Welcome back to all members of the Newcomb SC community!

We trust that everyone experienced a well-earned rest and is recharged for a big Term 3 of learning.

As we commence Semester 2, we should note some of the staffing changes that are in place. College Principal, Mr Honeywell, has taken leave for all of Term 3 and thus Mr McLeod will be Acting Principal in his place. Mr Sinclair will be Acting Assistant Principal Year 10-12 and Mrs Dedini will take the role of Leading Teacher Year 10-12.

The start of any Semester offers an opportunity for students to attend to their previous learning feedback shared and set out clear and achievable Focus Areas for the new Semester. 

At our welcome back Whole School Assembly on Monday, we proposed a series of Focus Areas for students to set as targets for Semester 2.

The Focus Areas presented on Monday included-

1. Be at school every day. Arrive to class on-time and remain in the classroom for the entirety of each session.

2. Be prepared for Learning. Both with the correct learning materials and a positive attitude towards learning.

3. Present proudly. This includes wearing the correct uniform. The new college uniform supplier is PSW.

4. Bringing a positive attitude and proactive behaviour to every class.

5. Complete all set tasks to the best of your ability. This may include seeking assistance from teachers and learning mentors.

6. Build and maintain positive relationships with all members of the college community- students and staff.

7. Focus on proactive and responsible conflict resolution strategies.

8. Maintain your wellbeing. Physical and mental. Identify and use your coping strategies and seek support if needed.

9. Be a positive role model for Newcomb Secondary College when in the community. Be proud to be part of such a great school.

10. Enjoy your school experience. It is a very important time in your life, one that goes very quickly, and one that you should look back upon fondly in the future.

We encourage you to also sit with your student, reflect on recent feedback and set specific achievable targets that can be actioned and supported throughout Semester 2. In conjunction with the support of the Newcomb SC staff, your support is also valuable in assisting your student. Your support could be assistance with Learning tasks, supporting the student to attend school on-time each and every day, assisting your student to be in correct uniform (no hoodies, correct NSC tracksuit pants etc.) and by modelling the value of learning, the value of a positive learning attitude and encourage the building positive relationships with all college community members.

Aligned with the above focus areas, students may also notice some new signage appearing in their classrooms and around the school, in particular our Positive Futures Framework poster, listing the qualities of an NSC student as a learner and beyond, and our updated School Wide Positive Behaviour matrixes. These new matrixes are now location specific and describe the positive behaviours which should be exhibited in those spaces. Examples of this are; respecting the personal space, property and privacy of others; using language that is appropriate in volume, topic and word choice in all settings; or making healthy food choices at the canteen.

We look forward to a enjoyable term full of personal growth, learning success and achievement!

Scott McLeod, Acting Principal
James Murphy, Assistant Principal
Jeremy Sinclair, Acting Assistant Principal

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Georga Dunn, Year 11 VCAL participating in Structured Workplace Learning with Amable. Thanks to Lesley for assisting to coordinate an amazingly varied program for Georga.

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At the conclusion of Term 2 our Year 7 and Year 8 students participated in the Literacy challenge.

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Ethan with Ms Mac’s new dog buddy

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Year 9 and Year 10 Mosaic Class Update.

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Curlewis Positive Acknowledgements Day.

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Year 84 Pop Artists creating lots of delicious food sculptures with Ms Roberts.

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On2Wheels Class headed out to Leopold Primary School to do some bike servicing.

COVID UPDATE

New household contact information:

• You are a household contact if you have spent more than four hours with someone who has COVID-19 inside a house, accommodation or care facility.
• Your household contact period is 7 days.
• You don’t have to quarantine during this 7-day period if you:
• test negative using a rapid antigen test on 5 days of the 7-day period (with tests spaced at least 24 hours apart)
• wear a mask indoors when outside your home
• do not visit hospitals or care facilities
• notify your employer or education facility
• If you do not follow these steps, you must quarantine for the 7-day period – and you are required to get tested on Day 1 and Day 6.
• If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, you must report your result and isolate for 7 days. Visit Reporting your result page for more information.
• Household contacts are also referred to as close contacts.

