Learning Task and Positive Learning Qualities

We trust that you and your student were able to take advantage of the opportunity to reflect on the learning progress made in the start of the academic school year with the feedback provided in Learning Tasks and on the Positive Learning Qualities, released on Compass on Friday. I know that the Newcomb Secondary College teachers put much consideration and thought into the feedback so that you and your student can be as informed as possible and look to set goals and targets that can see further learning growth and outcomes achieved.

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 cannot wait for Thursday to come around. Good luck to all involved and may the best house win!

Good Order Focus

Last week we had a successful Whole School Assembly. As a college, we reflected on the start of the academic year and in particular the Good Order- Predictable Routine Focus Areas we have committed to. You may remember the first Newsletter of the school year where we introduced you to our Good Order Focus agenda. It was noted that research tells us that students who display consistent behaviours, have high expectations and predictable routines are more organised, maximise learning opportunities and achieve greatest the success. It was also pointed out that this Focus aligned with our ‘Learning, Respect & Working together’ positive learning qualities elements, ’Good Order’ practices will enable our classroom learning environments to be spaces that are calm and orderly, where positive learning interactions are a feature. Pleasingly, the Good Order focus in its initial incarnation has been a massive success and has had a significant impact on our classroom learning environment. Thus, staff and students have committed to expanding the Good Order to include three more focus areas, now totalling six areas. They include-

Initial Good Order Expectations

1. Line-up outside classroom before each class with all learning materials. Teachers will greet students and check that they have their correct learning equipment and in the correct uniform.

2. Enter room in an orderly manner, sit & remain seated, and keep devices shut until instructed to open by teacher.

3. Respect the learning equipment- leave room in a neat and tidy state.

Further Good Order expectations-

4. There will be opportunities in class for structured movement directed only by the teacher- at all other times, remain seated for learning.

5. Students must not leave the classroom unless absolutely necessary and only if given permission by the teacher.

6. Only one student will be permitted to leave the class at a time and must only do so with a ‘Pass-out’ card.

These further Good Order expectations are again quite simple and not hard for students to follow. They will provide support to the learning environment by minimising disruptions experienced by unnecessary movement in class. It will also place more onus on students to be prepared to navigate a full session in the classroom. Rest assured, teachers will provide opportunities for structured movement in class through brain-breaks and in learning activities- we know that breaking up the learning activities and providing variety is important for Secondary School students.

We encourage you to take the time to speak about these measures with your student at home- we appreciate your support of our endeavour to provide organisational guidance, predictability, and high expectations to our student community in 2023. So far, we have excelled at our starting platform- our base level expectations so to speak. Now we are all ready and prepared to take the next step- and trust in that knowledge that these further expectations can easily be attained and will benefit us all in our learning!

2023 School Council Elections

The process for the election of the new College Council has now commenced. Nominations for the four parent, one student and the two staff representative positions are now open and called for. Nominations will close on Friday 10th March 2023 at 4.00pm. The list of candidates, nominators and seconders will be displayed at the Newcomb Secondary College General Office by Monday 13th March 2023. If an election is necessary, I will distribute the appropriate documentation to parents and the ballots will close on Wednesday 22nd March 2023 at 4.00pm.

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

• Alison Woodard (eligible for nomination)

• Maryanne Cleasby (eligible for nomination)

• Geraldine Dafter (eligible for nomination)

• One position vacant

The student whose time on Council has expired is:

• Riley Cameron (eligible for nomination)

Of course, nominations are able to 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:

• James Murphy (eligible for nomination)

• Scott McLeod (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 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 23rd March meeting will be the first of the new College Council.

We would like to thank our retiring members for their contribution to Council.

Information for Students

Information for Parents of Interested Students

Information for Parents

Have a great week.

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Mr Scott McLeod, Acting Principal
Mr James Murphy, Assistant Principal
Mr Jeremy Sinclair, Acting Assistant Principal