.

SWPBS is an internationally recognised approach with an extensive evidence base that is shown to improve behavioural, wellbeing, and academic outcomes for children and young people. When SWPBS is implemented well, teachers and students have more time to focus on relationships and classroom instruction. Students and staff benefit from:

• increased respectful and positive behaviour
• increased time focused on instruction
• improved social-emotional wellbeing
• positive and respectful relationships among students and staff
• create safe, orderly and respectful school-wide environments.

Essentially, when this framework is implemented well it ensures that all students receive support to maximise behavioural, wellbeing and academic growth.

STAFF AND STUDENT ILLNESS

Like many workplaces and schools, we have recently experienced higher than normal absences due to illness and COVID19. The College will continue to support all members of our community during this period. We appreciate the support and understanding our families have as we work to ensure that learning is not interrupted.

2025 YEAR 9 AND 10 SUBJECT SELECTION

We encourage all current Year 8 and 9 students to attend our 2025 Year 9 and 10 Information Session with their parents/guardians. Important information regarding the structure of our Year 9 and 10 programs and the process for selecting subjects will be covered. More information has been posted on Compass for families.

This Information Session is on Thursday 25 July at 5:00pm

SUPPORT USING COMPASS

Thank you to all of our families for their connection and engagement with learning at Greenvale Secondary College. In our continued efforts I want to raise awareness of the assistance available to access and navigate Compass.

It is important that all families are regularly logging in, reading notifications and celebrating the learning growth of their child. Sometimes we recognise that navigating or accessing technology may require a little support, so we recommend that families:

1. Drop into the Administration Office and ask for assistance
2. Check out the online Parent and Family Guide for Compass
3. Login to Compass or our Website and view the help guides under School Documentation

STAGE 2 BUILDING WORKS UPDATE

It is exciting to see our Stage 2 works coming along and on time! Whilst there is some current disruption with noise and traffic we know that it will be worth it once we take possession later this year.

Stage 2 facilities will include:

• Learning Neighbourhood Building B
• Visual Arts Building
• Performing Arts, PE and Food Technology Building
• Hardcourts
• Sports Oval

This is great news for our community and students and means that we will be able to provide high quality learning experiences in high quality facilities. Make sure you check out our social media pages for updates and photos!

YEAR 7 2025

We continue to have a high demand for student placement for Year 7 in 2025 and again, by far the number of placement requests have exceeded those received for this year’s cohort. As a result of a high demand for enrolments, the College remains under an Enrolment Management Plan which restricts enrolment to those who live within the enrolment zone.

At this stage we have received in excess of 225 first round placement requests for 2025 and have offered 148 placements following the College Enrolment Management Plan.

A busy Term 2 is coming to a close with students completing an immense amount of work with their Common Assessment Tasks, enjoying learning in new ways with excursions and celebrating achievements. At this time of year, students entering Middle and Senior School in 2025 are also starting the process of planning and selecting the elective learning programs for next year.

SUBJECT SELECTION AND PREPARATION FOR 2025 YEAR 9 AND 10

The approach to mid-year is an exciting time for students currently in Years 8 and 9 as they begin to consider the subjects they will elect to study in 2025.  

Subject Selection is an integral element of student voice in their own learning. Year 9 is the first opportunity for students to choose areas of curriculum to focus their studies, and in Year 10 students select half of their timetabled lessons, including advancement into VCE options.  

The process of preparing students for selecting their 2025 subjects has commenced in the final weeks of this term. This process is a collaboration between the school, the student and their family, and is one that takes serious consideration. Students have already been given the first tools they need to start deciding at the Subject Selection Expo in Week 10.

To assist in arming students with the information they need to make the best decisions for their learning program, the following activities will be offered at school in Term 3:

WEEKS 1 AND 2 – TERM 3

• Year 10 Course Counselling (as part of the Connect program)

WEEK 2 – TERM 3

• Year 9 Course Counselling (optional, by student arrangement)
• Subject Selection opens (email link sent to students)

WEEK 5 – TERM 3

• Subject Selection closes

In addition to this, parents and guardians are invited to attend an information session with their children that will cover the programs offered in the next school year, as well as details on the Subject Selection process.

