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Dear Families from the Executive Principal

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Dear families,

It’s hard to believe we’re wrapping up our first term for 2023. It feels as though it has flown by and as I write this message and reflect on how busy it has been, it is easy to see why!

We started the school year with the introduction of our Vertical Home Groups, seeing students from across year levels come together at the start of each day. The goal of our Vertical Home Groups has been to build a sense of belonging through our House and Neighbourhood structure and to support a positive beginning to each day by providing students with key updates and an opportunity to discuss our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support focus each week. I believe the new vertical model has increased connectedness across the year levels and I look forward to seeing relationships further grow and establish in Term 2.

A highlight at the start of term was our very first immersion, held off-site over two days for our Year 12 students. This provided our new Year 12 cohort an opportunity to come together and take part in a range of activities and discussions around careers, wellbeing, study skills and mentoring support. This event was thanks to the support of many local businesses and industry, as well as the efforts of our senior secondary and careers staff. These people as a collective have continued to work together throughout the term, to discuss further partnerships and opportunities – a fantastic example of the community and college working together for the betterment of our young people

As important as it is to form strong partnerships and connections with community and local business and industry, it is equally as important that we do the same with our GSSC families. As the saying goes, ‘it takes a village’ and our parent and guardians are at the heart of that. It was wonderful to meet many of our families at our welcome events at the start of term, including our Year 7 and Year 12 information nights, our First Nations BBQ and CALD Welcome Night and our GSSC Expo. It would be fair to say that some of these events were better attended than others and in planning for future events, we will be looking at ways we can tweak and improve these sessions. Keep an eye out next term for a survey allowing our families to provide feedback on this, as well as our school communications and engagement more generally.

I think everyone would agree that when we talk about feeling positive about our school environment and culture that one thing that springs to mind Harmony Week! Our concert held a few weeks back will not only be a Term 1 highlight, but an event to remember for the entire school year!

I felt so proud to be a part of GSSC and the wider Greater Shepparton community that is home to such a diverse mix of cultures and people. Our students represented their cultures and their school with such pride and enthusiasm, and it was a privilege to watch them perform and share their talents and traditions with us. Well done to all involved.

I would also like to acknowledge our students’ efforts at the various school and regional swimming events held this term, as well as Senior Summer Sports. Next term is again a busy one in this department with our Cross Country, Winter Sports and Badminton all taking place.

Yesterday was last day of school for students and today we continue our Parent / Student / Teacher Conferences online. Students have been attending these interviews with their parents or guardians and these have been a valuable opportunity for families and students to speak with their classroom teachers about progress, any issues they are experiencing and opportunities for growth and improvement into the next term and beyond.

For our GSSC families, Easter or the April school holiday period will be celebrated and observed in many different ways. However you’re spending it, I hope it is a safe and happy one and I look forward to seeing students refreshed and ready to go for Term 2 on Wednesday, April 26.

Barbara O’Brien
Executive Principal