CONNECT – SEPTEMBER 2023

As another busy term draws to a close, it is an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved in Term 3 in only our second year of operation. Whilst we have achieved so much, we also know there is a lot still to do. Along with Stage 2 construction commencing, this will include spending time in Term 4 reviewing how we communicate with families and our community to strengthen our connections with our community.

We continue to see a strong interest for enrolments and our offers for Year 7 2024 have been confirmed via the primary schools and we have now welcomed our new families to Greenvale Secondary College.  In 2024, our enrolment growth remains steady but at the same time we have not been able to place over 100 families.

As a result of a high demand for enrolments, the College continues to operate under an Enrolment Management Plan which restricts enrolment to only those who live within the enrolment zone.

AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION

First run in 1978, the Australian Mathematics Competition is Australia’s longest running, largest and most well-known maths competition for school students. The competition contains unique problems designed each year by leading educators and academics to challenge and extend students’ problem-solving skills.  

This year we would like to congratulate some of our Year 7 students, and their results, including:

• Elsa Ngo – Certificate of High Distinction
• Yari Kongrung – Certificate of Credit
• Sharman Silva – Certificate of Credit
• Peter Tso – Certificate of Credit
• Certificate of Proficiency – Christopher Phillips
• Certificate of Proficiency – Vian Alex
• Certificate of Proficiency – Ibrahim Zaman

R U OK? DAY

R U OK? Day 2023 is Thursday 14 September. R U OK? Day is a national day of action when we ask, ‘are you OK?’ in order to start meaningful conversations surrounding one’s mental health. R U OK? Day seeks to inspire students to connect with the people around them and to spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life.

This year we decided to acknowledge R U OK Day early due to a calendar clash, and it was pleasing to see so many members of our learning community supporting each other and asking R U OK?

By taking the time for an R U OK? conversation and genuinely listening with an open mind, we can all help the people in our world feel supported and connected. Let the people in your world know you’re here, to really hear, because a conversation could change a life.

VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR

Several of our students participated in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular that was held at John Cain Arena on Saturday 9 September. This year’s theme was ‘Happy Travels’.

Congratulations to everyone involved on your hard work throughout the months of training and rehearsals!

STAGE 2 CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

As previously announced, Hutchinson Builders will commence the construction of stage 2 over the Term 3 break. The expected completion date is in Term 4 of 2024.

We expect that the construction will cause increased traffic along Glencairn Drive. Letter box drops have been completed informing local residents of possible disruptions. Furthermore, a letter was sent to our families in Compass that provided information on what to expect during this temporary time.

YEAR 10, 11 AND 12 – OUR SENIOR SCHOOL PLANNING

 After much due diligence the expected release of a draft of the Senior School Vision and Structure is expected to be released in Term 4. The Senior School Vision and Structure draft will document proposed subject structures and key experiences and will include a sample program. This will be open for feedback from students, staff and parents. 

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 wanted 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

CHILD SAFETY AND WELLBEING

As a part of the policy review process, Greenvale Secondary College regularly reviews and updates our policies. Our policies outline the measures and strategies we have in place to support, promote and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students.

Following consultation, updates are completed regularly to ensure they meet the requirements of any updated standards.

These policies are available for viewing on our website here and include:

• Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• Child Safety Code of Conduct
• Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedure
• Complaints Policy
• Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy
• Bullying Prevention Policy

We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing. We welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures and practices.

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please contact the College on 8393 0000 or at Greenvale.sc@education.vic.gov.au 

STUDENT TOILETS

Based on continued feedback, the College has again made further changes to our student toilets for Term 4. Our current facilities are not the old style toilet blocks still found in many schools. Rather, each toilet is in its own individual room with a basin and mirror behind a locked full size door.

In Term 4, each building will have designated single sex toilets with an additional disabled toilet. Unisex toilets will continue to be available to students in the Administration and Library Building.

The final weeks of Term 3 have been busy and full for GSC students, who have participated in a broad range of learning, wellbeing and sporting activities. It is always pleasing to see students adapting with positivity and contributing ideas about the changes in our growing school, including their ideas about making the best use of our space as the Stage 2 Construction commences, in our Student Representative Council and as we continue to prepare the learning program for our Year 9s in 2024.

