Newsletter- Week 4 2025

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.

Have a great week!

Regards,

Mr Scott McLeod

Principal

Newcomb Secondary College