Issue 5
24 May 2025

Term 2 Key Dates

Principal Team Coverage

We have some of the Principal Team on leave in the next couple of months. Mr Steve Quinn and Ms Jillian Baird have stepped into the Assistant Principal shared responsibilities. Both have been leading teachers for numerous years and have vast experiences to fulfil the duties of this role. I (Mr Headlam) will be filling in for Mr Dawson in his absence.

Curriculum Day

I wanted to thank Samantha Free for organising such a great day on Differentiation. One of the catchy Department themes/slogans at the moment is “Every Student Matters” and this Professional Learning opportunity enhances the capacity of staff to really make their classrooms an environment where every student feels that they do matter. I look forward to visiting some classes to observe the differentiation strategies in action.

Be Bold, Be Heard

Lots happening with this program. Friday, we held our first extension day. This was an application only opportunity for students in the program to be extended at the BBBH Leadership Summit. Some students who were looking for more development in leadership applied and attended this at the Victoria Academy. Led by yLead, students participated in a range of activities to build their capacity to lead others in the program. The intention being for them to lead the next few forums. 

This year, we also added some professional learning opportunities for BBBH staff champions, so they feel strong in the management of their group to ensure they help their kids reach their goals. This was a fantastic opportunity. Although low in attendance, it was outstanding in delivering some powerful strategies to leaders across Geelong.

On Friday 9th May, I was invited to Copperfield College to liaise with the Honourable Minister Hutchins, The Minister for Women. Students at the school highlighted the impact the program has had on them and the community, and I presented her with a badge and the background of the program and its successes. She asked for permission to discuss this in Parliament. 

This support for this program is now widely recognised and as a result I have been asked to present at the State Principals conference in June and encouraged to nominate for a State Education Award, by our regional leaders.

End of Term

Following a review of practices at the end of Term, we have determined that we will be finishing school at 2:30pm, as opposed to 1:30pm. This will align with other schools, bus arrangements and enable us to effectively manage students safely at the end of the day. Essentially it means that road safety is far greater at that time because the speed limit is 40km/hr. Communications with more details will occur later in the week.

Buses

Can you please remind your children to tap on and tap off the buses? We often get told there are too many students on the bus, when the number who have tapped on is far less. Subsequently the bus companies will not add another bus to the route as they will only base it on their data.

Students Crossing the Road

There have been a few reports of students not using the crossings to get across the road. School pick-up times are quite hectic and drivers at that time can find themselves managing a number of different things, so a young person running out on the road is not easily anticipated. Please remind your children to use the crossings at all times!

Parents Needed for School Council

We are looking for three more parent members for our School Council.  

Being part of the School Council is a rewarding experience, offering the chance to be responsible for both immediate and long-term goals of the College. Council members bring their unique perspectives and skills to help shape the school's future. If you are interested in joining our School Council, please contact the school administration office for more information.

Council will be voting in the new members at the next school council meeting, Tuesday, 17th June. These meetings include a small meal, great discussion and provide an opportunity to contribute to the immediate and long-term future of the College and are truly rewarding. 

Are you thinking about joining, or do you know someone who might be interested? - Please contact the College.

Students feeling unwell?

Please inform your child/ren that if they are feeling unwell during the school day, they should go to Sick Bay. We have staff there who are trained to address most circumstances and then they will communicate with parents as required. In the event your child needs to go home, they will arrange this. Students should not be doing this through their own devices. This helps us track the whereabouts of our students.

Students coming to school late or early leaving, should always sign out through their Sub School, or Sick Bay.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

PT conferences were completed on 2nd April (last week of Term 1). We had a fantastic participation rate, with 1923, bookings compared to Term 1 last year, with 1666. The corridors were filled all day with families and students, who were interacting with their teachers.

