Issue 3 02 Apr 2026

POWER OUTAGE

Last Thursday, 26th March, the College experienced a significant power outage that affected the entire school. The incident was caused by a wood truck travelling with its claws extended, which clipped a power line, bringing it down. As a result, 17 switchboards across the College were damaged, causing a complete loss of power and all associated technology, including internet access.

What stood out most during this time was the way our staff and students responded. There was a calm acceptance of the situation, and learning continued despite the challenges. While there was some initial excitement from students at the prospect of using their phones in class, this privilege was largely respected. Students used their devices appropriately to access Compass, Google Drive, and email, demonstrating maturity and responsibility.

I would like to acknowledge the creativity and flexibility of our staff, who adapted their lessons at very short notice while continuing to keep students engaged in meaningful learning.

I also want to recognise the outstanding efforts of Jason Smith and the Maintenance Team, as well as Thomas Grantham and the Technology Team. They have worked tirelessly alongside the Department’s electricians and have been at the forefront of restoring the College’s operations. At this stage, we have identified 87 devices that will need to be repaired or replaced, with the goal of being fully operational by the beginning of Term 2.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Department’s swift response. Trade staff were on site before lunchtime on Thursday, and over the weekend, eight electricians worked extensively to ensure power was restored in time for the start of the new week.

Well done on a successful Term 1

On behalf of the leadership team and staff, I would like to extend warm wishes to all students, parents, guardians, and members of the NGSC community for a safe and restful Easter break and school holidays.

Term 1 is always incredibly busy, and there is no real opportunity to ease into the year. Our senior students have already participated in their Orientation programs and are now familiar with the expectations of their subjects.

There have also been numerous sporting events and excursions, including opportunities for our visiting Grade 6 students to experience the College. The list of activities is extensive, and it reflects the energy and commitment within our school community.

I would like to acknowledge our students for their willingness to engage with their learning and tackle their studies with purpose. I also commend our staff for the care and dedication they show in ensuring that every student is supported in learning and achieving.

This break provides a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on their achievements in Term 1, celebrate their successes, and identify areas for growth. It has been a productive term, with Compass reports and other school data highlighting significant progress for most students.

I hope everyone had a peaceful and enjoyable break, spending quality time with family and loved ones. Once again, I wish all students, staff, parents, guardians, and the NGSC community a safe and restful holiday.

Term 2 Key Dates

School Council Elections

This year, we had five parent and two DE employee vacancies and two student vacancies.

At the close of call for nominations in the Parent Category for School Council, there were 6 nominees for the 4 vacancies.

The following parents were elected:

• Amanda Denny - two-year term.
• Virginnia Gilham - two-year term.
• Maggie Hubers Van Assenraad - two-year term
• Manan Jayswal - two-year term

Co-opted Community Member - David Milford

At the close of the nominations process in the Department of Education & Training DE Category of School Council, there was 1 nominee for 2 vacancies.

The following DE members were elected:

• Thomas Grantham - two-year term.
• Bayan Zareiadl - two-year term.
• Toni Tigani - two-year term.

At the close of the call for nominations in the Student Category of the School Council, there were 4 nominees for 2 vacancies. The following students were successful after an election and were elected:

• Tanishka Negi – one-year term (replacing Lucy Heitman)

Congratulations to all new members who have joined our School Council and thank you to all for showing interest in school governance. Working together makes a huge difference in improving student outcomes and students’ futures.

On behalf of the College community, I sincerely thank the outgoing council members (parents, students, and staff): Jasmina Blagojevic, Helen Peel, Madison Hayes, Tonia Tigani and Lucy Heitmann. Their contributions have been paramount to the life of our College Community.

I would like to congratulate Susan Davenport, who will continue as the school council president; Manan Jayswal, who will be the vice president; and Tonia Tigani, who will continue as the treasurer.

Parent Teacher Conferences

I would like to thank all parents and guardians who attended the recent parent-teacher conferences to discuss their child’s progress. We greatly value this partnership and the opportunity to work collaboratively to support each student in striving to reach their potential and growing as individuals.

The conferences provided a valuable opportunity to connect with staff, celebrate achievements, and set goals for the remainder of the year. They also allowed for meaningful conversations about strategies to further support students in their academic journey.

Athletics Day

It was fantastic to see such a high level of participation at Athletics Day. At times, there was a light drizzle, but it certainly didn’t dampen our students' enthusiasm or involvement throughout the day. While we celebrated some outstanding individual achievements, the true focus was on participation. This was clearly reflected in the success of the Purple Bullants, whose strong turnout across events played a significant role in their overall performance.

College Open Night

On Wednesday, March 12th, the school held its 2026 College Open Night. The event was incredibly well attended, with all seats filled and parents lining the perimeter of the gym.

