Issue 2
06 Mar 2026

Welcome to the College’s second newsletter for the 2026 school year!

We are now over halfway through the term, and I would like to congratulate our students on such a positive and successful start to the year. Transitioning into a new school year can be daunting. Students must navigate new subjects, different teachers, increased responsibilities, and greater independence.

Regardless of the year level and whether moving from Year 6 to Year 7 or from Year 10 into Years 11 and 12, these transitions bring unfamiliar routines and expectations. While this change is often exciting, it also presents unique challenges as students adjust to new academic demands, social dynamics, and personal growth.

It has been wonderful to see the resilience, adaptability, and maturity our students have demonstrated as they embrace these opportunities.

Buses

I would like to acknowledge the challenges many of our students and families have faced in navigating bus travel to and from school. While we have seen some improvements in recent weeks, we recognise that there is still work to be done.

We will continue our discussions with the bus companies to advocate for further improvements. Our ultimate goal is for every student and parent to have confidence that there will be a place on the bus each day and that students will travel to and from school safely and reliably.

Uniform Concerns

Earlier this term, I became aware of misinformation being shared regarding the NGSC PE track pants and shorts. I would like to thank the parents who brought their concerns forward. As a College, we are always striving to improve, and we genuinely value feedback when something appears unclear or inconsistent.

While we are unsure where the breakdown in communication occurred, the uniform shop has acknowledged that they were aware of the College’s request and have been extremely supportive in rectifying the issues that arose from this misunderstanding.

Last year, the College decided to remove the logo and keep the ribbed detailing on the PE track pants and shorts. This decision was communicated to the uniform supplier and complies with departmental guidelines. In making this decision, the College carefully considered the potential implications of allowing plain black track pants and shorts.

Dot point three of our College Uniform Policy states that we aim to “reduce student competition based on clothing.” Based on previous experience, allowing “plain black shorts” as the only requirement often results in significant variation from inexpensive generic shorts to high-end branded labels, including varying lengths and styles, such as three-quarter pants or bike shorts. Unfortunately, this can lead to visible differences in what students wear.

While a “plain” approach may work effectively in a primary school setting, adolescence can be a time when peer perception, whether accurate or not, strongly influences decision-making. We were concerned that allowing plain black shorts may unintentionally increase pressure on families to purchase more fashionable and expensive items, potentially creating a divide between the “haves” and “have-nots.”

The College also supports families experiencing financial hardship by providing uniforms when needed. In a non-standardised model, this may inadvertently draw attention to students wearing lower-cost alternatives, which could cause unnecessary embarrassment or anxiety.

In hindsight, we acknowledge that we should have better communicated the rationale for this decision more clearly at the beginning of the year. Please be assured that this decision was made with the best interests of all students at heart. Our priority is to minimise anxiety related to appearance and ensure students can focus on their learning.

We welcome respectful feedback from parents and guardians. While there may be times when decisions must be made in the broader interest of the College community, we remain open to constructive dialogue and thoughtful consideration. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact me one of the Assistant Principals at the College.

International Women’s Day Celebration, 8th of March

The 2026 theme is “Give to Gain,” and it aims to generate gender equality through abundant giving. The campaign is designed to generate a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

Give To Gain emphasises the power of reciprocity and collective support. When individuals, organisations, and communities give generously and intentionally, opportunities for women expand. Giving is not a subtraction it is an intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

Whether through donations, shared knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or simply time, contributing to the advancement of women strengthens not only individuals but entire communities. It fosters connection, builds capacity, and creates a more equitable and interconnected world for everyone.

According to data from the World Economic Forum, achieving full gender parity will take until 2158—roughly five generations from now.

Accelerating progress toward gender equality is a responsibility shared by all genders. It is crucial that gender bias does not influence decisions, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for everyone.

Men are vital in bridging the gender gap and must actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Parent Teacher Conferences

We encourage all families and students to attend the parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday, April 1st, to discuss student progress. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with staff, review achievements, and set goals for the remainder of the year.

