Mothers' Day

It goes without saying that I open this Newsletter article by acknowledging all of the wonderful mothers in our community and in our lives. I certainly hope that each and every mother in our community had a fantastic day on Mothers' Day and that those special children of each family managed to spoil their mothers. 

Whilst I accept that the recognition each year on Mothers' Day is important, I do encourage those in our community to appreciate and acknowledge all that the mothers in our lives have done, and continue to do, in support of their children more than on one day of the year! 

Mr Honeywell

Last Friday we celebrated the education journey and leadership of Phil Honeywell. It was a fantastic event that recognised Phil and his contributions to the lives of so many as Principal of Newcomb Secondary College for 16 years. Many a tale was told amongst the gathering on the night, and it truly was a fitting send off for Phil. Thank you to all who contributed to the planning and facilitation of this special event. 

Outdoor Education Brisbane Ranges Camp

Our 9/10 Outdoor Education students returned to Newcomb Secondary College on Friday after completing a highly successful 3-day bushwalk in the Brisbane Ranges. The bushwalk has been heralded as the best ever with ideal conditions, great staff and a brilliant, motivated, and supportive group of students sharing in the experience together. Well done to Mr Goward, Mrs Wray, and Mr Relouw for supporting the students on the camp. 

Upcoming Year 7 Camp

It seems that every week that I write this piece for the Newsletter, there are so many highlights to reflect upon or upcoming events and activities to be excited about. One of those takes place next week, that being our Year 7 students will have their opportunity to experience the 3-day camp in Anglesea. The Year 7 camp is always a highly anticipated camp and a highlight experience for students on many levels. I know that I remember my Year 7 camp and assume you can also! 

Positive Learning Qualities & Organisation

It should be noted that Term 2 is a nine-week term. This week is Week 4. What that means is that students will need to be conscious of their subject timelines for assessments and task completion. It is important in life to be organised and it is a skill that we encourage and support our students with through means of unit plans, learning task communications or Compass news feeds and of course assessment deadlines. Schools are busy places. Life as a student is a busy time. Organisation in learning, and in life, is a must! 

Feedback Week is next week (Week 5) and thus teachers will be sharing learning feedback on all students through the Positive Learning Qualities (PLQ’s). You would be familiar that the PLQ’s focus on our school values of Learning, Respect and Working Together. The presentation of the PLQ’s that you will receive on Friday May 26 will demonstrate a pattern or trend as you will be able to see the results of the PLQ’s in that subject from the middle of Term 1, end of Term 1 and middle of Term 2 in three bar chart displays (see below). This visual trend will assist in enabling you to have informed, open, and honest discussions with your student regarding their learning progress and opportunities for areas to improve in moving forward.

Mr McLeod

Safety When Arriving and Departing Newcomb Secondary College

The safety of our entire community is of the greatest importance to us. We are constantly seeking to make the school safer, and one of the things you can help us with is ensuring that all students moving to and from school at the beginning and end of the day do so sensibly and carefully.

As part of this, please remind your young person that:

• They should use the crossing when crossing the Bellarine Highway.
• If crossing a road or driveway, they should wait until the bus has departed before attempting to cross. Avoiding moving in front of the bus which could limit oncoming traffic’s visibility.
• Use the two pedestrian gates when entering or leaving the front of the school.
• Avoid using the carpark of the neighbouring shopping centre.

Student Free Day – Thursday 18 May 2023

This Thursday, students will not be required at school as the staff undertake a professional learning day.

Staff will be focussing on developing their assessment rubrics, school wide positive behaviours and learning about the role of artificial intelligence in education.

Classes resume as normal on Friday 19 May 2023.

Mr Sinclair

Acting Assistant Principal

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