Governing Council

Building on and Expanding our Horizons
In 2009 the Governing Council lent its support to laying foundations in projects such as 21st Century Teaching and Learning; Improved IT Infrastructure and Access; Parent Engagement and Connections, knowing that we were making a long term commitment to the school and the students in these areas.
Throughout 2010 we furthered these projects and embarked on a number of quite significant new ones.  There are some exciting initiatives underway at GIHS, some involving the entire school community such as the School Values and Vision project; some involving smaller teams working with State Government to secure improved buildings and facilities at the school. Whilst these projects will not come to fruition overnight, they will certainly build on and expand the horizons of the school and the world class learning environment provided to our students.
Information Technology in the 21st Century
We now live in a world that is fast paced and subject to rapid technological advancement. It is imperative that we offer our students an environment in which they can access the information they require to achieve their education. They certainly have different demands to technology and information media than we had when we were students, and often frustratingly for the weary parent (and teacher!) it is them that sets the pace at which we need to move!
Bringing an entire school up to 21st century standard in IT has been a serious challenge and we have faced it with as much urgency as possible. Significant financial constraints, baseline equipment and ageing infrastructure, networking and connectivity arrangements, have all been factors that have needed overcoming.
The Governing Council will continue to help manage the school budget as part of our shared commitment to ensuring the best possible ICT developments occur for the benefit of all students.
Buildings and Facilities
The Governing Council was advised earlier in the year that GIHS has been awarded $10M as part of the State’s Capital Works Program and more recently that we will also share in the “Expanding Our Schools” initiative. Combined, this allocation of state funding will provide a transformation to the buildings and facilities offered at the school, with the first stage due to be rolled out in January 2012.
Whilst plans are still in the design and documentation stage, they are likely to include a new building on L’Estrange Street, which will house a new Information and Technology Centre, a new Year 12 Centre, and an International Student Area to name a few. There will be upgrades to a range of areas of the school, new purpose built Art Studios in the current library space and new Science laboratories in the current Art space.
The steering team will focus on creating environments that facilitate well-lit learning spaces, and ease of access for students and staff as well as fostering creativity.  It is an incredibly exciting project and will forge GIHS as a flagship school in the public education system.
Sense of Community
It is with each school year that our community grows and changes. We farewell students and families and welcome new ones; we expand our alumni cohort and strengthen the wealth of experience gained through our international students.
As part of the Governing Council’s mandate, we involve the school community in the governance of the school and seek parent representation each year in order to achieve both this and to strengthen public education in the community. Our community is a large one and encompasses teachers and staff, students (existing and past), families and carers. Throw into the mix the need to have ongoing and positive relationships with external suppliers, Department of Education and Children’s Services (DECS) and relevant Ministers and it is clear that our passion for community involvement is not misplaced!
It is the intention of the Governing Council to implement strategies and foster initiatives that will create further opportunities to engage the school community. The rollout of an improved web site will certainly assist this next year, but if you have any feedback or ideas please do not be shy in forwarding them onto the school or directly to me.

To all of the school community - Best wishes for a safe and happy festive season. I look forward to sharing 2011 with you and to continuing to work with your Governing Council to shape the horizon for all of us at GIHS.

For the full report please view the annual report