Newsletter- Term 3 Week 3 2024

Feedback Week

We have entered Feedback Week. As you will be aware, this is the week that our staff provide additional feedback to students in the form of our Personal Learning Qualities (PLQs). Set against our School Values of Learning, Respect and Working Together, this information is a timely opportunity to reflect and engage in discussions together at home celebrating the positive achievements, identifying further growth opportunities and making plans, goals and targets aimed at continued or future success.

Positive Learning Quality (example)

Respect

We speak often as a school, with our students and to our community about respect. Respect is, and always will be a non-negotiable for us. It is an expectation we have of our students and community- it too should be something you expect of Newcomb Secondary College. I am privileged to frequently receive positive feedback from members of our community and organisations regarding the way Newcomb Secondary College students present and conduct themselves. The feedback regularly features phrases such as ‘such respectful young people’ and ‘helpful, considerate, kind and generous'. Unfortunately, at times, I too receive feedback from our community about conduct of students that doesn’t meet community standards or Newcomb Secondary College values. Can I thank those of you who model our school values in the community in such a positive way- you are certainly recognised! And for those of you who at times lower your standards, make disappointing choices, can I ask that you reflect on your choices and seek the supports necessary to ensure that all future decisions are considered, positive and in line with community standards and school expectations.

Together with all college stakeholders and community partners, we endeavour to ensure all Newcomb Secondary College students realise their full potential and grow into capable, competent, positive and productive community citizens. The Newcomb Secondary College Positive Futures Framework offers guidance for what skills and attributes we look to foster in our students- it is a timely reminder to remain focussed on these attributes at every opportunity.

Western Chance Scholarships

Three students of NSC have recently been successful recipients of the Western Chance Scholarships. What are the scholarships? The following will help explain-

Western Chances provides scholarships to talented and motivated young people in Melbourne’s west and the City of Greater Geelong. We collaborate with government secondary schools across these areas to provide young people with scholarships to fund essential educational items that have a big impact and renew their scholarships each year while they are pursuing their education and remain eligible. Since 2004, we have supported over 3,750 young people, invested nearly $9 million in scholarship funds and facilitated over 4,000 free learning and development opportunities valued at $4.3 million. By 2025 our goal is to empower 1,000 young people a year with a Western Chances scholarship. Scholarships range in value from $600 - $1,200 and support basic educational items such as textbooks, digital access, transport and specialist equipment.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must:

• · Demonstrate talent through high academic/artistic achievement, motivation and commitment to education or a pathway. Eligibility is met by the student performing at the ‘At Standard’ level across subjects with ‘Above Standard’ in 1-2 subjects aligned with their pathway.

Congratulations goes to Emily Carter (Year 10), Austin Anthony (Year 12) and Zara Stenton-Dozey (Year 10).

House Olympics + Lockers

Last week was an exciting one at Newcomb Secondary College. Now, I know I can highlight so many great achievements, but on this occasion, I wish to focus on two. The first being the NSC House Olympics. The event ended last week with the winning house being Harrison- congratulations! That said, the real winners of the NSC House Olympics, like the Paris Games, were those who organised and facilitated the event and those who participated. Such events attract such positive spirit to a setting, are inclusive and bring a smile to the faces of those involved. I know I have mentioned previously that we hold student voice and agency, as well as student leadership in high regard at NSC and this event delivered in spades. Congratulations to our College Captain, Phoebe Cobb for her leadership of this event and the support of our House Captains and Student Leadership Action Meeting (SLAM) team members.

The other highlight for students last week was the receipt of their new lockers. If you have an opportunity, I encourage you to visit the college and see our wonderful new lockers. They are a great addition to the school and with the removal of the previous locker bunkers have given the courtyards a completely new feel. In speaking to students at yesterday's Whole School Assembly, I spoke of how fortunate they were as students to have such innovative lockers and how we expected them to take the upmost care for them. Here is an aspect of my speech-

"With respect to our facility upgrades, rest assured that we continue to be a school that aims to provide state of the art facilities for our you all.

As a result, we expect that each of you will respect and take the upmost care of our shared college facilities- those new and those a little older. You have just received your new lockers. Your lockers are unlike any school lockers in any Geelong school.

In fact, I don’t know of any other student in the state of Victoria that has a locker with multiple charging points for your learning devices. From those in this region that I have spoken to about our lockers, they are universally envious of NSC and you all. Please look after them. You are very fortunate."

2025 Geelong Youth Council - Nominations Open NOW!

Are you aged between 12-17 and interested in having a say, making a difference, and learning more about local government decision-making?

The City of Greater Geelong is looking for 11 passionate new members from the Geelong region to join the 2025 Youth Council Advisory Committee.

Youth Council is an opportunity to share your ideas, discuss issues affecting young people, provide advice to Council, develop an understanding of local government, build your leadership skills, and make heaps of new friends!

If you are interested in this amazing opportunity, make sure you submit an application for the 2025 Youth Council program.

Nominations are open from 12 August - 13 September so head over to our socials @GeelongYouthCouncil or head to the Geelong Webpage.

https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil for more information about how to apply.

If you have any questions or require more information jump on to the Youth Council Instagram page- @GeelongYouthCouncil and DM us, or email Youthcouncil@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Have a great week!

Regards,

Scott McLeod

Principal

Newcomb Secondary College

81-85 Bellarine Highway | Newcomb 3219

T: (03) 5248 1400 | F: (03) 52483532

Creating Positive Futures