Tickets are now available via CompassTix for the following sessions:

• Year 9 Information Session– Thursday 25th Jul 2024, 5:00 pm
• Year 10 Information Session– Thursday 25th Jul 2024, 6:00 pm

As the halfway point of the year fast approaches, students have been busy finishing their first round of electives and looking towards their future pathways. Students have been both expanding and consolidating on skills developed in Term 1 to ensure they are ready for Semester 2 and are accumulating required skills for Senior School.

As a reminder, the Middle School is where students are encouraged to further explore their own identity by solving real world problems to develop key 21st Century skills.

BY THE END OF YEAR 9 STUDENTS WILL:

• Be effective, independent and self-directed learners
• See feedback as an opportunity to improve
• Be active and positive community and global citizens
• Know what success looks and feels like
• Be prepared for senior secondary school

In Connect, students have been focusing on creating their career action plan, exploring and researching to identify 3 different industries they are interested in working towards. The message is that there is no one “right” career pathway but it is important to plan and prepare for the future. Last week, Rachel Metelmann from Kangan Institute came to speak to the students about pathways and TAFE options, as well as a few members of staff who shared their career stories to emphasize the need to reflect and notice what they enjoy and are interested in.

Semester 2 is shaping up to be as busy as Semester 1 as students step up to transition to Senior Schooling. They will develop greater independence and ownership of their pathways through the subject selection and course counselling process early next term and then they  will embark on visits to RMIT, Latrobe and Kangan institutes in Term 4 to explore and understand the learning environments and possibilities open to them.

Parents will notice events being published on Compass with payments attached to them. These events are all tied to Connect and support students to challenge themselves and develop enterprise skills such as communication, digital literacy, problem solving and resilience. Below are the detail and descriptions of each. The Middle School team of leaders and teachers have planned and developed these with the needs of students in mind and the skills they require to ensure a successful transition to further study. If parents have concerns about payment, please ask for support from the front office team.

TERM 3

Project Rockit and Illuminate: The Project Rockit team will be coming to run their Level Up workshop, supporting the safety of students in the online world. The Illuminate project was started this term but in response to students needs, it was postponed to next term. This external company will work with our students to develop an initiative which focuses on Community Values, challenging students to work in teams to identify, create, plan and pitch their plan to an expert panel. The Illuminate Showcase originally planned for this term will instead occur next term, involving Year 7 and 8 students and parents.

Leadership Camp: Following on from the Lorne Surf Camp last year, students are encouraged to step up and join the King Valley Leadership Camp from Wednesday September 11 – Friday 13^th September. Although last year’s camp was free due to funding from a government initiative, this year’s camp is very reasonably priced, including smaller individual cabins, teamwork activities, tasty food and travel to and from the campsite. This is another excellent opportunity for students to develop their independence, challenge themselves and build resilience to thrive in the world outside of school.

TERM 4

Pathways excursions: Students will explore the campuses of RMIT, Latrobe and Kangan institutes, learning about the learning environment, courses available. At RMIT they will engage in a STEM taster workshop. Regardless of their future pathways ideas, these site visits are an important part of the program and promote exploration and curiosity.

City Experience: This is an exciting event which students have been buzzing about all year. Over three consecutive Wednesdays, students will head into the city to visit several landmark locations and learn about the colourful history of Melbourne. Venues include Eureka Skydeck, Immigration Museum, Melbourne City Mission, Law Courts, Koorie Heritage Trust and a venue of their own choice to finish! Further information will be sent out early next term.

All experiences over the course of the next semester work towards graduation to Senior School and are an integral part of the Connect program. For this reason, every student is expected to attend.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of these opportunities, please contact the team!

We started last month’s newsletter item talking about time flying, it seems very hard to believe that we are already at the end of the semester now. Our Year 7 students have navigated their first semester very well. The nerves of a new school were shaken off and they fell into the Greenvale Secondary College routine very well. A big well done to all the Year 7 and any new Year 8 student to the school for getting through the last six months.

EXCURSIONS

During June we had two excursions for the students to experience. These were:  Adventure Day for the Year 7 & 8’s on June 11 and then the Year 7 Zoo Excursion on June 19. 

