Newsletter- Term 2 Week 11 2024

End of Semester

Today I had the privilege of addressing the Year Eight and Year Nine students at their Year Level Assembly. At the assembly, many students were commended or their impressive achievements. First and foremost, we celebrated students for the way they have navigated a long term yet remained focussed on completing their learning tasks and growth activities. We also applauded all students for the improvements made to their presentation in full school uniform and for their positive contributions to the classroom environment, school climate and good order expectations. We set about a journey in 2024 of High Expectations and to this point I can proudly say that students have risen to the task.

On Friday students, parents and carers will have access to the college End of Semester Reports. As always, I encourage you and your student to take the time to reflect upon the achievements, growth and feedback together and set appropriate goals in preparation for Semester Two. Please note, students have an early dismissal on Friday with the school day concluding at 2:30 pm.

Mobile Phone Policy

This week, the Newcomb Secondary College Leadership team have informed all students of the strengthening of the actions in NSC's Mobile Phone Policy that will be implemented at the commencement of Semester Two. The information has been well-received by students and compliments the preparatory communications that we have shared with our community through our college newsletter.

We will be sharing further details and information with all college community stakeholders this week and at the start of Semester Two. Students were reminded that the expectations within the policy remain the same, we are strengthening the actions which is in-line with Government Ministerial Orders and Department of Education Policy which is there to support our students with their learning and wellbeing.

We noted with students that we live in a society that have expectations, policies, and consequences. Equally, we all live in family and care environments that have expectations of us to ensure that we can all co-exist in a positive and healthy manner together. We believe it comes down to values. Our core values as a school are Learning, Respect and Working Together. The strengthening of the Mobile Phone policy actions is a further way in which we can continue to learn together, show respect for self and others and all work together in a positive manner. The evidence linked to 'why’ this is important for students in today’s world is comprehensive, relevant and cannot be ignored. As a school, we will continue to support and educate our students on the risks and rewards of social media linked to their learning and wellbeing and establish positive supports to assist all students should challenges arise in this space. We know that as parents and carers, you too support the cause, and we extend the invitation to you all to assist us as a school so that together we can implement the strengthening of the Mobile Phone policy actions successfully.

The strengthened Mobile Phone policy will commence at the start of Semester two and will be phased in over Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 3. The following information was presented to students at the Year Level Assemblies this week.

Our Expectation:

• All NSC students are expected to have their phones off and away for the full school day. This extends to cellular watches, headphones and earphones.

Why?

• Since 2020 there has been a mobile phone policy for all government schools. The policy means phones brought to school must be switched off and stored securely during the school day.
• The aim of this policy is to provide:
• a safe environment to learn without inappropriate mobile phone use (including cyberbullying) or distractions
• greater opportunities for social interaction and physical activity during recess and lunch times.
• The use of technology is important, but the risks and benefits from its use need to be managed.

Staged Implementation (Weeks 1-3)

Responses to a Mobile Phone Policy Breach

The purpose of our proactive transparency with strengthening our actions which are soon to be implemented is to provide opportunities for our college community (staff, students, and parents/ carers) to best prepare for a smooth transition. We appreciate that for some students changing existing dependencies or habits will be a challenge, but it is one that is for the right reasons, and one that together we will all (staff, students, and parents/ carers) provide support with.

Have a great last week of term and a fantastic break over the holidays!

Regards,

Scott McLeod

Principal

Newcomb Secondary College

81-85 Bellarine Highway | Newcomb 3219

T: (03) 5248 1400 | F: (03) 5248352

Creating Positive Futures