Newsletter- Term 4 Week 11 2023

VCE Outcomes & College DUX 2023

On Monday, this week we awoke to the release of the ATAR outcomes. For so many around the state of Victoria, and particularly those within our Newcomb Secondary College community, it was a moment in time filled with great excitement for some, trepidation and nerves for others. It should be noted that an ATAR outcome is purely a rank of scored students across Victoria looking to further their studies in university. Should a student not achieve the ATAR outcome that they desired, it is does not mean they are precluded from accessing their course in university. There are second round offers and other means for students to be accepted into their chosen courses. At the end of the day, the best advice to give any student is to do their best at every given opportunity. If you can do just that, you will get the outcomes you deserve and thus should be proud of yourself and hold your head high.

I am certainly proud of our graduates of 2023. Not simply for their outcomes but rather for the way in which they approached their studies and for the person that they have grown into being today. In recognition of the scored outcomes released on Monday, I have great pleasure in announcing this year’s DUX of Newcomb Secondary College. It is a special achievement for an individual and this year’s DUX certainly epitomises the hard work, dedication, and commitment that I mentioned earlier in this newsletter article. This year’s DUX of Newcomb Secondary College (who has given permission to share) with an ATAR score of 84.25 was Ayden Ferry- congratulations!

Ayden is a humble young adult who prepared well for success in 2023. He demonstrated our college values and positive learning qualities admirably throughout the year and leaves Newcomb Secondary College equipped with all the skills and attributes of the Positive Futures Framework as he prepares for his next life journey. Ayden has a bright future and is about to embark in university studies in a double degree of Commerce and Real-estate. I would say good luck, but it is not about luck rather it is about harnessing those attributes that brought you success thus far and actioning them time and time again. We look forward to hearing about the journey, as we do for all our 2023 graduates- now alumni of Newcomb Secondary College.

In sharing some of our college results-

• 25% of students achieved study scores above 40.
• 50% of students achieved study scores above 35.
• 100% of students achieved study scores above 30.

Last week we staged our Celebration Assemblies. Both events (Year 7-9 and Year 10-12) were fantastic occasions and worthy of a great attendance from our parents and carers, community partners, stakeholders, teachers, and students. The award recipients certainly deserve their recognition, with awards ranging from academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and positive school community contributions and behaviours. A full list of the award recipients is shared in this newsletter- please congratulate those on the list that you know. We are proud of each of our students here at Newcomb Secondary College and I truly hope that each student can aspire to achieve the best possible outcomes that they can and importantly in doing so aspire to be the best version of themselves every step of the way.

I wish to make a special mention of our valued Community Partners who donate awards for our students. Without this very generous support to the college, our awards ceremonies would not be the great success that they are. Our students are very grateful for the support and with it can aspire to an even brighter future. Thank you!

End of Semester 2 Reports- available on Compass

I hope you have been able to find time to sit with your student and discuss their report outcomes for Semester 2, 2023. Student reports were released last Friday and are available on Compass. It is important to review the feedback and celebrate the successes as well as identify the areas for further improvement and growth in 2024.

Bike Tour Update

Last night I received an update from the Bike Tour. Pleasingly, despite being wet and tired after a big day, all were having a great time, a wonderful experience and were well. The journey started on Monday when over 50 students and staff departed via train to Camperdown and cycled 52km to Port Campbell- in the persistent rain! Today, students awoke in preparation for another 52km ride from Port Campbell to Lavers Hill, taking in the amazing Great Ocean Road coastline sights of the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and much more.

End of Year Activities

This week our students are participating in our End of Year activities program. Throughout the week, each learning area will lead a half day of activities for students. We have also arranged for students to enjoy a full day excursion to Adventure Park as part of the week's program.

Staff Farewells & Thanks

Next week I will share information in the newsletter on our staff who will be leaving us at the end of 2023. We know that the entire community value our wonderful staff, staff who are here to support your student in their learning. Our college staff work tirelessly in their roles and often do so without the recognition that they deserve. Especially at this time of year, it is important to reach out and thank staff for their efforts- I encourage our community, students, parents, and carers to share some gratitude to all Newcomb Secondary College staff before 2023 comes to a close on December 20.

Have a great week!

Regards,

Mr McLeod

Principal