As we commence the last week of Semester 1, we do so in anticipation of a wonderful holiday break! The school day will finish at 2.30pm on Friday (June 23). On Friday you will also have access to the end of semester reports, made available on Compass. The reports will contain learning task outcomes for the semester, cycle four of the Positive Learning Qualities, Home Group comments, student focus area goals and attainment, attendance data and more. This information will provide opportunities for you and your student to have rich discussions reflecting back on the semester of learning, as well as setting realistic learning targets that can be easily implemented for Semester 2.
Thank you's & Staff Changes
Over the course of this semester, Mr Jeremy Sinclair, and Ms Ebony Dedini have completed their acting roles as Assistant Principal and Leading Teacher (Senior School) respectively. I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge their leadership and efforts throughout their tenure in the role. They have both done a fantastic job! As I have said before, we are very fortunate at Newcomb Secondary College to have such capable and competent staff members as part of the College team!
This week we welcomed Mr Pete Williams to the Newcomb Secondary College family. Pete is joining the College Information Technology team and will work alongside Mr John Markov.
It should also be noted, that with sadness we must announce that Mrs Tansy Young will be leaving the College at the end of this term. Tansy has secured a position at Drysdale Primary School for the next 12 months. We wish her all the best and thank her for all that she has done for Newcomb Secondary College. The same must be said for Mrs Linda Jahnecke who will depart Newcomb Secondary College for Matthew Flinders Girls College at the end of this term also. Linda has taught at Newcomb Secondary College for over a decade, and she too will be greatly missed!
It is important that I acknowledge Ms Vicky Henderson (and not just because she publishes our newsletter each week!) and Mrs Leanne McKenzie for their contributions to the Newcomb Secondary College Administration office throughout Semester 1. Both have fitted into the wonderful office team seamlessly and have been a great asset to the College during the family leave of Ms Ainsley Alison who returns to the College at the start of next term. Thanks Vicky and Leanne. We hope to see you both back again soon!
Getting prepared for Semester 2 What you need to know!
Whilst I certainly encourage all of our community to have a relaxing break accompanied by those you care about, and doing those activities that make you happy, I also encourage you to take a moment during the break to prepare for Semester 2. The start of a new year, new semester or new term offers the opportunity to re-set and ensure you are best prepared for success. We often use the language of ‘ready to learn’ with our students and that goes well beyond the basics of pens and paper. We encourage you and your student(s) to attend to any uniform items that you may need to purchase or replace (see uniform policy items below). You and your student may also need to review your student(s) access to learning materials (laptop, books, stationary etc.) or identify improvement areas for studying at home, sleep patterns, arriving to school on-time, and coming to school with a positive attitude towards the learning opportunities available. It is an opportune time to have a conversation with your student(s) about their career or pathway aspirations, having a clear path to work towards can often make the journey so much more efficient!
Enjoy the well-earned break!
So, enjoy the break, you deserve it. As a school, we certainly value and appreciate the support we have from our community and thank you for your positive contributions in support of maximising the outcomes of all students at Newcomb Secondary College.
We look forward to seeing all students back on Monday July 10.
I have been at Newcomb Secondary College for two weeks now, teaching Science and Math, and have been enjoying getting to know the students and finding my way around the school.
Previously, I have been teaching and working with young people in Geelong for over 20 years (and, yes, I still enjoy it). When not at school, I like spending time with family and friends, taking my crazy dog for walks, and making pottery and art.
I am really looking forward to working here and would like to thank the students and staff for their welcome and support.
Year 10 students and their families will soon be attending the Pathways Information night on Thursday 20 July at 7.00pm.
This year the Information session will be conducted on site at the College. There will be more details to follow. Topics on the night include Year 10 into Year 11 course selection, VCE & VCEVM overview, VET information and P-Tech/Headstart/SBAT information.
Students will be learning about and discussing information in their GROW class prior to the night and course selection. Please encourage your child to bring this information home so that you can be discussing their Pathway choices together.
The Information session 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.
A reminder to parents and Carers that applications for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) for eligible families to assist with the costs of school excursions, camps and sporting activities closes this Friday 23rd June at 3pm.
If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seekers and refugee families.
If you have any questions regarding applications for CSEF please contact Brenda at the office.
