Newsletter- Week 5 2024

Feedback Week

Can you believe that we have hit the mid-way mark of Term 1? Where did that time go? Yes, this week is week five and it signifies our college Feedback week. Over the course of this week, teachers will be entering feedback on your students’ outcomes and growth against our college values of Learning, Respect and Working Together. The Feedback collated will then be shared with you all on Compass in the form of our Positive Learning Qualities (PLQ). The PLQ feedback will be presented in an easy-to-read graphical representation and will be repeated on four occasions across Semester 1 allowing you to observe and identify any trends in your students’ outcomes. In addition to the PLQ feedback, remember to keep up-to-date and informed of your students’ achievements via their Learning Task results on Compass. Newcomb Secondary College staff also share observations and achievements against our Positive Futures Framework via our Positive Acknowledgements on Compass- these can occur at any time when observed so it is important that you continue to stay connected to Compass. We encourage you to have frequent discussions about with your student about their progress at school and encourage you to reach out to our awesome staff (wellbeing, learning mentors, teachers) should we be able to further inform and support you and your student.

College Athletics

This week students and staff will call Landy Field home for a day to experience and participate in the college Athletics Carnival. Whole school carnivals are an important part of any school as it offers not only an extra-curricular experience but equally a chance for friendly competition, challenge activities, teamwork, encouragement, and house spirit. Following the success and colour of the Summer Sports Day, we can’t wait for Thursday to come around- good luck to all involved!

School Council Elections 2024

The process for the election of the new College Council has now commenced. Nominations for the four parent, one student, one staff employee and four community representative positions are now open and called for.

Please note the following nomination and election timelines-

• Nominations will close on Friday 1st March 2024 at 4.00pm.

• The list of candidates, nominators and seconders will be displayed at the Newcomb Secondary College General Office by Monday 4th March 2024.

• If an election is necessary, I will distribute the appropriate documentation to parents and the ballots will close on Thursday 14th March 2024 at 4.00pm.

The parents whose time on Council are eligible for nomination, or their time on Council has expired are:

• Maryanne Cleasby (eligible for nomination)

• Kerry O’Hara (eligible for nomination)

• Geraldine Dafter (eligible for nomination)

• One position vacant

The student whose time on Council has expired is:

• Eliza Glembin

Of course, nominations can be received from any parents and students, and we would encourage parents and students to consider being part of the College Council.

The Department of Education and Training members whose time on Council are eligible for nomination, or their time has expired are:

• Jenny Peters (eligible for nomination)

The Newcomb Secondary College Council can also co-opt four people into the Community Members category of Council with the College Student Leaders or additional Parents traditionally filling some of these positions.

Nomination forms can be obtained from the General Office or ring the office and a form can be sent home.

Please note that the previous meeting of the College Council in February was the last of the present Council and the Thursday 21st March meeting will be the first of the new 2024 College Council.

We would like to thank our council members for their contributions to Newcomb SC.

Mobile Phone Ban in Schools

A reminder that the Department of Education has in place a mobile phone ban that requires students who bring mobiles phones to school to have them switched off and securely put away during school hours.

The department is requiring all schools to ensure this ban is in place and enforced from the start of the 2024 school year. The ban applies equally to all government schools right across the state. This helps ensure that school is a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and disruptions. By ensuring mobile phones are kept away at recess and lunch times, students can interact with each other face-to-face, without the distractions and social pressures that mobile phones can cause. I ask for the support of all our families, staff and students in continuing to support the implementation of this policy in our school.

Further information:

Exceptions: For a small number of students with particular health needs, an exception to the policy may be granted. Please contact the Administration Office if you would like to discuss this.

Emergencies: In the event of an emergency or if you need to immediately contact your child, I ask that families contact the school office who will pass on a message as required.

School mobile phone policy: A copy of our school’s local mobile phone policy, which implements the government’s mobile policy in line with our local context, is available on our college website.

Parent support: The Mobile phones in schools webpage provides links to resources for families to help them balance their children’s time using mobile phones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Why is the mobile phone policy important and what is the evidence-base for it?

The mobile phone policy was introduced in 2020 to reduce distractions in the classroom, reduce cyberbullying in schools and improve face-to-face interactions in the school yard.

A summary of research articles that provide information about the reason for the policy is available here.

A recent Review of the policy has found that it has reduced the use of mobile phones during school hours, with a range of benefits noted by principals and teachers, including:

• greater student focus on their learning

• increased student socialisation or physical activity during breaks

• fewer incidents of cyberbullying during school hours

• fewer critical incidents involving mobile phones during school hours.

Who does the mobile phone policy apply to?

The policy applies to all Victorian government school students.

Can my child/ren still bring a mobile phone to school?

Students can bring a mobile phone to school, but it must be turned off and stored securely during the school day. Parents can still contact their children through the school’s administration office in emergencies.

Who is responsible for my child’s mobile phone when at school?

Mobile phones brought to school are not covered by the school’s insurance if they are lost, stolen or damaged.

For more information, please see the Department’s Claims for Property Damage and Medical Expenses policy.

Are there exceptions for use?

The mobile phone policy allows for a small number of exceptions. For example, where the mobile phone is used to manage a health condition, or to support a classroom learning activity. Teachers can grant a classroom-based learning exception. All other exceptions are handled by the school principal.

More information about exceptions can be found on the information for parent’s page here: Mobile phones in schools | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)

How do I contact my child in an emergency?

In emergencies, parents can still contact their children through their school’s administration office.

What will be the consequences for my child/ren if they are caught with a mobile phone during school hours?

Schools will enforce the policy under their existing student engagement policies, for example, through detention or a loss of school-based privileges.

Does the policy include other mobile devices, e.g. smart watches?

Wearable devices, iPads and other personal devices are excluded from the Department’s mobile phone policy. However, the Department’s policy also allows schools to choose to include other mobile devices as part of their local policies. If mobile devices are brought to school, students must switch off all notifications during the school day.

What is my role as a parent or carer?

Parents and carers are encouraged to support their children to become safe and responsible technology users.

What advice is available to families when it comes to managing screen time and in supporting safe online behaviours?

The eSafety Commissioner provides several resources for families:

• 7 Tips for Managing Screen Time – Provides tips and advice on what families can do to help their child(ren) balance their time on and offline.

• Online Safety: A guide for parents and carers – Guide offering practical skills and advice about how to tackle the big issues associated with online activity.

• Screen Smart Parent Tour – Explores topics such as social media, screen time, protecting personal information, cyberbullying, contact with strangers and accessing inappropriate content.

There is also a number of resources for parents and students on the Victorian Bully Stoppers webpage.

What if I have additional questions about the policy?

The Department’s mobile phone policy can be accessed here. Please refer to your school’s local mobile phone policy for more specific information on the implementation of this policy in your school community.

Have a great week!

Regards,

Scott McLeod

Principal

Newcomb Secondary College

81-85 Bellarine Highway | Newcomb 3219

T: (03) 5248 1400 | F: (03) 5248352

Creating Positive Futures