The days are getting longer, ever so slightly, but winter is still very much upon us…

After two years of a typically low social interaction, it comes as no surprise to see the prevalence of colds and influenza, in addition to COVID-19, moving through our community. In light of this, we still encourage all of our school community members to focus on preserving safe and responsible hygienic practices, and to take care of one’s own health wherever possible!

There have been some very exciting developments involving students from across our year levels over these recent weeks. Included in this was the completion of the Victoria Police ‘Girl In Charge’ leadership initiative, which a number of our students in Years 9 and 10 were involved with. This program, led by a number of Geelong-based police officers, focused on building leadership capacity and personal confidence through a range of netball-based training activities and workshops.

The ‘Girl In Charge’ program consisted of a range of challenging and engaging sessions focusing on skills and fitness development, along with inspiring conversations with significant key note presenters. Whilst participating in a graduation ceremony in our College Auditorium, our students reflected on the powerful impact of the program, and its contribution towards increased fitness, organisation, motivation and confidence. Congratulations to our students for their successful completion of this great program, and thank you to Chiara Ercoli and Jane Osborne from our College Wellbeing Team for your work in making this happen!

Over the course of these recent weeks, we have also seen our Year 9 cohort participate in the Geelong Tertiary Futures Program (GTFP). This has entailed excursions to The Gordon, to participate in hands-on opportunities to learn about vocational career pathways, and to build familiarity of a valued school partner and provider of lifelong learning opportunities. Similarly, our Year 10 students recently participated in their Deakin Discovery Day, to experience the exceptional and nation-leading university that we are so fortunate to have in our own backyard. Thank you to all of the staff involved with these important extra-curricular activities, and to the students for so admirably and positively representing our College during these events.

There may still be some challenging times ahead of us all this term, and this is likely to test our resilience and commitment at stages. However, the success of the events listed above, in addition to the wonderful acts of kindness and dedication to learning that we see onsite every day, leaves us feeling buoyed by the possibility of what’s to come.

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

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NSC PATHWAYS FOR 2023 - THE PROCESS

Year 8 - Virtual Learning Area Expo 16th August
Course Selection in GROW Class 23rd August

Year 9 - Virtual Learning Area Expo 9th August (in GROW class)
Year 9 into 10 Course Counselling - 18th-19th August

Year 10 - Morrisby Review Day 28th July
Pathways Planning Information Night (Virtual) - 2nd August
Year 10 into 11 Course Counselling - 11th-12th August

Year 11 - Year 11 into 12 Course Counselling - 26th August (during regular class time)

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact Maggie Boyanton or Matt Horsted through Compass or by phone.

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Last Wednesday the Victoria Police run program 'Girl In Charge' was completed with a graduation ceremony at Newcomb Secondary College.

There were two Superintendents that attended the College along with Senior Sergeant's and our own Leadership team to see what the girls had accomplished during their program.

Students spoke about some of the gains of the program including that some are now umpiring Saturday netball comp and getting paid! Others spoke of the fact that combining Year 9 and Year 10 was so great to get to know others in different year levels and now call them friends.

The highlights of the program were the guest speakers such as Tegan from the Melbourne Vixens and going to the Strong Woman Geelong Gym with Karen Siems.

We congratulate all our Year 9 and 10 students who participated in the group and gave so much effort and energy each week.

Thanks to both Kylie's, Kaitlin and Susie for offering this amazing program to NSC and allowing our students to participate 🙂

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How This Term’s Focus Areas Appear In Our School Wide Positive Behaviour.

In the first assembly of the term, our Acting Principal Mr. McLeod outlined our focus areas for the term. Our School Wide Positive Behaviour Support team eagerly leapt upon these, seeing the similarities with our SWPBS values and behavior descriptors. Below are the connections they have made.

