A Message From the Principal
Well done to all students and staff on what has been a great Term 1. While I have only been here a short time, I have been impressed with so many activities that have taken place in Term 1.
This term we have had Athletics and Swimming sports which were both great days with excellent participation. Thanks to Ms Sonia Kinsey and all of the PE team for organising some amazing events.
A couple of weeks ago we had our Year 6 to 7 information Night. This was a great night with over 1000 people attending to have a look at our amazing school. The night was success mainly due to all the staff and students who were able to talk about some of that fantastic learning opportunities that exists at Geelong High. A special thanks to the school captains in their work on the night as MC’s and all of the students present. Thanks to Mr Steve Brown and Mr Lachlan Envall for organising of the night.
Over the term we have had many other great activities such as the visits from 15 Japanese students who were part of lessons and did many activities around the school. The year 12 Camp was a great success with the student being stretched in so many ways. Thanks to Ms Trudy Cameron and all the staff who attended for making this a great experience. The Outdoor Education students in both Year 11 and 12 have been on a number of activities. Where that be canoeing the Glenelg River or surfing at Anglesea. They all have had a great time. Thanks to Mr Tim Molloy and Mr Chris Gemmil for their work on these camps.
Parents may hear of the issue with camps across all schools at present with increased costs. As a school we are doing everything to keep our camps program going. Costs are increasing for all of us, but I am sure all of the school community would agree that school camps are one of the highlights of our education experience and it something that we remember always. A big thanks to all of the staff who are giving up their time to attend camps and make them work for the students.
The school production rehearsals are well under way, and we are all looking forward to Urine town and the amazing students' performances.
There a couple of staffing matters I wish to update the school community on. After many years of service Janet Duviani has retired from teaching Janet has made an outstanding contribution to the humanities team over many years and in different roles and we wish her the best for the future. We have had some changes in the library with Ms Annette Spurr leaving after 10 years and our new Librarian Ms Gamu (Anne) Mukwe will be staring early term 2.
One of the challenges we face from time to time is getting message to the 950 students at the school. Parents will often ring and ask to pass a message on or pick students up early. Starting term 2 there will be 2 duty student each day starting with year 8 across the year. These students will deliver messages, collect students and support the operation of the school.
I wish all families and Happy easter and safe and enjoyable break.
Compass Attendance Notifications
Same-day notification of unexplained student absences.
Our school will text/call you as soon as practicable on the day if a student is not at school and you haven’t notified the school as to why. If you are notified by the school that your child is away without a reason, please contact us as soon as possible by calling on 5225 4100 or email geelong.hs@education.vic.gov.au or adding an Attendance Note to COMPASS to let us know where your child is.
If we cannot reach you because we don’t have your correct contact details (i.e.: message notification fail, disconnected number), then we will make contact with any emergency contact/s nominated on your child’s file held by the school, where possible, on the same day of the unexplained absence.
Please remember it is your responsibility to contact us to provide an explanation for your child's absence from school, and where possible, please inform us in advance of upcoming absences.
School TV
By Admin Team
Our School Community is fortunate to have access to SchoolTV, a wellbeing resource that can be used to support parents in navigating current issues facing young people. SchoolTV features interviews with leading experts and health researchers such as Beyond Blue, ReachOut, and Headspace to provide evidence-based information and advice. SchoolTV resources include informative fact sheets, articles, apps, books, and videos.
SchoolTV is accessible through the Student Wellbeing Tab on the Geelong High School Website. To access SchoolTV follow these simple instructions;
- Click on the Student Wellbeing Drop down box
- Click on SchoolTV
- Scroll down to the SchoolTV icon in the bottom left-hand corner and select
You can then scroll through all the editions to date or use the search function to look for a particular topic.
Managing Screen Time
Screen time refers to the amount of time spent using electronic devices such as phones, computers, televisions, and tablets. Managing screen time is integral to a child’s overall wellbeing and development, both physically and mentally. Children need to establish healthy habits and boundaries around screen time use from the moment they are handed any electronic device. Developing healthy screen use habits will ensure your child also has plenty of time for other activities such as playing, reading, spending time with family and friends, and participating in physical activities. There are both benefits and drawbacks to screen time, learning how to make good decisions about when and how much to use their devices will help children find the right balance.
SchoolTV has some valuable information here https://geelonghigh.vic.school...