Adventure Day: We left the school early and headed down to Mt Eliza for a fun day of activities. The students were able to use freshly grown and sourced produce to bake their own pizza. The flavour combinations were Master Chef worthy, and we suggest making these mini chef’s showcase their talents at home for their family. They then had to work together to solve initiative problems which started out as a bit of a laugh but became very serious when it was team against team needing to solve the challenge first. The final activity the students took part in was the Giant Swing. The students worked together to lift the student in the swing as high as they felt comfortable going. The person in the swing then got to enjoy the views of the water before their stomach jumped up into their throat as they free fell for a few moments before the swing brought them back and forth. All in all, the students had a great day and created memories.

Year 7 Zoo: This was our first curriculum-based excursion. The students in Science have been learning about the Food Web and were able to obtain more information on this topic from the zoo. The education sessions each student undertook was a great way of looking at this topic. The students engaged well with the zoo teacher and could see how a slight change in the eco system could have a major impact. The students were able to roam the zoo and see the animals however at times the lions decided to try to join the educational session and have their input (so they certainly had an up close viewing of the lions).

POSITIVE RECOGNITION CHALLENGE

The Junior School has continued a big push on displaying the school values and receiving a positive recognition. Each week there has been a challenge to see which mentor group has the highest number of Positive Recognitions and which student has the most. It’s really pleasing to see the students have responded well to this and the number of Positive Recognitions is high.

THE WEEKLY YEAR LEVEL NUMBERS SO FAR ARE:

THE WEEKLY MENTOR CHALLENGE WINNERS HAVE BEEN:

THE CURRENT MENTOR GROUP STANDINGS ARE:

THE WEEKLY HIGHEST STUDENT(S) HAVE BEEN:

We hope everyone has a restful break and comes back ready to go in term 3.

The music department has had a busy few weeks with several performances and assessments. On 27 May we held performances over both breaks inside the library. These performances were well received by a large number of students who came to watch and support their peers. We had a range of instruments performing including Flute, Vocals, French Horn, Drums/Percussion, Saxophone, Keyboard, Guitar and Bass Guitar. We had our first performance from our pop/rock band which performed Kyoto by Phoebe Bridges and ended the concert with the school ensemble who played a few pieces including We Don’t Talk About Bruno. It was amazing to hear the growth of our students and to also see other students performing for the very first time.

On 31 May, our performances continued at our Year Level Assemblies. Kuzey Eksi was rocking out on the Electric Guitar to the Year 7’s, performing the song Gorgeous by Kayne West. Azelya Cayir did a fantastic job performing to the Year 8’s on the Bass Guitar playing Love Song by The Cure. And we had Wesley Van Der Molen performing Drive (from a video game) on the acoustic guitar to the Year 9 cohort.

The students in the Instrumental Music Program have also been working towards their assessments and were assessed on technical work and a song which they were able to perform in their lesson for their instrumental music teachers.

To end the term, on Monday 17 June, our vocal students held an intimate performance during their lunch break in our music portable. The students chose a few friends and teachers to invite. This concert was organised to help build confidence for our students who have little to no performing experience and after watching them perform, you would not know that they were new to it. All of the singers performed incredibility. We look forward to holding more performances like this throughout the year.

Student Services of Greenvale Secondary College covers a number of areas of support to assist the wellbeing of students and families.

ALLIED HEALTH

The allied health team consists of a manager (qualified as a youth worker/counsellor and mental health specialist) x 3 Wellbeing Support Staff (counsellor, youth worker, social worker) and a Mental Health Practitioner.

The team provides crisis management and assessment, case management, psychoeducation and short-term counselling.

Referrals from: Individual, family, teacher, school staff and external services

CAREERS

Greenvale Secondary College is in the process of employing a Careers Counsellor.  One of the responsibilities of this position will be the organization of work experience for the 2025 year 10 students.

If you or someone you know has the capacity to host a year 10 work experience placement in 2025 please complete the form at this link:

https://forms.office.com/r/GGdAuDke82

INCLUSION SUPPORT

Every child has the right to an education no matter the support requirements of the child. An extensive qualified team supported by Team Leader Luisa De Amicis provides additional support within the classroom in addition to small group work, support in the school yard and excursions.