Young Leaders Breakfast

Around 50 students from 11 different Primary Schools participated in NGSC’s Young Leaders Breakfast in week two. Primary School students, our School Captains and some members of our SRC were lucky enough to have Justine Martin as a Guest Speaker who spoke to the students at length about resilience and adversity. The students were encapsulated in the life advice and experiences Justine had, which was met with many hard hitting and insightful questions.

Morrisby Interviews - Year 9

Every year our Year 9 students complete Morrisby Testing. This occurred again in Week 2. Students have a one-on-one interview with an expert, who asks them questions designed to identify students’ skills and interests, ultimately suggesting possible career options. Morrisby results are often used and referred to in the later years of schooling when students participate in course counselling and careers meetings. As we know, it can be hard as a teenager to decide on a career choice so early in life, Morrisby often helps students and gives them confidence and clarity in that process, helping with subject choices.

Curriculum Day

Curriculum Day was held in Week 4, where staff had a presentation/workshop with Bridget Quin. The focus of the day was on Scaffolding and Differentiation, a key element of our AIP and SSP. NGSC has implemented the new GRO (Gain Reach Optimise) model that all teachers have started planning and implementing in their classes. The concept is teachers will embed activities in their unit plans designed for three levels of learning within their classrooms. A more structured and consistent approach to differentiation was suggested in our School Review in 2024 and it is hoped to better improve the growth of all students.

Geelong Community Foundation Scholarship

Geelong Community Foundation reached out to our College and offered our Year 11 students the chance to apply for a scholarship to assist them with the cost of education for the next two years. Three students showed interest and submitted an application which led to an interview panel. All three of our students were successful in gaining a scholarship of amounts $1000, $1500 and $2000. It was fantastic to support the students in application writing and interview preparation which is a lifelong skill.

Upcoming Exams

As we approach the end of Semester One, our students will be sitting their Semester exams, beginning with the Unit 3&4 students sitting a practice GAT on Curriculum Day.

• Week 7: Year 8, 9 and 10
• Week 8: Year 7 and 11
• Week 9: GAT (VCE students)

Attitude to School Survey

We will be administering the annual Attitude to School Survey next week where all students will get the chance to anonymously provide feedback on our school. Students will get the chance to answer questions based on:

• School environment
• Learning
• Student wellbeing
• Student voice and agency
• Connectedness to school

School leadership analyse and discuss results from the survey each year and use the data to make meaningful change. Student survey results are consistently part of the school’s Annual and Strategic Plans.

Senior Sub School Update

It’s been a huge few weeks in the Senior Sub School, and we’re seeing some great energy and effort across the board (along with the occasional hoodie… more on that shortly). Here’s what’s been happening and what’s just around the corner:

GAT Practice – Nailed It!

On Thursday 15th May, our Year 11 and 12 students sat their Practice GAT in preparation for the real deal coming up on Wednesday, July 17th. This session gave students a chance to experience the timing, structure, and sheer endurance challenge that the GAT brings.

We’re super proud of how seriously students approached the task – they were focused, respectful and really gave it a red-hot go. For those who missed the session, a catch-up opportunity will be provided after school in Week 6 that students will be required to complete.

Why does the GAT matter?
The GAT is used to help verify school-based assessments, check the accuracy of exam marking, and provide a backup if something unexpected happens during exam time (think of it as your academic insurance policy). Doing your best on it is a no-brainer – it can only help!

Driving to School – Know the Rules!

A big shout-out to our senior students who are now driving themselves to school. It’s a great step toward independence, but with that comes responsibility.

Just a reminder:
- No passengers other than siblings
- A completed and signed Driving to School Form must be submitted to the Sub School
- All this helps ensure we’re covered from an insurance and safety perspective

Please don’t assume we won’t notice if you rock up with a car full of mates – we will, and we have eyes everywhere.

VCE VM Year 11 – Learning on the Move

Our Year 11 VCE VM students have had two fantastic excursions recently:

- Werribee Zoo: Students connected their Numeracy and Work-Related Skills coursework to real-world applications, the kind involving lions, giraffes, and some very creative worksheets!

