Dobby, NGSC Pet

Dobby celebrated his first birthday on 24^th September, he has been an extremely popular identity around the college since he was two months old. Dobby attends school three days per week and is loved by students and staff. He is always ready for a pat and puts smiles on the faces of everyone he meets.

Creative Arts Therapy Program

Creative Arts Therapy is an allied health profession; it uses creative processes to help clients explore feelings that may be hard to put into words. Creative Arts Therapists help clients to reduce anxiety, improve self-awareness and find new pathways to healing. The creative process is used to help people explore self-expression and, in doing so, find new ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills. Our Art Therapist, Tina Doyle, is a qualified social worker and will complete her Master’s in Creative Arts Therapy in November 2025.

The Creative Arts Therapy Program has been running since Term one. Due to high demand the program is offered two days per week and will continue until early December. This program is offered free of charge and referrals can be made by contacting the Student Wellbeing Team.

In addition to art therapy sessions, approximately 90 students and staff have collaborated to make flowers from recycled water bottles. These flowers will be combined to make an NGSC community arts installation that will be displayed in the main foyer. It is anticipated that the arts installation will be on display at the NGSC Multicultural Festival on 24^th October.

Lions Club Vision Screening Program

In Term 3, all Year 7 students had the opportunity to undergo vision screening at school. On the day of the screening, 76 students participated. Parents were provided with individualised and confidential results, confirming their child’s vision was within normal range or whether any potential issues were identified. For those needing further assessment, it is recommended that their child visit an Optometrist for a full eye examination. A full eye exam with an optometrist takes approximately 30 minutes. It attracts a Medicare rebate and does not require a referral.

The vision tests at NGSC were conducted by the Lions Club of Lara, a group of dedicated volunteers, and the service was provided free of charge. The Lions Club aims to make vision screening enjoyable for the students, as some may feel a bit nervous about the process. The Lions Club Vision Screening Program partners with Optometry Australia, which oversees the program.

Since the Lions Club began their screening efforts shortly after the COVID pandemic, they have completed over 50,000 screenings. It is important to note that the average referral rate for further investigation is 20%. Therefore, parents should follow up on any referrals to ensure their child has the best chance to see clearly.

Vision problems can significantly impact a child’s development, including their schooling and day-to-day activities. For example, if a child cannot see well, it becomes challenging to catch a ball. Many children adapt to vision issues and may not complain, thinking that everyone sees the world as they do. It is essential for all children to have a comprehensive eye examination before starting school and to continue having regular check-ups throughout their primary and secondary education.

One in five children has an undetected vision problem. Family photos can provide valuable insights into a child’s vision. When reviewing those happy snaps, look for signs such as:

- An eye that is not fully open

- Head tilting or turning

- Unequal colour or brightness in each eye

By observing these signs, you can determine if your child may need to see an eye care professional.

World Mental Health Day – 10 October

The objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. This year, Mental Health Australia’s theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘Connect with your community’. Connecting with our communities – the people and places where we feel safe, seen and heard – can help us feel cared for and supported, which is good for our mental health. 

A community can take any shape. Community can mean:

• Your school
• Friends, loved ones, your mob
• Multicultural centre
• Community choir
• Community garden
• Book club
• Running group
• Local volunteer group
• LGBTQIA+ group

At home, work, school, in the community or online, on 10 October, Mental Health Australia encourages everyone to have conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, reach out for support – and connect with our communities. 

2025 World Mental Health Day | Mental Health Australia

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club at North Geelong Secondary College provides all students with a FREE and nutritious breakfast, helping them to fully engage in the educational and social opportunities available at school. The Breakfast Club operates from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM, Monday to Friday. We encourage all students to come along to Breakfast Club to enjoy delicious food and great conversations before their school day begins.
Breakfast Club:
 When: 8am-8:30am Mon-Fri
 Where: B Block – Food Tech Dining Room

Quitting Smoking or Vaping

With support and encouragement, you can do it!
If you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking or vaping, you’ve probably been thinking about the many possible benefits….things like:

 Living healthier and feeling better
 Saving money
 Protecting your family from second-hand smoke
 Reducing anxiety that is linked to smoking and vaping.

But quitting can be tough, and it can take many attempts. Doing it on your own can be challenging. That’s why Barwon Health has set up a number of specialist Be Smokefree Clinics to give smokers and vapers the help they need.

Be Smokefree Clinics at Barwon Health

The Be Smokefree Clinics at Barwon Health provide individual support over a number of weeks. This approach can be very helpful because:

 It helps you to understand why you vape and/or smoke and why you want to quit
 It helps you to develop strategies for quitting or cutting back
 It provides you with regular support to manage through the quitting process
 It provides non-judgmental encouragement to achieve the goals you set for yourself.

Barwon Health staff will also liaise with your general practitioner and other health professionals to make sure they consider your overall physical and mental health concerns. Give the Barwon Health Be Smoke Free Clinic a call or download the self-referral form in the service brochure.

Vape Prevention Project Resources Released

We are excited to announce that the City of Greater Geelong has released resources co-designed by some of our Year 12 students who participated in the NGSC Vape Prevention Project throughout 2025. We invite you to explore the two vape prevention animations and the Be Smoke Free Clinician Interview, which were part of their Youth Vape Prevention Project - City of Greater Geelong. We are incredibly proud of the work these students have undertaken. Thank you to the City of Greater Geelong Youth Team, for partnering with NGSC in the development of these resources. We will be using these resources in the classroom during Term 4.

Get Active Victoria Kids Voucher Program

Helping eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation. Eligible children may receive up to $200 to cover the costs for membership and registration fees. Round 9 of the Program will open at 10 am on 15 October. You will be able to present your Round 9 voucher to your activity provider when you pay and get up to $200 off your child’s registration and membership fees, and any included uniform and equipment.

Important Dates

• Round 9 applications open: 10 am, 15 October 2025
• Round 9 applications close: 13 November 2025 (or earlier if the budget allocation is fully exhausted)
• Voucher expiry date: 31 December 2025

For more information: https://www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/apply-for-vouchers/

We’re proud to be one of the local organisations supported through the Give Where You Live Foundation’s Feed Geelong Appeal.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’ve received Community Choice Vouchers to help people in Geelong experiencing financial hardship access essentials like food, material aid, and pharmacy prescriptions.

These vouchers have helped over 80 individuals and families in our NGSC community. Every contribution to the Feed Geelong Appeal helps make sure no one goes hungry and supports organisations like ours to provide essential relief right here in Geelong.
Together, we’re feeding Geelong .
#FeedGeelong