Term 3 - Principal's Report
Principal's Report
Dear Parents/Carers, Students and Families,
Welcome back to term 3
I hope this issue of FGSC Connect finds you well. I would like to thank all students, staff, and families for their dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm throughout the first semester. Our unwavering individual and collective commitment to high expectations, alongside our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Endeavour, will drive us to become the best school we can be. In term 3, we are excited to continue our journey of learning and growth with your child.
Mr Neil Uwins - Assistant Principal Farewell
On Monday, August 29, we celebrated Neil Uwins' contribution to state education over 40 years, particularly to our school over the last 22 years as he transitions into retirement. It was fantastic to share this occasion with many current and former staff alongside Neil's family. The number of guests in attendance was a testament to Mr Uwins’ impact on so many people throughout his career.
We thank Neil for his unwavering dedication to public education and the profound difference he has made in the lives of students and staff over the decades. We wish Neil well in his retirement, knowing that we will continue his efforts to serve our school community with integrity, fairness and kindness.
Morning procedures
Thank you to the many parents, students, leaders and staff for supporting our school-wide initiative regarding attendance, punctuality, school uniform and being ready to learn. Our process in the morning involves our leaders starting the day at the gates to warmly greet our students for the day ahead. This is also a chance for us to inquire about school uniform and learning resources.
As partners in the learning and wellbeing of our students, we kindly seek your support in reinforcing some important expectations, which include the following:
- We arrive at school on time.
- We arrive at every class on time with the correct equipment.
- We wear full school uniform at all times.
- We place mobile phones and electronic devices in school bags.
Please contact us if there are any challenges regarding access to necessary learning materials or school uniform. We are committed to assisting and working with you to address any concerns.
By working together to uphold these expectations, we can create a positive learning environment for every child to thrive and succeed.
Attendance and arriving at school and to class on time
I want to take a moment to emphasise the importance of your child coming to school on time and regularly attending school.
Consistent attendance is crucial for your child's academic growth. When they attend school every day:
- They stay on track with learning, building on previous lessons smoothly.
- They actively participate in class, getting involved in discussions and hands-on activities.
- They form meaningful connections with peers and teachers, enhancing their overall school experience.
- They tend to perform better academically.
- They develop essential life skills like responsibility and time management, which are vital skills that will serve your child well beyond the classroom.
The impact on student learning when they regularly arrive late or miss a day here and there can be seen through the following infographics:
FGSC Attendance Team
Our dedicated attendance team tracks and monitors all students' late arrival and attendance. By doing so, we can identify and address any patterns promptly. We understand that sometimes arriving late and being absent is unavoidable, and our attendance team will work with families to ensure support is put in place to reduce the number of late arrivals and missed days. If specific challenges affect your child's time of arrival or attendance, we are here to listen and assist. Together, we can find solutions to help your child stay on track.
2025 VCE/VM Course Selection
As we move further into the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our vision of “Knowing our students and giving every student every opportunity to thrive.” This commitment drives us to provide high-quality learning experiences and pathways to success, tailored to the unique interests, aspirations, and strengths of each student. There are several exciting events in Term 3 to assist our students during the 2025 course selection process.
The 2025 Year 10 & 11 Curriculum Evening and Careers Expo is an informative evening where students and their families can explore their subject and pathway options for Year 10 and 11. In week 2, our dedicated teaching and education support staff were on hand to showcase subject and pathways options to further our student’s education and career opportunities.
Discovery Days allow our Year 10 students to engage in hands-on activities and workshops led by VCE teaching staff. These experiences are designed to spark curiosity and inspire students to align their studies and 2025 subject choices with their future goals.
Year 10 Counselling Sessions are one on one sessions that provide personalized guidance from our pathways team to help students choose the subjects that best align with their interests and strengths.
Year 10 Job Camps are facilitated by way of incursion and offers students access to vocational training and compliance certificates that are enhancements for employment opportunities. Over 8 days select students will undertake nationally accredited training in areas such as
- Use hygienic practices for food safety
- Prepare and serve espresso coffee
- Provide responsible service of alcohol (In accordance with Liquor Control Victoria)
- Prepare and present sandwiches
- Prepare to work safely in the construction industry
- Provide first aid + Provide CPR
- Job Search Training
Select Year 10, 11 & 12 Visual and performing arts students attended the Creative Industries Career Day at Bunjil Place in Week 2. This ‘no-lectures-no-business-cards’ style event saw students connect with film, design, gallery, museum, music and performing arts industry professionals for great conversations and engaging activities.
Finally, our year 11 students are excited to attend the Mt Buller Ski Camp this term. This offers students a unique blend of physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth. On the slopes, they'll learn and refine their skiing or snowboarding skills in a supportive and enjoyable setting. Off the slopes, they'll form stronger bonds with their peers and teachers, creating a sense of community and friendship. The camp also encourages independence, resilience, and problem-solving as they face new challenges
By participating in these initiatives, our students will have the opportunity to discover their potential, set goals, and create pathways that lead to success.
I will be taking long service leave from Monday 12 August until Friday 20 September, 2024. While I am away Carys Freeman will take the Principal role. Duncan Threadgold will take the Principal role on Wednesdays in Carys' absence.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to ensure that every student thrives. We look forward to a successful term ahead.
Stay well and keep safe,
Jo Cucchiara