These conferences provide a meaningful chance for parents to meet their children’s teachers and explore strategies for supporting their academic growth.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress, please contact their teacher or a member of the Student Management Team.

Progress Reports

The Assistant Principal has shared important information about the Progress Reports. We encourage all parents and guardians to review these reports with their children, as they offer a valuable opportunity to celebrate achievements, learning, and growth.

Progress Reports also help identify areas for improvement and allow for meaningful discussions on strategies to enhance learning. Regular feedback like this is essential in supporting students continued academic development.

School Council Elections

School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. Effective councils have a wide range of skills, expertise, and knowledge to support good governance and provide students the best possible educational outcomes.

The annual school council election process provides an opportunity to attract members keen to add value and bring their expertise and skills to assist the school's governance.

All government schools with students enrolled in Year 7 and above must have a student member category on council. The school election process for the student member category must co-occur with Parent and DET employee member elections.

Where a council has Community member positions, the council can co-opt members following the election process and add to the council’s skills and expertise.

School council membership

Each school council’s constituting order makes provision for its structure and membership:

• Parent members – parents of students at the school must comprise more than one-third of the school council’s total membership. ‘Parent’ includes a guardian or person responsible for maintenance or custody of a student at the school. Department employees are eligible for membership in this category as long as they have children attending the school and the Department employees do not work at the school (except for the principal, who is a member of the Department employee member category) of that school council.

• Department employee members – must not be more than one-third of the school council’s total membership. The principal is automatically included in this membership category and has full voting rights. Other staff (teaching and non-teaching) are elected or co-opted to this category. To be eligible for election to this category, a person must be a member of the school's Department of Education and Training (DET) employee electorate.

• Student members– ‘student’ describes a student enrolled at and attends the school and is in Year 7 or above. Students are elected to this membership category or co-opted if a casual vacancy occurs. To be eligible for election, a student must be a member of the school's student body. The number of student members is recorded in the Ministerial Order for the school council.

• Community members– is an optional membership category. The council’s membership schedule may include this category. If a council has the option of community members, the committee decides who to approach and co-opt into this position. People are co-opted by the school council to a community member position to bring additional skills and perspectives. Community members hold the same rights, responsibilities, and terms of office as elected members. Parents are eligible to be co-opted to a community member position, but Department employees are not. Students may also be co-opted to a community member position.

The North Geelong SC, school council composition includes:

(9 x parents, 1 x community member, 2 x students and 5 x DET employees including the Principal - voting members)

• 9 x parents (no DE&T employees)
• 1 x community member
• 1 x co-opted member
• 5 x DE&T employees – teaching and non-teaching staff, including the Principal
• 2 x elected students

Total number of voting members 17.

The College Principal is the Executive Officer of the school council.

This year we have:

• 4 x parent members vacancies for a 2-year appointment (2026 and 2027)
• 3 x DE employee member vacancies for a 2-year appointment (2026 and 2027)
• 1 student member vacancy for a 2-year appointment (2026 and 2027).

I call for parent nominations for three vacancies. Any parent or community member that would like to discuss the role of the Council or the role of the parent member on the council please call the school and speak to Ms Leanne Scarlett or the Principal.

Nomination forms can be obtained from Ms Leanne Scarlett at the General Office. The closing day for nominations is Tuesday 10th of March by 4.00pm.

I take this opportunity to thank all school council members, particularly the parent body, for their outstanding contributions to the life of the college.

School Zone Speed Limits

With the new school year started, it is an opportune time for school communities to be reminded of the importance of road safety around schools.

School Speed Zones are enforced from the commencement of the school year and parents/carers are reminded to adhere to all VicRoads School Speed Zones rules.

