I will begin by commending staff and students on the way that the school year has commenced. The collective commitment to our focus areas of lining up with correct materials at the start of class, entering the room and sitting without devices opened and leaving the room in a neat and tidy state post session have all been very pleasing and have made a positive impact on the learning environment. The benefits of an orderly and predictable classroom are many, but with student growth and outcomes at the centre of any intervention, this commitment has already proven to generate greater and more effective teaching and learning time, something we hold in high importance here at Newcomb Secondary College.
You will note that in 2023 our Home Group program has been expanded. Students will have access to this program four times per week and for 23 minutes each session. During this valuable program, students will be supported in learning about being their best self, positive members of their communities (home, school, local and other), how to manage challenging situations sensibly and responsibly, as well as how to attend to their own wellbeing and support the wellbeing of others. This learning is a feature of Newcomb Secondary College’s Respectful Relationships curriculum, our School Wide Positive Behaviour program, our Berry Street Education Model support for students and the Newcomb Secondary College Positive Futures Framework (see below). Throughout the year, we will share resources with you at home and for all members of our college community to allow you to facilitate conversations with your student and participate in this very important life education program together with us.
Term 1 is always an exciting term full of new beginnings, opportunities, events, and of course warmer weather! Upcoming events and opportunities to keep an eye out include:
Arthur Reed College photos 15th February
Summer Sports Carnival 16th February
Athletics Carnival 9th March
Information Evening 3rd April
Equally, we have excursions planned at each year level, SSG meetings, P/T/S Conferences, Elective Sport days and much more. We encourage you to keep an eye out on the College calendar and communications in the Newsletter and via Compass. It certainly is a busy time!
In last week’s Newsletter, you will have noticed an article on Attendance. It goes without saying that at Newcomb Secondary College we are strong advocates for students to attend school. If we learn nothing else from the recent past (lockdowns etc), being at school is so important for the growth and development of students. Social skill development and learning progress through school education equal positive outcomes and successful pathways for all young people. We encourage you to have frequent discussions with your child about attendance and active engagement in the learning programs here at Newcomb Secondary College, especially in those times when students will seek to have time away from school. We are here to support you in these discussions- please reach out if we can assist. We value and appreciate your support.
Scott McLeod, Acting Principal James Murphy, Assistant Principal Jeremy Sinclair, Acting Assistant Principal
Senior Concert Band and Intermediate Concert Band both commenced rehearsals last week and we were very pleased at the good quality of playing on the first rehearsal back after the holidays.
Cold Fusion commenced rehearsing this week and will continue to rehearse on Tuesday lunchtimes unless the students are involved in sporting competitions.
Year 7 Instrumental Music Tryout
Last week all Year 7 students were given the opportunity to have a try out on our brass and woodwind instruments. All students in 74 will commence learning an instrument as part of their music program. Students in 71, 72 & 73 are also all given an opportunity to learn an instrument.
Why Teach Music in Schools
There are lots of reasons why we teach music in schools. I will share some of them with you – to us music is a life skill that we aim to share with as many students possible who attend Newcomb Secondary College.
Some things to think about:
Music is Mathematical. It has a direct relationship to counting and subdivision of note values. – ie. Numbers.
Music is Historical – often reflects the environment and cultural heritages right across the world from one generation to the next.
Annual school photos will be taken by Arthur Reed Photos on Wednesday 15th February 2023.
There is no need to return any forms or money to school.
Unique image codes will be issued to all students on/after Photo Day so families can register online to view images when they become available in the webshop.
Registration is simple, just follow the three simple steps on your child’s personalised flyer once you receive it and remember to add the codes for all your children attending this school.
Even if you registered last year, it’s important that you do again this year using your child’s 2023 image code to link their images for the current year with your contact details.
When images are ready to view and in the webshop, all parents who have registered will be notified by SMS and email.
Once registered, please wait for notification that 2023 images are online to view before making your purchase.
I have taught in many schools around Geelong and overseas in the U.K. I have always loved teaching both in primary and secondary school settings.
I am particularly passionate about literacy because I believe reading and writing offers power to change.
Working at Newcomb Secondary College is a privilege where I get to work with and learn from incredible young people and amazing staff members. I am looking forward to the year ahead and encourage everybody to Dream Big … Read Often.
At Newcomb Secondary College, we are dedicated to academic achievement and success for all students. Regular school attendance is a critical part of that success, and we are committed to increasing the attendance rate in our school to achieve improved academic skills, as well as social and emotional growth for our students.
Please notify the school when your student is late or when they need to leave early, providing a reason for this absence. If your child must be absent, please contact the school as soon as possible to prevent unexcused absences that may hinder your student’s progress. Students who arrive after 9.00am must go to the Administration Office to sign in with office staff. When departing before the end of the school day, students must sign out at the Administration Office.
Please access the Compass portal to view and enter reasons for any unexplained absences for your child.
We are committed as a school to work together in partnership to support you and your student, and to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for all students. If you have any questions regarding attendance or require any support or assistance, please contact the school on 5248 1400.
A 95% attendance rate is the equivalent of missing 10 days per year.
90% = 1 day per fortnight or 20 days per year.
85% = 30 days per year.
80% = one day per week or 40 days per year.
At Newcomb Secondary College we strive for high attendance to maximise student learning, and behavioural, cognitive and emotional engagement for all students, and we endeavour to work with and support all families in our community.
Uniting Care Education Assistance Program for 2022-2023
(Oct 2022 to June 30th 2023) is available to those families
and students who are most vulnerable and need assistance in regard to uniforms, books and/or digital book fees.
Please telephone the Education Assistance Team on 4210 1100 and make an appointment time with our interviewers
to see what assistance we can provide.
The office is open Monday to Friday mornings 9.30am to 12.30pm.
