PRINCIPALS REPORT

With the end of term fast approaching, we have had another busy couple of weeks with plenty of events and activities happening across the school.

After a big start to the year and as we continue the terms focus on our value of Excellence, it has been impressive to see our students finding their feet – all has settled well into a normal school rhythm.

We are now working hard to consolidate our core routines and habits for our new students who are now becoming more comfortable being in Secondary College.

PRIMARY TRANSITION AND COLLEGE TOURS FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES

This is an important time of year for families in Grade 6 as they look to confirm their child’s placement at Secondary College in 2024. It is an important decision and one our College enjoys supporting families with.

Again in 2023 we have invited many of our local Primary Schools back to again visit our new College and the feedback we have received continues to be very positive. Some of our students also had the opportunity to speak at their previous Primary School to the current grade 5 or 6 students. They were not only able to provide information on our upcoming Information Sessions but also to tell their own stories on what it is like at Greenvale Secondary College. It was great to see our students demonstrating their Leadership Skills!

Our Tours continue to be fully subscribed – bookings for both the Information Sessions and College Tours are available by visiting our website – www.greenvalesc.vic.edu.au

SCHOOL COUNCIL

On 28 March we welcomed our new school Council Members. At the same meeting we also presented our 2022 Annual Report to the School Community.

As parents will know we received more parent nominations than places available on school council and this is a great sign that we have a high number of parents who would like to support and contribute to the development of our College.

On behalf of our College Community, I would like to sincerely thank Rebecca Cooper who has been School Council President since we opened. She has been a great contributor to our school community, always providing us the right amount of support and encouragement, and when required the appropriate amount of challenge. I would also like to thank past Council members Tammy Hocking and Esra Yildiz.

The new school council now consists of the following people:

STAFFING UPDATES

As our College continues to grow with students, so does our staffing profile. As we approach the end of this term, we welcome the following new staff to our team:

• Sonia Saitov – General and Sub School Administration
• Luke Costabile – Classroom Teacher (English and Humanities)

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY AND HARMONY DAY

This year the College has taken the opportunity to provide students with leadership opportunities including the ability for them to lead focus days such as International Women’s Day and Harmony Day. Many of these opportunities would only be available to students in years 11 and 12, however our students have certainly been willing to demonstrate their willingness to engage in such events.

International Women’s Day was a great opportunity to be able to recognise those in our community who have achieved great things, including both our staff and students. This year’s focus was on equity which is not just something we say and it’s not just something we write about. It’s something we need to think about, know, value and embrace.

Similarly for Harmony Day – it was pleasing to see so many students wearing orange to recognise our diversity and different backgrounds, it is also about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

COLLEGE REVIEW PROCESS

Our parent community will be aware that the College recently sent a link and asked parents to complete a survey which will help inform the future direction of the College.

Every 4 years, all schools are required to conduct a review process which then informs the next Strategic Plan.

Whilst we know that we have achieved a lot in a short period, we are also aware that there is much still to do. I look forward to keeping the community updated on this important work.

IS YOUR CHILD GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP?

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.