Also, parents/guardians are reminded to take care and obey these parking signs and observe the road rules when picking up or dropping off students around schools. The City of Greater Geelong Parking and Information Officers monitor all supervised school crossings on a regular roster and issue infringements to drivers who stop in unsafe areas, such as “No Stopping” zones, within 20 metres of a school crossing, parallel to a yellow edge line, or if double parked, even for a moment to drop off or collect a student.

Queuing to enter a pickup/drop off zone can often lead to traffic congestion with vehicles being stationary in prohibited areas. Should the pickup/drop off zone be occupied with vehicles, to avoid the possibility of receiving an infringement it is advised to drive around the block and return when legal parking is available.

Statistics show that illegal parking around schools is greatly reduced due to an Officer’s presence and Council prefers to achieve these results though education and awareness.

Designated school speed zones: Specified times (8.00 - 9.30 am and 2.30 - 4.00 pm).

Further information in regard to VicRoads speed limits around schools can be found at: VicRoads School Speed Zones

Also, please note that the school car park is out of bounds for all parents/guardians. The car park is only for staff. It is imperative that parents DO NOT enter the carpark during pick up/drop off as they are placing students and staff at grave risk.

I wish to thank all parents/guardians who always adhere to all traffic rules re: school zones and also the school carpark rules. The safety of all children, staff and parents is paramount.

PROCEDURAL REMINDERS

Sometimes, students and families may forget the correct procedure for how we do things at North Geelong Secondary College. This section will be designated for little reminders about areas that pop up throughout the year.

Uniform passes

If students are out of uniform on a particular day, a note from home needs to be submitted to the relevant sub-school before the beginning of the day, this will then be placed on Compass.

If students require an extended exemption to the uniform, a Uniform Exemption - Return Plan form can be picked up from the sub-school office, this is required to be filled out with a medical professional with included strategies on how we can support the student here at school.

Students riding bikes

We encourage students to ride their bikes to school, however we need to be mindful of being as safe as possible. Students are to walk their bikes when they enter the school grounds and across any road crossings on the way into school.

Senior Coursework

It is now the time of year where many students in Year 11 or 12 will be sitting their first assessments for many subjects. Getting into a good study rhythm early in the year, even before an upcoming assessment it is vital for students to be successful. Often students can ‘cram’ the night before a test and we want to avoid this as much as possible.

We suggest Year 12 students aim for 15 hours of study a week, this can be hard sometimes with juggling social life, sports and part-time work, but students get one chance at year 12 so sometimes sacrifices must be made. The Senior-Sub School Team is happy to help any student out with time management and setting up a study timetable that will best work for them.

Progress Reports

The first round of progress reports have been released, these can be found through Compass. At North Geelong SC we put a high value on attendance, as when a student is not at school they are not learning. You may see that if your child has received a ‘Never’ for attendance (79% or less) they will have also scored lower for ‘Participates in Learning’ and ‘Progress in Learning’.

Student Managers look through the progress report averages to identify possible students at risk. Often there are times where prolonged absences can’t be avoided, and that is taken into consideration when identifying students that need to follow up. Overall, progress reports are a way to give families an overview of progression but also to help identify students who need extra support.

School Photo Day

Tuesday 10/3. Students are to wear academic uniform, and blazers are to be worn by students in years 7-9. Photos can be ordered through Compass.

SRC

Student voice means giving students meaningful opportunities to share their opinions, ideas, and perspectives about their learning, school environment, and decisions that affect them. It promotes engagement, inclusion and increases learning opportunities. Students have been applying for year level captaincy and membership of the SRC. The bravery and resilience shown by students as they give their speeches has been phenomenal. They have shown that they are keen to promote student voice and work towards their goals. Well-done to all.

Be Bold, Be Heard

This initiative is about to become a statewide initiative. In 2025 a few schools across the state have engaged with their own program and all our local schools have again got on board. This initiative empowers teen girls to speak up and make change. The program committee reviewed its logo and determined that the program centres around the values of Empowerment, Connection and Equity. We had the great fortune of having Ms Lorimer utilise her graphic design skills to create the new logo and we are so pleased with her work.

