For the final time for the 2024 Academic Year, I write this message in our college newsletter to our wonderful community. It is a message that is aimed at portraying a high sense of pride and admiration for the endeavours of our amazing staff and the growth of our brilliant students throughout 2024. Supporting the development of our students is, and always will be, a privilege bestowed upon us. One that we will never take for granted. And what makes it so valuable and worthwhile, is what the last few weeks has been all about. We have recently held our fantastic Graduation Ceremony at the venue 1915 and last Friday we conducted our Celebration Assemblies- Junior School and Senior School. These events recognise the growth and achievements of Newcomb Secondary College students in the company of parents, carers, community leaders, community members, staff, fellow students, friends and families. Witnessing the students being recognised and celebrated, is so fulfilling- it is something we all should do more of. As such, we are proud to announce that the 2024 Newcomb Secondary College Dux is Phoebe Cobb. Phoebe is a deserving Dux of the college- her passion for the school and leadership impact in 2024 was matched with an admirable work ethic and dedication to her studies. Congratulations Phoebe! Our college community and school are worthy of high acclaim for the skills and attributes contained within, and Newcomb Secondary College students are fantastic ambassadors and high-capacity individuals with bright futures ahead of them. It goes without saying that Newcomb Secondary College certainly does ‘Create Positive Futures’.
Welcome Back Bike Tour!
On Thursday last week we welcomed our Bike Tour students back from their weeklong Tour de Bellarine adventure. The journey was immense and the participants, our staff, and students, returned a little weary however all did so with a smile on their face, a sense of achievement and many stories to tell. The annual Newcomb Secondary College Bike Tour is the stuff of legends- it has a special place in the history of our great school. This year’s edition was equal to any- thank you to the staff who without them this opportunity would not be possible. I also need to thank every student participant who took part- the feedback we received from community members of the towns cycled through and the campsites you stayed was very complimentary- congratulations.
Farewell
It is with sadness for the school but excitement for these staff that I need to announce who will not be returning in 2025 to Newcomb Secondary College. May we wish the following staff well as they embark on opportunities elsewhere in 2025- Tony Curnick, Jane Osborne, Alex Schmid and Mel Wray. You will all have a special place in the hearts of the Newcomb Secondary College family, and we are excited to hear of the adventures that make up the next phase of your journey.
Preparing for 2025
Can I take this opportunity to encourage you to dedicate time over the holiday break to ensure that your student is prepared for 2025 and returns to the school ready to learn. This may mean purchasing new or updating tired school uniform items. It could mean setting goals and targets based on the feedback from 2024. It may mean a discussion and plan to avoid distractions whilst at school or supporting your student in forming positive relationships. Whatever this opportunity looks like for you and your student, it is just important to have the discussion and devote time to action what is needed. We look forward to all students returning in 2025, safe, well and prepared for an exciting year of learning and growth.
Thankyou & Happy Holidays!
I'd like to end the 2024 Newsletter contributions by thanking all of our college stakeholders for their support of our great school and our wonderful students. Without your dedication and support, no matter how big or small, our students would not be able to achieve what they have or grow to the extent they did in 2024.
Please take the time over the holiday break to connect with those who matter most to you and do the things that make you happy.
Have a safe break and we look forward to coming together as a school community again in 2025, commencing for students on Wednesday January 29.
2024 Bike Tour has been a success despite having to literally ‘change directions’ within a month of the Tour. Tour de Bellarine gave the 22 students, 6 staff and our super-volunteer Ralph a terrific tour of the very best the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula has to offer. These student numbers included 12 first time students!
As a group we cycled and toured through every significant town on the coast from Anglesea to Clifton Springs. We stopped along the way, taking in the sounds and magnificent views of Bells Beach, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff as well as ‘dipping our toes’ at Anglesea, Barwon Heads and St Leonards where we camped.
We were blessed with great weather, beautiful camp sites, a trip to the Great Ocean Rd Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, and great Bike Tour sandwiches and dinners along the way.
Cycling does have its risks, but we can proudly report a really safe trip on some of the busiest roads on the peninsula amongst the pre-christmas traffic. Students rode safely in our pre-practiced formations, made the calls and worked well with each of the staff who rode with them. Unfortunately, one of our year 7 students (Drew) ‘found’ a pothole as we rolled into Portarlington and had tumble. Thankfully she avoided stitches, but she will be a bit sore for a while!
It was a highlight to have staff and other family members drop in for visits at our different campsites. On our final night in St Leonards, The Bengalat reserve bore witness to the best game of cricket it would have ever seen. The game was guided by Hayden and Yasir and saw some standout individual performances; none better than Mr Monohan's slow motion, complete commitment dives to take a few catches!! We also had a visit from 2 ex-students; Nathan Evans who graduated last year, and then Ryan Judd – a 2014 graduate who rode 6 bike Tours.
Thank you to this year's staff – Ms Hill, Mr Amer, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Monohan, Mr Abu-Elias, and ‘Rocket’ Ralph Wright. The tour continues to run with a relaxed positive energy! Thank you to our school for continuing to support this great event. Thank you to our families for encouraging or agreeing to your child signing up and well done to this year's students for a really good Tour. Bike Tour 2024 – Tour de Bellarine – “That’s a wrap!!”