COLLEGE VALUES

As we wrap up our Term 3 focus on the core value of Respect, we encourage students and families to continue to consider this quality in all of their interactions around the school. We encourage families to maintain discussion around the meaning of respect, what it looks and feels like, and the powerful impact that respectful relations with peers, adults and the community can have when practiced purposefully.

In Term 4, our focus will move to the value of Teamwork. At Greenvale Secondary College we aim to work together to achieve our goals through trust and mutual support. Teachers will be exploring what Teamwork means in the context of classroom learning and being part of a school community, and explicitly teaching your children how they can best live this value in their daily lives at the College. You can support us in this work by discussing the key success criteria that we will use to help students understand their progress. These include:

• I can consider the point of view of others I work with.
• I can be respectful of beliefs and values that are different from my own.
• I can include others in my learning.
• I can use positive language to communicate my ideas.
• I participate productively when assigned a group.
• I can undertake assigned roles in group activities.
• I can use strategies to move forward when my team is stuck.
• I can help others in my areas of strength.

LANGUAGES WEEK

At GSC we are proud of our Languages program, which has all students participating in learning a Language Other Than English as part of the Victorian Curriculum requirements. Beyond this we also celebrate the linguistic diversity of our students, recognising the richness that bilingual and multilingual students and families bring. Language diversity in our school community enhances our skills in communication and creativity, and adds complexity to our world view. This term, the strength of the Language program at Greenvale has been exemplified by the high numbers of students electing to continue their studies of Italian and Chinese into Year 9.

In the final week of term, the celebration of languages has been college-wide with a suite of activities organised by our Italian and Chinese teachers, Ms. Lu and Mr. Tomolo. This has included peer teaching of the dozens of languages spoken by our students and teachers, and has extended into cultural experiences of food, music and dance. Languages Week culminated on Thursday of Week 10, when experts were brought into the school to teach Kung Fu. Sports, craft and cooking activities were also run by our own staff. It has been fantastic to see students sharing their own languages, embracing those that they study and broadening their experiences of languages new to them with enthusiasm.

HOLIDAY REST AND RECHARGE

As adults we understand the imperative nature of holiday time to assist us in resting and recharging for work and challenges that lie ahead. It is also crucial that we model this practice to our children and to encourage the use of school break periods to engage in activities that both enrich them and bring joy and mental respite after the busy assessment period.

Tips for a Restful School Holiday:

1. Establish a Routine: while it’s essential to relax, maintaining some structure can help students make the most of their time off. Encourage a balanced schedule that includes sleep, physical activity, and leisure.
2. Limit Screen Time: screen time can interfere with quality rest. Set reasonable limits on device usage and encourage outdoor activity, reading, and other non-screen activities.
3. Explore New Interests: encourage your child to try new activities or hobbies they may not have had time for during the school term, especially those which promote creativity and personal growth.
4. Connect and Communicate: use this time to strengthen family bonds. Engage in conversations, plan shared outings, and create lasting memories together.
5. Plan for the Future: discuss goals and aspirations for the upcoming term. Setting academic and personal objectives can motivate students to return to school with renewed focus.

Happy end of Term 3! Both cohorts have worked hard to demonstrate new skills and understanding across their subjects, while looking forward to receiving feedback to continue to progress and to demonstrate learning growth.

Though it has been a busy term, one of the highlights was National Day Against Bullying and Violence where students wrote messages for those who are victims of bullying as well as strategies to discourage bullies. Here are some reflections for our community on what it means to belong:

“When someone has many connections to people and places, they feel safe, happy and supported. The more connections they have, the better they are at coping with challenging situations in their life. Being connected and having people to talk to, or to ask for help, are great ways to prevent bullying.”

“At GSC, we want to create connections by getting involved in different areas of the community and accepting everyone for who they are. This helps individuals feel they belong in our community and helps to prevent bullying.”

For more resources and strategies to support our learners to Say No to Bullying, access the Bullying No Way website: https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/

September 14th was R U Ok Day, a national day of action to promote connection and support of each other. By taking the time for an R U OK? Conversation and genuinely listening with an open mind, we can help the people in our world feel supported and connected.