The first forum was held at GMHBA stadium on Wednesday and our MC was Ms Solly who, paired up with a student alumni Annabelle  (GHS) to deliver a fantastic event. Speakers such as Shannon Graham, Roxie Bennett and Kate Dalton were inspiring and, upon ending the day were surrounded with girls pressing for more inspiration. I want to thank Ms Solly, Mrs Baird and Mrs Evans for their commitment to deliver a fantastic response from our 15 students on the day. These students will embark on a change management journey to take action in a few different ways. We look forward to seeing what they can deliver.

Year 10 Resurgence

It is hard to believe but we are now more than 5 weeks into the year, and the Resurgence program has started to really meet some of its goals. Students in year 10 who have a passion for applied learning have embarked on this new program and are starting to kick some goals. So far we have had visits from industry, Headstart and guest speakers. Students have completed their white card training and are looking into getting some mentoring from staff in coming weeks. In addition to this the students organised and provided catering services for the international women' s day morning tea on Friday.

Structured Workplace Learning Underway

Our VCE Vocational Major students in both Year 11 and Year 12 have now commenced Structured Workplace Learning, an important and compulsory component of the VCE VM program. It has been fantastic to see students engaging positively in their placements and receiving encouraging feedback from employers.

Structured Workplace Learning provides students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in real workplace settings, develop employability skills, and gain firsthand insight into industry expectations. Through these placements, students build confidence, independence and a clearer understanding of future career pathways.

We are pleased with how well our students have embraced this experience so far and look forward to seeing them continue to grow through this valuable learning opportunity. If you or someone you know is interested in hosting a student for Structured Workplace Learning, please contact the school — partnerships with local employers play a vital role in supporting our VM students.

Year 11 VCE - A Strong Start to Senior Studies

Our Year 11 VCE students have officially begun their senior secondary journey, with the first round of SACs marking a busy but exciting start to the year. Learning to balance study commitments with wellbeing is key at this stage, and developing consistent routines early will set students up for success.

We encourage families to continue supporting positive study habits, organisation and time management at home. Teachers are closely monitoring progress and are always available to provide guidance if students need support. With steady effort and the right balance, Year 11 is an excellent foundation for the senior years ahead.

Year 12 VCE VM - Building Skills for Life Beyond School

Our Year 12 VCE VM students are making strong progress in their literacy, numeracy and project-based learning. These tasks allow students to demonstrate practical skills while connecting learning to real world contexts.

Alongside their classroom programs, students continue to refine essential workplace skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving. Their commitment to both their studies and Structured Workplace Learning placements is commendable, and we are proud of the maturity they are demonstrating as they prepare for pathways beyond school.

Year 12 VCE - Maintaining Momentum

As the Year 12 VCE SAC schedule continues to build, students are encouraged to maintain a study routine that works best for them. Establishing regular revision, seeking feedback and allowing time for rest are all essential in managing workload and stress.

Staff are working closely with students to support them through this busy period. Open communication between students, teachers and families remains crucial as our Year 12 cohort progresses through their final year of schooling.

Year 12 Road Safety Education Program

Earlier this term, our Year 12 students attended the RYDA Road Safety Education Program, a highly engaging and impactful experience focused on safe decision making on the road.

Through interactive workshops and practical demonstrations, students explored the real consequences of speed, distraction and driver behaviour. Seeing first-hand how speed affects stopping distances and how momentary lapses in attention can lead to serious outcomes made the message particularly powerful. The program reinforced the importance of responsibility, awareness and informed choices as students move closer to independent driving.

Free Driving Lessons – myLearners

Following on from the road safety program, families may be interested in myLearners, a Victorian Government initiative offering free professional driving lessons for eligible learner drivers.

