Today we welcomed the class of 2030 to our college, our new 2025 year 7 students. As part of my welcome, I noted that the students join what is a rich history of the college spanning over 50 years and tens of thousands of students. I noted that they now join illustrious company as part of the Newcomb Secondary College family and should make the most of this opportunity and aspire to reach their full potential just like those who have passed before them. It was clear that many of the students were nervous and a little anxious at the new experience, however this is a normal and expected response that will soon be replaced with familiarity, knowledge and lifelong friendships and experiences.
Newcomb Secondary College conducts a carefully constructed and comprehensive transition program tailored to meet the needs of all our new students, their diverse needs, backgrounds and experiences. We encourage not only our newest students, but equally their parents and carers to reach out to the school and our staff with any questions or queries that they have to ensure everyone is informed and that we commence the 2025 academic year in a positive fashion.
To assist in this process, and to offer further resources to students, parents and carers, the Department have offered a webpage that is worth reviewing- see below.
Helping Families Prepare for School Transitions
A new school year is an exciting time for students and families, but it can be a big step – particularly for those starting Prep or moving to secondary school. The Department of Education has published a webpage with resources and information to help you prepare for the new school year.
During the school holidays, please consider reading through the resources, which include:
• tips to help transition between kinder and Prep and primary to secondary school
• what to expect at school
• help with school costs and fees
• health and wellbeing guidance to support children’s mental health.
I hope you have been able to find time to sit with your student and discuss their report outcomes for Semester 2, 2024. 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
On Monday, over 25 students and 6 staff set off on the time-honoured annual Newcomb Secondary College Bike Tour. Pleasingly, I can report that the after a big day travelling from Newcomb to Anglesea yesterday, all were having a great time, a wonderful experience and were well. The tour next moves to Barwon Heads and St Leonards before returning to Newcomb Secondary College on Thursday afternoon.
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, whilst today students are off enjoying a day excursion to Adventure Park as part of the weeks 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 2024. 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 2024 comes to a close on December 20.
Please urgently return all Newcomb Secondary College books for the 2024 Stocktake. From now until February books can be read and enjoyed in the library but not borrowed to take home. This enables our stocktake to be completed. If you are a student, please clear your locker, school bag and house of our school library books and bring them back, thank you. If you are a parent please assist your child/ren to return their books please.Non - returns will be billed to your account at school.
Opening Hours and Lunchtime Clubs
The Newcomb Secondary College Library opens at 8.30 a.m. every weekday morning before school and is open every recess and lunchtime (2nd half) throughout the year. There are spaces to read comfortably, complete homework and to take part in library clubs.
We have a wealth of board and card games and a fantastic number of Clubs running weekly - Monday Clubs include Chess Club (Student-Led) and Circle of Friends Book Club. Tuesday Clubs include City of Greater Geelong 'Games, Trivia and Karaoke sessions' with Ms Vanessa Davis and Ms Noor Al-Assafi. Geelong Regional Library Corporation's Newcomb Branch Young Adult Librarians run special workshops fortnightly on Wednesdays throughout the year with themed book and craft sessions (Valentines Day, Halloween and Christmas for example). Ms Laura Farrington and Mr Cameron Wilson share their love of Manga and Anime with a regular group of student attendees at these sessions. Our students in particular enjoy Cameron's origami workshops! Miss Marshall's Library Craft Club runs on both Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year (Term 4: Polymer clay jewellery making and special event crafts such as Halloween lanterns).
Library Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
*Open from 8.30 - 3.30 p.m.
*Open at Recess
*Open 2nd half lunchtimes (reading/board and card games/clubs).
Keep reading over summer by going into one of the many Geelong Regional Library Corporation branches! See below for branches and opening hours!
Let our Newcomb Secondary College Librarian Miss Marshall know if you find any good books/series or magazines you'd like to see in the school library :) We are also keen to hear of any new clubs you'd like to see started at the school!