We encourage every day to be an R U OK day, checking in on those we care about. Using those three words to start a much needed conversation is powerful and a great way to promote mental health in our community.

We hope you have a safe and wonderful spring holiday, as the days get warmer and the sun is out for longer! Looking forward to seeing you all next term as we work towards Year 8 and 9 and welcome our new Year 7 cohort into our community.

Kathleen Timms

Head of School

Term 3 has been such an exciting term! Students have had several exciting experiences in instrumental music performing as soloists and as ensembles for concerts and assemblies.

Students have been tasked with learning many different pieces of music in many different genres this term to not only expand their musical vocabulary but also in preparation for performances at the college. The first instrumental concert was in week 5. Students setup the library for their concert and then proceeded to put on a show for their peers. We had excellent performances from several students, including: Osman O on the drumkit playing “Caught Up” by Usher, Shane playing “Yellow Submarine” on the piano, and Deniz B playing “Hard Rock Blues” on the saxophone. Multiple ensembles played songs, including: Seham, Cesur, Talha and Deniz D playing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Stand By Me” was performed by vocalists Elisa O and Jasmine K  accompanied by pianists Christopher, Peter and Pheonix. Blake, Wez and Benjamin performed an Animal Crossing song, displaying complex chords and rhythms having worked so hard all year to perform the song. Lastly, the Greenvale Ensemble performed together for the first time at a lunchtime concert. The enhancement band played Power Rock with classics merged to the delight of the audience– who eagerly got involved with the show. 

Students also have been performing– singing and playing guitar– at school assemblies, ensuring entertainment for all. It has truly been an amazing term for students to showcase the hard work that has been occurring during instrumental lessons all year long. Keep up the good work and keep practicing for further upcoming performances.

The enhancement program is a great outlet for students of all skill levels to join to enhance their music reading and playing abilities. Students looking to realize their musical ambitions can speak to any staff member to join the music program

September is the month of many awareness days in relation to one’s mental health. Unfortunately, a lot of stigma surrounds ill mental health.  It’s a shame as we know that ill mental health is as common as the “common cold.”

Let’s work together towards breaking down the stigma of mental health.  It is okay “not to be ok” and to ask for help.

Support can come in so many ways.

Friends, family- parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as teachers, youth workers, school staff, and coaches.

Services that can help:

R U OK? DAY

Greenvale Secondary College acknowledged R U OK? Day on Fri 8^th September. R U OK? Day is our National Day of Action when we remind ourselves that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and to start a meaningful conversation whenever you spot the signs that someone you care about might be struggling with life.

This year’s theme of R U OK?   “I’m here to hear”

 BODY IMAGE AND EATING DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK

4^th – 10^th September

This month is Body Kind Month, which is a campaign run by Butterfly Foundation that encourages body kindness.

It can be really tough for teenagers to accept and feel confident in their bodies. We know that the way a young person thinks, feels and behaves when it comes to their body and appearance can also be positively influenced by their parents. But it can be hard to know what to say or how to support your teen. This is why Butterfly Foundation has developed resources which supports parents to work with their young person. These resources are free and include important tips on being body kind to our own body and others. Tips include:

• Responding to negative body talk
• Building resilience to social media pressure
• Talking to your teen about appearance and weight
• Encouraging healthy eating and exercise behaviours
• And what to do if your teen is struggling

 Support lines:

Butterfly Foundation 1800 33 4673

Parent Line 13 22 89

Lifeline 13 11 14

Butterfly Foundation Workshop

Body Confident Children and Teens – For Parents

Information and practical tips for parents of primary and secondary-age children on how to promote positive body image in the home.  Topics covered include: Body image influences | The role of body image in problematic eating and exercise behaviours | How to positively role model | Responding to appearance talk and appearance-teasing |What to do if concerned.

Details

Tuesday, 17th October

7 – 8pm (AEDT), plus question time

Via Zoom (recording available)

$15

Register :Butterfly Foundation workshop

HEADSPACE GLENROY

Headspace Glenroy provides support to young people and families in our local area.  This support can come in different ways- youth programs, counselling and chats.