The program provides a 60-minute lesson with an accredited driving instructor in the Geelong area. To be eligible, students must:

• Hold a Victorian learner permit
• Be aged 16 to 19
• Have completed between 10 and 30 hours of driving practice
• Have a fully licensed supervising driver who can attend

If this applies to your child, please visit mylearnersdrive.com.au to register.

Progress Reports Available

Progress Reports have now been released and provide families with a valuable snapshot of student learning behaviours and engagement. These reports focus on key areas including attendance, participation, preparation, progress in learning and respect for learning.

Families are encouraged to review these reports with their child, celebrate strengths and identify areas for improvement. Progress Reports help students develop reflection skills and take ownership of their learning, and they also allow the school to identify students who may require additional support. If you have any concerns after reviewing your child’s report, please contact the school to discuss next steps.

School Photo Day

School photos will take place on Tuesday 10 March 2026, the day after the Labour Day public holiday.

All students are required to be in full academic uniform. Students who have PE or Sport on the day must wear academic uniform for photos and change into sports uniform for their class.

Photo orders must be completed via Compass.

Catch up photo day will be held on Thursday 19 March 2026, which will also include the Year 12 group photo.

Some Admin to Remember

A few important reminders for families:

• Any uniform issues should be accompanied by a parent note.
• Students arriving late must sign in at the Senior Sub School office.
• Absences should be supported by a medical certificate where applicable.

Staying on top of these expectations helps ensure a smooth and supportive school environment for all students.

It has been a fantastic and productive start to the term in our Middle Sub School at North Geelong Secondary College, with students demonstrating commitment, resilience and a strong focus on their learning.

Progress Reports: A Strong Academic Effort

We are incredibly proud to share that over 40% of our Middle School students achieved a GPA above 3.5 in their first Progress Reports of the year. This is an outstanding result and reflects the consistent effort students are applying across their subjects.

These results are not only a testament to academic ability, but also to positive learning behaviours, organisation, persistence, and a willingness to seek feedback and improve. We encourage all students to continue setting high expectations for themselves as we move further into the semester.

Year 9 Highlights: Exploring Pathways

Geelong Tertiary Futures Program

Our Year 9 students have been busy completing their selections for the Geelong Tertiary Futures Program (GTFP). This program will be delivered by The Gordon Institute of TAFE in partnership with NGSC. The GTFP gives students an in-depth preview of tertiary study options, vocational learning and future career pathways.

Through a blend of online learning and hands-on campus activities, students will:

• Explore a broad range of study and career options
• Complete employability skill units
• Participate in multiple Career Previews across industries such as design, horticulture, engineering and more

The program is designed to increase students’ understanding of post-school opportunities, build confidence and help them map their future pathways with purpose.

Morrisby Testing

In Week 6, our Year 9 students participated in Morrisby Testing. This valuable careers assessment supports students in identifying their strengths, interests and potential future pathways. The insights gained will assist students in making informed subject selections and exploring possible career directions as they begin thinking about their senior school journey. The student now look forward to undertaking the next step of the Morrisby journey via a personalised conversation with a Morrisby advisor in early Term 2.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing will take place during Weeks 7 and 8. We encourage students to approach these assessments with confidence, remembering that they are an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in literacy and numeracy. Our teachers have been working closely with students to ensure they feel prepared and supported.

Scholarship Success

A special congratulations to Sayde Woolley, who was named the recipient of the PDG Barney Barritt Youth Scholarship Award from the Corio Bay Lions Club. This prestigious award recognises leadership, community involvement and commitment to personal growth. We are extremely proud of Sayde’s achievement and the positive example she sets for her peers.

Year 10 Opportunities: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Year 10 students have been engaging in some exceptional real-world learning experiences designed to connect classroom knowledge with industry and future careers.

Science for Life Program

Our Science for Life students are participating in a fully immersive four-day Design Thinking program in collaboration with Parks Victoria.