Recruitment is occurring for an Inclusion Administrator who will support the administration requirements of funding applications and the coordination of Student Support Groups and the development of Individual Education Plans.

If you have significant concerns in relation to your child’s learning or functioning, please reach out to Luisa De Amics or Tanya Vella.

HEALTH

In collaboration with the First Aid Officer the role of Student Services in this area involves the development of student medical plans, organizing visits by the Dental Van and Optometrist, liaising with the Secondary School Nursing Program and the assistance of the ordination of the student immunisation program.

Members of the team have extensive knowledge of medical services in the North of Melbourne.

CULTURE

Greenvale Secondary College is lucky to be a diverse school who is represented by numerous cultures.

G5 THRIVE DAY 16^TH SEPTEMBER.  A DAY TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY.

On the 16th of September students and staff members will be invited to attend school in their traditional cultural dress or colors of their native land. 

Students will present some information about their culture background to their classmates.

In addition, several presentations will be made to students allowing for increased development of knowledge in different cultures.

A special lunchtime opportunity with x2 Food Trucks selling culturally based food.

More info to come early September.

TRANSITIONS

Research indicates that one of the most challenging stages of one’s life is the transition from primary school to secondary school.  In addition to this, another form of transition is for those students who enroll and exit from GSC throughout the year.  Student Services members with other student engagement members support each of these transitions ensuring that connection, engagement and information exchange occurs for the success of the student.

HIGHLIGHTS

BREAKFAST CLUB

All students are invited to grab some breakfast on Tuesday and Thursday mornings before school from the LNA kitchen.

Fruit is on offer during the breaks from the front office.

1000 GENERATIONS

Navigating adolescences can be a very trying time.  One’s identity is further developing, with hormones racing around the body, pressures from peers, school and parents, in addition to all that comes with the online world.

The crew from 1000 Generations are working with some of our Year 8 Males and Year 9 Females students to support self-esteem, self-agency and efficacy.

BULLY NO WAY- NATIONAL WEEK OF ACTION 12^TH TO 16^TH AUGUST

This week is Bullying No Way: National week of action and we’re focusing on the importance of belonging. In our school, creating a sense of belonging is an important part of building an environment where bullying has no place.

Embracing diversity isn’t just about tolerance; it’s about actively embracing the richness that comes from unity in our differences. Understanding and compassion for others not only strengthen our personal connections with others but also significantly reduces the likelihood of hurtful behaviour in our school community. Positive relationships involve showing empathy, respect, and understanding towards one another, even when we may disagree.

Brainstorm Productions will be attending the school on Tuesday 13^th August presenting “Stix and Stones” to the year 7 and 8 students in relation to the effects of bullying.

VICTORIA POLICE AND FEDERAL POLICE

Greenvale Secondary College welcomes the presence of members of the Victoria Police and also Federal Police as part of the ongoing development of knowledge for the students in relation to online behaviour, consent and safety.

NEW BOOKS!

As we expand our library collection, we are excited to share some recently released non-fiction books. In the spirit of the upcoming Olympic Games in July, here are some highlights that capture the excitement and history of this global event. Students can borrow and be inspired by the world of sports and the Olympic spirit!

The A to Z of Who I Could Be: 26 Athletes That Every Little Kid (and Big Adult) Should Know by Chloe Dalton and Kim Siew

The Football Encyclopedia: FIFA Official Licensed Publication by Emily Stead

Run like a girl by Danielle Brown ; design & illustration, Robin Shields.

Record-breakers! People by Derek Harvey and Adam Benton

SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM AT HUME LIBRARIES

With the upcoming school holidays, Hume Libraries offer craft workshops, reading sessions, science experiments, and special events like NAIDOC week celebrations, an Escape Room, and a Garden Goodness session. Tickets are free but bookings are essential as places are limited. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/cc/school-holidays-at-hume-libraries-2156209

BOOK WEEK KEY DATES IN TERM 3

Mark your calendars for the following key events:

• Winners and Honours: Friday, 16 August 2024
• Book Week: Saturday, 17 August to 23 August 2024!

