Term 1 2022 has seen GRC HBC move closer to normal operations.

The pandemic has had lingering effects on all aspects of our life, including school. After starting the term with all staff and students wearing masks, we have made significant progress in reclaiming normal. Students remain in cohorted playground areas, with student voice surveys indicating this has a positive impact on their wellbeing and sense of belonging. Staff and students are no longer required to wear masks, although they are welcome to do so if they choose. It was amazing to have our first whole school assembly, and we are looking forward to zone sport commencing in Term 2.  

Changes to Excursions 

The way we organise excursions is changing. We are moving to ‘School Bytes’ which will oversee the excursion process including generating permission notes and payments made by parents.

Excursions are an important part of supporting the curriculum . To streamline the process, we are moving to an online platform which will allow parents/carers to receive notes directly to their inbox. Payments will happen directly through School Bytes. It will also be easier for teachers to organise all aspects of the excursion, making sure it is safe through thorough risk assessments, and supporting all students to fully participate in the learning opportunities. Look out for more information about the new process at the start of Term 2.  

Counselling Support  

Students requiring additional support can self-refer to see one of our counsellors.

Many students require additional supports throughout their time in high school. There are many layers of wellbeing support available at GRC HBC, including their classroom teachers, their Year Advisors, Head Teacher Wellbeing, Youth Worker, and members of the senior executive. We encourage all students to seek appropriate supports as they need it. Students can talk to members of the wellbeing team to access counselling support or can scan one of the QR codes displayed on posters around the school. You can find out more about counselling through the Department of Education website. 

Attendance Matters 

Every day counts. Students need to come to school on time every day.

Attending school is compulsory for all students in Australia. It is vital for all students to arrive at school on time to be able to engage fully with their studies and peers. Students who miss time are at increased risk of requiring social support later in life, decreased chances of completing vocational education, and decreased academic outcomes. We encourage all students to come every day, and if you require additional supports in getting your son to school, please get in touch. 

This year we have taken steps to recognise students whose attendance has been exemplary. At each year meeting, we conduct a draw, with entries being earned by attending over the three-week period leading up to the meeting. Winners are rewarded with a canteen voucher for their achievements. All students should be aspiring to attend school every day and participate.

Donate your old uniforms! 

We are seeking donations of old uniforms to support students who may need assistance.

Some families at GRC HBC undergo significant financial hardship, and the ongoing effects of the pandemic have only made that worse. We offer financial assistance for those needing it, and if your family needs it, please contact the office for details. One way we support these families is by providing them with second-hand uniforms. If your son has grown out of any items of uniform, we would appreciate it if they were donated to the front office.  

George’s River Integration Transition 

Our new year 7 students successfully went through a program to help them transition into the school.

The program was designed to first give them the knowledge they need to access wellbeing processes at GRC HBC, skills they will need to succeed as they transition to high school, and the opportunity to make genuine connections with other students. Students then had the opportunity to engage with the classes they would have for the rest of the year. Students overwhelmingly reported that they enjoyed the program and were more positive about attending school after it had finished. They also demonstrated good connections with their peers, and with their teachers. If you think your son may be having difficulty in transitioning into our school, please let us know so we can support them.  

David Davis I Deputy Principal Wellbeing & Discipline