Accelerated Learning Program
By Andrew McConchie
Accelerated Learning Program from 7-9 launched for 2024
Parents who are interested in our Accelerated Learning Program staring in Year 7 next year, can find out more by visiting our website and downloading a parent information brochure and application form. Applications are open to the front office now
Student Eligibility
Accelerated Learning Programs are not for all students and whilst they can be rewarding, they can also be challenging as students will be expected to be self-motivated and independent learners. Two key parts of the program will be increased workload and faster curriculum coverage in the early years of secondary school and students must be prepared to engage positively with this extra challenge. The ALP program is suited to students who:
- Are engaged by academic challenge
- Enjoy problem solving
- Are mature and committed to their learning
- Are motivated to achieve excellence
- Enjoy working alongside like-minded peers
- Thrive in independent and collaborative learning
How do I apply?
The application process for the 2024 Year 7 GHS ALP class involves testing by EduTest in the following areas:
Verbal Reasoning
Numerical Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Maths Skills
Creative Writing
Parents must complete the application form available on the school website by July 31st, 2023, please submit this form to the front office. We are currently open for applications. Students who are offered a place at Geelong High School will be asked to complete a test online at the school on Saturday the 26th of August. Families must register for the test by Friday the 18th of August via a link they will be emailed after their application. An interview will also be conducted for students who are shortlisted.
Please email Andrew.Mcconchie@education.vic.gov.au if you have any further questions.
Music
For information regarding the school Music program please see the below information.
https://www.geelonghigh.vic.ed...
Barwon Schools Young Leaders Conference
On Friday the 10th of March, the Geelong High school student leaders: Mariele Go, Alex Aidt, Harry Jones, and Will Bibby, gave a presentation at the Barwon Schools Young Leaders conference. We presented to year 6 students from surrounding schools in the Geelong region on the topic of how they can become great leaders. Our mission for the day, was to provide these future leaders with the knowledge and courage we’ve learnt throughout our own leadership pathways and experiences, (conferences, programs and from our current roles) to help the students become immensely more confident, capable, and knowledgeable to become future leaders of their own.
Will Bibby: At first, I was nervous to speak among so many brilliant and ambitious students. However, it was so worth it! Throughout our presentation, it was great to see so many eager eyes whilst taking the courage to share their thoughts and their enthusiasm. Our team gave some tips and tricks we have learnt as leaders, some of which were to ‘always say yes’ to every opportunity that arises, and to ‘make more mistakes’ and then learn and grow from them. Overall, it felt really amazing and empowering to not only share our tips with the students but also to see them so engaged and inspired to become even greater leaders than ourselves.
Alex Aidt: Being given the opportunity to speak to the next generation of students was an absolute pleasure. The short but diverse presentation that we gave was one that aimed to appeal to every kind of aspiring leader, which we wouldn’t have been able to do without each other, and so the experience was rewarding in more ways than one. My section of the presentation was an activity that aimed to demonstrate leadership in action, and involved the audience to help communicate the lesson in a way that the students could understand. Preparing for this conference and putting words to the things I have learned as a leader was a great reflective experience on its own, and I feel much stronger because of it.
Harry Jones: The experience of being able to help influence future leaders was fantastic. The energy and enthusiasm of the primary school students was amazing, and it was really great to see everyone eager and wanting to get involved. It was a brilliant opportunity that I’m glad to have been a part of and it felt fulfilling to be able to provide tips and techniques to become better leaders as they grow up and gain more responsibility.
Mariele Go: Having the chance to inspire young leaders was an absolute pleasure, especially when they were all so eager to learn about leadership qualities. I enjoyed working alongside my fellow school captains once again, in creating an impactful experience for them. Presenting towards a younger audience was a new and interesting experience for me, but overall, I was able to take away a few new strengths of my own.
ICAN Term 1
By Robyn Forbes
ICAN TERM 1 2023
Term 1 saw another successful 8 week ICAN program, consisting of 16 students from year 7 , 8 and 9. Each student brought their own uniqueness to the group, developed new friendships, and found common ground within each other. It was also a great transition for our new Year 7’s that joined us here at Geelong High this year. This leadership program focused on teamwork, Personal strengths, Communication, Planning and Organisation.
The weekly sessions are a safe space where the students with learning differences band together, learn to be creative while leaning on each other’s strengths. Students are encouraged to value what each individual has to offer, celebrating their individuality while promoting them to think positively about themselves, developing an I CAN attitude.
The 16 students each received a graduation certificate in recognition of completing the Mentoring Program with a celebration on their last day of the program.
Hands on Learning
By Rohan Butler & Michael Jackson
This year’s Hands on Learning Program has started now and we are off to a great start. We have a team of ten dedicated students that will learn different skills in a program the promotes “learning by doing” a creative and interactive methods to create a better learning outcome for all. Our first project is tackling the school garden, located at the font of the school on the corner of Ryrie and Garden Streets at the traffic lights. The garden has been cleaned up, mulched and we are currently working on a plan for planting it out. The next job that has started and now underway is the Hands on Learning Precinct down behind the gym where we will be working and delivering from, were the students have been sanding the shipping container and painting it to freshen it up. Still a lot to do on our container as we move forward, so stay tuned and feel free to pop around and have a look at how things are progressing. We also have a couple of excursions planned for later in the term with the Bellarine catchment Networks where the students will get out, interact and give back to the community.
