Can I start by commending staff and students on the way for which the school year has commenced. The collective commitment to our High Expectations focus has been a very positive and well-received one throughout the entire college community. The new structure to the day providing Ready to Learn preparation, continued focus on Good Order and predictable learning environments have produced a really positive school climate where learning is maximised, and positive relationships are fostered. I don’t have to explain to you that the benefits of building positive relationships and creating an orderly and predictable classroom are many, but with student growth and outcomes at the centre of any intervention, this commitment has already proven to generate greater and more effective teaching and learning time, something we hold in high importance here at Newcomb Secondary College. I encourage, and challenge, all students, and members of our community to continue to have High Expectations of themselves and each other.
Great start for our new students!
I am pleased to say that our Year 7 students, and those new to the college across Year 8-12 have settled into the college community really well. I have enjoyed meeting our new students, learning more about each of them and hearing the positive feedback from staff on how they have commenced. Congratulations to you all and keep it up!
Home Group & Positive Futures Framework
In 2025, and as shared in last week’s newsletter, you will note that our Home Group program has moved to the start of the day. During this valuable pastoral and ready to learn program, students will be supported in learning about being their best self, positive members of their communities (home, school, local and other), how to manage challenging situations sensibly and responsibly, as well as how to attend to their own wellbeing and support the wellbeing of others. This learning is a feature of Newcomb Secondary College’s Respectful Relationships curriculum, our School Wide Positive Behaviour program, our Berry Street Education Model supports for students and the NSC Positive Futures Framework (see below). Throughout the year, we will share resources with you at home and for all members of our college community to allow you at home to facilitate conversations with your student and participate in this very important life education program together with us.
Doctors in School Program (DISS)
Newcomb Secondary College prides itself on being a school of high academic expectations and pathway outcomes for students. Newcomb Secondary College truly does, through our Positive Futures Framework (PFF), ‘creates positive futures’. Much of this work is underpinned by the research and investment in ensuring adequate supports in both learning and wellbeing programs and structures. It is central to student outcomes and why Newcomb Secondary College is so well positioned to support our students. It goes without saying that healthy wellbeing leads to positive learning outcomes, and positive learning outcomes foster a healthy and prosperous life-long wellbeing.
One of the amazing supports that Newcomb Secondary College is fortunate to offer students is the Doctors in Schools program (DISS). This program provides students with the opportunity to access professional and confidential medical advice from a registered practitioner and nurse. Each Tuesday, Doctor Luke and Nurse Heidi conduct the clinic at Newcomb Secondary College in our C-Block building. The facility is designed and furnished with all the hall marks of a medical clinic and students can book into when at school. The program has great outcomes for students- the 2023 evaluation below highlights some of the key findings for you.
I hope the start of Term 1 for 2025 has been positive for you and your family.
As we enter Week 4, I kindly remind you of the attendance policy and requirements held by Newcomb Secondary College and the Department of Education.
Above all, we are committed to facilitating the attainment of high academic, social, behavioural and emotional success for all students. We believe regular attendance and high engagement in our school community is a critical part of that success, and we endeavour to increase the attendance rate in our school to ensure the best outcomes are accomplished for our students’ growth in all areas. Working together in close partnership with you through the maintenance of regular and open communication is an essential component of our ethos at Newcomb Secondary College, and we strive to maintain our close relationships with all families in our school community.
If your student must be absent, please contact the school as soon as possible to prevent unexplained absences that may hinder your student’s progress. If a reason is not provided for your student’s absence, the school is required to contact you on the same day. This is to ensure the safety of your student and maintain open communication to ensure you and your student are supported and successful in our school community.
If you have any questions regarding attendance or require any support or assistance, please contact the school on 5248 1400.
Newcomb Secondary College's 2025 Swimming Sports Carnival took place on Thursday, February 6th, at the Kardinia Aquatic Centre, where the weather was absolutely perfect—sunny and calm—setting the stage for an unforgettable day. The event saw a fantastic turnout, with staff and students enthusiastically donning their House Colours. Participation rates were exceptional, and the spirit of friendly competition and fun was felt across the entire venue. The carnival proved to be a great opportunity to build house points, celebrate school spirit, and enjoy a day of community and camaraderie.
