Hats off to GSSC staff - MLOs - Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Details: Published: 25 October 2022

Hats off to GSSC staff! As part of World Teachers’ Day held recently, we are celebrating our wonderful teaching and education support staff here at Greater Shepparton Secondary College. From our Koorie Educators to our Multicultural Liaison Officers, Wellbeing staff, Neighbourhood Assistants, trainees, leadership team, IT and everyone in between – we know our school could not run without all of these hands-on deck.
At GSSC we are GREATER together. For more information visit: https://worldteachersday.edu.au/

Today we celebrate our Multicultural Liaison Officers

Helping to build GSSC as a school for community

Just last year, Mare Hamid was attending Greater Shepparton Secondary College as a student. This year she still spends most of her days in the classroom, but as trainee Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO).Mare specifically supports GSSC’s Arabic cohort, guided by Arabic MLOs Hussam Al-Mugotir and Hussam (Samy) Saraf. The type of assistance she provides varies from language and translating support, helping to complete class work and studies and advice for GSSC’s broader staff base on various cultural-related matters. As a trainee, Mare is supported by a team of seven MLOs and aides all who come from different backgrounds and speak a variety of languages including Samoan, Dari, Hazaragi, Persian, Kiswahili and Kiriundi. Mare said she had already learnt so much from the team and felt the role was a rewarding one, to be able to make a positive difference in student’s lives.

“The MLO role is a busy one but our team always help each other if someone is under a lot of workload,” she said. “Something I enjoy most is seeing the students smile after completing a task together or learning something new. We always learn from each other and figure out ways that can help us, both in and outside of the classroom.”

Fellow MLO Deborah Fili, who supports GSSC’s Pasifika community, echoed Mare’s reasons for enjoying the role and said she felt privileged to be able to advocate for those who are not always able to voice their struggles. “It’s so common for our kids to doubt their potential but I love seeing them thrive and being able to support them in their self-growth and to feel confident in showcasing their culture,” she said. Deborah said GSSC reflects the Greater Shepparton community, in that it’s so diverse with a range of different cultures represented. She said while this makes GSSC unique, it is also why the MLO role is so critical. “As MLOs, we are able to build that rapport with students and families and sense of belonging for our CALD students,” she said. “It’s normal for us to turn to someone who we can relate to or who understands us and that is what an MLO can be for our students – it can make such a difference to their experience at school. “It’s also about connecting our families with the school and ensuring we are communicating in an inclusive way and providing translating services where needed.”

Muzhgan Qazikhil, who primarily supports GSSC’s Afghani students, along with Aqeel Zaydi, said the support an MLO provided was so far-ranging from in the classroom, at recess, lunch and after school, during homework club and beyond.“We are always encouraging our students to never give up, to always follow their goals no matter how hard and how long it will take,” Muzhgan said. “We encourage them to focus on their education because education is the key to for all doors to open.” Muzhgan said as well as supporting students academically, MLO’s played an important role, linking in with GSSC’s wellbeing team and various services and programs to encourage students to take care of their physical and mental health. While there are many aspects to the job that Muzhgan enjoys, she said working with students over a number of years to then seeing them graduate was particularly rewarding. “Seeing students achieve their full potential is what it is all about” she said. “Last time I went to see GP, one of my past students was working at the reception. She was so happy and I was so proud of her.”

Yvette Siriyamungu along with Sifa Mireye-Karakoc support GSSC students from African background. Yvette specifically works in the classroom with CALD students to break down and explain information provided in the first language, especially in literature (EAL), numeracy, humanities and science subjects. “The MLO is such an important role because it brings to life the cultural side of GSSC – it plays a big role in bringing together the cultures, educating others on different cultures and assisting migrant students to achieve their dreams, despite the challenges they faced when fleeing their countries,” Yvette said. “It helps to bring the hope to those kids who have faced many traumas. “I enjoy connecting with the students and families and putting a smile on their face and helping them to stay positive at school, as well as other staff who have always been so lovely and welcoming.”

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