On Friday last week we paused to recognise Remembrance Day with a special assembly conducted by our 2024 school captains. The commemorative service is a significant part of the calendar and one that is of special significance to us all. To stop and honour the lives of the service men and women who sacrificed themselves to serve the country. Their service, and sacrifice has enabled us to live our lives as we do in the country that we all appreciate so much.
School Captains 2024
Speaking of our school captains, you should have received our announcement last week of the Newcomb Secondary College School Captains for 2024. We are so fortunate to have such great student leadership candidates nominate for the captaincy role in 2024, and it is with great excitement that Phoebe Cobb has been appointed as School Captain along with Wren Collins and Ella Hope as the two Vice Captains. The three captains will not only act as a voice for the entire school community, but we expect, and hope will inspire the next generation of student leaders. Each captain brings a set of strengths to the team, and I look forward to working closely with them all to see what we can achieve together.
Year 12 Exams
Year 12 exams are over! This is a significant milestone for so many students not only at Newcomb Secondary College but across this region and our state. Congratulations to our students for the way they prepared for the exams and the effort they put into doing their best for each exam they sat- I know you will get great results!
End of Year fast approaching!
This week we enter week seven of Term 4. Someone mentioned to me last week that there is less than thirty school days of the 2023 academic year. The comment threw me for a couple of reasons: 1. that time is flying by and, 2. there is still so much to do! I hope students are excited by the year nearing its end, but also remain focussed on the tasks they too, like me, must complete. With that in mind, I wonder if you had the opportunity to have a discussion with your student about their recent Positive Learning Quality reports that were made available at the end of Feedback week (week 5)?
Year 9 Camp- Melbourne City
Last week our Year 9 students enjoyed a fantastic camp experience in Melbourne. The fast-paced camp experience was a highlight for many of the students, some who have not spent much time in the capital of Victoria. I have enjoyed talking to students and hearing their stories of the experience and thank the wonderful staff who made this opportunity possible for them all.
College Numeracy Program
As Principal of the school, I make a concerted effort to visit classes and take part in learning programs. It is the highlight of my day. Late last week I visited the Numeracy session that we conduct with our Year 7 and Year 8 students. I’m sure all of you may be able to reflect upon what a mathematics class looked like when you were at school. Well, the Numeracy program is part of developing problem-solving skills in students and enabling them with opportunities to collaborate on a challenge- all aspects of mathematics in the real world. The program is having much success and is appreciated by the students- as you can see in the images below. Congratulations to Mrs Dyer and all of the support staff that assist with the program.
Ride-A-Thon
Another shining element of the college is the extra-curricular opportunities. In particular those challenges that foster healthy student competition and house spirit. This week, students have been challenged to ride an exercise bike as far as they can (yes, I know they don’t move!). The Ride-a-Thon is a challenge for students, in house teams, to ride as far around Australia as possible in a week. During the school day students rotate on their nominated house bike and ride a distance that is measured on the bike itself. That distance is collated and determines the overall distance travelled on a day and over the week, with prizes, and bragging rights, offered to the winning house. As I write this Newsletter article, the following distances have been achieved-
NSC - Ride-A-Thon (results at the end of DAY 2)
The leader board has made some changes with Wills moving into first place.
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.
Ms 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)
Secondary school immunisations are provided to students to reduce their risk of contracting preventable diseases and some cancers. Health advice regarding immunisations recommends students receive the following:
Year 7
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (one dose)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (one dose).
Year 10
Meningococcal A, C, W, Y vaccine (one dose).
There are a few students in years 7 to 12 who may have missed these important vaccines. This puts students at an increased risk of illness.
If your child missed out on their school-based vaccinations, please speak to your GP or local council immunisation service Barwon Health (03) 4215 6962 about how they can catch up.
To check if your child is due for any vaccines, refer to their immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register, using your MyGov account. If your child is aged over 14, they may need to access their immunisation history statement themselves, through their own MyGov account or the Medicare mobile app.
New HPV vaccination resources to assist young people with disability.
