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

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Update - Late Arrival to School Process

Being present for the start of school is important as it gives a sense of inclusion and maximises learning opportunity for the student. It also minimises the impact of disruptive late arrivals on the class as a whole to have all students present at the start of the lesson.

At NSC we recognise that most students try to be on time for school every day but have the occasional uncontrollable incidents which prevent this. Sometimes support is needed to assist students getting to school on time and sometimes extra motivation is key.

To address these concerns we have updated our late arrival process as of 15/8/22.

Students who arrive late to school for any reason should go to the front office as before.

After having their arrival time noted, students head to their lockers and then straight to class, their teachers will see they have been to the office on Compass and invite them in.

In situations where no parental contact is provided explaining the lateness, students will be required to attend a Reflection session in M9 at lunch to meet with Student Support. Here offers of support will be made and detention time will be allocated if deemed helpful as a deterrent for future incidents of lateness.

We hope that this slight improvement to the system will help us support students who need support in getting to school on time and allow us to collect accurate data to inform future individual conversations and decisions of this nature.

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Parent/Teacher/Student Conference

Parent/Teacher/Student conferences are an important opportunity for the 3 most significant figures in a student’s learning to come together to reflect and plan for future improvement.

Some things you could do before the upcoming round of PTSC are:

• Check your young person’s Compass to see what learning task feedback exists.
• Check your young person’s attendance on Compass.
• Email the teachers of your young person if you have any topics you would like to address specifically in the conference.

Our upcoming conferences can be booked on Compass and are being held on Thursday 25/8/22 from 4pm – 7pm in the Language/Senior Centre.

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School Wide Positive Behaviour

6. Build and maintain positive relationships - 'I value other people's differences'.

A good school is built upon and thrives on valuing different individuals and the skills and knowledge each brings with them when they step through the school gates. Valuing the diversity of student and staff experiences and backgrounds allows us to enhance our college community and grow our creativity and problem solving skills.

At Newcomb Secondary College, we place value in diversity in all its forms and actively promote respecting other people’s differences. By encouraging a culture of acceptance, each individual student is empowered to bring everything they’ve got to school…nobody is afraid that their point of view will be dismissed so they can each confidently share their ideas with their peers.

Maintaining an understanding and appreciation for diversity and difference allows students to develop positive and respectful relationships, critical to a student’s emotional and social development. The relationships in a student’s life, including those with friends, family and peers, can influence their physical health, promote self-esteem and assist them in developing a sense of belonging.

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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 into 10 Course Counselling - 18th-19th 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 Mr. Horsted through Compass or by phone.

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The SLAM (Student Leadership Action Meeting) team have been working tirelessly since Mrs. Wray started the group earlier in the year. Our group meet each fortnight to discuss ideas, issues and concerns that are of importance to their respective peer groups.

The SLAM team are currently working on planning for the 'R U OK? Day' celebrations in collaboration with the Peer Support Group. For these celebrations, students are encouraged to dress up in a touch of yellow, a costume or anything you feel comfortable in. The Peer Support Group will be running a bake sale and the SLAM team are running staff vs. student netball and basketball matches – so teachers & students, make sure to get stretching!

We have also been discussing the importance of building wellbeing and kindness around the school, uniform issues or improvements, and have started developing a student voice vision statement to be displayed on our school website.

Remember, if you have any ideas or concerns about the school, please share them with your Year Level representative or a SLAM team member. Alternatively, if you would like to be part of the SLAM team please contact Ms Crane.

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Blue Edge Program

We currently have the Blue Edge program on offer through Victoria Police two mornings a week here at NSC. 

Last Friday we were lucky enough to have Sergeant Devon and his best mate “Nugget” from the K-9 unit pay us a visit and talk all things dog squad!

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Year 11 & 12 VCAL

On Tuesday 9th of August our Year 11 and 12 VCAL students were lucky enough to take part in the Sharp Group’s Hospitality Immersion Day. 

The day involved mini golf, quizzes, the great wait race, facility tours and lots of treats! 

