On Wednesday,  Mr Murphy and I attended a Regional Briefing that brought together almost two-hundred leaders in education from all schools in the Greater Geelong Area, both Primary and Secondary. What was of note in the presentations was the latest update on recent health challenges, that being COVID and the Flu. We were reassured from the Department of Health that the Flu season is now deemed to be over and that COVID numbers are declining significantly in the community and no further strains are expected this year. Hence, we were reassured that the worst is now over and we should expect less disruption in schools, both with student and teacher absence. This was pleasing news that I wanted to share as it provides us with confidence that consistency in our learning programs, and thus student outcomes can once more progress as we all hope day-in-day-out.

From the outset of Term 3, we challenged students to a number of Focus Areas relating to their learning, presentation, social connections and aspirations. As you are well aware, the development and growth of any young person takes a team in support to achieve the best outcome. With that in mind, I ask that all members of our community support their student in a focus on ‘presentation’ to and from school as well as within school. Yes, the weather is still on the cooler side, but presentation in correct uniform is an important element of life as a Newcomb SC student, just as it is in most jobs that exist in the community. How a student presents can say a lot about themselves, their families and our school. It is something that we work closely with students to ensure it is something they too see the value in, and the importance of. So, if your student has a challenge with a uniform item, please support and guide them to a suitable resolution. We often hear ‘excuses’ such as ‘it was in the wash’, ‘I couldn’t find it this morning’, ‘mum/dad say they will buy a new one this week’, ‘we can't afford one’, ‘it's cold’ etc., all ‘excuses’ that can be resolved. At present, many students are wearing hoodies and tracksuit pants when they have correct uniform options available to them that have been approved by school council. Put simply, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure they present as expected each day- we (school and parents/guardians) are there to support them with this. If any of the team at Newcomb SC can be of assistance in any uniform matter, please let us know. We are here to support and we most definitely appreciate, and value, the support of you also!

Have a great week!

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