Young people with disability should have the same access to preventive healthcare and immunisations as everyone else. Vaccinations can be stressful, and there are sometimes unique barriers for people with disability.
Cancer Council Victoria, in consultation with Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Scope Australia, has developed the following resources for parents and carers to improve the vaccination experience for young people with disability:
The SLAM team, in conjunction with House Captains, are running a Ride-a-Thon and are encouraging everyone to be involved!
WHEN: Week 7
WHERE: The Auditorium
WHEN: Recess & Lunch
WHAT: Stationary bike accumulating kilometres for each house with the aim to see the following:
(1) Which house rides the most km's
(2) How far around Australia NSC can travel
DAY 1 - NSC Ride-A-Thon.
Well done to everyone who participated.
1st Curlewis - 37.6km
2nd Wills - 35.1km
3rd Drysdale - 25.6 km
4th Harrison - 19.5
GRAND TOTAL - 117.89km (check out the map)
Today we travelled from Newcomb Secondary College, through Werribee on to Melbourne and finished in Beveridge. This town was named after Andrew Beveridge, an early settler and is famous for the birthplace and farm of Ned Kelly.
Unforgettable Adventures at Year 9 Camp: Exploring Melbourne's Wonders
Dear Parents, Teachers, and Students,
We're excited to share the thrilling experiences of our Year 9 camp that took place last week in the vibrant city of Melbourne. With 49 enthusiastic students and 7 dedicated teachers, the journey was nothing short of extraordinary.
Exploring Melbourne's Iconic Landmarks: Our adventure began as we boarded the train for a scenic ride to Melbourne. The first stop was the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where our students immersed themselves in the rich history of Australian sports. From the cheers of the crowd to the hallowed turf, the MCG left an indelible mark on our camp experience.
Next, we ventured into the heart of the city, exploring Melbourne Central and its diverse range of shops, eateries, and attractions. The hustle and bustle of the city provided the perfect backdrop for our students to bond and create lasting memories.
Educational Excursions: Our journey continued with visits to Melbourne Zoo and Melbourne Museum, where students delved into the fascinating worlds of wildlife and history. The awe-inspiring exhibits sparked curiosity and engaged our young minds, making the learning experience both enjoyable and enriching.
At Imax, the students were treated to larger-than-life cinematic experiences, captivating them with stunning visuals and immersive storytelling. The Melbourne Gaol provided a glimpse into the city's dark past, creating a thought-provoking atmosphere that sparked meaningful discussions among our students.
Adventure and Fun: The excitement reached new heights at Bounce, where our students unleashed their energy on trampolines, showcasing their acrobatic skills and having a blast. A friendly bowling competition added a touch of friendly rivalry, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
Culinary Delights: Our gastronomic journey was equally memorable, with delicious dinners at Grill'd and Blue Train. These dining experiences not only satisfied our taste buds but also provided a chance for everyone to unwind and share stories from the day's adventures.
Vic Market Extravaganza: The camp reached its crescendo with a visit to the iconic Queen Victoria Market. From fresh produce to unique souvenirs, the market offered a delightful array of goods for our students to explore and take home as mementos of their Melbourne adventure.
Closing Thoughts: As we reflect on the whirlwind of activities and experiences, it's clear that the Year 9 camp was a tremendous success. Our students had the opportunity to explore, learn, and bond with each other in a way that goes beyond the classroom. We extend our gratitude to the teachers who organized and accompanied the students, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all.
Here's to the memories made, friendships forged, and the invaluable lessons learned during our unforgettable Year 9 camp in Melbourne!
We know access to high-speed broadband is a necessity in the 21st Century. Yet sadly many families and school students are still unable to access the internet at home and that this can place students at a significant disadvantage.
The Albanese Government is providing up to 30,000 families with free broadband for one year, as part of their plan for a better National Broadband Network (NBN). Already, 1,000 families now have home internet thanks to the School Student Broadband Initiative.
This helps ensure that students can reach their full potential, by helping them to stay connected at home so they don’t fall behind.
To check your eligibility please refer to the contact details below:
