As this newsletter is released, we have had the opportunity and privilege to recognise the fantastic efforts of our students and friends to the College this term. It goes without mention that as a school, we are blessed to have such wonderful support from the local community. Whilst we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of students at Newcomb Secondary College, it is also relevant that the students of Newcomb Secondary College make a positive impact on the school itself. The ‘Rone’ Mural is an example of how our current students have made an everlasting impression on not only our staff and our community, but permanently on the school facility!
‘Rone’ Mural Unveiling
The ‘Rone’ Mural project that was unveiled on Tuesday this week and is a permanent art piece feature that has an immediate imprint on our current students who contributed to the work. It is also a symbol of our Newcomb Secondary College students past and future. It is a wonderful collaborative feature of the school that will always represent student voice and agency- something we strongly believe in at Newcomb Secondary College. It is an artwork that celebrates belonging and connection. It shows what can be achieved through the collaboration (working together) which as you all know is one of our three school values.
I would like to take this opportunity to formally recognise the time and support provided over the course of this project by our friends at The Geelong Gallery and VicHealth. To Elishia and Ella, we appreciate your coordination, expertise, and support of our students. A special thanks goes to our ex-student and internationally acclaimed street artist Tyrone Wright, ‘Rone’. Without your skill, creativity and your wealth of knowledge, this feature would not have been the raging success that it is. I must also acknowledge the amazing way that you were able to connect with students- yet another special talent! And to the wonderful Newcomb Secondary College art teachers who worked tirelessly to bring this mural project to life- Mr Davis, Ms Roberts, Mrs Honeywell, Mrs McArthur, thank you.
Information Evening (Monday April 3)- ‘Come see for yourself!’
We are hoping to see many members of our community visit Newcomb Secondary College for our Information Evening next Monday. We feel proud of our learning programs, facilities and our students and really appreciate opening up our doors to all far and wide to come and see for yourself! We look forward to seeing you on Monday!
School Uniform
How impressive are the Newcomb Secondary College Rugby tops? Have you seen our students wearing them in the last week since they became available? They look so smart, and I have been told that they are very warm and comfortable!
The introduction of this new uniform item is a direct result of student voice. This time last year our school captains and the SLAM team were consulted about improvements to the College uniform. As such, school leadership proposed some options for review by the SLAM group for feedback. Student voice was loud and clear, with students noting that they were seeking greater comfort and warmth during the colder months of the year. With this in mind, School leaders took the recommended item to School Council and pleasingly the outcome was unanimous in approval of the item to be added to the College Uniform policy.
As the weather cools, it should be reinforced that items of clothing that are not part of the Newcomb Secondary College Uniform policy selections (see below) must not be worn. This especially refers to personal hoodies or jumpers.
Last week, we shared a communication with the small number of students who choose not to adhere to the Newcomb Secondary College Uniform policy. We are seeking the support of parents and guardians regarding uniform. This will be a continual focus by leadership in Term 2 and with the introduction of the new rugby top, the NSC School Council and the SLAM team are confident that there should be no reason to not follow the Uniform policy.
End of Term 1
Please note that Term 1 will end on Thursday April 6 at 2.30pm.
Personal Learning Qualities
The Personal Learning Qualities (PLQ’s) will be shared with students and carers via Compass on the last day of Term 1 (April 6).
An understanding about why animals are the way they are provides insight not only into the evolution of a species, but also insight into the importance of climate change and its impact on habitat and the survival of a species.
Emily Carter, a Year 9 Science for Life student has been investigating how animals have adapted to their environment, and turned her focus onto the Walrus, Polar Bear and Koala to produce these detailed sketches in ink.
Not only is Emily a talented artist, but she is also a studious learner of science, achieving 100% on her final assessment on evolution. Emily says her sketches were inspired by her studies and that her favourite animal is the bear, “because they are cute.” She enjoys Art and English and seeks to go to university to become a Graphic Designer. Emily has a strong moral stance on the environment and states that if there is one thing the world, she could change it would be the damage to the environment.
On Thursday the 2nd of March, our Senior men’s and girls’ cricket
team headed out to South Barwon Reserve. The first game of the day our team was taking on Geelong
High School. Our captain Levi
won the toss and chose to bowl first. The team had a great bowling
performance bowling Geelong
High School out for 72. The wickets where fairly spread between
the bowlers, with the highlight of
the innings being a diving one handed catch from Jesse Bell.
Maddux and Bailey opened the batting
for us, with Maddux scoring a classy 25 not out to lead our team
to the win. With that performance, we had made it into the final, playing against Western Heights.
Our captain Levi won the toss again
and chose to bowl first. Western Heights smashed a massive score
of 162 in 20 overs. We decided to
change things up and reverse the batting order. We didn’t chase
down 162, but we did see a batting
masterclass form Jack hitting four massive sixes over the fence of South Barwon Reserve. Overall, the
team coached by Mr Bell said they had a great day.
Senior Volleyball
On Friday the 17th of March, our Senior men’s and girls’ volleyball teams travelled to Leisure Time Sports precinct. The first game of the day was against Grovedale Secondary College. It was a back and forth game with Grovedale, with Newcomb Secondary College just ending out on top. Unfortunately, Maddux was ruled out with ankle soreness. Our second game was against Surf Coast and we finished up on top of this game winning in a close two sets. Bailey dominated the match. We missed out on finals due to countback, which meant we had a consolation game. We dominated during the consolation game winning in two quick and easy sets. Overall, the team coached by Mr Klinberg said that they had a great outing for the Seahorses.
Athletics
On Thursday the 9th of March our whole school headed out to Landy Field to participate in the annual Newcomb Secondary College Athletics Carnival. It was great to see so many of the students participating and earning points for their houses. Overall, the day was a remarkable success and was coordinated in great fashion by Mr Bell and the other teachers.
Swimming
On Thursday the 16th of February our whole school headed out to the Kardinia Aquatic Centre to participate in the annual Newcomb Secondary College Swimming Carnival. It was a wonderful day to jump in the water and participate to earn points for our houses. There where novelty events and a water slide for anyone who didn’t want to compete in the swimming races. The day was great success.
On the 27th of March, Newcomb Secondary College held its annual cross country. Participants braved wet and wintery conditions to undertake the 3.2km course at Ervin Reserve. There were fantastic efforts from Tirranna Gibbs, Noah Innes, Jack McCallum-Saxon and Kirra-Herd-Young.
A special shout-out to Jasper Eagle who ran the last leg of the race with only one shoe!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Relouw, and Mr Pugliese for their assistance on the day.
While we know sleep is essential for good health, research shows that many children and young people are not getting enough sleep on school nights. This can affect thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood.
Research shows about 12% of primary school-aged children, a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds and half of 16- to 17-year-olds don’t get enough sleep on school nights. The recommended amount of time to sleep for primary school-aged children is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers, it’s 8 to 10 hours.
Signs that your child is not getting enough sleep can include:
low mood and irritability during social interactions
reluctance or arguing about getting off devices and going to bed
falling asleep during the day
difficulties waking up for school and sleeping in late on weekends to catch up
changes to communicating or interacting at home.
You can help your child to improve their sleep by:
establishing a regular sleep pattern and consistent bedtime routine
supporting them to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones before going to bed and in bed
encouraging your child to exercise and spend time outside in daylight, steering clear of vigorous activity in the hour before sleep
encouraging them to wind down and relax before going to bed.
If your child is still having trouble sleeping, has persistent problems with low mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or wakening unrefreshed, despite getting adequate length sleep, they should see a doctor.
For more information on sleep health, you can refer to:
The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open and Newcomb Secondary College is excited to be participating. The Premiers' Reading Challenge application offers a range of exciting features including:
access to a library catalogue (including book images and blurbs)
a modern user-friendly interface
rewarding students with badges as challenge milestones are achieved
the option for students to mark books as a favourite, give them a star rating or complete a book review
The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10 in recognition of the importance of reading for literacy development. It is not a competition; but a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 8 September 2023.
Children from Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read or ‘experience’ 30 books with their parents and teachers. Children from Year 3 to Year 10 are challenged to read 15 books.
All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former Premiers.
