Welcome back to Geelong High for 2024. Welcome to our 946 students and 113 staff.

It has been a great start to the year for all of the students and I particularly welcome all the new Year 7’s and students in other year levels to the school. Thanks to all parents and students involved in the start up day and goal setting. We hope this was a useful way to start the year and prepare students for a successful year of learning. I would be certainly interested to hear from parents regarding this day.

To the parent community my door is always open to you. If at any time you have comments both positive and negative, please let me know. As a school we are always trying to improve and make sure we do an excellent job in the education of your son/daughter.

I encourage all students and families to start the academic year strongly by establishing quality learning, study, and organisation practices. If your child is to achieve at, or above, their best then this requires hard work, commitment, and diligence. It also benefits tremendously from home support. As a parent you can assist your child by insisting, they complete homework (there is always something your child needs to do: don’t accept any response that denies this!) You can also provide them with a quiet place to study. Above all, being interested in your child’s work, projects and progress, and regularly asking them about their subjects can make a significant difference.

Over the holiday break there has been a considerable amount of work on improving the physical learning environment at the school and also some work that has started that will be finished soon. Shade sails over rear stage and Year 7 area (in progress), new carpet in Science rooms, painting of classrooms V1-4, W2 and Conference room, installation of commercial dishwasher in Food Tech, installation of illuminated signage on Garden St corner, installation of new dance floor in the Dance Studio, installation of new fencing on Ryrie St and Eastern Boundary (in progress) and the installation of blinds in several classrooms.

Our young people need all of our encouragement, support, reminders, and celebration to assist them with being motivated and organised to achieve their best. It is easy to stay updated with School events through our website and through Compass. You can also use Compass to check your child’s timetable and notices to assist with their organisation.

Communication between school and home is critical. If you have any concerns or questions, then it’s best to act on them early. Please feel free to phone the Home Group or classroom teachers to discuss any learning or personal matters. Parents are also welcome to contact the House Leader. It’s important that we work together.

I wanted to mention Kaylee Short in Year 11. This year all the staff have a diary provided to them and the front cover was designed by Kaylee. Great artwork Kaylee!

At the start of the year, we have had a number of parents donate books and clothes because their child has left the school. Thank you to all of those families who have kindly supported the school and allow us to support those families in need. Thank you!

Staffing

We welcome the following newcomers:

Taylor Cole – English

Caitlin Gulli – Maths / Science

Ellece Febey – Science

Rebecca Hall- Science

Ellen Nicholls – English/ Humanities

Sarah Tolley – PE / House Leader

Ashlee Day – House Support

Allen Gilmour – Wood

Rebecca Evans – Food

Shenie Bennett – English / Humanities

Aaran Gemmill – Science

Matthew Kilfoyle - Maths

Tayla Clayton – Art

Cheryne Bird – Food Technology Assistant

School Uniform

It has been extremely pleasing to see all the students in their uniforms and presenting themselves in a positive way. Can I remind all students and parents that it is requirement for all students to wear the school uniform. The uniform policy and requirements have been sent to parents and it is a school requirement that all students wear correct uniform at all times.

School Council Election

Geelong High School Council elections will be held early this term. I encourage all parents and guardians to carefully consider how they can best contribute to and support the continued growth and development of Geelong High and in doing so to consider the possibility of nominating for election to the Geelong High Council. The Council is a legally formed body with the power to set key directions of the school within centrally provided guidelines and frameworks. In doing this, School Council is able to directly influence the quality of education to school provides to its students.

I would like to thank all members of Council for their support of the School over their tenure and the energy and effort they put in to the improvement of Geelong High and in securing the best educational outcomes for our students. Councillors who remain as DET employees or as parents of the school are welcome to stand for re-election.

There will be two (2) vacancies on School Council for Department of Education Training and (DET) employees, two (2) vacancies for student representatives and three (3) vacancies for parent members for a two-year term commencing in March 2024 to February 2026. All parents/guardians of students at Geelong High are eligible to vote for parent members. Persons who work at Geelong High as DET employees are eligible to vote for DET positions at the election. The newly formed Council will determine the co-option of a community member. The term of office for School Council membership is for two years.

The following timeline will apply to the conduct of the election:

Nomination forms can be obtained from the Administration Office during normal office hours.