GHS Community Newsletter Issue #1

11th February, 2022

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A Message From The Principal #1

Principal’s Message Week 2 Term 1

Welcome

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all students and their families, particularly students and families new to our school community and to our new and returning members of staff.

It was wonderful to meet our new year seven students last week, resplendent in their new uniforms on their first day. Students enrolling in 2022 will graduate in 2027, which seems a long way off now. Judging by how quickly the last few years have passed, though, it will be upon us before we know it.

Covid-safe Measures – Rapid Antigen Testing (twice per week)

I am very pleased to say that our school community is adjusting well to each change in strategy and procedure in tackling the covid challenge. The latest change- the rapid antigen testing, twice weekly, will form an important element of keeping track of the progress of the virus in the community. All students have now been issued with a pack for weeks one and two and more will be provided in coming weeks. Besides keeping a track of the spread of the virus the RA Testing will provide students and families with peace of mind that they are virus free. If the test happens to be positive, students will be able to quarantine and help keep their family and friends safe. I strongly encourage you to ensure that your child completes the RAT twice weekly – my suggestion is Sunday evening and Wednesday evening, to establish a routine.

Reminder – re. Medical Plans – Your child’s health and safety is important to us.

Students who have a medical condition such as severe asthma, anaphylaxis, epilepsy, or diabetes must have a medical plan lodged at school which sets out the management approach should the need arise. If you have not already done so, or if your child’s plan has not been updated within the last 12 months, please contact the school and provide an up-dated plan as a priority please.

New Staff

I would like to extend a warm welcome to new staff joining us in 2022.

Trent Timmers – EL – House Leader (Leigh)
Brad Rankin – 1.0 Japanese 12 months contract
Julie Pateras (returning)– 1.0 – 6 months contract
Phillip Haigh – Learning Specialist – Disability Inclusion
Georgina Lang - ES Aide
Jessica Armstrong - ES Aide
Lynn Boddington - ES Aide
Ainslee Karleusa – ES Aide
Cat Miller- ES Aide
Carly O’Dwyer – ES Aide
Fiona Morris – Instrumental (wind) music teacher
Qinyuan (Yvonne) Ji – 1.0 math grad (family leave)

Welcome back

Amanda Bourke – Tutoring role (0.2)
Steve Brown
Janet Duviani
Sarah Normington

Results

Our wonderful year 12 students achieved some remarkable results last year and the school year finished on a positive note with their graduation here at school, in front of a small gathering of parents and carers. Our Dux for 2021 was Adrian Carrasco. Congratulations to Adrian on an amazing year. I am also pleased to report that the vast majority of our year 12 graduates have found places in their desired courses.

Parents & Friends

Our fantastic Parents & Friends would like to welcome all parents, particularly those new to the school and invite you to get involved. The Parents & Friends meet twice per Term at 5.30pm on the Monday of the week prior to School Council. The P & F have been involved in many major projects with the school and play a key role in fundraising work to support the many great programs the school offers. Meetings were difficult in 2020/21 however we are looking forward to meeting in person at school in 2022.

We will keep you posted regarding our next meeting.

Are you a past student or staff member of Geelong High?

If yes, then you can be a Silver Gulls Alum of Geelong High School.

Students and staff of Geelong High School are alum of the school. Each year graduating students complete an application form that automatically enables them to join the Silver Gulls Alumni at no cost. In subsequent years, at a minimal cost of $20 all former students and staff are able to maintain membership for life. This includes a regular newsletter updating alumni on what is happening in the school and providing insight into the careers of former students and staff.

School Council Elections 2022

Would you like to nominate for School Council?

School Council resolved at its December meeting of 2021 to have the new School Council for 2022 in place for the March meeting. We are therefore calling for any interested and energetic parents, community members, students and teachers to fill the three parent vacancies, four community vacancies, two student vacancies and two DET vacancies. Retiring councillors may be eligible for re-election.

School Council President Fiona Chipperfield and I would love to hear from any one prepared to nominate for the vacancies. Being a member of Council means more than attending a meeting once a month. It is a real opportunity to participate in developing policy and having direct input into the decision-making of the school at a very exciting period in the school’s development. Demanding certainly, but also richly satisfying.

We need people with drive and ideas to help the school achieve its Vision.

Thursday February 24th, is the last meeting of our current Council. There are 6 parent representatives; 4 DET (staff) representatives plus the principal; up to 4 Community reps (including two School Captains) and 2 student reps on council. Representatives are elected for two years with about half the representatives retiring each year, to maintain continuity of council.

For 2022 - Elected members continuing are:

Parents