Throughout the program, students:

• Explore a range of emerging technologies
• Participate in industry visits
• Work through the full design thinking process
• Develop innovative solutions to authentic industry challenges
• Present their final outcomes to industry representatives

This experience not only builds problem-solving and collaboration skills but also gives students a firsthand look at how science, technology and environmental management intersect in the real world.

Geelong Future Leaders of Industry & Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing (GFLOI & GLAM)

We are also excited to see our students participating in the Geelong Future Leaders of Industry and Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing programs.

These immersion programs introduce Years 9 and 10 students to the dynamic world of advanced manufacturing. Students gain exposure to:

• Cutting-edge technology
• Engineering and design processes
• Innovative manufacturing practices
• Professional and trade-based career pathways

Importantly, these programs help raise awareness of advanced manufacturing as a significant and growing industry within the Geelong region, while encouraging students, particularly young women, to explore pathways in engineering, technology and design.

Looking Ahead

The Middle Sub School continues to focus on building academic excellence, future pathway awareness and strong community connections. We are proud of the way our students are embracing opportunities, challenging themselves and representing our college with integrity.

We look forward to sharing more successes as the term progresses.

It has been a busy and positive few weeks in the Junior Sub School, with our Year 7 and Year 8 students embracing a range of learning and leadership opportunities.

Year 7 Camp Success

Our Year 7 camp was a wonderful success. Students demonstrated resilience, teamwork and enthusiasm as they stepped outside their comfort zones and embraced new challenges. Most importantly, camp provided valuable opportunities for students to build new friendships, strengthen existing connections and create lasting memories. It was fantastic to see so many students supporting one another and representing the college with pride.

Year 8 Careers – CAPS Planning

Year 8 students recently participated in their Careers CAPS planning session. This important experience supported students in beginning to think about their future pathways, strengths and interests. Developing early awareness of career possibilities and goal setting is an important part of their learning journey, and we commend students for the maturity and thoughtfulness they demonstrated throughout the session.

Year 8 Engineering & Design Experience – Geelong Tech School

Year 8 students recently engaged in an exciting hands-on learning experience at Geelong Tech School, where they explored engineering and industrial design principles. Students designed their own product prototypes and were introduced to industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Through guided tutorials, they learned how to design, 3D print and prototype their own products, gaining valuable insight into real-world design processes.

Students also participated in a hands-on dimension drawing workshop, strengthening their technical drawing skills and understanding of measurement and precision. In addition, they developed knowledge of plastic polymers and their properties, building foundational understanding that will support future learning in science and technology classes.

SRC

We were incredibly proud of the large number of Year 7 students who nominated and presented speeches for Year Level Captain positions. The courage shown in standing up in front of peers, along with the care and commitment expressed in their speeches, reflects the strong sense of belonging and pride our students feel toward the College. Congratulations to all students who put themselves forward.

Organisation and Readiness for Learning

As we move further into the term, we remind all students of the importance of being organised and ready for learning each day. This includes attending class with the correct books, a charged device and appropriate stationery. Strong organisational habits support academic success and help students make the most of every learning opportunity.

We thank families for their ongoing support and look forward to another productive and engaging few weeks in the Junior Sub School.

CONNECT classes have had a strong and purposeful start to the year, with students focusing on goal setting, resilience and team building. These sessions are designed to strengthen relationships, build self-awareness and develop the personal and social capabilities that underpin success both in and beyond the classroom.

Progress Reports – Reflection and Goal Setting

Following our first cycle of progress reports for the year, students have been actively reflecting on their learning behaviours and academic progress. Through guided discussions and structured reflection activities, students have identified strengths, areas for improvement and clear goals for the term ahead.

This process supports students to take ownership of their learning, understand the link between effort and achievement, and develop practical strategies to improve organisation, engagement and resilience. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home and support students in working towards the goals they have set.

