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.

Applications are now open for the 2027 Accelerated Learning Program.

Geelong High School's Accelerated Learning Program is a great opportunity for Grade 6 students who are looking for an extra challenge, students who are motivated and engaged leaners who wish to be part of a program for like-minded students.

Applications of interest for the 2027 Accelerated Learning Program CLOSES on Friday, 24th April 2026.

More information on the 2027 Accelerated Learning Program and how to apply can be found here.

Dear Parent / Carer

The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students are held in March each year. In 2026, the NAPLAN test window is between Wednesday 11 March and Monday 23 March.

NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents/carers, teachers and principals, and can be used to improve student achievement.

NAPLAN tests are delivered in an online format. This delivers many benefits including:

• a 'tailored test' design that adapts to and incorrect student responses providing a more precise understanding of student achievement;
• innovative use of technology, including a more engaging test design and a wider range of item types;
• an extended and more flexible test window, allowing schools greater opportunity to schedule the tests at times that suit them best and increasing student participation.

A public demonstration site is available for schools, teachers, parents/carers and students to familiarise themselves with the online tests.

All eligible students are expected to participate in the NAPLAN tests. Catch up tests will be available for individual students who are absent on test days up to and including Monday 23 March 2026.

Support can be arranged for students with disabilities, if the student regularly uses similar support for classroom assessment tasks.

Exemptions may be granted to students with significant intellectual disabilities and to students who have been learning English for less than one year.

If your child is eligible for support due to disability or exemption, you should discuss this with their teacher prior to the tests. Parental consent is required before any support due to disability or exemption is granted.

Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parent or carer. This is a matter for consideration by parents and carers in consultation with the principal. If, after consultation, you decide to withdraw your child, you must sign a student withdrawal form. These forms are available at the school and must be organised well in advance of testing. Please complete this form if you would like to withdraw your child and we will be in contact shortly: CLICK HERE.

Later in the year you will receive your child's personal NAPLAN report. The report will describe your child's particular skills in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

I am confident that the information you receive as a result of your child's participation in the NAPLAN tests will be valuable in helping you to assess your child's progress in literacy and numeracy.

For more information about the tests, please visit the VCAA website or the NAP website, or view the Information Brochure attached.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew McConchie

Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning

Geelong High School is happy to announce the official cast list for this years Theatre Production - Hadestown Teen Edition.

Congratulations to everyone casted and everyone involved!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Year 7 Orientation Camp is taking place from the 13th - 15th May, this is a compulsory activity and a great opportunity for students to challenge themselves and to get to know other students from their year level and their teachers.

A payment plan has been developed for families to help with overall costs of the camp. This can be found on Compass. Thank you to families who have already consented and submitted the medical form online.

Camp is a fantastic experience; we look forward to working with your children in this different environment. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Ann Russell / Ellece Febey

Year 7 Camp Coordinators

Dear Geelong High School community members,

We are excited to announce that we are about to launch the Dogs Connect program in our school. This is a whole school wellbeing program which will see the introduction of a wellbeing dog in our community. Our school wellbeing dog will become a much loved and important member of our community.

The Dogs Connect program will support us in implementing this very gradually, thoroughly, and consistently. At this stage we encourage anyone who would like to know more about this program to look through the website link here.

We are very excited to be introducing our wellbeing dog in the near future. We have a team of staff who will lead this program. We look forward to sending more information in the coming days.

We would also like to assure the community that this program will not involve anyone who does not wish to be involved. We know that this work will have a really positive impact on many people in our community, and we acknowledge and respect that connection with our wellbeing dog will be offered on a great variety of levels.

Meet Franky

Class Clowns 2026

Students who are interested in comedy are encouraged to join the Class Clowns program supported by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Please read the details below and reach out to Ms Tessa Kirk for more information.

There will be a meeting for all students interested:

Class Clowns Meeting

When: Monday 16th February - LUNCHTIME

Where: Theatre

INFORMATION

What is the class clown's competition?

A national comedy competition to uncover Australia's funniest teens.

When is it?

Heats are held across the country in Term 1. Registration is FREE!

What's included in heats?

Heats involve a 2-hour workshop/rehearsal with a professional comedian to help teens polish, refine and rehearse their act. Entrants then have the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience in a comedy show hosted by a professional comedian.

Judges select the winners, with state finalists from across Australia travelling to perform at the Class Clowns National Grand Final at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (travel costs covered by the Festival).

What are the rules?

• Students must be in Years 9-12 or aged 14-18 years.
• Students develop a 3–5-minute comedy routine. Material must be original, the student's own.
• Up to 3 people in an act.
• Schools can enter more than one act.
• Routines must be original (and funny)!
• Acts can be stand-up, sketch, physical, musical or anything in between.

