Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

Hope that you enjoyed your weekend.

On Friday of last week, we welcomed back our Senior Band who spent the week touring Grantville and the surrounding areas of Bass Valley, Newhaven, Cowes, Leongatha and Wonthaggi. This amazing experience was welcomed by NSC students and those for whom they performed across the tour’s five days. Well done to all involved, especially to the fantastic team of staff including Helen Bourke, Cheryl Stabryla, Ian Crowther and Cam Goward. Our music program is such a significant part of our College, and we are so very grateful for the talent, dedication and expertise of the team involved.

School Community Safety Order Scheme

All school staff work hard to create positive places of learning, where everyone has the right to access a safe and respectful environment. Effective partnerships between the school and the parents/carers of our learners are an essential part of this. Schools are also workplaces where all staff members deserve to advance their careers in an environment where they are never made to feel threatened or unsafe. In light of this, from Term 3, 2022, the School Community Safety Order Scheme will come into effect in all Victorian schools. This scheme allows principals and other authorised persons to issue ongoing or immediate school community safety orders, which place access limitations on certain parents, carers or other adults who act in a harmful, abusive or threatening ways towards any member of the school community. Click here for more information about this scheme, including a short video that provides an overview and outline of its rationale, objectives and processes.

Before issuing an ongoing school community safety order, an authorised person must consider the person’s response to the notice to issue an order, and how an order may impact their child. Orders can only be issued as a last resort option if it is the least restrictive option to address the behaviour. To read more about these support provisions for parents, carers and any other adults who may be subject to an order (including information on appeal rights), please access the Department’s website.

Everyone at school, particularly staff and parents/carers, play a role in making school a better place for learning and work. The Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy outlines the shared roles of parents, carers and school staff in creating a positive environment for learning. Our mutual objective is to support your child’s education. To do this, we ask that feedback and complaints are both constructive and respectful. Parents are reminded to follow the school’s complaints policy or process or the Department’s Complaints Policy if you wish to raise any constructive and respectful feedback. You can find the Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy and other resources to build a positive relationship with our school community here.

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

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Dates to remember

7/9/22 - VCE & VCAL GAT

7/9/22 - R U OK? Day 

8/9/22 – Whole Staff Professional Practice Day – No classes will be running today as staff use the time to develop their curriculum, correct work, write feedback on Compass, and a myriad of other activities which support the teaching process.

16/9/22 – Last day of term, 12:30 finish.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

School Wide Positive Behaviour

8. Maintain your wellbeing 

Physical and mental. Identify and use your coping strategies and seek support if needed. 

This is our SWPBS’ “I maintain a high standard of personal hygiene.” and “I improve my skills and health by being active.”

Our overall wellbeing is important for a variety of reasons. When we maintain a sound body and mind, we are better able to function and contribute to our roles at school, the workplace and broader society.

Wellbeing is not just the absence of disease or illness. It’s a complex combination of a person's physical, mental, emotional and social health factors. Wellbeing is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction. In short, wellbeing could be described as how you feel about yourself and your life.

Factors that influence wellbeing

Every aspect of your life influences your state of wellbeing. Researchers investigating happiness have found the following factors enhance a person's wellbeing:

• Network of close friends.
• Enjoyable and fulfilling career.
• Enough money
• Regular exercise
• Nutritional diet
• Enough sleep
• Spiritual or religious beliefs
• Fun hobbies or sports
• Healthy self-esteem
• Optimistic outlook
• Realistic and achievable goals
• Sense of purpose and meaning
• A sense of belonging
• The ability to adapt to change

How to achieve wellbeing

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with family and friends.
• Make regular time available for social contact.
• Try to find work that you find enjoyable and rewarding, rather than just working for the best pay.
• Eat wholesome, nutritious foods.
• Do regular physical activity.
• Become involved in activities that interest you.
• Join local organisations or clubs that appeal to you.
• Set yourself achievable goals and work towards them.
• Try to be optimistic and enjoy each day.

Where to get help

• Your doctor.
• Family and friends.
• Counsellor.
• Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14.
• Kids Help Line Tel. 1800 551 800.

Source: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/wellbeing

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Science 82 & Maths 92

M&M Probability – Students have been learning about probability and chance. This week, students got hands on with M&M’s, looking at the probability and chance of each colour in the packet before eating all of them.

Periodic Table Battleships – During the chemistry unit, Mr Relouw created a science version of the classic game of battleships using the periodic table. This has allowed students to become familiar with the periodic table and some of our common elements in a fun and engaging game.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

10 Grow

In GROW the year 10 students have started working on our “Design Against Humanity” unit offered in conjunction with the Geelong Tech School. 

Students successfully designed water filtration systems out of limited materials. Look how clear that water is!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Year 10 GROW Excursion

On the 29th and 30th of August, students from 10 Grow attended the 'Design for Humanity' excursion to the Geelong Tech School! 

It was here that we utilised 3D printers and laser cutters to design our own individual phone holders and also 3D parts that would help in disaster relief. 

We were very lucky to have our trainer Flynn, who helped us navigate 3D design software (fusion 360), and added detail and features to our design. The excursion was a really fantastic experience, and thank you to Mr George for organising this.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Tate St Primary School Transition Visit

On Friday 26th August, we had a visit from some Tate St Primary School Students.

They got up to some wonderful activities, including making some ceramic masterpieces. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Music News

SENIOR CONCERT BAND TOUR

Last week, the Senior Concert Band went on Tour to Phillip Island for 5 days. Thirty-two students participated in this tour along with Mrs Stabryla, Mrs Bourke, and Mr Crowther. Sincere thanks to Mr Goward who drove the big bus, Mrs Tina Terrill, who as a volunteer, drove her 12-seater bus and Julie Scott, who is a volunteer, did all our catering. 

We stayed in Grantville and travelled out to perform in San Remo, Newhaven, Leongatha and Wonthaggi. We visited Phillip Island and played Ten Pin Bowling, Laser games, Table Tennis and Pool at the Entertainment Centre. On Thursday evening we visited the Penguin Parade. We travelled across the bay on the Searoad Ferry to Portsea, and drove the rest of the way around to Grantville Lodge. We experienced a lot of rain and cold weather but none of this stopped us getting to our performance venues on time. The rain always managed to hold off whilst we unloaded the truck with all the gear and packed up again.

A sincere thank you to all our participating Senior Concert Band Members on such a great week. Your standard of musical performance was excellent and it was an extremely enjoyable week.

MUSICAL - HAIRSPRAY

Wednesday 14th September – A group of Senior Concert Band members will be travelling to Melbourne to see the show – 'Hairspray the Musical', at the Regent Theatre.

CHANGE OF DATE - ANNUAL MUSIC CONCERT (BANDS)

Term 4 - Week 3

TUESDAY October 18^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. 

cheryl.stabryla@education.vic.gov.au

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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

The Final will be held 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 - 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