As typified in the email below, there was so much positive feedback from parents and students. Feedback from parents and students was extremely positive with the school being “a buzz of activity”.

As Principal, I was incredibly proud of our staff, students, and school community. This event continues to evolve and improve each year, and this year was no exception. The atmosphere was electric, and the school spirit was truly unmatched.

A standout moment of the night was hearing from Year 7 parent Manan Jayswal, who spoke about his son Yuraj’s experience and the incredible support he received from both staff and students. He spoke about the supportive feel he noticed when he first toured the school, and that has been Yuraj’s experience this year.

I would first like to acknowledge the work of Steve Quinn, Tonia Tigani, and Penny Wilson in organising and publicising the night. Their foresight, innovation, and organisation were elite.

Steve made a point of thanking the following staff and students:

• IT team
• Maintenance (hanging banners, gym set up, etc)
• Louis Smith and Tanishka Nagi Year 12 Captains - running the assembly
• Dallas Grgurevic and Benish Hussain for their Year 7 speeches
• Manan Jayswal (Yuvraj’s Dad) - Parent speech
• KLA leaders and staff volunteers - incredible displays and interacted with the parents with enthusiasm
• Alumni (looking splendid in their red shirts)
• Parent volunteers
• Student volunteers (over 80 students volunteered for the night)

I cannot speak highly enough of the NGSC's commitment to the night and the willingness of all involved to go above and beyond.

Harmony Day

On Monday, 23 March, the College celebrated Harmony Day. It was wonderful to see so many students proudly wearing their traditional dress.

In my address, I spoke about the harmony I witness each day in our yard, friendships formed through shared interests such as music, sport, and gaming, rather than defined by skin colour or cultural background. Observing these interactions, both in the yard and in the classroom, is one of the great privileges I have as Principal of NGSC, and it brings me immense satisfaction.

At times, I wish I could capture this sense of harmony and share it with parts of the world where such acceptance is not yet realised.

I also spoke about the strength of our diversity as a school community. It is one of our greatest assets, providing us with the opportunity to deepen our understanding of different cultures and perspectives. It is important that we continue to challenge and reject the false narratives promoted by racism and instead embrace the respect and inclusion that define our College.

60th Anniversary

This year, the College is celebrating its 60th Anniversary. The photo below of our inaugural staff and students, shows how much the school has grown, but the haircuts are not that different. On Wednesday 25^th March, the school conducted tours and an afternoon tea of the school for alumni, and it was pleasing to nearly 100 past students touring and reminiscing about their experiences in High School.

Below is a copy of the speech that I gave on Wednesday afternoon.

Welcome to the 60th Anniversary of North Geelong Secondary College.

My name is Paul Dawson, and I am the incredibly proud Principal of North Geelong Secondary College. It is a privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate this significant milestone in our college’s history.

I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for joining us today and for taking the time to be part of this special occasion.

This is a significant milestone that not every school has the privilege of reaching. It speaks to the strength, resilience, and adaptability of our College community across generations.

Over the past six decades, the College has experienced profound demographic change. With each shift, it has not only responded but evolved continually, adapting to meet the needs of an ever-changing population.

Sixty years ago, our founding principal, Don Kendall, recognised a critical need. He saw that many students were arriving from overseas, facing the dual challenge of settling into a new country while also learning a new language. With remarkable foresight and deep compassion, he ensured that these students were supported, valued, and given every opportunity to succeed.

That commitment is a defining part of our history, and it remains a defining part of who we are today. Students have come in waves from Italy, Greece, the Balkans, Vietnam, Afghanistan, a number of African countries, the Koren and Karenni to name a few. They have all contributed to the rich tapestry that makes NGSC so special.

The significance of this legacy should not be underestimated. Sixty years on, North Geelong Secondary College continues to provide that same support to students from diverse backgrounds. It is not simply a program or an initiative; it is embedded in our identity.

Indeed, Diversity is one of our four core values. We do not just acknowledge diversity; we celebrate it as a strength. It enriches our school community and provides our students with the invaluable opportunity to experience, understand, and learn from cultures from all around the world.

The College has continually adapted to meet the ever-evolving educational needs of our students, whether through innovations in curriculum, the integration of technology, or the development of diverse and meaningful career pathways. This adaptability has been and continues to be essential in ensuring that every student is supported in achieving success.

It is also worth noting that, due to our relatively small local zone, more than 80% of our students come from outside the College’s designated area. This is a powerful reflection of the trust that families place in North Geelong Secondary College and the reputation that has been built within the wider community over the last 60 years.

I would like to thank you all for attending today. I hope that your return to the College has rekindled positive memories and brought a smile to your face.