I must admit last week was such an enjoyable week shared with many of you within our college community. It was great to see you all at both the Annual Music Concert and the 2023 College Graduation. As a school we were so proud to see our students shine, be recognised and celebrated for their achievements. I know that those of you in attendance share similar sentiments to us. Celebrating the achievements of our students, your loved ones, is an important component of a young person’s self-efficacy and confidence, yet at times we allow the hustle and bustle of our busy lives to prevent us from fully stopping and recognising their achievements. I certainly make it part of my daily routine to observe and then acknowledge as many achievements as possible, no matter how big or small, that our students attain. Seeing the smile when recognised makes it so worthwhile.

Annual Music Concert: A Performance like no other!

With that in mind, I want to say a big thanks to our Music staff and all others who supported our students in preparation for, and on the night of the Annual Music Concert. The night was amazing, and we had a full house in attendance. Every one of our Music students who performed sounded truly fantastic. Music has a rich history at Newcomb Secondary College and this year’s crop of very talented musicians have certainly added further to what is a very important and widely celebrated feature of our college. To Mrs Stabryla, Mr Crowther, Mrs Burke ‘congratulations and well-done’. Thanks also Mr Unmack for your role as Master of Ceremonies on the night.

Class of 2023: A Graduation to remember!

Last Thursday night’s Graduation for the Class of 2023 was, without doubt, one of the best events ever staged by the college (at least in my time at the school - both as a student and teacher). Held in 1915, and in front of over 200 attendees, our Class of 2023 were sent off in great fashion in what was a night of celebration, dancing, good food and in the company of family, carers and friends. Many stories were told of the highlights and moments of challenge that featured as part of each student’s 13 years of schooling. It was pleasing to see this tight knit group of students enjoy the night together- it will be a night, and a phase of their young lives that they remember forever.

There were several staff members who contributed towards the planning and facilitating of the 2023 Graduation. Thank you to Mrs Leech, Mrs Reed, Mrs Dedini, Mrs Honeywell, Mrs McInnes, Mrs Boland, Mrs Hill, our college Administration team and staff who supported and attended on the night.

VCE Exams: ‘Go well’.

This week our VCE Unit 4 students have commenced their exams- the first being the English exam on Tuesday. I always hesitate to say ‘good luck’ to students when about to be tested, whether that be academically, on the sporting field or in life. Rather, I prefer to say ‘go well’ because being tested in life and realising achievement should never be about luck- the outcome should reflect the effort put in. In the end, you should strive to do your best and walk away satisfied with an outcome that should be a true measure of your preparation leading into the event. So, to our students, you have prepared well over the journey so enter the exams confidently and ‘go well’! I look forward to celebrating the outcomes with you all prior to the end of 2023.

Have a great week!

Regards,

Mr McLeod

Principal

Mobile Phones at School

We are seeing an increase in students having their mobile phones on them during the school day. This is evident in the rise in:

• lost and damaged phones
• phone notifications on Compass
• phones being used to pay in the canteen
• families arriving at school to support their student or being notified of events before school has had the opportunity to contact home e.g. when a child is unwell

Unfortunately, all of these incidents mean students are breaching the Ministerial policy* relating to students using mobile phones during school hours.

"Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored during school hours."

• If your child brings a phone to school, please discuss with them our expectation that it is switched off and locked away in either their locker (which should have a functional lock) or one of our phone lockers for the school day. Both of these options are considered secure storage.
• If your child has been using their phone to pay for their order in the Canteen, please organise a card or cash option. If your child finds themselves at school with no lunch and their phone as the only payment option, please ask them to see a member of the Principal Team or Student Support Team.
• If we need to contact families during the day, we will call you. If your child is unwell, this will occur quickly. Contact with families may be delayed following an incident to allow for information gathering or for teaching staff to teach classes and call when their face-to-face requirements have lessened.
• If your child needs to contact you, they will be able to call from either the front office or student support.

We thank you for your support in making sure we remain compliant with the Mobile Phone Ministerial Order.


Mrs Montano
Assistant Principal

Note * formally issued by the Minister for Education under section 5.2.1(2)(b) of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic)

ANNUAL MUSIC CONCERT

A sincere thanks to all the students who participated in our Annual Music Concert last week. All four College bands performed to a very high standard and each music student is to be congratulated on their excellent commitment to learning their musical instrument and attendance at band rehearsals on a weekly basis to make this achievement.

A big thank you to Mr Unmack who did another fantastic job of announcing the concert. To the students who got on stage and spoke – Lillie Butcher, Jai Pfarrer, Joseph Fratantaro and Mia Pfarrer. Thank you to all families who contributed to the hamper raffles, came to the concert to support and bought raffle tickets and food for supper.

YEAR 8 INTERMEDIATE CONCERT BAND

From this week onwards the Intermediate Concert Band members will now move up into the Senior Concert Band and commence rehearsing with them from now onwards. In other words – you are now members of the Senior Concert Band – Congratulations and well-done Year 8 music students.

YEAR 7 JUNIOR CONCERT BAND

In 2024 the Junior Concert Band Members will become the Intermediate Concert Band. Well done Year 7 music students – your performance at the Annual Music Concert was absolutely outstanding. You have worked so hard all year to achieve a high standard of performance for such a young band. You are one of the best Year 7 bands we have had in many years!

Ms Stabryla

Leader of Music

Here is the wrap from 7 & 8 Boys Cricket!

On the 23rd of October the NSC Seahorses headed out for 7 & 8 boys' cricket at Eastern Gardens. Our first fixture saw us play Geelong High School. A tough battle was had which was highlighted by Aryan's cameo smashing the ball around, and Hamish’s great glove work. We also saw Jasper Eagle make the first break through, with a run out to leave Geelong High 1/2. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the chocolates and moved onto our next round.

The next round saw us play against Bannockburn! Coach Aryan won the toss and elected to bowl. Our opening bowlers of Yasir and Aryan took an early wicket each and set us up well. Jack Mccallum Saxon took a fantastic catch and Bannockburn finished with 63 from their innings time. NSC passed this score quite comfortably and was led by Harry, Rueben, Hamish & Lachie, who retired during their innings to give our middle to lower order a hit.

It was great to see every member partake in batting and bowling throughout the day. Mr George and I were impressed with the way that Newcomb Secondary College was represented on the day, and how great of a day everyone had.

I’d like to thank our Year 11s Levi Falvey, Max Dekker & Jack Brough for coaching, umpiring and scoring. I’d also like to thank Mr George for his help coaching and coordinating on the day!

Go Seahorses!!

Mr Bell

Sports Coordinator

Our Education Assistance Program assisting secondary students for 2024 will begin on the 24^th October 2023 and every Tuesday and Thursday until early December 2023. Telephone appointments can be made at our Grovedale site for eligible families (holders of health or concession cards) weekday MORNINGS between 9.20am until 11.40am. Phone 03 4210 1100.