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

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Dates to remember

16/9/22 – Last day of term, 12:30pm finish. Students will be dismissed at 12.30pm on this day. 
Have a safe and relaxing holiday break and we'll see you back for a great Term 4.

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Schoolwide Positive Behaviour

10. Enjoy your school experience.

School and the education system is in place to provide you with an education; primarily to make sure you are literate and numerate on leaving school. During your time at school, we also hope to extend on that basis of skills and knowledge to include different aspects of Humanities, Science, the Arts, Technology, Health and Physical Education.

All of that is important, yes. But the memories you create with your friends, peers and teachers are just as important. To look back in five, ten or twenty years from now and have fond memories of your time at Newcomb Secondary is so important - important to your value of education, important to your growth as a person and your emotional wellbeing now and well into the future. Being able to sit with friends, whether in the classroom or in the yard or on the school bus going home, and smile and laugh… that’s what the best memories are made of.

The enjoyment and excitement of school doesn’t have to come on the excursions or the athletics or school sports days. Enjoyable days at school can come – and should come – from the every day. The smile on your friend’s face when they see you arriving at school in the morning, the sense of satisfaction when you and your friend win the class Kahoot. Sitting out on the oval and having the sunshine hit your face during recess, see the enjoyment in the every day & cherish every moment.

In the blink of eye, your schooling time at Newcomb Secondary College will come to an end. You will be driving out of the school grounds after finishing your final exams or handing in your final portfolios or pieces of work…what will you remember about your time at Newcomb?

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Senior Years Report - Week 10

The last few weeks have been busy and productive in the Senior Years. On Wednesday September 7, all of our Unit 3/4 VCE and VCAL students sat the GAT. The GAT tests students literacy and numeracy levels in preparation for end of year exams and future tertiary studies – either at TAFE or University. After the 2 hour 15 min morning session, students needed the lunch provided to help refuel their brains to complete the 1 hour & 45 minute afternoon session. In total, students sat a total of 4 hours of exams across the day. They did well and all walked out with smiles on their faces.

The GAT was great preparation for the upcoming end of year exams for Unit 3 & 4 students, which will start in early October. All VCE students sitting a unit 3/4 exam will have received their exam timetable from their homegroup teacher this week.

Also upcoming in Term 4 will be Connect Revision Lectures (held in VCE classes), the Year 12 Celebration Day, Year 12 Graduation Ceremony and much more.

We have recently had a number of senior students farewell Newcomb Secondary to start full time apprenticeships. These students have shown dedication and initiative in their chosen field and we have received overwhelming positive reports from employers regarding students work ethic and ability to work collaboratively. We wish all of these students well and look forward to hearing of their career trajectories in the coming years.

Thank you to all staff and students working in the senior years who have focused on their work and have been striving for excellence throughout term 3. It is a notoriously tough term but with the days becoming lighter and warmer, we can feel that the end of the year will soon be upon us. We need to continue to stay focused and work hard in order to see sustained success.

Have a safe and happy holiday and I look forward to seeing you back in Term 4.

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R U OK? Day Highlights

On Wednesday 7th September, we celebrated and acknowledged R U OK? Day. A Day Newcomb Secondary has supported for the past 7 years. 

We believe it is important to check on the mental health of all of our friends, families and colleagues at all times. R U OK? Day is a reminder to us all of the significance of this.

Our SLAM and Peer Support teams showed strong student participation and voice and agency by organising the events of the day and fundraising over $220 for Geelong Community Foundations.

We are so proud of our aspiring leaders and hope that everyone enjoyed Wednesday as much as we did. The staff were especially happy with themselves, beating the students at Basketball and Netball, but with the talent we saw, look out next year !!!

Ms Chiara Ercoli and Ms Sarah Crane

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“I think our RU OK? Day celebrations were really good.

We had a lot of participation in the Staff vs. Student matches and the games were fun!

All of the teachers worked well together and it was good to see the teachers in a different atmosphere.

We raised lots of money and there was a lot of yellow to be seen in the crowds, by both participants and spectators around the school.

Remember that it’s important to think about mental health and talk about your feelings”

SLAM Representative - Remy

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Passport 2 Employment Interview Day

Jack and Kacey both did an amazing job in their Round Robin interviews last week, gaining confidence as they progressed. 

Thanks to all the agencies involved, making this a successful day, and supporting our kids as they move towards senior and post school pathways.

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Tate St Primary School Transition Visit

On Tuesday 6th September, we were lucky enough to have Tate St Primary students visit us again. They loved trying out our amazing drones. And they also spent some time in Ceramics.

Seriously, these kids are so lucky!

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VCAL

VCAL students in VET volunteer showing great teamwork by making a laminating chain, preparing classroom posters for NSC.

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Music News

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 6.30pm to get organised for a 7.30pm 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 be having a raffle for several food hampers. Any donations from families for the food hampers would be appreciated 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

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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

COVID-19 isolation requirements have changed

Any staff or staff member who tests positive to COVID-19 must now isolate for a minimum of 5 days instead of 7. If they are asymptomatic, they may return to school on day 6. If they are symptomatic, they remain in isolation until day 7. If they have symptoms after 7 days, they are strongly advised to stay home until their symptoms have resolved.

As an additional risk mitigation, the Department of Health strongly recommends that those leaving isolation wear a face mask when away from home, both indoors and outdoors, and when they cannot physically distance. Those leaving isolation on day 6 should wear a mask for 5 days but particularly the first 2 days. Those leaving isolation on day 7 should wear a mask for 4 days but particularly the first 2 days.

Those leaving isolation should consider taking a rapid antigen test before attending school.