From the Principal Team
By Mr Scott McLeod
Uniform
Hasn’t it turned cold all of a sudden? Winter may already be upon us! With that in mind, we need your support in ensuring that students attend school dressed for the conditions. We all feel the cold, but it is important to ensure that items of clothing worn to school must only be those items listed on the school uniform policy. All of Newcomb Secondary College classrooms are heated and dry, warm spaces are made available at recess and lunch for students to shelter out of the weather, and out of the cold.
Each and every day, staff at Newcomb Secondary College are vigilant to ensure students are not wearing incorrect uniform items, such as hoodies. Students have been made aware many times so hopefully together, we can ensure students of Newcomb Secondary College look fantastic at all times. I must admit, on the most part, students’ uniforms look great at the moment, especially the newly added ‘rugby top’ item. Let’s keep it up!
PTS Conferences
It was really pleasing to see so many of our school community attend the Parent/Teacher/Student conferences last Thursday and Friday. The conversations were positive and focussed on celebrating learning growth and progress, as well as offering suggestions on areas for further improvement. Staff at Newcomb Secondary College really value the collegial effort necessary to support the learning of students, when teachers, mentors, parents/carers all work together, the greatest growth and academic outcomes can be achieved.
Athletics Carnival
Congratulations goes out to the staff and in particular students who attended the Geelong Secondary Schools Athletics Carnival on Friday. Newcomb Secondary College was represented by around 50 students on the day, competing in all events in various age groups. Amongst the many significant efforts and achievements being attained by all students on the day, eight Newcomb Secondary College students successfully qualified for the next stage of competition! We wish you all the best. Go seahorses!
Acknowledging Mr Phil Honeywell
This week, we have the opportunity as a school to recognise the Principalship tenure and overall career of retiring Newcomb Secondary College Principal, Mr Phil Honeywell. Newcomb Secondary College will be holding a special recognition celebration function for Phil later this week. Phil arrived in Australia from England in 1991 and has served in education at Balmoral Community College and Geelong High School since, but specifically for our community as Principal of Newcomb Secondary College for the last 16 years. Phil has played a leading role in Newcomb Secondary College being recognised and celebrated within this region for providing an outstanding education for all students.
Phil had a strong passion and commitment to supporting students in realising their chosen pathway, no matter what that career choice may be. Phil introduced the Pathways in Technology (P-Tech) program to Newcomb Secondary College, the first of its kind in Australia at the time. Phil invested heavily in wellbeing for students at Newcomb Secondary College, rightly acknowledging that for students to be the best learners in the classroom, you needed to also support them in their wellbeing. It is clear, that should a student be struggling in their wellbeing, they will find it more difficult to succeed in their learning.
Phil was a considerate and strategic leader, setting up structures, teams and employing quality staff that could move the school forward responsibly and effectively. His vision for light and bright classroom spaces and facilities transformed the school from the once pokey and dull environment, to one that is now colourful and happy in appearance and draws high acclaim from students, staff and all those who tour the school.
Phil will always remain a friend of Newcomb Secondary College, and a friend to our local community.
Phil, we thank you for all that you have done for Newcomb Secondary College and the contributions you have made to many thousands of students in our community over the years. Congratulations on an amazing career and enjoy the next phase of your life. We can’t wait to hear all about it!
Mr McLeod
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Mr Scott McLeod, Acting Principal
Mr James Murphy, Assistant Principal
Mr Jeremy Sinclair, Acting Assistant Principal