Principal's Report
Term Two Key Dates
Young Leaders Breakfast
NGSC Extracurricular Activities
Term Two Key Dates
Young Leaders Breakfast
NGSC Extracurricular Activities
Principal's Report
Term Two Key Dates
Young Leaders Breakfast
NGSC Extracurricular Activities
Well, we’ve finally welcomed winter after an extended summer, and what a lovely treat it was to hear the rain on the tin roof over the long weekend.
As we approach the end of Semester One, students are preparing to transition into their Semester Two subjects next week. Some subjects will continue, while others will be entirely new, offering fresh learning opportunities.
Students will have completed their exams and final assessments, and our teachers are now busily correcting and finalising results. These assessments, along with work completed throughout the semester, will inform the end-of-semester reports. These reports will be distributed during the final week of Term.
We encourage you to review the reports with your children, celebrate their successes, and have meaningful conversations about areas for growth and improvement.
Term Two Key Dates
16-6-2025 |
Semester 2 begins |
04-7-2025 |
Term 2 Finishes |
Our College recently hosted its Annual Young Leaders Breakfast, welcoming student leaders from 12 Regional Primary Schools. It was a fantastic morning of inspiration, connection, and leadership.
We were honoured to have Justine Martin as our guest speaker. Justine’s story is one of incredible courage, resilience, and determination. Her journey inspired everyone in the room, as she shared how believing in yourself can lead to achieving your full potential. Her message truly resonated with our young leaders.
The Primary School students asked thoughtful and insightful questions, highlighting the depth of talent and emerging leadership across our region.
A special thank you goes to our Year-Level leaders, who represented the College with warmth and enthusiasm and contributed meaningfully to the event's success.
We would also like to thank Tonia Tigani, Steve Quinn, and Penny Wilson for their hard work and organisation, which made this event such a success.
Below is a list of extracurricular activities and clubs currently offered by NGSC staff. These activities provide students with a fantastic opportunity to explore new interests or deepen existing ones.
Most of these programs are run voluntarily by staff members, and we sincerely thank them for generously donating their time and energy to enrich our school community.
If you’re interested in joining any of the activities, please contact the relevant Year Level Coordinator.
Assistant Principals' Report
End of Term
Course Counselling
Semester and Progress Reports
Be Bold, Be Heard
State Principals Conference 2025
BBBH Forum #2: Breaking Barriers
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.
Term 3 is the time for students to start/continue the planning of their educational journey towards their desired post school pathways. From now until the end of Term 3, Student Managers, Year Level Coordinators and Pathway staff will be working with students to refine these pathways and ensure they are making subject decisions based on their interests and capacity. During this time students will also be shown the expected workload and commitment of their pathway choice and given some proper reflection on their capacity to meet these expectations.
Semester reports will be available to parents and students in the last week of term. Our next round of Progress Reports will be in week 2 Term 3. This is a great time for parents to get a sense of the work put in by their children and compare it to the learning tasks and outcomes. It is also greatly valuable to observe and reflect on the appropriate pathways.
On Friday 16th May, we held our first Leadership Summit. This was an ‘application only’ opportunity for students in the program to be extended in their leadership. Some students who were looking for more development, applied and attended this at the Victoria Academy. Here, 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, under the banner of empowerment of women, with some additional inspirations from Lara MP and proud supporter of our program, Ella George. The day was a fantastic success for the students.
To support our staff BBBH Champions we added a professional learning opportunity, so they felt strong in the management of their group to ensure they help their kids reach their goals. yLead were excellent in their leadership of these champions. All staff appeared to appreciate the opportunity to extend their understanding and foster greater capacity to lead and facilitate student action.
As a result of their engagement with the BBBH on Friday 9th May I was invited to Copperfield College to liaise with the Honourable Minister Hutchins, The Minister of 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 and some of her transcript is included below.
On Tuesday 2nd June we were invited to present the successes of the BBBH initiative at the State Principals Conference. It was such a pleasure to highlight the achievements of the students in our region in such a fashion. I was delighted to be able to share the stage with Maddie Solly (NGSC BBBH Coordinator) and Nya Tut (Former NGSC captain and BBBH leader). The ‘sold out’ crowd were so impressed by the achievements of all the BBBH champions and student initiatives that there is likely to be a few more BBBH programs pop up in metro Melbourne in coming years. The highlight however was the impact Nya’s words had on the Principals present. Such was her impact that she received several invitations to attend Schools to present her story.