Rapid Antigen Testing

Testing change:

• from Monday 23 May 2022, it is recommended RATs are used by students and staff when symptomatic.
• It will no longer be recommended that non-symptomatic students or staff conduct RATs twice a week.
• RATs are also required to be used for 5 days if a student or staff member is a close contact of a confirmed case and they are attending or working at a school.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• If your child is not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they can continue to attend school, but you should monitor for symptoms.
• Students who show symptoms of COVID-19 cannot attend school and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result.
• Students who have recovered from COVID-19 do not need to participate in surveillance testing for 60 days after their isolation period has ended.
• For information on symptoms visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/symptoms-and-risks.
• For more information on how to get tested visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/taking-test-covid-19.

If your child returns a positive result, your child has COVID-19. You must:

• quarantine your child for seven days
• advise the school about the positive result
• Your child must stay home until their symptoms have resolved and they are well

Reporting your child’s positive test

If your child was at school when they were infectious you need to report the positive case through the Student COVID-19 Test Portal or you can notify the school in writing or by phone.

You must also report your child’s positive test to the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.

Further information for languages other than English

If you or someone you know needs assistance with translating this information, please contact the school office for details of interpreter options.

Financial support available to people affected by COVID-19:

For more information, visit:

Financial and other support for COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria

If you need a payment during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Getting help during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Services Australia

General advice and support

For general advice and support please call the Department of Education and Training COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663.

You can also contact the school:

Phone: 5248 1400

Email: Newcomb.sc@education.vic.gov.au

Advice and further resources about what to do if you test positive to COVID-19, or you have been told you are a contact, are at: Your COVID Checklist | Coronavirus Victoria, or call the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on: 1800 675 398

Music Department Information.

Term 3 is very busy for the Music Department.

Week 5 – Year 7 & 8 Junior Music Camp at Airey’s Inlet. Reminder to parents that full payments are now due.

Week 7 – Senior Concert Band Tour to Phillip Island for five days. Staying in Grantville and performing in San Remo, Newhaven, Leongatha and Wonthaggi. Visiting Phillip Island. Final payments are due early in the term.

Week 10 – A group of Senior Concert Band members will be travelling to Melbourne to see the show, Hairspray the Musical, at the Regent Theatre on Wednesday September 14^th.

Throughout Term 3, we are looking to integrate some more student activities into our current lunchtimes.

Opportunities that are currently ready to go ahead in the coming weeks are:

- Art Thursday’s with Mrs Honeywell

- A range of library games (UNO, Chess, etc…)

- Wednesday Movie/TV shows in the Auditorium

- Additional competitions (i.e., longest kick/throw)

Activities and opportunities are still being developed, and we are still looking for new ideas and activities to ensure that lunchtimes are as enjoyable as possible. If you have any additional ideas or would like to help in facilitating current or new activities, please contact your SLAM representatives or Mr Relouw. 

GEELONG REGION Programs provided by City of Greater Geelong, Regional Parenting Service

NO MORE SCAREDY CATS
Reducing Anxiety & Building Resilience in Children
Dates: Monday 25 July – 22 August
Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm
‘Ariston ’ 245-249 Pakington Street, Newtown
A 5 week program for parents of children 5 – 12 years to gain an understanding of the increasing levels of anxiety in their child and strategies to help manage the “traps and tripwires” with strengthening sayings, questioning strategies and mindful exercises.

TUNING IN TO KIDS
Dates: Tuesday 2 August – 6 September
Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm (Online via Zoom)
Tuning in to Kids is a 6-week supportive program for parents of children aged 4 to 10 yrs.
The program aims to:

• Help parents teach and support their child/ren to understand and manage their emotions;
• Support parents in encouraging children to express emotions appropriately;
• Maximise children’s social, behavioural and learning outcomes.

THE DAD WORKSHOP
Dates: Monday 1 August – 5 September
Time: 7.30pm - 9.00pm (Online via Zoom)
This 6-week program will focus on giving you the tools you need to create a better life for your entire family.

