Welcome back to Geelong High for 2023. Welcome to our 940 students and 110 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. As your new Principal I have been meeting lots of the students and getting to know them. Can I thank all the parents, staff and students who have made me feel welcome. I look forward to working with you all over the coming years.

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.

What has impressed me so far in the respect that the students and the community have for the school. This value is extremely important to me - respect. It will be something that is reinforced at the school in all things that we do. Students will have respect for themselves, their school and their community.

I am certainly aware of all the hard work that has been taking place regarding our new buildings and it is fantastic to be in these new spaces.

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.

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. As a school, we do not encourage email dialogue. If you have any concerns or questions then it’s best to act on them early. Please feel free to phone the Class Group or classroom teachers to discuss any learning or personal matters. Parents are also welcome to contact the Year Level Manager. It’s important that we work together.

Staffing

We welcome the following newcomers:

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 the 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 two (2) vacancies for parent members for a two-year term commencing in March 2023 to February 2025. 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.

As we start the school year can I just remind parents that if you are coming to the school to come to the front office as a first point of contact. This allows us to provide better service to you and that your questions can be answered quickly. I have been impressed by the way parents have respectfully discussed maters with the front office and I thank all parents for the respectful way we are able to work though any concerns. As teachers, parents and as a whole school community we can set the example to the young people on how we talk and deal with any issues. I think all of us would agree that respect is at the heart to any productive learning environment.

Davin Reid

Principal