What is the prize?

The National Class Clowns winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize plus a workshop package for their school.

Looking for a place to stay cool or warm this semester? The library has you covered!

Play various board games or pick up a book! Have a book you want to read which is not in our selection? Find a librarian to make a suggestion!

The library had a busy year in 2025 with activities ranging from painting, air dry clay, puzzles and many others. Visit the library Wednesday lunchtime from week 5 to discover more activities like how to use our new Cricut.

Victoria Police are hosting an information night for Year 11 and 12 students interested in exploring roles and career pathways within Victoria Police by participating in Structured Workplace Learning / Work Experience at Geelong and surrounding stations.

Students, parents and school representatives are encouraged to attend this information session prior to returning the expression of interest form.

There are a limited number of placements available and Structured Workplace Learning expression of interest from students who attend the information sessions will be looked up favourably in the application process.

Placements will occur over 5 days in a one-week block during July School holidays: Monday 29th June to Friday 3rd July 2026.

For more information regarding this Information Night please contact Jacinta Grills - Work Experience Coordinator at jacinta.grills@education.vic.gov.au

Defence Force Work Experience Program

High School students aged 15 - 18 years are invited to participate in Defence's Work Experience Programs being delivered across Victoria in 2026. These youth-focused programs introduced students to the wide range of career pathways available within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including the Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as the Australian Public Service (APS).

All program information and links to apply online are available through the ADF website - Defence Careers - Job List - Defence Work Experience

Successful applicants will be notified via email. Students should read the details carefully, so they understand what each program offers. The ADF has more exciting programs planned for this year and will continually update their website as dates are confirmed. So please keep an eye on the website!

If you have any further questions, please email Jacinta Grills - Work Experience Coordinator at jacinta.grill@education.vic.gov.au

Simpson Barrack Army Expo

A career expo is being held at Simpson Barracks, showcasing various military displays and career opportunities within the Army. Both Australian Defence Force Careers and Defence Work Experience teams will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.

When: Saturday, 14th March 2026 from 10:00am to 4:00pm

Where: Simpson Barracks - 20 Blamey Road, Macleod

For more information, please scan the QR code below or email Jacinta Grills - Work Experience Coordinator at jacinta.grill@education.vic.gov.au.

Firstly, a huge well done to all the school community for your engagement and attendance during Smart Start and again at the start of this year. It has been fantastic to see so many students showing up every day and giving themselves the best possible start.

According to John Hattie, who is arguably the world's leading researcher into the impact of education on young people's lives, strong attendance at school significantly increases a young person's likelihood of a higher wage, better mental and physical health, stronger relationships and higher levels of self-reported happiness later in life. In simple terms: being at school consistently matters - not just for marks, but for life outcomes.

Attendance is also about building habits. Each day at school contributes to:

• Stronger literacy and numeracy foundations
• Greater confidence in learning
• Deeper friendships and belonging
• Reduced stress about falling behind
• A sense of responsibility and resilience

Research consistently shows that even missing one day per fortnight can have a significant impact over time. Gaps in learning accumulate quickly and it becomes harder for students to feel confident and connected.

As a school, we are committed to creating classrooms where students feel safe, known and challenged. We will continue to monitor attendance closely, follow up quickly on unexplained absences and work in partnership with families where attendance becomes a concern. We want to understand barriers early and work together to address them.

Families play a crucial role in reinforcing the message that everyday counts. Simple routines - consistent bedtimes, preparing bags the night before, and scheduling appointments outside school hours where possible - make a powerful difference. Parents should also regularly check attendance on Compass as absences can quickly add up and become a barrier to learning.

At VCE all students must have over 90% to achieve a pass and students in Year 7 - 10 should be aiming above this. A significant proportion of students at Geelong High School finish the year with 100% attendance - a fantastic effort by them and their families.

Our students should be proud of the strong start they have made this year and it has been fantastic to see all students with an attendance goal this year. Let's continue to build a culture where attending school every day is the norm, where students understand that their presence matters and where together we set them up not only for academic success. but for thriving, purposeful lives beyond school.

Congratulations to the following Class of 2025 students for receiving the following scholarships to their respective universities.

Students and families at Geelong High School have access to a wide range of communication tools provided by the school. Compass updates provide valuable information to students and staff about daily events, activities and learning requirements.

Our school newsletter comes out regularly and is a great way to and is a great way to find out what our students have been up to.

Finally, Geelong High School has both a Facebook and Instagram page with information about upcoming events and term highlights. We invite you to like/join our Facebook and Instagram pages so that you can stay informed about school activities throughout the year.

All upcoming events can be found on the website calendar HERE.