- Road to Zero at Melbourne Museum: This hands-on experience gave students a chance to hear from road safety experts, explore the award-winning Road to Zero Experience, and develop their understanding of safety and responsibility on our roads. Great engagement, great behaviour – well done!

A quick note: Any VM student who hasn’t yet secured their Structured Workplace Learning placement is expected at school from Periods 1 to 4 each day until they’ve done so. Real world experience is one of the best things VM students gain from the course, so let’s get those placements locked in!

Uniform Expectations – Let’s Keep It Classy

Senior students are leaders in our school community, and that includes setting the standard when it comes to uniform. So, here’s the deal:

- No hoodies. No exceptions.
- PE uniform is for PE days only – not casual Fridays, Mondays, or “just because it’s comfy” days
- Full school uniform should be worn correctly and proudly
Time and place matter – PE gear belongs in PE, not your English essay writing session.
Lead the way – wear the right uniform on the right day. No shortcuts.

Exams – The Countdown is On!

Yes, really – exams are less than four weeks away. Now is the time to:
- Get on top of any outstanding work
- Ask your teachers for help if you’re stuck
- Set up a study routine (or dust off the one you forgot you had)

We believe in you – and future-you will thank current-you for being organised.

Year 11 Subject Selections – Don’t Miss the Deadline!

All Year 11 students looking to change subjects for Semester 2 must:
- Submit their request to Miss Cropp and Dr King
- Do so before the final changeover deadline on June 12th

No last-minute panic switches after this date, folks. If you’re not sure about your choices, have a chat with your teacher or Year Level Coordinator soon.

As always, thank you for your support. The Senior Sub School continues to be a place where we aim high, work hard, and sometimes need a reminder about the difference between activewear and actual school uniform.

Let’s keep kicking goals together!

Year 9 and 10 Exams

Exams are coming up on Monday the 6th of June till Friday 10th of June. Expectations and exam timetables have been shared with students via Google Classroom and Year Level assemblies.

Year 9 Expectations

•  Students are required to be at the GYM on time for their exams.
•  No materials will be provided for students at the Gym. Students are expected to have all materials with them. If they need support beforehand, please contact the Middle Sub School.
•  Any misbehaviour during exams will result in being removed from the exam room and completing their exam in an afterschool detention.
•  Catch-up exams will run in the following week. Students are to contact the Middle Sub School and organise a time to complete these catch-up sessions.

Year 10 Expectations

•  Students are only required to attend school for their exams. There will be no regular timetabled classes for this week. (Year 11 classes still running)
•  If you catch a bus or wish to remain at school to study, then learning spaces will be provided in the library.
•  Please make sure you arrive early and in full academic uniform. Late arrival students out of uniform won't be allowed access to the gym and will complete a catch-up exam.
•  No materials will be provided for students at the Gym. Students are expected to have all materials with them. If they need support beforehand, please contact the Middle Sub School
•  Any misbehaviour during exams will result in being removed from the exam room and completing their exam in an afterschool detention
•  Catch-up exams will run in the following week. Students are to contact the Middle Sub School and organise a time to complete these catch-up sessions.
•  Year 11 subjects take priority over Year 10 exams so if you have a clash, please attend your Year 11 class and complete a catch-up exam on another day.

Uniform

As the cold weather creeps in so do a lot of uniform issues. Can we please ask parents to support us in making sure students are following the Uniform Policy. The main issues arising over the past weeks and coming into winter are:

• Students wearing incorrect jumpers/hoodies.
• Wearing the P.E uniform on non-PE days
• Facial Hair- Students are reminded they need to be clean shaven when arriving to school
• Earrings and Fake nails- These are an OHS issue. Nails need to be natural and of a reasonable length, and no hooped earrings.

