Newsletter- Term 4 Week 10 2024

Year 7 2025 Orientation Day

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.

Please refer to the New year of learning webpage. More specifically, tips for Transitioning to Year 7.

End of Semester 2 Reports- available on Compass

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.

Have a great week!

Regards,

Mr Scott McLeod

Principal

Newcomb Secondary College