The team has put in a great effort thus far with their attitudes, behaviours and work ethic, great to see keep up the great work team as it is greatly appreciated by all.
Regards
Your GHS Hands On Team
Rohan Butler & Michael Jackson
Stem Geelong Tech Visit
On Friday, March 17 our year 8 STEM class went out to the Geelong Tech School to participate in a program called Virtual X. As part of this program, students use a program called Tilt Brush in VR to create digital, 3-D artwork. The theme of the artwork is to 'Tell a Story'.
STEM is the fastest growing industry in the world, we currently have a crisis, where there aren't enough people to fill all the jobs that are currently vacant. This presents the students of today with a great opportunity moving towards tertiary education and/or the work force.
At GHS we are doing a lot to help train and guide students into this field, to help guarantee them employment. We now offer STEM classes from year 7 to 10. We also have partnerships with local Geelong STEM education centres such as the Geelong Tech School, Deakin University and BioLab, to help expose our students to this industry and what jobs in this area might entail.
Jason D’Offay
VCE VET Dance Top Class Performance
On Tuesday 7th March, VCE VET Dance students visited the Melbourne Recital Centre to watch the Top Class Dance performance which showcases the top soloists from 2022. This event provides insights into the elite standard of VET Dancer’s in the state, and inspiration to this year’s dancers as they prepare their solos.
Y Lead Experience
Y-Lead is an Australian youth leadership organisation, with a mission to support Australian schools in developing a generation of confident, motivated, and skilled young leaders who are capable and willing to make a positive impact in our changing world. Over 80 year 12 student leaders from schools throughout Victoria and even Tasmania, participated in a 3-day program run by Y-Lead at Melbourne University. It created an outlet for each individual to express their ideas and build off of one another to strengthen their leadership capabilities and skills. Whilst there, they taught us to not be afraid to be open and vulnerable as leaders, improve our public speaking ability, and conflict resolution to apply to our leadership positions back at our schools as well as out in the world. Allowing us to work in different environments, they made sure to accommodate activities to suit everyone’s preferences for learning as much as possible. Whether that be in groups, by ourselves, writing notes or getting up and moving around.
Will:
I found this opportunity extremely beneficial, in not only helping me be a leader but also allowing me to leave my comfort zone. I also met so many other amazing students and mentors that I can now see myself collaborating with in the future to hopefully continue growing our schools and communities. I want to thank everyone from Y-Lead for providing this once-in-a-lifetime experience, making it so enjoyable and worthwhile, and also Geelong High School because without them I would never have gone on this program. Hopefully, many other future leaders like myself, can be given this same opportunity and make the world a better place.
Harry:
The Y-Lead conference provided students with a beneficial experience for developing leadership qualities and meeting new people.
Mariele:
Surrounding myself with a whole new group of people was the scariest thing to think about. I thought I wouldn’t be able to connect with others, and just be super awkward. But everyone there was so welcoming and open-minded to everyone’s differences. It was refreshing to interact with like-minded people who have surprisingly many things in common. By pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I was able to develop multiple connections with people and those memories will stick with me forever. I would 100% recommend this conference to future leaders, it’ll be a great opportunity for them to find themselves as individuals. Of course, this experience isn’t for everybody, but the lessons you learn from it are something you could apply to life in and outside of school.
2023 School Captain Team
Year 8 and 9 Drama Excursion
Year 8 & 9 Drama Excursion
On Wednesday the 22nd of February Geelong High Schools year 8 and 9 Drama students travelled to Melbourne for a day of Drama fun! We started at the Channel next door to The Melbourne Arts Centre where we participated in two workshops with some incredible industry professionals. ‘Character Building’ and an ‘Introduction to Music’. In the afternoon, we travelled to the Princess Theatre to watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. We are fortunate to be supported by the Melbourne Arts Centre’s First Call Funds subsidy that assists schools who need a little extra support to ensure their students are gaining access to the performing arts. Below are some student reflections on the day.
Year 8 Drama – Tobi Haynes
Character Building Workshop
“The workshop was run by Tom and Alex. There were activities where we would think of an animal and walk like the animal we thought of, and then after a minute or two we had to kind of humanise the animal. We also had costumes could use and make a character from it. We made a character and then had to walk like that character and think of how that character would interact with other characters. After walking around like the characters, we made, we stood in a circle and Tom would walk around pretending to be a radio host and asked us questions and we had to answer them as our character. At the end a couple of people were on the stage with Tom and Alex and they would pretend that there was some kind of drama between two characters like in the old TV show Jerry Springer. I really enjoyed making the characters and walking around as them and interacting with other characters. I also liked watching the Jerry Springer act as it was really funny.”