This year’s theme, “Reading is Magic,” promises to be a week filled with literary fun and inspiration. We’re thrilled to celebrate at GSC Library with a special author visit event—stay tuned for more exciting details!

GSC LIBRARY BOOK REQUESTS AND LIBRARY SURVEY

GSC Library is now accepting book requests. If there’s a specific book you’d like to see on our shelves, please let us know. Your suggestions help us make the library better for everyone.

You can submit requests via email: greenvale.sc@education.vic.gov.au or click here to complete the survey to help us better understand your needs: The GSC Library Survey

2024 PARENT PAYMENTS AND EVENTS  

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. 

If you are not able to contribute per the amounts listed in the parent payment arrangements policy, you are encouraged to make any dollar contribution that you are able to. Any amount helps contribute to the resources and educational opportunities the College is able to provide to all students. 

All payments can be made through Compass Pay or at Reception.  

You can find more information about the College’s 2024 parent payment arrangements here: 2024-GSC-Parent-Payment-Arrangements-FINAL.pdf (greenvalesc.vic.edu.au) 

Please note that deadlines for payment and consent for activities, camps and excursions is strict. No exceptions will be made. This is to allow the College adequate planning time before an event to know firm numbers of students who will be participating. This cut off is usually 1 week prior to the event. 

ARRIVING 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 contact the Office on 8393 0000 advising us why their child will be late.  

EARLY DEPARTURE 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 Office Administration letting us know the time you will be picking up your child. This will ensure the class teacher will be notified your child needs to leave class.   

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

We request you pick your child up at the change over time between periods and do not pick your child up early after 2:45pm to minimise disruption to classes. 

UNIFORM  

Students who 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.   

LAPTOP LOAN PROGRAM 

The College has laptops available for loan should your student forget theirs or if they need a replacement for a short period of time. These must be loaned out from the IT Office each day and returned at the end of the day.   

COMPASS LOG IN  

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

VOLUNTEERING 

If you’d like to volunteer at the College, please complete this form. The College needs helpers for excursions, camps, sporting events, in the Library and general working bees!    

LOST PROPERTY 

The College collects lost property that is handed in and this is stored at Reception. All unclaimed items will be disposed of at the end of each term. 

We strongly recommend that all items are labelled and named so they can be easily identified and returned to you.  

The team at Reception can also organise replacement Student Planners, student locks and/or ID cards for purchase if needed. 

FIRST AID  

Unfortunately, we know that students sometimes fall ill or hurt themselves while at school – accidents happen! The College has first aid trained staff and a well-equipped first aid room.   

The Office will notify parents or emergency contacts if there is a serious injury. You may be asked to collect your student if we cannot care for them at school. The Office may also contact you to seek your advice about how you’d like us to manage your child.  

Please remember to update the College with any important medical information so we can be aware and support. Any medication provided to the College must come with a doctor’s certificate about its use and a completed medication authority form.  

Please discourage your child from contacting you via mobile phone – if they are unwell, they can come to the Office at any time and we will contact you as needed.   

CANTEEN ORDERS 

Families can order their child’s lunch through Compass each day, before 9:30am.  Students are to go to the canteen to collect their orders at the start of Break 1 or Break 2.  

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. Please note, there are no IOUs available through the Canteen. 

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. 

EVERY DAY COUNTS 

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

SECOND HAND UNIFORMS

 We have partnered with Sustainable School Shop to provide families access to second-hand textbooks, uniforms, calculators, musical instruments, sports gear and much more!

Sustainable School Shop have preloaded items specific to our school onto their site. This makes it super easy to list your items for sale and to buy items.

See all the second-hand uniform items for sale here: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/stocktake/greenvale-secondary-college

See all the second-hand textbooks for sale here: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/booklist/greenvale-secondary-college

So jump onto the site, register and list your items for sale, you will be:

• reusing items rather than adding to landfill
• making money on items you sell
• saving money on items you buy
• providing another family in our school with cheaper items
• helping to create a culture of contact amongst our school community families!

Login or Register here: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au

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