As I sit here and write this message to you all, I was recalling a message from a member of the community. She commented on how impressed she was with our students at a recent event in Geelong. It was a welcome recognition of the Newcomb Secondary College students and echoed recent messages of students standing to allow public members to sit on buses, students holding doors open for public members to move through, students politely offering a smile and greeting when passing members of the public.

We know young people need support and guidance as they grow to adulthood, but it is important that we do reflect on the good people they are and remind them often that we are proud of who they are, and excited for who they will grow up to be.

Next week, week 5 (yes the half-way point of Term 3) will be Feedback week. This is an opportunity to open a conversation with your student around specific and targeted Academic and Positive Futures Framework (PFF) Focus Areas to aspire towards this Semester. Similar to in Semester 1, students will work with the Home Group teacher to determine, and then confirm their Focus Areas next week. Students will be asked to again select one Academic and one Positive Futures Framework (PFF) Focus Area to work towards in Semester 2- this will appear on their Semester 2 Reports. To assist with this process, below is a copy of the Positive Futures Framework- hopefully it can aid your discussions with your student.

Have a great week!

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

__________________________________________________________________________________________

FEEDBACK WEEK

Term 3 Week 5, as is the policy at Newcomb Secondary College, will be ‘Feedback Week’. Staff members will prioritise their time across the week to provide feedback to students on the assessments undertaken thus far this semester. 
That makes this week, Week 4, the perfect week to wrap up any overdue work to maximise the opportunity to receive meaningful feedback with which to continue the learning cycle.
This may also be the first piece of feedback students will receive for subjects which are new this semester and will set the scene for the upcoming Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences on the 25^th of August.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

Bringing a positive attitude and proactive behaviour.
“I am a positive team member” and “I support the learning of others”

Research into positive psychology has found that gratitude, social connection, and kindness are all important to living our best lives.

Proven links include lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships. Strong, healthy relationships can also help to strengthen your immune system, help you recover from disease, and may even lengthen your life.

All of these aspects directly relate to positive benefits in school too. Being able to bring a positive attitude to your learning, with both individual tasks and group work allows you to connect and complete the tasks to the best of your ability. It also allows you to provide essential support to your peers in their learning and personal wellbeing.

Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Increased life span.

• Lower rates of depression.

• Lower levels of distress and pain.

• Greater resistance to illnesses.

• Better psychological and physical well-being.

• Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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 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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Be Bold Program

On Monday 18th July, the girls from the ‘Be Bold’ program went to a girls forum at North Geelong College. When we first arrived we were greeted by the staff team and a delicious morning tea. 

Our first event of the day was listening to Labor MP Christine Couzens speak to us about her journey as a woman in parliament, and growing up on the Northside of Geelong.

We then had lunch and split up into small groups with other schools such as North Geelong Secondary, Geelong High and Bellarine Secondary College. In these groups we spoke about what we felt that our schools needed to change so that women (and all) feel safer. The table of girls that I was sitting with collected a few pages of information to take back to our schools.

The girls and I will continue to work together to hopefully make Newcomb SC’s environment better for everyone.

Lillie Butcher - Year 9

__________________________________________________________________________________________

RDA Victoria Horse Riding

Some students travel to Koombahla Equestrian Centre, Wallington, every fortnight to develop social skills and confidence with animals, while developing friendship with peers.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Blue Edge Program

Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow, Empower) is a holistic program run by Blue Light in partnership with Victoria Police combining physical training, mentoring and life skills.

Delivered twice weekly, Blue EDGE includes three key components:

1. 30 minutes of physical training fitness circuits and team building activities
2. a shared meal
3. workshop discussion or presentation by guest speaker

Workshop topics are tailored to address current issues that affect young people, build skills, and create opportunities for deep conversations and shared life experiences.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

This was a practical Math session, where students gathered a range of their personal measurements and then identified the many ratio relationships between their numbers. The images showcase the many features of the new M-block rooms, including the white-board walls.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Yarning Circle News.

Welcome back to all of our First Nations students and families to Term 3.

It has been wonderful gathering in the 'Doctors in Schools' room each Thursday during Homegroup time.

This week, our resident Health Professionals, Ms Amanda Davis and Ms Amanda Patterson, opened our Yarning Circle session. The session was opened with inspiration cards allowing each student to introduce themselves to the group and to talk about their connection to the picture and/or about their weekend.

We were lucky to have our KESO Nicholas Boseley pop in for a catch up too.

We have so much to talk about regarding individual goal setting and making an opportunity to meet up with families too.

Mr Bell will be joining us next week to see if we could obtain some sports funding for those students who participate in individual sports or a sporting team.

The party pies, sausage rolls and chocolate biscuits were a nice side treat as well.

Let's keep meeting up, bring a friend and share some ideas for how we can make your indigenous voices and stories be heard and respected.

We want to build resilience, strength and connection.

So, come along and join in our next Yarning circle.

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

In more recent development in the lunchtime activities space,  we are pleased to announce the exciting upcoming 'House Quizathon'. This is being organised by none other than Ms McArthur, while being supported by numerous staff members. 
This will be taking place in the library across numerous weeks, eventually winding down to a champion house.

The dates for this are as follows:

Curlewis - Tuesday 9th August

Drysdale - Thursday 11th August

Harrison - Tuesday 16th August

Wills - Thursday 18th August

Final will be Friday September 2nd.

Please note, we are still running all other lunchtime activities.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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 

- Wednesday - Environmental Group with Ms Roberts

- Thursday - Art Activities with Mrs Honeywell

- Friday - Wood/Tech with Mr Monahan

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

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/

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.