Intermediate Girls Football

Well done to our Intermediate Girls' Football Team who represented the College during the week. They came away with a couple of wins, but the most pleasing things was the feedback received from other staff on how well they conducted themselves during the day. Displaying our school values in the community and supporting each other all day!

Deakin Immersion Day

Recently our Year 10 students got the opportunity at Deakin University to immerse themselves in a supported on-campus experience. Students gained key insights into university life through hands-on learning, access to innovative learning spaces and the chance to work with current Deakin University students to ask questions and talk about university life. We thank the Careers Team for all their work in providing our students with these great opportunities. A reminder to parents and students that giving consent as early as possible for these events on Compass, is very important as there is more and more work going on behind the scenes to support these excursions going ahead.

Semester Two Timetables

Students will receive their Semester Two timetables in the coming weeks and be given the opportunity to try and swap any electives. As always class lists are very full, and subject changes can’t always be made. So please get in early and we will do our best to make any changes that are possible.

Term 2 is well underway, and it’s been a busy and productive start for our students in the Junior Sub School. With new student management team in place and a range of exciting events and milestones coming up, we’re proud of how our students are embracing opportunities for growth—both in and out of the classroom.

Junior Sub-School Team Member update

We’re pleased to introduce our Junior Sub School student management team, who are dedicated to supporting student success and wellbeing across Year 7 and 8:

JSS Leader:

• Rebecca Durran

Year 7 Team:

• Year Level Coordinator (YLC): Janelle Butler
• Assistants: Christos Kyvetos and Susan Hickford

Year 8 Team:

• Year Level Coordinator (YLC): Tom Grayson
• Assistants: Blake Fairchild and Zoe Bell

This team is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all junior students.

Camp - Week 7

Our Junior Sub School camp is fast approaching in Week 7! This is a fantastic opportunity for students to build friendships, develop independence, and experience learning beyond the classroom.

Medical forms need to be returned to the office as soon as possible with any dietary information, the camp organisers need this to finalise correspondence with the camp providers.

A packing list will be distributed to students this week and all other updates will be communicated to them via their Google Classroom.

Exams

Exams are fast approaching. Timetables for these will be posted to Google Classroom and placed outside the Junior Sub School office.

Year 8 Exams will be held in Week 7, followed by Year 7 Exams in Week 8. This is a key opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and build exam confidence.

To support preparation:

• Begin revision early
• Speak with teachers for help or clarification
• Ensure you have all necessary stationery and materials

Encouraging healthy study habits and balance at home will go a long way in helping students feel confident and prepared.

Semester Change - Week 9

A reminder that Semester 2 begins in Week 9, bringing with it new electives and some timetable changes for students. We encourage all students to approach their new subjects with curiosity and a positive mindset.

Timetables will be uploaded on Compass in the coming weeks, and staff will be available to support students through the transition.

Progress Reports

Our Week 2 progress reports were released to students and families, and we want to celebrate the positive effort students are putting into their classroom environment and learning behaviours, we had 64 Year 7 students with a Grade Performance Average above 3.5 and 44 Year 8 students. This is a significant number of our cohort, and you should all be proud of your achievements and commitment to your education.

We want to acknowledge the following students who received Grade Performance Average of 4:

Madelena Bienfait, Gracie-Anne Deppeler, Ken Dinh, Heldana John, Ava Koetsveld-Mark, Wolfgang Lewis-Timberlake, Oscar Longmuir, Ekansh Mehul Gaglani, Amy Vo, Georgia Ferreira, Esther Walker and Sayde Woolley.

Continue on your positive schooling journey and you will truly make a wonderful impact in our school community and throughout your lives.

CONNECT News

This Term, our Connect Program has continued to grow as a vital part of student life—fostering personal development, encouraging meaningful conversations, and creating a stronger sense of belonging across our school community.

Through weekly sessions and targeted curriculum, students have explored a wide range of topics aimed at building both academic skills and emotional intelligence. This Term we have covered the following topics.