Completing a very busy Term for BBBH was the second forum for 2025, entitled Breaking Barriers. Our students engaged positively with students from 14 other schools. Our host Iona College, arranged a wonderful day that included great ice breakers, sound bowls and a ‘Just Dance’ session. Intertwined with these activities were Respectful Relationships leading discussions on how students could challenge the expectations of females in their own contexts. Our guest speakers; Sally Lasslett, Lena Moxon, Carly Headlam and Lucinda Goodwin were hugely inspiring.
Sally Lasslett started as a Food Teacher who, as Principal, has transformed Hester Hornbrook Academy into a 7-campus school for the top 10% of at-risk students in the northwest of Melbourne. Sally shared stories of students who started as selective mute and on the day of graduation completed the Acknowledgement of Country. Many students had never packed a bag for a trip, nor had been on a plane and she treasured these moments. Her messages to students included: “don’t be bitches, come together for equality, not apart”. Say to yourself “I am beautiful and amazing” and “I am a woman, and I can”.
Lucinda Goodwin is a young woman who photographs musicians. She said that she had to be bold to pursue her dreams. Careers Teacher advice was to go to university and do PE. She listened to her own inner voice instead. Her message: “Trust your gut and back yourself”.
Lena Moxon grew up in Corio and was determined to have her own values, to be visible in the moment and that was her authentic and most important version of herself. Lena has owned many businesses and enjoys coaching and training young people in boxing and fitness. She told students to “not give a s#$% about the postcode, embrace it”.
Carly Headlam (my younger, more determined and athletic sister) had quite a bit of success following a schooling that was less so. An array of jobs in the health industry and sport has seen her reach the heights of accomplishing a Nursing Degree (High Distinctions) in her forties. Carly has reached great heights in her local sport and now in coaching told the students to be competitive and don’t be apologetic about it. She also said to the students to “be kind to yourself”.
Students involved then worked on their own actions in their school groups, whilst still buzzing after all the engaging activities. We are looking forward to our third forum for 2025 in Term 3, on the 22nd of August to be hosted by Bellarine Secondary College.
Senior School News
Senior School News – Week 8 Update:
- Year 12 Study Periods & Cancelled Classes
- Driving to School
- GAT – Practice Makes Progres
- Year 11 Exams
- Year 11 VM – Week 8 Program
- Coursework Crunch Time
- Year 12 Movie Excursion
- Uniform Reminder – Winter Is Here
We’re deep into Term 2 and the Senior School is a hive of activity. Here are some key updates and reminders as we head toward the finish line of Semester 1:
Just a reminder that all Year 12 students are required to remain at school during study periods and cancelled classes. Signing out with parent permission now may jeopardise your chance to use study periods off-site in Semester 2 — and let’s be honest, no one wants to lose that privilege over a cheeky early exit.
If you’re driving to school, make sure you’ve completed the correct Senior Sub School Driving Permission forms. And while carpooling is great for the planet, students are not permitted to transport others to VET programs under any circumstances. Let’s keep everyone safe and above board.
All students undertaking scored VCE and VCE VM sat the Practice GAT on May 15. Marked feedback will be returned shortly to help guide your preparation. The GAT may not feel important now, but trust us, it can play a significant role in statistical moderation, derived scores, and final study scores. Take the feedback seriously — future-you will thank you.
Year 11 students are only required at school during their scheduled exams. You may sign out and leave once your exam is complete — but this freedom comes with responsibility. Failure to sign out properly may result in this privilege being removed for future exam periods. Sign out, stay sharp.
Due to the King's Birthday public holiday and a Curriculum Day for assessment and report writing, Year 11 VM students will run a modified program in Week 8. You are only required on-site for a First Aid Course on Tuesday. Your regular VET and SWL placements continue as normal on Wednesday and Thursday.
All students should now be completing assessment tasks and working toward finishing outcomes. The finish line for Semester 1 is in sight. Stay focused, stay organised, and ask for help if you need it. The effort you put in now sets you up for a smoother Semester 2.
It’s been a long, intense Term for our Year 12 Students, and with just over 140 days until the first VCE exams kick off, a little boost is in order. Our upcoming movie excursion is both a well-earned reward and a chance to catch your breath before the home stretch. You’ve earned it. Just don’t forget the popcorn money.
It’s cold. We get it. But hoodies still aren’t part of the uniform, and the rules haven’t gone into hibernation. Please wear full school uniform and be clean shaven. You’re the leaders of the school, so set the example (even if your knees are freezing).
Middle School News
Exams
Musical
Semester Two
Uniform
It has been a busy couple of weeks for the Middle Sub School; Year 9 and Year 10 students.