Please contact Headspace directly if you would like to make a referral for counselling on (03) 9304 1011

Artspace is a free, fun and friendly art group for those of all artistic abilities! No art experience needed! Activities include art themed games, collage, crafts, painting, drawing and much more! For Young People aged 12 – 25. Young People must register by contacting the Centre before attending their first group. Contact: 1300 880 218

When? 

Fridays fortnightly, 3:45pm-5:00pm 

Next dates: 15^th and 29^th September 

Where? 

At the Glenroy Library Hub, in the Makerspace, 50 Wheatsheaf Rd, Glenroy 

September Chats on eheadspace click here

GOODBYE TO MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER JULIA BEDIAGA    

Greenvale Secondary College says goodbye to Julia and good luck with her new position. Julia, on behalf of the school staff, students and families we want to thank you for the support that you have provided.

Please note that as a result of the vacant MHP position there will be a temporary hold on counselling referrals within the school.  Please note that support can be provided to assist in external counselling referrals.

MEET OUR ADMINISTRATION 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.

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.

Introducing Susi Dombrzalski – Finance Officer

Susi is responsible for all accounts payable and receivable matters. You can get in touch if you have enquiries about billing, payments or CSEF applications

CANTEEN ORDERS

Families can order their child’s lunch through Compass each day, before 8:30am on the day.  Students are to go to the canteen to collect their orders at the start of lunch.

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 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 Term 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.

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.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER AT GREENVALE SECONDARY COLLEGE!

Please complete this online expression of interest form if you are willing and able to contribute as a volunteer at Greenvale Secondary College.

The College is committed to providing a wide range of educational opportunities for all students and your support is invaluable.

Please note: All volunteers will need to complete an induction and may need to provide relevant supporting evidence such as a volunteer Working With Children Check depending on the activity. Further information will be provided.

THANK YOU very much for your interest in supporting the College as a volunteer!

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Are you the King or Queen of the grill? Would you like to show off your skills to the entire Greenvale community?  Help the GSC Council with our Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser on October 14th! Greenvale Secondary College will host voting for the Referendum and our council feels that this provides us with a unique, and perfect, fundraising opportunity. But we need YOU!

Please contact the GSC Council President, Andra Guccione, at: andra.guccione@education.vic.gov.au if you are available to help. Thank you!

 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 4

In Term 4 all students should be wearing their Summer 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

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION WITH 12 MONTHS FREE INTERNET AT HOME

The Australian Government has established the School Student Broadband Initiative to provide free home internet for one year for up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged students.

The initiative aims to boost education opportunities. NBN Co is leading the rollout of this initiative across the country.

How the School Student Broadband Initiative can help your child

Children who can access online learning at home as part of their education are more likely to engage in classroom activities.

Access to fast internet at home can also support children to build their digital skills, learn how to safely use the internet and take part in a world that is more reliant on digital technology.

Eligibility

To be eligible, families must:

• have a child living at home enrolled in an Australian school in 2023
• not have an active National Broadband Network internet service at their home (having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility)
• live in a premises that can access the National Broadband Network through a standard connection. NBN Co will check this for you after you apply
• register interest with your school and complete a consent form to be assessed for eligibility.

How the School Student Broadband Initiative works

If you are eligible, your home internet service will be provided at no cost for one year with a participating internet provider over the National Broadband Network. Each internet provider has its own step-by-step process to get you connected, which may involve you providing identification.

Once you sign up, the internet provider will help you set up your connection. The initiative does not include devices such as a computer or tablet. Other members of your household can use the internet service provided through this initiative.

The one-year period will start from the day your service is activated with your chosen provider. At the end of the one-year period, you will not be placed onto a paid service by your internet provider without your consent. The Australian Government is considering options beyond the one-year free period.

How to apply

• Ask your school for a copy of the School Student Broadband Initiative consent form.
• Complete the consent form and return to the school.
• NBN Co will use student address details on the consent form to confirm eligibility.
• If you are eligible, NBN Co will issue a voucher for your family to use to sign up with a participating internet provider. This will be provided to you by your school.

Please note: NBN Co will review the home address for eligibility. No personal information other than your main home address will be shared with NBN Co. Please see the consent form for details about how personal information will be used.

Find out more

For more information about the School Student Broadband Initiative, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.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