ANZAC Day Reflections

Students were given the opportunity to understand the importance of ANZAC Day, honouring the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand service members. Through activities and class discussions, we explored the values of courage, mateship, and resilience.

IDAHOBIT Day

We celebrated inclusion and diversity by raising awareness around the importance of respect and safety for all identities. Students participated in activities promoting allyship, kindness, and understanding.

Goal Setting & Study Skills

Equipping students with tools for academic success was a key focus. From creating SMART goals to mastering time management, students were supported in taking charge of their learning.

Risk-Taking Behaviours & Vaping Prevention

We addressed real-world challenges by openly discussing the impact of risk-taking behaviours, especially the growing concern around vaping. These preventative sessions learning about assertive statements, aimed to equip students with strategies to make healthy, informed decisions.

Emotional Literacy

Understanding and managing emotions is vital for wellbeing. Students engaged in activities to help them recognise their feelings, develop self-awareness, and support one another in a compassionate environment.

The Connect Program isn’t just a class — it’s a space where students are empowered to grow as individuals, connect with peers, and develop skills that support their success in all aspects of life.

We’re incredibly proud of the engagement and progress we’ve seen, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum this Term, with even more real-world learning opportunities.

Bellarine Division Athletics Championships - Friday 2nd May 2025

The NGSC Athletics team had almost perfect conditions for this event. A big thankyou to so many students who volunteered to fill in for gaps in our program, this certainly added to our points and helped us achieve an overall result of 2^nd and the Most Improved School Award for 2025.

These days don’t happen without NGSC staff supporting the students and officiating at the events, so much appreciation to Mrs. Perin, Ms. Elkin and Miss Peric. Also, a big thank you to the students who assisted at the Shot Put, Triple Jump and Discus throughout the day.

Special mention to two of our Athletes who competed in five individual events and won them all! Great job Sienna Bilinski and Angus Warren.

Below are the qualifiers who will compete in the Western Metro Zone Championships in Term 4, Week 1 on Wednesday 8th October.

