Term 4 Principal's Report
Dear Parents/Carers, Students and Families,
Happy Spring and welcome back to the College for Term 4.
The term has started well, with students returning energised, focused, and ready to learn. It is great to be back, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunities and experiences we will continue to provide for both our students and staff throughout the remainder of 2024. I equally look forward to the progress and achievements we will collectively accomplish in this final stretch of the year. A huge thank you to Mrs Carys Freeman, Mr Duncan Threadgold and the Principal team, including Ms Kelly Jessop for their diligent work during my leave. The efforts and commitment of our leaders, staff, students, and families to maintaining our high expectations and continuing to work towards our school goals and priorities are greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I want to emphasize the importance of our shared expectations, which are fundamental to creating a positive and productive learning environment. I have actively reinforced these expectations throughout the year by engaging with students, parents and teachers. By consistently reminding students about the importance of arriving on time, wearing the full school uniform, storing away mobile phones – and electronic devices and coming prepared to class ready to learn, we collectively contribute to a culture of responsibility and respect. Your support in upholding these expectations has been invaluable, and together, we’re nurturing a setting where each student can thrive and make the most of their learning.
Resetting Expectations
On Time Every Time
After a term break, it’s important to reset classroom expectations and this takes collective reminders to get students into the back-to-school routine. For this reason, I kindly ask all families to work together to support students in arriving to school on time. I wish to remind families that the start time of classes is 8.45 am. We seek your support in ensuring that students arrive at school no later than 8:30 am. This will give students time to go to their lockers to get their books and materials for periods 1 and 2 and be ready for the start of period 1, which commences at 8:45 am sharp.
Uniform and Learning Resources
I would like to remind families and students of our high expectations regarding being ready to learn daily with the required equipment/materials and wearing the current school uniform. The College has numerous ways to support families and students experiencing hardship to ensure all students have the necessary books and materials for learning and be in school uniform. Please contact the relevant Student Year Level Leaders if you would like some support.
Click to visit our Second Hand Uniform Shop
Click to view information about the $400 School Saving Bonus
Mobile Phones
We want to acknowledge and applaud the students who diligently follow our Mobile Phone Policy. However, we want to address many instances where mobile phones have been used or placed in pockets. We seek your continued support to ensure that your child’s mobile phone is turned off and stored in their locker while on school grounds. This is a Ministerial policy which we are mandated to follow.
We truly appreciate your ongoing understanding and cooperation in reinforcing this policy and thank you for your continued support as we maintain a learning environment that encourages focus, engagement, and mutual respect.
Click to view our Mobile Phone Policy
Farewell to our Year 12 Students
Week three saw us farewelling our Year 12 students. We came together for various events to acknowledge and celebrate their journey here at FGSC. This is a time filled with genuine warmth and nostalgia as we recognise their hard work and growth during their time with us. We are proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what the future holds for them.
Year 12 Celebrations
Our Year 12 students commemorated the end of the school year with a celebration day at Gumbuya World where students embraced a ‘tropical dress theme’. Their hard work was then acknowledged in the much-anticipated Year 12 final assembly in front of treasured friends and family members, who joined us in honouring their achievements for the conclusion of their Secondary School journey.
Year 10 Work Experience
In week three, our year 10 students completed The Work Experience Program providing them with valuable skills including:
- Developing employability skills
- Building self-understanding and self-confidence
- Help in securing a casual job,
- Assisting applications to tertiary courses and scholarships
Employers have reported our students have proudly represented Fountain Gate Secondary College upholding our school values with dedication and professionalism.
Arts Week
On Monday, October 21st, I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of The Arts and VCE Graduate Showcase, where our students in Studio Art, Visual Communication and Design, Photography, and Media exhibited their exceptional talents. The student work on display was outstanding, and I want to congratulate all the participants.
World Teachers Day
Friday 25th October is World Teachers Day. I would like to take a moment to celebrate our teachers and thank them for their tireless dedication to the work they do in educating, inspiring and empowering learners across our school.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our College.
Stay safe, and best wishes,
Jo Cucchiara