It was great to hear pathways stories that showed how varied career journeys can be and the opportunities that already exist on our door step. 

A big thankyou to Lyndsay and all the crew at The Sharp Group; @flyingbrickciderco @leuraparkestate and @therangeatcurlewis who provided us with this awesome experience!

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VCAL Salvos City Youth Homelessness Excursion

On Friday August 12, Year 11 VCAL students travelled to Melbourne CBD to participate in the City Youth Homelessness Tour with the Salvation Army.

After they managed to navigate their way from Geelong Station to Bourke Street (and survive the extremely steep Parliament escalator!), they participated in a classroom based workshop where the instructor from the Salvation Army, Grace, spoke about some stifling statistics regarding homelessness and the issues faced by people experiencing homelessness. Students then participated in an activity where they had a scenario and had to explore the issues faced by the person that led to that situation by asking ‘but why?’ to get to the route of the cause.

Students then took part in an hour long walking tour around different points in the CBD where Grace shared stories of people who had experienced homelessness who the Salvos had assisted in some way. She spoke about the importance of people being linked in with services and being supported in either financially, medically or from a wellbeing perspective, to help them access their fundamental human right of safe, long term accommodation.

On conclusion, she encouraged students to understand that homelessness can happen to anyone and is often out of people’s control so reserve judgement but instead use their voice to help call out stereotypes and promote people to seek support. She reiterated that if students are going through homelessness that there are various supports available to them and to seek out a trusted adult as their first port of call.

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81 Science

Students of 81 Science creating their mad molecule models! Chemistry fun.

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Year 7 Intermediate Boys Basketball

On Thursday the 11th of August, NSC Year 7 Boys Basketball team headed out to Geelong Sports Hub to compete in the Interschool Basketball Competition. We won our first game against North Geelong comfortably and lost to Oberon who were the competitions overall winner. 

We then played in a consolation match against Western Heights Basketball academy team in which we drew. What a fantastic effort!

A big thank you to Sarah Clarke who came and scored for our team!

Go Seahorses!

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Junior Music Camp

Week 5 – The Junior Music Camp that was attended by 36 year 7 and 8 students was a great success at Angahook Holiday Camp, Airey’s Inlet last week. The students rehearsed together as a combined Year 7 & 8 band and worked separately as the Year 7 Junior Concert Band and the Year 8 Intermediate Concert Band. 

Over 3 days the students did lots and lots of rehearsals and were given free time to play around the camp venue, Basketball always being a great hit. On Monday night we had a games night and on Tuesday night, Mr Curnick came down and we had a pyjama dance party. On Tuesday the students also got the opportunity to go for a bike ride and have a turn on the giant rope swing – 18 meters high.

A big thank you to Mr Bamford who attended camp with us. Mr Goward for bringing the school bikes down for bike riding, Mr Curnick for dance party and Joe Lewis for additional support. We would not be able to run these camps without the massive support of an ex-parent Julie Scott who does all our catering.

Senior Concert Band Tour

Week 7 – next week the Senior Concert Band Tour is to Phillip Island for 5 days. We will be staying in Grantville and performing in San Remo, Newhaven, Leongatha and Wonthaggi.

We will be travelling across the bay on the Searoad Ferry to Portsea and driving the rest of the way around to Grantville Lodge. Whilst away on tour we will also get the opportunity to go Ten Pin Bowling and visit the Penguins.

Musical - Hairspray

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.

Annual Music Concert (Bands) - SAVE THE DATE 

Thursday October 20^th will be our Annual Music Concert (Bands) in the College Hall for family and friends. Students will be required to be at school by 6.30 pm to get organised for a 7.30 pm start. I am giving early notice so that ALL music students can please make sure they are available to perform in the concert.

On the evening we will be also having a raffle for several food hampers. Could families please donate items for the food hamper at the beginning of term 4.

If you have any queries regarding the music program, concert, etc. please contact me by email.

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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.

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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 - Environmental Group with Ms Roberts

- 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

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.