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is about the journey Albus Potter (Harry’s second child) takes while growing up, and the role he and his best friend, Scorpius Malfoy (Draco’s son), play when dark forces, perhaps in league with Voldemort, once again threaten the fate of the planet. My favourite parts were when the dementors came down from the ceiling at the end of act 1, and the fight scene with Harry, Albus and Delphi.”
Year 9 Drama – Rhys Rantall
Introduction to Music
“I think most other students would happily take another visit to the Channel to try make some more complex tracks, I liked the fact we had the freedom of all the instruments we used and the opportunity to use vocals. Our instructor was very clear on how to use all the options and made everything easy to understand, I believe the way the class ran helped everyone boost their confidence and show their product to the audience. It was difficult to get used to the way the program worked but I would definitely take another visit”
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
“I loved the acting from all the actors, all the stage production and overall theatre ambience. The play has been making me debate whether I should watch the movies or not. Although I’ve never been a Harry Potter fan, this play has definitely got me wanting to see more.”
International Women’s Day Breakfast
International Women’s Day Breakfast
On Thursday, the 9th of March, myself, Ms Garcia, Ms Kirk, and 6 other wonderful female leaders (Alannah Gorski – Barwon H.C, Jasmine Foster – Corio S.C, Abbey O'Grady – Leigh S.C, Melaia Nacagilevu – Moorabool H.C, Annabelle Lane – Corio and Hannah Leibhardt – Barwon, Girl’s forum), were invited to an inspiring breakfast at the GMHBA Stadium. We had a chilly start to our mornings, with the event starting at 7:20am. We were accompanied by other schools and their female representatives, as well as other amazing women within our community. We were treated with light breakfast such as yogurt with muesli, pastries, and muffins, as well as coffee and tea on the side to warm us up.
As we enjoyed our breakfast, we had three panel speakers’ answering questions in regards to the AFLW, as well as some challenges they faced. We heard from Lindsey Sharp, Director of the Geelong Cats Football club, Rosie King OAM, Special Projects Advisor, and Becky Webster, Geelong Cats AFLW player. It was wonderful hearing the different perspectives from women associated with AFLW, and what it’s like for them personally. From Becky Webster, I learnt it’s okay not to fit into every crowd and that we should find a place where we naturally do. But by far, the best highlight for me was winning the door prize for a 12-month membership to Fernwood Fitness. The whole thing left me in shock for a good two days (to be honest, I’m still in shock today).
Ms Garcia said that the most powerful message she took away from the morning was the thought-provoking quote ‘if you weren’t afraid, what would you do?’. We discussed the meaning of this quote in the car as we drove back to school. We also discussed the influential women that have had an impact in our lives and how they have shaped who we are today. Overall, I enjoyed being surrounded by such inspiring women who were able to help me build my confidence even further.
Mariele Go – School Captain 2023
Sleep Studies
Dear families
While we know sleep is essential for good health, research shows that many children and young people are not getting enough sleep on school nights. This can affect thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood.
Research shows about 12% of primary school-aged children, a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds and half of 16- to 17-year-olds don’t get enough sleep on school nights. The recommended amount of time to sleep for primary school-aged children is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers, it’s 8 to 10 hours.
Signs that your child is not getting enough sleep can include:
• low mood and irritability during social interactions
• reluctance or arguing about getting off devices and going to bed
• falling asleep during the day
• difficulties waking up for school and sleeping in late on weekends to catch up
• changes to communicating or interacting at home.
You can help your child to improve their sleep by:
• establishing a regular sleep pattern and consistent bedtime routine
• supporting them to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones before going to bed and in bed
• encouraging your child to exercise and spend time outside in daylight, steering clear of vigorous activity in the hour before sleep
• encouraging them to wind down and relax before going to bed.
If your child is still having trouble sleeping, has persistent problems with low mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or wakening unrefreshed, despite getting adequate length sleep, they should see a doctor.
For more information on sleep health, you can refer to:
• Sleep tips for children and Facts about sleep for parents and school staff, from the Sleep Health Foundation
• Why sleep is so important, from the Kids Helpline’s
• Sleep explained, from the Better Health Channel.
Careers Newsletter
Please see the link for the Careers Newsletter
Thomson Football & Netball Club
Bellarine Performing Arts
Our mission at Bellarine Performing Arts is to enrich the lives of young performers in a fun, safe and creative environment. Whether it’s expanding abilities or building confidence, we are here to enhance our community by providing theatre arts education, dance, musical theatre, vocal training and performance opportunities.
For more information and enrolments visit our website at:
