I hope you and your loved ones had a great long weekend together. It was certainly a timely break! 

As we return to school this week, we do so in the knowledge that the mid-year break is only just around the corner. In fact, the holidays are only eight school days away as I write this newsletter article. With that in mind, we encourage students to check with their teachers to ensure that they have attended to all of their set work tasks. Currently, teachers are writing their end of semester reports. 

Semester 2 Preparations 

As we complete Semester 1, we also set our sights on Semester 2. For students in Years 7 & 8, they will experience minimal change in their learning programs, but for Year 9 & 10 electives will change. 

Our Year 11 & 12 VCE students will roll-over from Unit 1 to 2 or Unit 3 to 4. Student Support leaders and the Pathways teams are working closely with students at the moment to confirm Semester 2 courses. If your student has any questions, or would like to review their course for Semester 2, please touch base with their Student Support leader as soon as possible. 

Learning, Respect & Working Together 

It is widely known through research that the best possible academic and wellbeing outcomes for students are attained through strong partnerships between the school, the student and Carers. To ensure that a positive outcome is achieved, as a school we do so by offering an understanding and supportive approach even when difficult discussions are necessary. As a school, we always aim to uphold our values of Learning, Respect and Working Together. As you can appreciate, that includes not only our student community, but the parent, Carer and broader Newcomb Secondary College community. We are blessed to have so many supportive and respectful members of our community (thank you!) and although we understand that at times emotion or misinformation can cloud actions and behaviours as humans, all we continue to strive to ensure that all communications and interactions remain respectful, constructive and solution-focussed for all involved. After all, as initially mentioned, research categorically concludes that the best possible outcomes are achieved when strong partnerships exist between the school, the student and Carers.

Student Presentation 

Thank you to students and Carers for your attention to presentation, in particular school uniform this Semester. We have employed a strong focus on presentation and in doing so listened to our community by providing a new uniform option for added warmth, the Newcomb Secondary College Rugby top. They look great and have been a welcome addition to the college uniform, so much so that the demand has seen a short-term shortage at our uniform supplier, PSW. I am however informed that further stock will arrive in the coming few days so hopefully all students can present in uniform without an excuse in Semester 2. Please remember that, as has been frequently and widely broadcast, hoodies or other personal clothing items are not to be worn at school. Cold weather is not a valid excuse, all Newcomb Secondary College uniform items are designed to be adequate for comfort and for warmth. If you wish to discuss the college uniform policy further, please contact your Newcomb Secondary College school council representative or a Newcomb Secondary College Assistant Principal. 

Professional Practice Day (PPD)- Thursday June 15 

On Thursday this week (June 15) we have our College Professional Practice Day (PPD). As such, no regular classes will be conducted for students on the day. A Professional Practice Day is a day which staff attend to class planning, assessment, reporting, moderation in teams, providing student feedback etc. We encourage students to take advantage of this break in regular classes to attend to any set tasks that they are yet to complete. Compass will be a great starting point for you and your student to review.

Have a great week!

Mr McLeod

Riding E-Scooters to School

The Victorian Government has delivered findings of the E-Scooter trial and the laws regarding the use of these have been updated to reflect these. These can be viewed at https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/e-scooters-in-victoria

From Wednesday 13 June, Newcomb Secondary College will be taking actions to assist our students in being compliant with these laws.

The key points for students at Newcomb Secondary College to consider are:

• No one under the age of 16 is allowed to ride an E-Scooter, as such we will not be providing storage or support for such devices and request students 15 and below find alternative means of transport.
• Helmets must be worn.
• E-Scooters may only be used on roads. As such, students aged 16 and over must walk their scooter through the school ground and only mount the scooter when moving onto the road.

Other laws apply, but these are the most relevant for Newcomb Secondary College students on the school ground and their way to and from school.

Mr Sinclair

Assistant Principal

___________________________________________________

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

Don't Poke the Bear

We are thrilled to share the exciting news of Newcomb Secondary College's Year 9/10 Drama students who embarked on a captivating journey at the renowned recording studio, "Don't Poke the Bear."

These talented young individuals had the unique opportunity to record their short radio plays as part of the Geelong Arts Centre's initiative called "Take over the Airwaves." This initiative aimed to celebrate the power of creativity and self-expression through radio broadcasts.

Under the theme "The Realization," these budding thespians explored the depths of their imaginations to craft compelling narratives that would captivate listeners' hearts and minds.

"Take over the Airwaves" was an initiative that encouraged young artists to step outside their comfort zones and find innovative ways to share their stories with the world. The Geelong Arts Centre, a prominent pillar of artistic expression in the region, partnered with the local recording studio "Don't Poke the Bear" to provide an authentic and professional recording experience for the students.

The recording studio, nestled in the heart of Geelong, boasted state-of-the-art equipment and a team of seasoned professionals who were eager to help these young artists bring their stories to life. "Don't Poke the Bear" has a rich history of supporting emerging talents and providing them with the resources and guidance they needed to flourish.

Over the past semester, the drama students from Newcomb Secondary College diligently worked on their scripts, refined their characters, and rehearsed their performances. With the guidance of their drama teacher, Ms Hunt, and the support of their peers, they embarked on a creative journey that allowed them to explore their artistic potential and express their unique perspectives.

On Thursday, June 8 , the students gathered at "Don't Poke the Bear" for the transformative recording process. The studio atmosphere was electric with excitement and nerves, as the young artists prepared to bring their plays to life. With professionalism and enthusiasm, they stepped into the recording booth and delivered their lines with heartfelt emotion and precision.

The recording process at "Don't Poke the Bear" was a transformative experience for these students. It not only gave them a taste of the professional world of radio and audio production but also provided them with a platform to showcase their talents to a wider audience. The emotional nuances and vivid imagery within their plays came alive through the magic of sound, allowing listeners to embark on their own journeys of realization.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Year 9/10 Drama students of Newcomb Secondary College for their exceptional dedication and passion. We commend the Geelong Arts Centre for fostering such initiatives that encouraged young artists to explore their potential and empowered them to take centre stage.

Let's celebrate their creativity and applaud their unwavering commitment to the arts!

Kind regards,

Ms Hunt

We have had a fantastic Semester 1 in our Indonesian program.

We have welcomed Bu Ramsay to the team, while Bu Millis is on leave. 

Our Year 7 students have been looking at the basics of conversations, introductory vocabulary and have just completed an assessment task titled ‘Identitas Saya’ (my identity).

Our Year 8 students have been building on their language skills from last year, looking at vocabulary for daily activities and ‘Rumah Saya’ (my house).

Our 9/10 students have more recently enjoyed some delicious traditional food from Nova Balinese restaurant as part of their Term 2 assessment tasks.

We were also lucky enough to be involved in the Sayembara Lisan Indonesian Speaking Competition again. We had two students involved, Lily O‘Hagen (Y7) and Zara Stenton-Dozey (Y9). Congratulations to all involved in this process.

Stay tuned for a really exciting Semester 2 in Indonesian!

Ms Stoneley

Senior School Updates

Students and staff are busy in the Senior School, leading up to the completion of Units 1 & 3. The language centre has been filled with study groups, text books, notes and discussions about some amazing topics.

Students completing Unit 3/4 subjects will be sitting the GAT on Thursday, June 15. Many of the students have been printing out practice GAT question books and trying to improve their Literacy and Numeracy in preparation for the full day exam. We wish them all the best!

Students in VCAL and VCEVM are well into their studies and exploring so many different work places through either School Based Apprenticeships or Structured Workplace Learning. The Year 12 students have begun promoting and selling their business ideas. These range from homemade bath bombs to personalised pillows and t-shirts. We also have a Minecraft competition which has been helping junior students to get involved and show their competitive spirit during some lunchtimes.

Our Year 10 students are gearing up for the end of their electives and getting excited for their upcoming camp to Doxa Malmsbury. Please refer to the event for more details and contact the College if you have any questions in the lead up to the camp in Week 1 of Term 3.

Pathways

Year 10 students and their families will soon be attending the Pathways Information night.

This is a chance for students to hear about how the VCE and VCEVM work, think about what subjects they would like to take in 2024 and 2025 and what their post Newcomb Secondary College pathway might look like. It will also be a chance for students and parents to ask any questions of staff and work together to find the best pathway options for their individual student.

More information to come.

GAT Information for Students

Ms Dedini

Please click to view PDFs

2023 Term 3 Regional Parenting Calendar

Order your Christmas in July Meal Hampers