1. Be here every day. - Arrive to class on-time and remain in the classroom for the entirety of each session. 
Is our SWPBS’ “I am punctual.”
2. Be prepared for Learning – Both with the correct learning materials and a positive attitude towards learning.
Is our SWPBS’ “I am punctual, with my diary and equipment ready to learn.”
3. Present proudly – Including wearing the correct uniform.
Is our SWPBS’ “I wear my school uniform correctly”.
4. Bringing a positive attitude and proactive behavior.
Is our SWPBS’ “I am a positive team member” and “I support the learning of others” to every class."
5. Complete all set tasks to the best of your ability.
Is our SWPBS’ “I ask questions when I don’t understand” and “I make the most of all learning opportunities”.
6. Build and maintain positive relationships with all members of the college community.
Is our SWPBS’ 'I value other people's differences'.
7. Proactive and responsible conflict resolution strategies.
Is our SWPBS’ “I am kind to others” and “I keep unkind words and thoughts to myself.”
8. Maintain your wellbeing – Physical and mental. Identify and use your coping strategies and seek support if needed.
Is our SWPBS’“I maintain a high standard of personal hygiene.” and “I improve my skills and health by being active.”
9. Be a positive role model for Newcomb Secondary College when in the community.
Is our SWPBS’ “I am proud of my 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 don’t have a single statement to link to this focus area, but that makes it no less important.

During week 2, Newcomb Secondary College students filled sides in Intermediate Badminton and Netball, Senior Boys and Girls Netball, Badminton and Table Tennis.
It was fantastic to see great participation and effort with our Senior Badminton, Intermediate Girls Netball and Senior Boys Netball teams all successfully making the semi finals and winning their pools. 
A big thank you to Mrs. Angelevski, Mr. Klingberg, Ms. Crane, Ms. Jones and Mr. McCurry for all the coaching and training with their respective teams.
We look forward to seeing our 7 boys basketball team who head out later in term 3!

Go Seahorses!

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A science experiment from Mr Curnick's room.

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Our Year 10 students were fortunate to experience University life when they visited Deakin University last week. 

Students got to experience the High Voltage room and participate in a number of workshops that introduced them to Deakin’s course offerings.

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What a cold start to the day it was last Wednesday!

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Year 9 Geelong Tertiary Futures Program 2022.

Each year, our Year 9 students undertake tertiary units through the Gordon Tafe in 'Workplace Communication' and 'Occupational Health and Safety' in their GROW classes. As part of this program, students spend 4 days at the Gordon in Term 3 where they are involved in practical 'Taster Classes' ahead of course selection for 2023. This allows them to try possible VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses that we can assist in enrolling them which can contribute towards their senior programs. A wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with a tertiary provider, and have fun in hands on experiences as they go!

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India Penny, Year 11 VCAL, making the most of her SBAT, on location at Goodstart Early Learning Centre. Thanks to the very supportive Denise Thomas and team.

Music Department Information.

Term 3 is very busy for the Music Department.

Week 5 – Year 7 & 8 Junior Music Camp at Airey’s Inlet. 

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

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!

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.

FACE MASKS

The Victorian Department of Health strongly recommends that face masks are worn in indoor settings.

As a result, we are asking all students aged 8 and over and all staff in all schools across Victoria to wear masks when in class (except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication) from now to the end of winter.

Students will not be required or expected to wear masks when outdoors, and this expectation will not stop student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.

We are asking for your support in explaining to your child or children the importance of this simple step that will help keep our schools as safe as possible.

We also ask that you make sure your child (or children) takes a mask to school (and wears it if they are travelling on public transport) or collects a mask when they arrive at school.

We all appreciate how important it is for students to be back at school. This action will help make sure as many students and staff as possible are protected from COVID and other winter illness.

Thank for your help with this collective effort to keep our communities safe and healthy.

Wearing masks is a simple step we can all take this winter to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and ensure our schools are as safe as possible.

EXEMPTIONS FOR TESTING AND ISOLATION

The period of time when someone is considered a recently confirmed case and therefore exempt from testing and isolation requirements has been reduced from the previous 12 weeks to 4 weeks.

This means that staff and children who are household contacts of people with COVID-19 are now required to undertake the testing and isolation requirements from 4 weeks after completing isolation with COVID-19. Previously, this exemption period was 12 weeks.

After the 4-week exemption period, students and staff members who are a household contact of a new COVID-19 case, must follow the rules for household contacts, including reporting this to their school.

As part of this they must take 5 rapid antigen tests (RATs) over 7 days and receive negative test results and wear a face mask (if over 8 years old) in indoor spaces.

Families and staff will also have to report being a household contact to their school after this 4-week period.

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