Ms King's letter to the Newcomb Secondary College Community,
2025 is my 8th year teaching in Geelong and I am excited to join Newcomb Secondary College as a Home Group, English, and VM teacher. I am proud to have grown up in the area and am passionate about supporting young people in all aspects of their wellbeing and learning. I have also taught History/Humanities and Media throughout my career and look for many opportunities to integrate cross-curriculum learning and skills. Whatever I teach, I aim to make it as relevant, achievable, and enjoyable as possible.
Reading, watching movies, riding my bike, collecting and listening to vinyl records, Pilates, sewing, and gardening are just a few of my favourite things to do. I also love musical theatre and one of the greatest experiences of my career was directing the school musical The Wizard of Oz (my very favourite, though the Wicked vinyl is currently getting the most play in our house!)
In 2024 I spent a bit of time taking trips with my family, with our road trip around Tasmania in April and our trip to Japan in November as the highlights. It was the second time I had been to Japan, but my first visit to Universal Studios. While I enjoyed all the food, culture, history, and the beautiful places Japan has to see, USJ was definitely a highlight. Experiencing it with my Nintendo loving 7-year-old made it incredibly fun! I spent the summer locally, enjoying the great weather we had by reading in my hammock, swimming a lot, and doing as many fun things as I could with my son.
What I am most looking forward to in this next stage of my career is getting to know, educating, and supporting the young people at Newcomb Secondary College alongside the dedicated staff and leadership.
Miss Erin King 😊
Welcome Ms Hannah Riches!
Letter from Ms Hannah Riches to the Newcomb Secondary College Community
Hello Everyone!
My name is Hannah Riches, I am in my final trimester of my Masters of Applied Learning and Teaching at Deakin. I completed my thesis over Christmas on the relationship between educator bias and student weight - feel free to chat to me about it if you’re interested! My teaching areas are the VCE VM, Health and Home Economics. I fell in love with all things food and health after losing 55kgs, I then completed a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Nutrition and Health Promotion. I will be teaching GROW and VCE VM at Newcomb Secondary College and I must say, I have been taken back by the kind and welcoming nature of all the staff at this lovely school.
I am new to teaching and new to the school, the support I have received so far extends far beyond what I could have thought possible. I believe in a kindness pedagogy, valuing each student for who they are and creating strong relationships. I have 4 cats and 1 dog – (Pebbles, Peter, Piper, Polly and Pip). I love self-expression (particularly through clothes), humour, and American western history. I am also a certified nail technician and take acting lessons!
I have worked in a lot of precarious workplaces after high school, most recently, I worked as a Supervisor of Goods Inwards at Bunnings Geelong North for 6 years. I love music (all and everything), I have ‘Topaz’ by the B-52’s on repeat at the moment. I am reading an autobiography on Laura Ingalls-Wilder (the real-life Little House on the Prairie) and I am currently watching MAFS and Severance. I love polaroid photography, collage making and singing (horribly). Although I have red hair, my favourite colour is pink – my office is in B-block if you’d ever like to chat!
‘The Nest Youth Hub is now open Monday to Friday 3:30-6pm! There is FREE FOOD, gaming on PS5, Pool, Table Tennis, and Art Activities. All programs are FREE for young people aged 12-25. Come in and check out our new space at 17 Gheringhap Street, Geelong. For more information, visit https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/youth .’
What’s On
Starting from 10 February 2025, drop-in programs will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30pm until 6pm. During drop in times, you can:
Grab a meal and chill out with your mates
Access information and referrals to support services
Play a game of pool, table tennis or video games
Access a computer, a printer, charging stations and free Wi-Fi
Check out the local jobs board and community noticeboard
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Hub will be running closed group activities. Keep an eye on our socials @GeelongYouth early next year for more information including how to register.
The Hub is staffed by members of the City’s Youth Development team, and they will be wearing a lanyard and name tag so you can easily find them.
The Nest Youth Club 17 Gheringhap Street, Geelong.