Congratulations to all students on successfully completing your recent examinations! It was impressive to observe how effectively you applied the academic knowledge acquired throughout the Semester. Across the board, students demonstrated commendable focus, academic discipline, and respectful engagement during each subject's assessment.
We're excited to see your results and hope you've earned grades that reflect your hard work and dedication. Well done!
Congratulations to our talented Year 9 and Year 10 students who participated in the school musical "Music Through the Decades". Your performances were incredible, showcasing your artistic talents and representing our school's Arts community. Ms. Nunn, other staff and the entire audience were thrilled to see you shine both on stage and behind the scenes, supporting each other throughout the production.
Semester Two classes start on Monday, July 16th. We have three weeks of Semester Two before the end of the Term. This is an exciting opportunity for students to explore new elective subjects, connect with different classmates, and challenge yourself with upcoming coursework in both core and elective classes. Let's continue the academic focus and determination you've demonstrated during exam week and throughout your exam
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:
Junior School News
Junior Sub-School
As we near the end of Semester 1, we want to take a moment to congratulate our Year 7 and 8 Students on a fantastic start to the school year. Our students demonstrated excellent behaviour and focus during their recent exams, showing maturity and commitment to their learning. We’re incredibly proud of the way they approached their studies and assessments.
Our Year 7 students and a few Year 8 students were on camp last week at Alexandria. The camp was a huge success, filled with fun, challenges and team-building experiences. It was wonderful to see students form new friendships, create memories and develop resilience and independence throughout the trip.
Looking ahead, Semester 2 will begin in Week 9, and with it will come some timetable changes. These updates will be available on Compass, so please keep an eye out to ensure students are prepared for their new classes and electives.
To celebrate the end of Semester 1 and continue fostering strong connections within our school community, we will be holding a Year 7 and 8 House Day on Friday 20th June in Week 9. This event is designed to build relationships through a variety of fun and engaging activities. More details will be shared with students this week via Google Classroom and Compass.
The Junior Sub School is looking forward to a strong finish to the Term and an exciting start to Semester 2!
Connect News
Connect News
Over the last few weeks in Connect, our students have been exploring a range of important topics designed to support their personal growth and wellbeing, both at school and beyond.
Year 7 have been focusing on Resilience and Confidence, helping them develop strategies to bounce back from challenges and believe in their own abilities. These skills are vital for navigating the ups and downs of school life and building a positive self-image.
Year 8 students have engaged in discussions around Respectful Relationships, learning how to communicate effectively, recognise healthy and unhealthy behaviours, and show empathy and kindness in their daily interactions.
In our Emotional Literacy sessions, Year 9 students built their understanding of different emotions and how to manage them. Through activities and reflections, they practised recognising their feelings and responding in healthy, constructive ways.
Year 10 students have explored the topic of Risk-Taking Behaviour, encouraging students to consider the short- and long-term consequences of their decisions, particularly around peer pressure, safety and wellbeing.
Our senior students have focused on their Study Skills, including revision techniques and organisation strategies, to support their academic success during exam periods and beyond.
Year 11 and 12 students also engaged in important conversations about Stress Management and Career Ambitions. Students reflected on their interests, strengths and future pathways, while also learning how to seek help and support for themselves or others when needed.
The Connect Program continues to play an essential role in preparing students with the personal and social skills they need to thrive. We’re proud of the way students have engaged with these topics and look forward to continuing this valuable work in Semester 2.
Sports News
GSSSA Cross Country
On Monday 26th May, twenty four students competed in the Geelong Secondary Schools Sports Association Cross Country event held at the Eastern Gardens in Geelong. Competitors took on the 3km course in all sections, except for the 16 and 17-20 Boys, who competed over 5km. Congratulations to all competitors who did their best and especially to the following who qualified for the next round at Keilor Park Athletics Centre on Thursday, June 19th.
Gilbert Hose (2nd), Ethan Kozina (5th), Thomas Airey (13th) and Dan Bilinski (DNF - injured) who won the flag for the 17-20 Boys division
Lincoln Peel (10th) - 16 Boys
Sienna Bilinski (1st) - 15 Girls
Henry Lugg (3rd) - 15 Boys
Charlie Watson (16th) and Avery Hickmon (17th) - 14 Girls
Angus Warren (9th) - 13 Boys
We look forward to seeing what they can do at the next round!