We will look at simple things you can do to improve:

• Your relationship with yourself;
• Your relationship with your partner;
• Your relationship with your kids.

CIRCLE OF SECURITY
Dates: Tuesday 26 July – 13 September
Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm
‘Ariston’ 245-249 Pakington Street, Newtown

Circle of Security is an 8-week program for parents of children aged up to 8 years wanting to learn about the experiences of their child and how the parent and child relationship can be strengthened.

TUNING IN TO TEENS
Dates: Wednesday 13 July – 17 August
Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm (Online via Zoom)

Tuning into Teens is a 6-week supportive program for parents of teens aged 12 to 18 years.

The program aims to:

• Support parents to connect and communicate with their teens;
• Assist parents with understanding adolescent development;
• Help parents to assist their teen to develop emotional intelligence;
• Remain empathetic and stay connected.

BRINGING UP GREAT KIDS
Dates: Thursday 21 July – 25 August
Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm
‘Ariston’ 245-249 Pakington Street, Newtown

Bringing up Great Kids is a 6-week supportive program for parents of children aged 12 months to 9 yrs.

The program aims to:

• Develop parents’ skills to enhance communication with their children;
• Promote positive interactions between parents and their child/ren;
• Encourage the development of a child’s positive self-identity.

POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM
Available online via the Triple P website
https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/vic-uken/triple-p/

FREE DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
Angst: Raising Awareness Around Teenage Anxiety
Date: Tuesday 26 July
Time: 7.30pm – 8.30pm
OneHope Centre, 4-32 Province Boulevard, Highton

Regional Parenting Service is screening the documentary “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Teenage Anxiety”. Angst is on a mission to start a global conversation and raise awareness around adolescent anxiety. A Must-See Documentary.

Angst helps break this down, explaining what’s going on, and what we can do about it to help both ourselves and others. It features World Champion Swimmer Michael Phelps. The 1-hour documentary delves into all aspects of our society’s most common mental health challenge with: experts in the field, and regular teenagers. Bookings to be made via Eventbrite here.

BRINGING UP GREAT KIDS
The First 1000 Days
Expressions of Interest are being taken for this program

The first 1,000 days of life is a program for parents with children aged under 2 years and designed to nurture parents as they embark on their journey. It provides parents with a knowledge about brain development and an understanding of how children grow and what they need. The centrality of family relationships and opportunities for parents to reflect on their own childhood and how to connect with their children are all explored.

STEPPING STONES
Expressions of Interest are being taken for this program

Stepping Stones is a 5-week program for families with a child who has a disability. The program aims to help parents use Positive Parenting to acquire new skills and knowledge. Skills are practiced and parents receive constructive feedback about their use of skills.

POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM
Expressions of Interest are being taken for this program

Positive Parenting Program is a 4-week program for parents of children aged 2 – 8 years.

There is no right way to be a parent, but the PPP program offers:

• Information and support;
• Practical answers to everyday parenting concerns;
• Group will run for 4 weeks, followed up by 2 weekly telephone sessions.

FLOURISHING FAMILIES
Expressions of Interest are being taken for this program
A 5-week program for parents with children of all ages to discover how you can help your family to flourish.

Learn about:

• How you can promote resilience;
• Increase awareness of your family’s strengths;
• Create and nurture positive family relationships;
• Give feedback to support individual growth.

Programs provided by Family Relationship Centre 
Contact the Parenting Orders Program at the Family Relationship Centre - Ph: 5246 5600

Our Kids – Parenting After Separation
Tuesday 26 July – 30 August, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Thursday 28 July – 1 September, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Our Kids is a 6-week course on parenting after separation and the impact of parental conflict on children. The course encourages parents to focus on the needs of their children and develop helpful communication strategies following separation. Courses run weekly for six weeks during school terms. Morning and evening sessions available. Cost: $80 - $150

Programs provided by Barwon Child Youth & Family (BCYF)
Contact BCYF regarding program delivery
Ph: 5226 8900 or www.bcyf.org.au

TUNING IN TO KIDS
Dates: Thursday 28 July – 1 September
Time: 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre
12 Merrijig Drive, Torquay

Tuning in to Kids is a 6-week supportive program for parents of children aged 3 years – 12 years. The program aims to:

• Encourage parents to effectively tune in to their children’s emotions;
• Supports parents to teach their children how to understand and regulate their emotions;
• Helps parents respond to and foster their child’s individual needs.

