What's On

Issue #18

Dated: 23 October 2026

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Students, Parents, and Carers,

At Gungahlin College, we are proud of the way our community works together, students, staff, and families united by a shared purpose to create an environment where everyone can thrive. This week, that spirit of collaboration has been evident across our classrooms, leadership teams, and community partnerships.

We were honoured to welcome visiting students from our sister city of Nara, Japan, who joined our classes to experience learning alongside their Australian peers. This exchange reminded us how education surpasses borders, connecting young people through curiosity, respect, and friendship. A sincere thank you to Sayoko and Sabina for ensuring our visitors experienced the warmth and inclusivity that define our college.

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our very own Sayoko Thompson has been named a finalist for the ACT Public Education Awards: Secondary Teacher of the Year. This prestigious nomination is a wonderful testament to the outstanding talent, passion, and dedication we are lucky to experience every day within our college. I am looking forward to attending the upcoming awards ceremony, and I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to Sayoko on behalf of our entire community.

As we wrap up another week, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our parents, carers, and the broader community for your unwavering support and patience during the disruptions caused by recent industrial action. Together, we continue to show what makes Gungahlin College so remarkable: our ability to unite many diverse parts into one single purpose, to support every student.

Warm regards,

Priscilla Wray
Principal

CONNECT DAY 4: CELEBRATION ON THE PARK

When: Monday 2 November, 1:30pm - 3pm (Week 14)

Where: Town Park (the grass area, stage and gallery outside Gungahlin College)

What: Students are invited to come along and celebrate the work and activities each faculty area has been doing throughout 2026.

Important: Alternate Timetable

Line 1: 9:30–10:00am

Line 2: 10:00–10:30am

Line 3: 10:30–11:00am

Line 4: 11:00–11:30am

Line 5: 11:30–12:00pm

Line 6: 12:00–12:30pm

Line 7: 12:30–1:00pm

Line 8: 1:00–1:30pm

Connect Day 4: 1:30 to 3:30pm

SAVE THE DATE - YEAR 12 GRADUATION

Attention: Year 12 students, parents & carers. Please save the date for our Year 12 Graduation Ceremonies on Wednesday 16 December 2026.

Grad Session 1: 9:30am - 12:00pm (Aquila & Draco houses only)

Grad Session 2: 1:30pm - 4:00pm (Orion, Vega houses & Early Leavers only)

All students who have successfully achieved their ACT Senior Secondary Certificate are reminded to RSVP via the Google Form using their SchoolsNet account to confirm their attendance by 16 November 2026.

AST, TERTIARY SCORES AND ATAR

Our AST and Certification Teams have created a sequence of videos to provide students and parents with an overview of the ACT Scaling Test (AST), tertiary scores, scaling and how the ATAR is calculated. The videos also explain how students can prepare for the AST and understand their progress throughout their two years at the college. The videos are available on the AST, Tertiary Scores and ATAR page.

YEAR 12 IMPORTANT DATES

Year 12 students and families should refer to the Year 12 Important Dates document for their information.

2026 YEAR 12 FORMAL

Only graduating GNGC Year 12 students may attend.
When purchasing tickets, please advise what table number you will be on.
Ticket sales close on Friday 6 November.

Where: National Arboretum Canberra

When: Wednesday 25 November

Cost: $165 - Tickets are on sale now from the Front Office.

ART ON THE PARK EXHIBITION 2026

Thursday 5 November, from 4.30pm, Gungahlin College Visual Arts Building

Art on the Park features student Art and Design. Our students have worked hard all semester to bring their ideas to life, exploring, experimenting, and creating works that capture their unique voices.

Come wander through the gallery, meet the artists, and celebrate another incredible year of art at Gungahlin College.

Thursday 5 November, from 4.30 – 6.30pm in the Gungahlin College Visual Arts Building. Entry is free, and there's so much to enjoy! See you there!

WELLBEING SUPPORT RESOURCES

In these times of increasing uncertainty, mental health challenges will affect most young people. Please see the list of external Vital Support Contacts that students and parents can access whenever they feel overwhelmed or need support.

CALENDAR

WEEK 13

Tuesday 27 October

Excursion: RealFITT Wellbeing, 3:00-4:00pm
Year 11 AST Workshop, 3:15-4:00pm, Gungahlin College

Wednesday 28 October

Excursion: Surf & Snorkel Camp, Broulee
Incursion: Dance Fest Rehearsals
Yr 12 Health Science Assessment, 3:15-4:45pm, Downstairs Orange

Thursday 29 October

Excursion: Surf & Snorkel Camp, Broulee
Excursion: Dance Fest, Canberra Theatre Centre

Friday 30 October

World Teachers Day Australia - Theme: "Shine a light on teachers"

WEEK 14

Monday 2 November

Alternate Timetable from 9:30am to 1:00pm
Connect Day: Celebration on the Park, 1:30-3:00pm, Gunghalin College
Year 11 Health Science Assessment, 3:15-4:45pm, Downstairs Orange

Tuesday 3 November

Excursion: RealFITT Wellbeing, 3:00-4:00pm

Wednesday 4 November

Excursion: AFLX Competition
Excursion: Caving - Line 4

Thursday 5 November

Art on the Park: Exhibition, 4:30-6:30pm, Gungahlin College Visual Arts Building

Friday 6 November

Year 12 Formal Ticket Sales End
Excursion: Caving - Line 8