Upsurge in numbers at Gleeson
Schools
A boost in the number of Year 7 and 8 students has resulted in record enrolments at Gleeson College.
When the Golden Grove school opened its doors for 2020 it welcomed 785 students, a 7 per cent increase on its 2019 enrolment figure. The greatest growth has been in Year 7, with 150 students, and Year 8, with 156 students.
Acting principal Joe Corbo said the exceptionally strong upsurge in numbers at Gleeson confirmed that the college was now a “school of choice” for families in the north eastern suburbs.
“Gleeson was proud to be the pilot school to successfully welcome Year 7s into the secondary learning setting and the experiences of these students and their families has generated positive word of mouth and referrals,” he said.
To cope with projected growth, Gleeson built two new classrooms in 2017 to accommodate the Year 7 intake and is currently constructing an eight classroom Senior School Centre which is expected to be ready for use in Term 2. The project will include a learning hub, student cafe/kitchen, offices, student services, breakout rooms and spaces.
Additionally, this year the college has appointed eight leaders of pastoral care, two for each house, to support the needs of students.
Mr Corbo said another asset of the college is the Defence Transition Mentor who is working with the increasing number of families who are relocating to the area due to their employment in the Australian Defence Force.
“The Defence Transition Mentor is helping students find their place in their new school,” he explained.
“Young people respond differently to relocation and change, with some making a comfortable transition into their new school while others may experience difficulties.
The mentor also works with families from adjacent Pedare Christian College and Golden Grove High School.
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