CIRCLE OF SECURITY
Dates: Tuesday 26 July – 30 August
Time: 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Northern Bay Family Learning Centre, Goldsworthy Rd, Corio

Circle of Security is an 8-week supportive program for parents of children aged birth – 5 years.

The program aims to:

• Help parents understand how to build feelings of security for children in their early years;
• Assist parents with skills to build on the positive relationship with their child;
• Develop confidence in parents to respond to their child in a way which builds a secure foundation for children.

BUMPS TO BUBS
Dates: Wednesday 13 July – 14 September
Time: 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Northern Bay Family Learning Centre, Goldsworthy Rd, Corio

Bumps to Bubs is a 10-week program and brings young mothers and mothers-to-be (up to 23 years) with babies 0-1 year, together to support the journey of parenting.

BUMPS TO TOTS
Dates: Thursday 14 July – 15 September
Time: 9.30am – 11.00am

Northern Bay Family Learning Centre, Goldsworthy Rd, Corio

The Bubs to Tots Group Program brings mothers (up to 24 years) and toddlers together to support parents with knowledge and skills to enhance children’s development in the 1–2-year age group.

TUNING IN TO TEENS
Dates: Wednesday 27 July – 31 August
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm (Online via Zoom)

Tuning in to Teens is a 6-week supportive program for parents of adolescents aged 10 years to 18 years.

The program aims to:

• Support parents to connect and communicate with their teen;
• Assist parents with understanding adolescent development;
• Help parents to assist their teen to manage emotions and develop emotional intelligence.

BRINGING UP GREAT KIDS

Date: Tuesday 26 July – 30 August
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Korayn Birralee Family Centre
146 Purnell Rd, Corio

Bringing Up Great Kids is a 6-week supportive program for parents of children aged 12 months – 12 years.

The program aims to:

• Support parents with the skills to enhance their communication with their children;
• Promote positive interactions between parent and child;
• Encourage the development of children’s positive self-identity.

DADS TUNING IN TO KIDS
Date: Tuesday 26 July – 30 August
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm (Online via Zoom)

Dads Tuning in to Kids is a 6-week supportive program specifically for Dads of children aged 3 years – 12 years.

The program aims to:

• Help dads to effectively tune in to their child’s emotions;
• Encourage dads to strengthen their emotional connection with their child;
• Support dads to build skills in emotion coaching to assist their child’s individual needs.

Programs provided by
Drummond St Services
For information on Drummond St seminars and groups www.ds.org.au/events/
Drummond Street Services provide services for People, Families & Community.
For further information about our programs please follow this link: www.ds.org.au or call 03 9663 6733.

BARWON SOUTH WEST REGION
Programs provided by
CatholicCare Victoria in partnership with Warrnambool City Council & Moyne Shire
Registrations are compulsory to attend
Email: Andrea.clarke@centacareballarat.org.au
Ph: 5337 8943

Livng with Teens
Dates: Tuesday 9 August – 23 August
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm (Online via Zoom)

A model for building strong, secure connections. Living with Teens is a 3-week program.

The program covers:

• What parents need to be able to meet teen’s needs;
• What teens need from parents;
• Adolescent development.

CIRCLE OF SECURITY
Group 1 (6 weeks – abbreviated program)
Warrnambool City Council
Dates: Wednesday 10 August – 14 September
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Group 2 (8 weeks)

Moyne Shire
Dates: Thursday 11 August – 13 October
(Break for 2 weeks on 8 & 15 September)
Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Circle of Security is an 8-week relationship-based parenting program.

The program aims to:

• Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs;
• Honour the innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure;
• Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions;
• Enhance the development of your child's self-esteem.