Welcome back to Geelong High School for 2026! Welcome to our 971 students and 116 staff.

It has been a great start to the year for all students, and I particularly welcome all the new Year 7's and students in other year levels to the school. Thanks to all parents and students involved in the start-up day and goal setting. We hope this was a useful way to start the year and prepare students for a successful year of learning.

I encourage all students and families to start the academic year strongly by establishing quality learning, study and organisation practices. If your child is to achieve at, or above, their best then this requires hard work, commitment and diligence. It also benefits tremendously from home support. As a parent you can assist your child by insisting, they complete homework (there is always something your child needs to do: don't accept any response that denies this!). You can also provide them with a quiet place to study. Above all, being interested in your child's work, projects and progress, and regularly asking them about their subjects can make a significant difference.

Over the holiday break there has been a considerable amount of work on improving the physical learning environment at the school and also some work that has started that will be finished soon. This work includes the installation of air-conditioning in the Kroger building, upgrades to the woodwork room with new tools and equipment, painting of classrooms and carpet cleaning, and finally upgrade works at Shenton Theatre have begun.

Our young people need all of our encouragement, support, reminders and celebration to assist them with being motivated and organised to achieve their best. It is easy to stay updated with School events through our website and through Compass. You can also use Compass to check your child's timetable and notices to assist with their organisation.

Communication between school and home is critical. If you have any concerns or questions, then it's best to act on them early. Please feel free to phone the Home Group or classroom teachers to discuss any learning or personal matters. Parents are also welcome to contact the House Leaders. It's important that we work together.

Staffing Updates

We welcome the following newcomers:

• Rebecca Cleary - English
• Joshua Ryan - English
• Grace McNaughton - Maths/Science
• Rachel King - Education Support (classroom support)
• Dana Lourie - Physical Education
• Madison Taylor - Education Support (classroom support)

School Uniform

It has been extremely pleasing to see all students in their uniforms and presenting themselves in a positive way. Can I remind all students that it is a requirement for all students to wear the school uniform. The uniform policy and requirements have been sent to parents, and it is a school requirement that all students wear the correct uniform at all times.

If you are unsure of the uniform policy, it can be found here.

School Council Election

Geelong High School Council elections will be held early this term. I encourage all parents and guardians to carefully consider how they can best contribute to and support the continued growth and development of Geelong High and in doing so, consider the possibility of nominating for the Geelong High Council election. The Council is a legally formed body with the power to set key directions of the school within centrally provided guidelines and frameworks. In doing this, School Council is able to directly influence the quality of education to school provides to its students.

I would like to thank the members of Council for their support of the school over their tenure and the energy and effort they put into the improvement of Geelong High and in securing the best educational outcomes for our students. Councillors who remain as DET employees or as parents of the school are welcome to stand for re-election.

There will be two (2) vacancies on School Council for Department of Education Training (DET) employees, and two (2) vacancies for student representatives and three (3) vacancies for parent members for a two-year term commencing in March 2026 to February 2028. All parents/guardians of students at Geelong High are eligible to vote for parent members. Persons who work at Geelong High as DET employees are eligible to vote for DET positions at the election. The newly formed Council will determine the co-option of a community member. The term of office for School Council membership is for two-years.

In order to conduct the election, the following timeline will occur:

Nomination forms can be obtained from the Administration Office during normal office hours.