Year 7

Ava Marsden 13Yr Girls Triple Jump

Billy Perkins 13Yr Boys High Jump, 4x100m Relay

Angus Warren 13Yr Boys 100m, 200m, 400m, Shot Put, Discus, 4x100m Relay

Justin Acharya 13Yr Boys 4x100m Relay

Year 8 

Ethan Hoff 14Yr Boys High Jump,

Xander Mitchell 14Yr Boys Triple Jump, Long Jump, Javelin,

Tayla Spencer 14Yr Girls 4x100m Relay

Deborah Bijimba 14Yr Girls 4x100m Relay

Patricia Mina 14Yr Girls 4x100m Relay

Caiden Payne-Gumbleton 14Yr Boys 4x100m Relay

Year 9 

Sheena Moroney 14Yr Girls 4x100m Relay

Makayla Guidotti 15Yr Girls Shot Put

Sienna Bilinski 13Yr Girls 100m, 200m, 400m, Triple Jump, Long Jump,

Orlando Kozina 14Yr Boys 800m, 400m

Eamoinn Gearon 15Yr Boys Triple Jump

Year 11 

Gilbert Hose 20Yr Boys 3000m

Xavier Wiese 17Yr Boys 100m, 200m, Triple Jump, Long Jump, 4x100m Relay

Hannah Day 17Yr Girls Javelin

Tanishka Negi 20Yr Girls 4x100m Relay

Dan Bilinski 17Yr Boys 4x100m Relay

Mason Kinsella 17Yr Boys 4x100m Relay

Ethan Kozina 17Yr Boys 4x100m Relay

Year 12 

Asher Mitchell 20Yr Boys Triple Jump, 100m, Long Jump, 4x100m Relay

Rida Poneha 20Yr Girls 100m, 4x100m Relay

Vanje Naihokubwayo 20Yr Girls 200m, 4x100m Relay

Brock Anderson 20Yr Boys 200m, 4x100m Relay

Tom Airey 20Yr Boys 400m

Aleks Purlija 20Yr Boys High Jump, 4x100m Relay

Luke House 20Yr Boys Discus

Leila Tome Grace 20Yr Girls 4x100m Relay

Iso Mayondo 20Yr Boys 4x100m Relay

Western Metropolitan Region Sport - Intermediate Girls Volleyball

On Wednesday, 7th May, the Intermediate Girls represented North Geelong Secondary College (and the Barwon/Bellarine Divisions) in the Western Metropolitan Region finals at the Corio Leisuretime Centre. The girls combined well as a team and, with support from coach Rob Straube, finished on top of their section. It took a comeback from behind and a steadying of nerves to win their final pool match to send the team to the grand final against Melton Secondary College. The match was conducted in a great spirit of competition and fun, with Melton coming out winners on the day. 

Congratulations to all team members, who not only played some great volleyball, but demonstrated our values of Respect and Achievement throughout the whole tournament. Well done to Nori, Bronte, Blanzhe, Alexia (Captain), Yawshoe, Gianna, Tina and Thu Meh. Thanks also to Rob for his guidance and support through the EIS program. 

Western Metropolitan Region Sport - Senior Girls Volleyball

Monday, 12th May was the turn of the Senior girls to represent NGSC as the Barwon/Bellarine Division winners in the Western Metropolitan Region finals. Once again, the girls played well as a team but were not quite as strong as the other teams, losing their first game, but bouncing back to win the second game on points. They had to win their last game to make the final, but unfortunately lost to Melton Secondary College, who went on to win the grand final. 

Congratulations to all team members - Indah, King, Jasmine, Maria, Rida, Gaynay, Savannah, EhBway, Faiza and MJ - and also to Rob Straube, for, once again, turning up to coach the team. 

BADMINTON

Year 7 Girls Badminton

Congratulations to our amazing Year 7 girls Badminton Team on their tournament win, taking home the pennant for the Geelong Barwon and Bellarine divisions. The girls played with heart, spirit and fantastic teamwork. Their encouragement of each other and great sportsmanship stood out all day. We're so proud of the way they represented NGSC.

Year 8 Girls Badminton

Our Year 8 girls team gave it their all in a thrilling tournament. Every match was fought with teamwork and pride. We're incredibly proud of their effort and they way in which they represented the College.

Year 7 and 8 Badminton team

Football

Year 7/8 Boys

It was a stunning day at Winter's Reserve in Belmont, perfect for footy, as our Year 7/8 boys took to the field in the Interschool Tournament. The team started strongly, winning both their group stage matches against Bellarine Secondary College and Bannockburn Secondary College, Learning a well-deserved top spot in their pool. 

In the semi-final, the boys faced a tough Surf Coast Secondary College outfit. Despite going down by a few goals, the team stayed competitive and never dropped their heads.

There were plenty of standout performances throughout the day. Jake Balaz led strongly as Captain, Jaydan Corbett was tireless around the ground, Angus Warren booted a few fantastic goals, Ashton Muller was strong in the ruck and Oliver Bucovaz stood tall in defence. A special mention goes to Jack Taylor, whose passionate pre-game speeches had the boys fired up and ready to go!

Well done to all involved on a great day of school footy!

Visit from alum Deklan Trew

Deklan Trew (2022) returned to chat with the Year 9 Media Studies (Photography) class last week. Deklan was always interested in photography from a young age, and all through secondary school seized every opportunity to take photos and be creative. Since leaving NGSC, Deklan has continued to develop his photographic skills through working at Camera House for a time. He nows spends his weekends taking photos in some of Geelong's entertainment hotspots. Deklan is also a keen soccer player and volunteers his time to coach a women's team in the Golden Plains league.
Deklan fielded some interesting questions from the class, including the inevitable 'how much do you make?'. His reply was interesting also; 'enough'.
He showed some of his photos from music concerts featuring Peter Garrett, custom cars at the Geelong Revival Rally, and sporting events, as well as some from his job taking photos for pubs and nightclubs.
We thank Deklan for giving up his time and insights into his work as a nightlife photographer.

