As we move into the beginnings of Week 2, we would like to continue promoting our 10 priority areas for this new term. In particular, as we start to reconnect with our key learning foci, assessments and projects for Semester Two, we would like to encourage our students to be cognizant of Priority Number 5.

‘Complete all set tasks to the best of your ability – this may include seeking assistance from teachers and learning mentors.’

Such a significant part of our return to school at the beginning of Semester One involved ensuring that everybody had access to everything they need to be successful in their learning. It is fair to say that this was a period of substantial readjustment for us all, after two highly interrupted years, consisting of significant swathes of time spent learning remotely. However, we are now well and truly back in a routine of onsite educational programs, and it is therefore time to really get on with our core business – learning, and preparing for our future.

We recognise that there is a diverse array of different learning styles and capacities at our wonderful school, and that no two students are alike with their individual learning interests, strengths and support needs. Despite these differences, one thing we implore students to understand is the expectation that they will always give all set work their best shot. No matter how confident or perhaps even lacking in confidence one of our students might be regarding their learning tasks, we simply ask that they work to the best of their capacity, and seek help wherever it may be needed.

In the event of any student needing additional support to complete a piece of work, we hope that they feel confident to seek assistance from one of our teachers or learning mentors. Our staff will stop at nothing to support all of our students to experience success with their learning, and will always work with parents and carers in partnership to this end. There is also an opportunity for the students to access tutors and supports at the Learning Club, in the LRC on Tuesday afternoons (3:30pm – 4:30pm). We are all different, with immensely varied talents and aspirations. However, we can still share the value of diligence, and a commitment to personal excellence.

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

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

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences for all Year 12 students will be held on Thursday July 21 in the Language Centre between 4:30 and 6:30.

This is a great opportunity for parents and students to check in with their teachers and discuss their Semester One report and focus on some learning goals and strategies moving into Semester Two and the end of year study period leading into exams.

Bookings can be made through Compass with the relevant staff.

From 2023 we will be transitioning the VCE and VCAL to a new integrated senior secondary certificate. As part of the reform of the VCE and VCAL system, Victorian senior secondary students will this year have their literacy and numeracy skills measured against new standards in a reformed GAT.

The new standards will indicate whether students have demonstrated the literacy and numeracy skills typically expected of someone completing their secondary schooling – giving another indication of their readiness to move onto further education, training or employment.

The 2022 GAT will be held on Wednesday 7 September. The slightly later test date provides the time required to ensure the revised GAT is valid and reliable, and for teachers and students to understand the changes – with the test expected to return to its traditional June date from 2023.

The reformed GAT follows a comprehensive review conducted by the VCAA. It will see Victoria join other jurisdictions who already incorporate literacy and numeracy standards as part of their senior secondary reporting. The GAT will provide specific information on each student's key skills for life beyond school.

The GAT will be split into two sections

• Section A will assess literacy and numeracy skills

• Section B will assess skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities, with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking skills

All students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3-4 sequence will be required to sit Sections A and B. Senior VCAL students will be required to sit only section A.

GAT results will continue to be used to check that VCE external assessments and school based assessment have been accurately and fairly assessed. If a student does well in the GAT, they are likely to do well in other assessments.

No special study will be required. Past study of subjects like English, Mathematics, Science and History prepares students for the GAT by building their general knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy and reasoning.

Students will be able to show their GAT statement of results to employers, which will indicate whether they have met the literacy and numeracy standards.

What a great start to Term 3!

The P-TECH Program is excited to welcome

CALCO TRUSSES & TIMBER

as our brand new industry partner

Located in South Geelong, Calco has been involved in the timber producing process of growing, harvesting, milling and kiln drying right through to timber sales, joinery and prefabrication and they are looking forward to supporting students interested in working in this field of work.

Welcome aboard Calco!

Newcomb Secondary College last week competed in the interschool senior boys and girls basketball competition. Both the boys and girls teams improved through each game they played, with the boys team winning 1 of their 3 games and the girls team winning 2 of their 3 games. All games were competitive, and went down to the wire. A big thank you to Mrs. Angelevski for attending.

Our intermediate Boys soccer team lead by coach Dan Colbert braved wet and windy conditions. The team played two games taking over 30 shots on goal. Both games were heavily contested however they were unable to come away with a win.

A big thankyou to all teachers and students who participated!

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Year 72 enjoying their pizza and learning about safety in the kitchen.

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Year 7 metal students enjoying designing, filing and slicing their key tags.

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Year 9 and Year 10 Mosaic class update.

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

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.

This term we have some lunch time clubs/activities going ahead.

- Monday & Friday - Dance Club in the Flag Quadrangle (Auditorium on wet days)

- Tuesday - Chocolates & Chess in the Library

- Wednesday - Movies/TV shows in the Auditorium

- Wednesday (Fortnightly) - Mystery & Crime Book Club in the library with Laura from the Newcomb Library 

- Thursday - Art Activities with Mrs Honeywell

- Friday - Wood/Tech with Mr Monahan

- Friday - Environmental group with Ms Roberts

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.