MAKING THE LEAP TO SECONDARY!
Possibly the most significant change to occur at GNLC was the move to become a Prep – Year 12 College. This ‘leap to secondary’ has seen the school’s student and staff numbers swell from 207 to over 1400 and its facilities, grounds and programs expand dramatically. To transform from a small primary to a thriving secondary school required vision, God’s guidance, planning, as well as huge drive and energy from staff and the College leadership team. The move to secondary learning had been floated as early as the late 1990s. By the start of 2003, GNCS was expecting to achieve 100+ enrolments for the very first time. In May that same year, the idea of expanding to secondary was approved by School Council. Informed by a report supplied from Luther College, the Lutheran Education District Council President, Dr Ken Bartel, offered initial recommendations to progress the secondary concept. Then came a slight hiccup in 2004 when enrolment forecasts did not eventuate. With support from LEVNT, the Good News leadership team focused on improvements to governance, strategic planning and marketing, while continuing to partner with St Philip’s on the secondary school vision. This, coupled with population growth in surrounding areas including Tarneit Gardens and Claremont Park, saw enrolments begin to rise again. A parent survey in 2005 underscored demand for secondary at GNLS with 90 per cent of parents surveyed nominating it as an ‘important’ or ‘very important’ priority. In 2008, LEVNT approved the introduction of secondary education with Year 7 beginning in 2011. Thereafter, an additional secondary year was added until we reached our goal of being able to offer Year 12 in 2016. “A very significant and historical event for the school and St Philip’s congregation in 2010 was the decision by the Lutheran Church of Australia to purchase the property on the south side adjacent to the school. The extra land allows for a four-stream primary school and a five-stream secondary school, with capacity of 1500 students. Enrolment growth over the history of the school especially in the last five years ensures the stability of the College as it grows to offer Year 12 in 2016.” Wyndham Mission Project 2013 Business Plan, St Philip’s Congregation and GNLS, November 2013
CLASS OF 2016: OUR FIRST YEAR 12 s GRADUATE
2016 marked a major milestone when our first Year 12 cohort completed their secondary education at GNLC!
“It’s certainly the most memorable year of my life. The teachers set us up perfectly for the real world and I’m so grateful for that.” Samantha Hill, past student
Celebrations included a final Year 12 Chapel service, a dress up day, a Walk of Honour and a Valedictory Dinner; those traditions continue today.
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