I’d like to begin by acknowledging my appointment as Principal of Gleneagles Secondary College. I feel incredibly privileged to continue working alongside our dedicated staff, students, and families in leading this vibrant school. I’m looking forward to guiding our community for at least the next five years.

We wrapped up Term 1 with a great energy across the College. Many students and staff, including myself, shaved or coloured their hair purple for the World’s Greatest Shave. We then moved straight into Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences, which were really well attended.

Term 2 kicked off with a short Week 1, but there’s already been plenty happening: our ANZAC Day Ceremony, the Year 12 Breakfast, the Year 11 Careers Expo, and this week our Year 9 students are out on City Experience.

ANZAC Day

On Thursday 24 April, our student leaders ran a respectful and moving ANZAC Day service. Tammy Van Rossum created beautiful wreaths laid beneath our flags, while our student leaders spoke about the meaning of ANZAC Day. We also welcomed Clinton Breeze, an Air Force veteran, who shared the story of the battle at Lone Pine, 110 years ago this year.

After the Last Post and the Ode, we gathered at our Lone Pine tree in the Year 7 courtyard. Retired librarian Lynne Moller shared the story behind the tree, which was grown from a seedling of the original Lone Pine and planted here 10 years ago. A commemorative plaque now sits beneath it, marking its history.

Following the service, students and staff observed a minute of silence in class after hearing the Ode and the Last Post. On Monday 28 April, our student leaders also attended the ANZAC Schools’ Service at the Shrine and laid wreaths. It was a thoughtful and reflective event for those who attended.

Cross Country

The rain held off (just!) for our whole school Cross Country on Tuesday 29 April. A big thank you to Daniel Keane for organising the event, along with the VET Sport & Rec students, the PE team, and all staff involved. Well done to every student who walked or ran the course.

Final results are below:

• 1st – Kites (777 points)
• 2nd – Falcons (738 points)
• 3rd – Kestrels (664 points)
• 4th – Harriers (645 points)

GoldEAGLE

Throughout each year the college Principal awards GoldEAGLES. This is a lapel pin awarded to the staff, students and community members who most exemplify what it means to be a member of the Gleneagles community.

In recent weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of awarding two Gold EAGLES to two very deserving staff members: Rita Mawal and Tammy Van Rossum.

Rita works tirelessly in our enrolments area, going above and beyond to make new families feel welcome and ensuring new students have the best possible start.

Tammy is a passionate advocate for student voice, actively supporting our student leaders and driving the student clubs’ program. She was also the key organiser behind this year’s ANZAC commemoration.

Congratulations to both, well deserved.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support of our school community. It’s been a great start to the term, and I’m looking forward to everything that’s still to come.

Jo Sayer
Principal
Gleneagles Secondary College