If you would like to be part of the Alumni community at North Geelong Secondary College, please get in touch - alumni@ngsc.com.au

Deklan Trew

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North Geelong Centre

Located at

North Geelong Secondary College

Just a quick update on the situation with VSL / LOTE learning. Many of our students attend school on a Saturday morning to learn a language. The VSL is running all classes through on-line learning, as are day-schools; the lessons are running at the usual time on a Saturday. The VSL teachers contacted each class member prior to the commencement of this term in regard to the electronic platform being used and instructions to access those. If any of our students or their parents/guardians have questions about this, please contact the class teacher first (if possible) and then make all enquiries through the VSL head-office.

The Victorian School of Languages is a specialist Government school offering complementary language instruction outside of regular school hours. It enrols students in Years 1 to 12, who are unable to study their language of choice in their mainstream school. Students from all educational sectors (Government, Independent and Catholic) are eligible to enrol.

The Victorian School of Languages offers quality courses aligned with Government curriculum standards, based on communication skills, that include speaking, reading, writing and listening. Its VCE Program is fully accredited and can advantage students in the calculation of their University entrance score.

The school`s Language Program is delivered through online teaching in over 40 Language Centres situated in government Secondary Schools across the state, and through Distance Education mode.

In North Geelong, classes are held on Saturday mornings between 9:00 am and 12:15 pm online.

Languages offered:

Croatian, Karen, Vietnamese, Dari, Persian, Polish, Macedonian, Bosnian, Turkish and Russian

*New languages may be offered subject to demand*

For enquiries Telephone: 5277 9833

Further details and enrolment are available online at our website: www.vsl.vic.edu.au

Discover the World of Languages!

International Student Program - Uni Excursion

Recently our College and the International Students were invited to a day in Melbourne attending a Uni Expo. The Year 10 to Year 12 International Students attended and this allowed them to experience the following:

1. Obtain up-to-date and specific University information directly from representatives, which is customized for international students only.

2. Better assist the International Students in selecting their future academic and career pathways in the future and beyond.

All of the International Students had an amazing day and learnt so much from the experience, coming away with a wealth of knowledge and smiles on their faces, not to mention the lovely gifts that they received on the day.

The highlight of the day was during lunch break when Anne Nguyen took the stage where a piano was, playing this in the lunch area. Anne acquired such an audience while she was playing and a standing ovation at the completion of her song. Well done Anne, such an amazing talent and so happy you shared this moment with your peers and others around you.

Young Leaders' Breakfast

North Geelong Secondary College recently held the annual Young Leaders’ Breakfast for 2025. This event is hosted in the spirit of connecting and developing the leadership skills of young people in the Geelong Region. The event provided the opportunity to bring together our future leaders in a setting where they can voice ideas, work alongside other like-minded students, and ultimately make positive contributions to their wider communities.

Justine Martin was our guest speaker and is the “Queen of Resilience” with many, many accolades and achievements from being a winning Resilience Coach / Consultant / Speaker, an award-winning Professional Artist, Teacher, best-selling Author, Publisher, Cancer Survivor and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Warrior to name a few.

Justine emphasised the power of creativity in overcoming challenges and encourages everyone to embrace their passions with unwavering determination. She is a true inspiration for believing in yourself and achieving your full potential.

Frequent Flyer Cans - NGSC Fundraiser

This September, NGSC’s Japan Study Tour will travel to Geelong’s Sister City, Izumiotsu, Osaka, Japan, and visit our Sister Schools: Toyo JHS, Ozu JHS, Seifu JHS, and Izumiotsu SHS.

This is an amazing opportunity for the students to be a part of an enriching, immersive experience and we are asking for your support to raise funds to assist with the affordability and costings associated with this unique learning opportunity.

