Let the games begin

PROF. RICHARD PAGE, CHAIR OF COUNCIL

We are far from Olympia and Ancient Greece, but the increase in activity around the school grounds especially on a Saturday might well form a mini-Olympics in their own right.

Schools are supposed to be a hive of activity, colour and motion and it has been fantastic to see vibrancy across all sections of the school during recess, lunch, sports training and of course weekend sport.

Sport of course is a visible example of the rich and diverse content provided under the liberal educational experience on offer at The Geelong College. This is combined with music, arts, experiential education, not to mention the length and breadth of traditional education on offer during the course of a normal school week.

As restrictions have eased, the school has been able to deliver normal classes, sport and extra-curricular activities including use of the Otway Campus. This has been welcomed by all as we learn to function and adapt to the COVID normal environment. Thanks must go out to all the staff for their ongoing commitment to enable this, despite challenges created by unplanned leave.

The greater school community has also enjoyed re-connecting at various school functions including the fabulous sell-out Autumn Ball enjoyed by a large number, eager to make the most of a long-awaited night out.

“As restrictions have eased, the school has been able to deliver normal classes, sport and extra-curricular activities...This has been welcomed by all as we learn to function and adapt to the COVID normal environment. “

Special thanks must go to all of the organisers from the SSPA and PSPA led by Kay Tait and Sara Selvaraju respectively.

The wonderful grounds and facilities enjoyed by students and families are the legacy of previous school leaders, Principals and School Councils’ planning and ‘paying forward’ for the benefit of those that follow. The foresight, generosity and commitment shown in the past benefits our community now and into the future.

The growth and increasing demand for the Geelong and Surf Coast lifestyle has surged over the last few years as many families have re-examined their priorities. In turn this has increased pressure for student places at various levels within the school. Council is aware and is examining options for growth, while conscious of maintaining the cultural and learning experience at the school.

Planning in recent years has led to the commencement of the exciting Gym Project supported by the Bellerin Campaign at the Senior School.

We are pleased to have engaged Lyons Construction to deliver the landmark project with the support of The Geelong College Foundation. The Bellerin Project will provide state of the art, fit-for-purpose indoor facilities that meet the contemporary standards for a range of indoor court-based sports. It will also provide weights for strength and conditioning, an aerobics space, appropriate changing areas, additional teaching and learning spaces and underground car parking. It is the largest building footprint to be undertaken at College, and we are grateful for everyone’s patience during the disruption as we enter the construction phase. We are grateful for the opportunities that have returned. whilst enjoying the seasonal change, warm coats and fires that come with winter.

I have spoken in the past of the joy of family pets and sadly note we have farewelled one of our long-term family companions. I pay tribute and vale our dear Golden Retriever, Sam. It does cause pause to reflect of fond memories and life phases as families grow. Most of all it is a reminder to be gentle, patient and kind to each other and make the most of one and other’s company.

The long-awaited SSPA/PSPA Autumn Ball was held

Dr Peter Miller, Prof. Richard Page, Kay Tait, Sara Selvaraju and Simon Young.

Contracts were signed for the Bellerin Gym Project

Prof. Richard Page and Dr Peter Miller with representatives from Lyon’s Construction.