Alumni News
Planning is underway for the Year 10 Careers Week session to be held on Wednesday 6th August. Whether you undertook a VCE or a VCAL pathway we'd love to hear from you - it's always a great insight for students to hear about the different options available. It is also important for students to understand the way to a particular career/job is not always linear - there are many ways to reach your goals. If you would like to help out, please email alumni@ngsc.com.au
Sessions are also being planned for our VCE Vocational Major students in the areas of financial literacy and transferable skills. Cyber Security will be the focus for a session with the Year 11 Computing class in Term 3.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the alumni community, please get in touch via email alumni@ngsc.com.au
Student Wellbeing
Win $1000 designing new Youth Myki Card
World No Tobacco Day Event NGSC
With free public transport for young people aged 17 years and under on 1 January 2026, let their imagination run free! Create and explore a design for the new Youth Myki Card and they could win a $1,000 Visa gift card. All Victorians aged 5 to 17 are invited to design the new Youth Myki Card! Whether it’s hand-drawn or digital, we’re looking for original, creative designs that capture the spirit of young Victorians. Entries close 15 June 2025. All competition details can be found on the Engage Victoria website.
www.engage.vic.gov.au/youthmyki
North Geelong Secondary College held an event on Friday, May 30, to acknowledge World No Tobacco Day. This year’s theme focused on exposing how tobacco and nicotine companies attempt to make their products appealing, especially to young people. These companies use sweet flavours, bright packaging, and clever marketing strategies to entice individuals into using harmful products. During the event, a group of Year 12 students proudly launched the vaping prevention campaign they had been working on.
In July 2024, the City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Team applied for, and received, a VicHealth grant to support work that aims to:
During Terms 1 and 2, the Year 12 students collaborated with the City of Greater Geelong Youth Team, the Secondary School Nurse, and CatholicCare to develop a proposal aimed at preventing or reducing vaping among students. In Term 1, NGSC hosted a pitch event where participants could present their ideas to the school community and then vote for their favourite concept. The winning project focused on educating each year level about the dangers of vaping. Students believed that the best way to deter young people from using vapes is to provide them with information about the harmful ingredients and effects of vaping, empowering them to make informed choices. The delivery of this information will take place in the classroom, where students can engage in activities, watch short videos, and participate in discussions to explore their thoughts, ideas, and questions together.
The Year 12 group created two short animations that combined everyone's ideas. One animation focused on the ingredients found in vapes, while the other highlighted the harms of vaping. Students developed the scripts and concepts for these videos, which were then brought to life by a local animator. The animations were showcased during the World No Tobacco Day event. They were designed to be brief and engaging to effectively educate students. Additionally, these animations will be accompanied by an in-class activity and discussion guide, which are currently in development.
In addition to the animations and activities, Raquel from Barwon Health’s Be Smokefree clinic was interviewed and recorded. This resource will provide valuable information on how students can access support and where they can find help. It will serve as the final video in the North Geelong Secondary College project.
At the end of the launch, students involved in the project received certificates for their participation.
During the World No Tobacco Day event, various student projects were showcased. This included the Koori Way Program, in which Year 7 and 8 First Nations students participated over five weeks during Term 1. Other projects highlighted included the Year 7's Vaping Prevention Assertive and Refusal Skills campaign, Year 9's "Seeing Through the Haze" campaign, and the Year 12 focus on the impacts of smoking and vaping on health status.
Career News
What are employers looking for in an apprentice or trainee?
There are the baseline traits that all employees look for:
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!
Other School News
Music Concert
On Wednesday May 28 students performed at the annual NGSC Music Concert. This year the theme was 'Music Through the Decades' - a journey through some of the songs and artists that have inspired us from the 1960s to present day.
It was fantastic to welcome almost 200 students from Rollins Primary School, Holy Family Primary School and Bell Park North Primary School to join the fun at our matinee performance as our students entertained them with music and dancing. They were a very energetic and enthusiastic crowd that loved every minute of the show! Mr Quinn even proved his skills in dancing the 'Macarena' were not to be underestimated.
A sold-out evening performance for family and friends was hugely successful. Almost 60 students took to the stage to share their talents, while VET Cooking students provided incredible catering at intermission, supported by Mr Scott and Ms Eales.
I'd like to thank the many staff and students who helped make the concerts so successful, and a special thank you to the Instrumental Music staff for the countless hours spent preparing students for their performances. Finally, a big thank you to the NGSC community for their attendance and ongoing support of the Performing Arts at our college. We can't wait to see you at the next event!
Community News
Refugee Week
Help celebrate Refugee Week and raise vital funds for refugees in Geelong. Come along to Jam for Refugees, watch two short films created by refugees (some from NGSC) and listen to NORTH Children's Choir and Baraka the Kid!
VSL
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!
