As we call a close to Term 3, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all members of the Newcomb Secondary College community a safe and enjoyable break with friends and family. Prior to finishing up on Friday, I believe it is important to recognise the efforts of our students. It should be acknowledged by all, that students have been challenged in their return to school this year following the disruption of the last two years. Completing three consecutive school terms may not seem like an achievement, but after recent times, it most definitely is for students and staff alike. At the start of Term 3, we asked students to ‘raise the bar in their learning’, so to speak, by sharing ten Focus Areas for which students should work towards. These focus areas included the following statements and challenges-

1. Be here every day- Arrive to class on-time and remain in the classroom for the entirety of each session.
2. Be prepared for Learning- Both with the correct learning materials and a positive attitude towards learning.
3. Present proudly- This includes wearing the correct uniform. The new college uniform supplier is PSW.
4. Bringing a positive attitude and proactive behaviour to every class.
5. Complete all set tasks to the best of your ability- This may include seeking assistance from teachers and learning mentors.
6. Build and maintain positive relationships with all members of the college community- Students and Staff.
7. Focus on proactive and responsible conflict resolution strategies.
8. Maintain your wellbeing- Physical and mental. Identify and use your coping strategies and seek support if needed.
9. Be a positive role model for Newcomb Secondary College within the community. Be proud to be part of such a great 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.

These Focus Areas were shared with students and families to provide a set of goals and targets that were to assist students in ‘raising the bar’ in their learning. Given the main focus of Semester 1 was around students being comfortable and supported back at school, Term 3 was a timely opportunity to seek higher expectations of, and for, our learners and their learning outcomes. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect with your student on the Term, and in particular the ten Focus Areas, so that the momentum can be continued into Term 4 and beyond.

It has certainly been a productive, challenging and rewarding term, and it has been wonderful to see us finishing on such a positive note. An example of this was the R U OK? Day activities and festivities last Thursday. This day was a largely student-led event, recognising the importance of positive mental health outcomes, and the need for us to proactively check in with one another at every possible opportunity. Simply asking somebody if they are okay, and knowing how to respond appropriately and to encourage an assistance-seeking mindset, can make a world of difference to an individual’s holistic health, wellbeing and happiness.

As a part of the day, we saw the resurgence of some friendly, sporting rivalry between the staff and students on the netball and basketball courts. Surprisingly, and against all odds, the teachers proved victorious in both instances, 12-5 in the netball and 26-21 in the basketball. Thankfully no members of staff were injured in these events, and all claims of referee and umpire bias and preferential treatment have since been (largely) dismissed… It was terrific to feel such a positive atmosphere across the school on this day – thank you to all involved, especially Sarah Crane and the SLAM Team for their organisation and leadership.

Term 4 commences again on Monday October 3. Term 4 will see the return of Mr Phil Honeywell, College Principal following his recent leave. As such, I wish to thank Mr Jeremy Sinclair for his role as Acting Assistant Principal and Mrs Ebony Dedini for her role as Acting Leading Teacher (Senior School) during Term 3. Both aspirant leaders have done an amazing job throughout Term 3 and we look forward to further leadership opportunities for both Jeremy and Ebony in the near future. We are so lucky to have such competent leaders at Newcomb Secondary College. I should also thank Mr Riordan McDonald for his efforts as an Intern teacher for Mr Sinclair in Term 3 and wish him well for his bright future in education.

On behalf of all staff, have a great break and we look forward to seeing you all back at school for another exciting and positive experience at Newcomb Secondary College in Term 4.

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