I would like to congratulate Geelong High students for their commitment to their learning and improvement in 2023. Students have taken the many opportunities offered to them throughout the year to participate in a wide range of learning and extra curricula opportunities. They have worked well together, co-operated with their teachers, and have enjoyed their year. You will be reading reports, and these will provide valuable, individualised information regarding your child’s progress in 2023 and strategies to achieve even more in 2024.

Thank you to parents and families for your support of our education partnership. I thank parents for their feedback and support of the teaching staff during the year. It is only together that we can improve and ensure your children are provided an outstanding education.

I would like to thank our dedicated and passionate teaching and support staff who have educated and cared for our students throughout 2023, and who have provided them with so many opportunities and challenges. A special mention to Ms Julianna Garcia, Mr Steve Brown, and Mr Andrew McConchie. They have worked tirelessly to provide a positive learning environment and support all students.

There are so many highlights from 2023 whether that be all the camps, excursions, sport days, Urine Town production, music concerts, to name just a few. I want to publicly thank all the staff for their contribution to the school. The effort all staff put in is amazing and contributes to the positive learning environment.

Over the last few weeks, we have had a highly successful Year 12 Graduation. I am sure all present would agree it was great that we could celebrate the graduating class of 2023. Thanks to all those parents who have ended their formal journey with Geelong High. You are always welcome at our school, and we will remember you all.

We had our end of year Awards Night on the 13th of December and it was great to celebrate all of our award winners and their amazing achievements over the year. Well done to all involved.

In 2024 our numbers continue to be extremely strong with 955 students. We have 168 new Year 7 students. Our school continues to grow and expand.

Over the holiday there will be a considerable amount of work improving the learning environment at school. Work will be taking place on new fencing at the front of the school, painting of a number of areas, new blinds in most classrooms, new carpet in science classrooms, cleaning of concrete areas and furniture in 8 classrooms.

I always write this part of the final newsletter for the year with mixed emotions. I am, like you all, excited by what has been achieved in 2023 and eagerly looking forward to a holiday break. I am anticipating, with excitement, all that awaits Geelong High in 2024. I know that we have hired some outstanding staff to join our team. I have met our new Year 7s and their families. But I also need to farewell and acknowledge the staff who are leaving Geelong High School. In no particular order Ms Kyla Jacques is moving to Queensland, Mr Steve Antonac and Mr Peter Kolsch have now officially retired. Mr Luke Collins has left to work at St Joseph’s flexible unit. Ms Anna Wild has resigned to pursue other opportunities. Ms Nicole Neal has left to pursue other opportunities. Mr Jason D’Offay is moving to Iona College, Mrs Sarah Normington has moving to Clonard College, Ms Lauren Chapman is moving to Geelong College. Mr Warren Finlayson is returning to Northen Bay. Ms Chris Green and Mrs Bernice Brown are on leave in term 1 and then will retire. Our tutors Mrs Julie Stewart and Ms Maureen O’Conner have concluded their contracts with us. Ms April Hoskin is moving to Darwin to teach. Mr Ben Ferguson is moving to Oberon High. In the front office, Ms Lizzie Muhlnickel is moving to Nelson Park, Ms Amanada Tenney is moving to Beemin Secondary, Ms Zukruf Amer is ending her contract with us, Mr Cody Burgess in IT has moved to Apco and Mr Rohan Butler in Hands on learning is moving to Lara Secondary. We also have some staff on leave for 2024. Ms Keely Veenstra in art, Ms Laura Jones in Humanities and Ms Kachia Mann in Maths are taking 12 months leave and Ms Charlotte Mead is on maternity leave. Best wishes Charlotte.

On behalf of the school, I thank all of them for their contribution to the school. I would like to thank these staff for their years of dedication to the education of your children and to their dedication and commitment to making the Geelong High experience an outstanding education.

On a happier note, we welcome a number of new staff for 2024. I know that they will enjoy working with, and contributing to, the Geelong High Community. I look forward to their positive impact on the continued growth and improvement of our school. We welcome the following newcomers: Mr Allen Gilmour (Wood), Ms Sarah Tolley (Leading teacher – House leader Corio/PE), Ms Rebecca Hall (Learning Specialist - Science), Ms Rebcca Evans (Food), Ms Shennie Bennett (English/Humanities), Ms Taylor Cole (English), Ms Tayla Calyton (Art), Mr Arran Gemmill (Science), Ms Ellece Febey (Science), Ms Caitlin Gulli (Science/Maths), Ms Abby Callaghan (Maths/ Science), Ms Ellen Nicholls (Eng/Hums) and returning from leave is Ms Jamilla Cranney and Mr Darren Hobbs (Maths) .

I would like to express on behalf of the whole school community to thank all members on school council. A special mention to Fiona Chipperfield as President. Fiona has led school council for the last 5 years and I can assure all parents that she is always focused on improving the school and raising the concerns and questions of parents.

I wish all members of our school community a happy and safe holiday. I look forward to working and learning with you all again in 2024.