Acting Principal’s Message Week 1 Term 4 2022

Welcoming

Dear Geelong High School learning community. By way of introduction to many of you, my name is Christopher Pugh and I am fortunate enough to lead our school through Term 4 as Acting Principal. I am a proud Geelong person and have admired the good work Geelong High School staff, students and parent/carers have done over many years and feel grateful for the opportunity to continue that work for the conclusion in 2022.

I have appreciated the welcoming from our School Council President Fiona Chipperfield, leadership team, staff and students I have met so far.

Before transitioning back to the Barwon network, I held the same position at a large school in Wyndham and have always enjoyed the many opportunities Term 4 presents. As the sun comes out more this Term, we will be holding a number of important celebrations and assessments, for both the students and ourselves as a school. In preparation for the coming years, we will be reflecting on our progress this year to reflect our improvement guided by our 4 year Strategic Plan. This is challenging work, but important work to ensure we are all doing our best for our students and adapting as a learning community.

Sun and UV Protection

Sun safety is a shared responsibility and staff, parents and students are encouraged to implement a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV levels reach 3 and above (typically from mid-August to the end of April in Victoria). Information about the daily local sun protection times is available via the free SunSmart app, or at sunsmart.com.au or bom.gov.au.

Year 12 Congratulations and Best Wishes

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank our year 12s for their contribution to Geelong High School over the last six years. Mr Davey was very clear during his hand over that this group has been wonderful throughout their time at Geelong High School, and in particular the lead up to their final year of studies, having endured the most challenging period of education. It is testimony to their character and endurance that they are now at the cusp of their exams and a very bright future. We wish them all the best for their exams and for what life holds beyond Geelong High School. Please do not hesitate to reach out, as our pathways support goes beyond graduation.

Please ensure you come say hi when you can, I look forward to meeting you.

Regards,

Christopher Pugh

Acting Principal

Geelong High School

‘VCE student Anthia Bond has just had her 'coffin' artwork accepted into the Woods Street Youth Art Prize for 2022. The artwork is her major piece for Year 12 Studio Art. Photos – Michelle Law.’

Games are an integral part of human behaviour. It is normal and healthy for young people to engage in play as a part of their daily lives, including playing games online. And like most activities, online gaming can have both positive and negative outcomes. It can be intimidating and confusing for carers trying to understand a young person’s online experiences with many considering that staring at a screen is an unhealthy habit. However, the World Health Organisation does believe that as well as the risks, there are also many positive benefits associated with online gaming and these could be key in nurturing bonds with others.

During the pandemic, there was an explosive growth of gaming as people sought much needed connection during isolation. In the media, gaming often gets bad publicity because most coverage tends to concentrate on the minority of gamers who play to such an extent that it compromises all other areas of their life. However, online gaming can teach young people many skills including teamwork, concentration, communication and problem-solving. It requires a level of interaction and skill from the player; unlike watching television, which is more passive.

Online communities provide opportunities for young people to feel socially connected and have a sense of belonging. At healthy levels, gaming can increase their self-esteem and social acceptance. However, any behaviour, when taken to extreme, can also have a negative impact on a young person’s everyday life. Understanding what your young person experiences online and knowing the warning signs if they are at risk, will help nurture a more positive relationship with online gaming and help your family find the right balance.

If you are concerned about your young person’s online gaming habits, it’s important to consider a number of factors. This edition will provide strategies in how to deal with any issues you may be experiencing. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to this month's edition https://geelonghigh.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/online-gaming

Your nose gets warmer when you lie!

Career News 15 September 2022

My name is Elodie and I work for The Inclusion Foundation’s emotion21 program which a community-based not-for-profit provider of specialised dance and fitness classes for people with Down syndrome.

Specifically designed for people with Down syndrome emotion 21 is proven to improve the strength, balance, coordination, and motor skills of our participants. It also fosters confidence, self-esteem, socialisation, and leadership skills that help ensure that people with Down syndrome have the best opportunity to lead healthy and independent

For the first time, emotion21 Dancer Artists with Down syndrome are performing to a wider audience at the Melbourne Fringe Festival. In two intimate shows, get a glimpse into the hearts and lives of people living with a disability.

The Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program is back which means you can claim 25% cash back when you spend $40 or more. Click here for further information.

Sonder - Sonder is the realisation that each passer-by is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. How well do you know someone with Down syndrome? Have you underestimated what we can do?

• Dates 07 - 09 Oct
• Time 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:30pm (60min)
• Venue North Magdalen Laundry, Sacred Heart Building, Abbotsford Convent

Analects of Aliveness - Autobiographical dance by artists with Down syndrome. Ask questions, be entertained, be enlightened. Be astounded by the passion of our dancing, and then hear us speak in a follow-up discussion about our work and efforts as dancers with a disability.

• Dates 15 - 16 Oct
• Time 6:45pm, 7:45pm (60min)
• Venue Festival Hub: Trades Hall - ETU Ballroom

As long-term friends of the Lucy Guerin Dance Studio, we know emotion21 dancers are talented, creative and insightful. We encourage you to broaden your dance horizons and attend a performance like no other. Buy your tickets today.

Sonder - https://melbournefringe.com.au/event/sonder/

Analects of Aliveness - https://melbournefringe.com.au/event/analects-of-aliveness/