As we come to the end of a very busy term 2, I wanted to thank all parents and students for their support over the term and the way we have continued to improve and offer some great learning opportunities.

Last week we had our first Year 8 Vitality Voyage Day. Thanks to Ms Tessa Kirk for organising all of these amazing learning opportunities. As a school we are very aware of the cost pressures on families so instead of a camp this year we have implemented a Year 8 level Day. Students had the option to surf in Melbourne, undertake a foodie’s tour of Melbourne, undertake an art workshop or immerse themselves int the world of Virtual reality. Thanks to all the staff involved on what was a great day.

Early next term students will start selecting their subjects for 2025. It is incredible to think that we have already started planning next year and this is an extremely important process. I remind students and parents it is vital that you attend this evening as it may impact on your subject choice. The information evening is on the 16^th of July.

Day 1 next term is a Pupil free day as staff undertake planning for the rest of the year and organise programs. We take the first day as it causes less disruption than during the term. Over this term we have been impacted with significant illness of staff and students. I wanted to inform parents that we are in a very fortunate situation that all of our classes are covered with teaching staff, and we have not had to cancel any classes. It is through the dedication of the staff at the school that we are able to ensure all classes are covered which is a rare thing in many schools.

At the start of next term there is very little staff movement. Ms Jacinta Grills is on leave for Term 3, and we welcome Mr Nathan Wilson. Also new to the school is Ms Lisa Lemon in Japanese and English as Ms Julie Pateras reduces her time fraction. We welcome back Ms Melanie Vanderkley for her term 2 leave as she travelled around Australia. Unfortunately, some of the building works planned at the front office have had to be postponed but the first aid room and Year 12 Common room are coming.

Early next term we undertake our school review. This is held every four years for Government schools. There will be an opportunity for parents to be part of this review and I will inform the school community when this is organised.

School production tickets have now sold out, and I know we are all looking forward to what will be an outstanding show.

Thank you to all of those parents who contributed to our Uniform survey, the results will now be presented at school council for further consideration. I will make a brief comment about enforcement. I can assure all parents that students who are out of uniform are held to account. This may include a variety of measures. While there may be times you see a student with an incorrect jumper on, I can assure parents that these students have been dealt with and appropriate action taken to enforce the uniform policy. We are uniform school, and we expect all students to be in correct uniform.

Over the holiday we will be undertaking some building works which will include landscaping, new concrete, fencing and painting of number of classrooms. I am focussed on ensuring our students are provided with a well-maintained learning environment.

During the last few weeks, it certainly has been busy with numerous events on. We have had Gibber Education presenting to our Year 9’s regarding alcohol intake in youth and the challenges of underage drinking, Year 10 and 11 exams and the GAT for Unit 3 and 4 students has taken place. We also had the Model United Nations event with schools across Geelong attending Geelong High to be a part of this and also our Year 9 GPEP camp to Melbourne.

On behalf of all the staff I wish all families a safe and enjoyable break and looking forward to a successful Term 3 on Tuesday the 16^th of July.