Please donate to our fundraiser by choosing “donate” on the CDS App and search for North Geelong Secondary College. Please set the school as the recipient of your donation when you return your containers.

Most beverage containers (larger than 150ml and smaller than 3L) that are made from aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard are eligible for a 10c refund, when returned to a TOMRA Reverse Vending Machine.

Do not crush your containers or remove the labels as the TOMRA scanners will need to identify the shape, label and barcode to register your refund.

We will also be collecting containers at school. Look for the marked yellow bins, and please put your empty, uncrushed containers with the label attached in the bins. These bins are only for the 10c recyclable containers. Please help us by not putting any other rubbish in these bins.

JFF Theatre

We've got your next movie marathon sorted! JFF Theat has released a brand-new lineup of films, now streaming for free Australia-wide. From stories about unbreakable bonds to unique comedies, foodie films and more, this program is one you don't want to miss!⁠ If you haven't already, simply register with JFF Theatre to start watching the films for free.

Streaming started for the next season on 1 May (Thursday) at 12pm AEST. To access the movies, simply create a free JFF Theatre account at the link below!

https://en.jff.jpf.go.jp/mypag...

Some Great Information Regarding Applying for an Apprenticeship or Traineeship

What are employers looking for in an apprentice or trainee?

There are the baseline traits that all employees look for:

• Punctuality
• Honesty
• Initiative
• Work ethic.
• Self-awareness and the desire for self-improvement – Curiosity is big thing all employers say they are looking for. They don’t expect you to know it all, but they want to see a drive to learn.

So how do you capture the attention of an employer?

Why are you unique? What can you offer that no one else can? We all have Unique Selling Points or USPs (in digital marketing terms). Name your top three strengths then ask a parent, friend or former employer to do the same. For example, you may be efficient, outgoing and driven. Think of examples in your personal life where you have illustrated these strengths and spell them out using examples.

YOU MUST have a Resume. Employers offering apprenticeships and traineeships accept that you may have very little paid work experience, but you do have skills. Perhaps you are the captain of your sporting club, or you are coach of a team, completed a pre-apprenticeship, studied tech or hospitality at school, worked at your dad’s company in the holidays or learned how to construct things. Include achievements such as awards or projects you managed at school. It could simply be that you worked part-time for a year to go on a school trip, which shows you have determination.

Be creative with your skill set.

Present well. Dress well and look clean and tidy even if you are in your school uniform. Presentation also includes ensuring there are no spelling or grammar mistakes in your resume. This is especially important to show you have a keen eye for attention to detail.

Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is so important in apprentices!

Someone who is enthusiastic, energetic and passionate creating products will get employed. Remember, while you may not have a lengthy resume, you might be surprised by how much you can truly offer.

Employers also value a young person’s initiative to pick up the phone (yes actually talking) and have a conversation with prospective employers.

Stay off your mobile during business hours!

Might be obvious, but Snapchat, Instagram, Tik Tok.... CAN ALL WAIT!

The one thing the Head Start Coordinators hear from frustrated employers; “They are always on their phone.”

Check it at appropriate times during breaks, but other times show some initiative during slow periods and clean, restack, clean a work vehicle – this is the thing that will impress.

What makes doing an apprenticeship so worthwhile?

Learning in a practical setting is invaluable. Not only do you get to develop skills in a practical environment, but you’re surrounded by experienced professionals that you can learn and draw inspiration from. An apprenticeship goes beyond the theory and provides you with skills and experience that will set you up for a career that you may have never been able to access otherwise.

Finding yourself the right apprenticeship isn’t always as difficult as you may think, talk to your Careers Teacher about how Head Start can help you present well to employers.

If you’re a student looking for a pathway into employment, a parent looking for a secure future for your child, or an employer looking for your next apprentice, contact the Careers and Pathways Team about the Head Start Program!