Discovering the Resilience Project – GMBHA Stadium Excursion

We are excited to announce an upcoming CONNECT excursion to GMBHA Stadium as part of the Discovering The Resilience Project experience. Students will participate in a high-energy, in-person presentation by Martin Heppell from The Resilience Project. Martin is known for his engaging storytelling style and use of humour to connect with young people.

During the presentation, students will explore simple and practical strategies to improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience and support positive mental health. This event aligns with our whole-school approach to wellbeing and builds on the work already happening within CONNECT.

Families are reminded that consent must be provided via Compass for students to attend this event by 1^st April, there is no cost involved.

The Resilience Project – GEM Framework

Our CONNECT program continues to embed the core pillars of The Resilience Project through the GEMEL framework:

To support these conversations at home, we encourage families to ask the following “around the table” questions this week:

• What are three things you are grateful for today?
• What is one moment today that made you feel proud?
• Did you experience an uncomfortable emotion today? What did it feel like?

These simple conversations help build emotional awareness, perspective and connection.

International Women’s Day

This week, our college proudly recognised International Women’s Day. Students engaged in discussions that celebrated the achievements of women and reflected on the importance of respect, equity and inclusion within our school and broader community. It was a valuable opportunity to reinforce the themes of respectful relationships and shared responsibility that underpin our CONNECT program, all whilst having a lens of empathy in these discussions.

We look forward to another term of growth, reflection and connection as we continue strengthening student wellbeing across North Geelong Secondary College.

Geelong Secondary Schools Swimming Championships 2026

Well done to Kalina Greville from 7C who represented the school at the swimming carnival. Kalina competed in the 12-13 Girls Freestyle and Breaststroke.

SPORTS SHACK

Borrowing Times: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 12:34pm – 12:45pm Thurs 12:50pm-1:00pm

You need to hand in your Student ID card to borrow equipment.

Please record the date, your name, form group, and the items you have borrowed on the Borrowing Sheet.

Return Times: 1:22 pm

Ensure you return the borrowed equipment on time, check off your name and collect your ID card. Should there be any issues with returning the equipment, inform the staff at the Sports Shack.

Failure to return equipment may impact your ability to borrow in the future.

The Sports Shack is an excellent resource for students, and it is in everyone's interest to contribute to its efficient operation.

International Student Program:

BON VOYAGE TO OUR TEMPORARY / SHORT STAY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

The time for our Temporary / Short Stay International Student has sadly come to an end and they have returned back to China, it has been an absolute pleasure welcoming them all to our College community. On a more positive note, all of the International Students experienced the most amazing time, learning about our Australian Curriculum and making long lasting friendships with our NGSC students.

Some beautiful reflections from two of the International Students just shows the importance of our College values as this does reflect of their overall experiences and submersing themselves into their learning is a positive way.

Zehan (Elena) Wang

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. I saw adorable kangaroos, purring emus, crystal-clear waterfalls, refreshing forests, and a chocolate factory with delicious chocolate and ice cream. Overall, it was a wonderful experience! It also helped me better understand Australia's emphasis on "diverse learning." I'm also grateful to Teacher Tonia and tutor Lisa for their care and support, which made my trip to Australia even more enjoyable.

这次的出游我很喜欢，看到了非常可爱的袋鼠，会打呼噜的鸸鹋，清澈的瀑布，有清新空气的森林，有美味巧克力和冰淇淋的巧克力工厂等等，总体给我带来的体验非常的好！也让我更了解了澳大利亚对“多元化学习”的重视，同时也感谢Tonia老师和Lisa导师的关照，让我这次的澳洲旅行多了一份快乐。

Yiran (Josh) Tang

Yesterday my teachers, classmates and I embarked on a journey. I think it was incredibly beautiful and natural because when we went to the waterfall, fed wildlife, and played on the beach, we fell in love with nature and truly felt its essence. This journey was also meaningful because it taught us that nature and humanity are always closely connected.

昨天，我和老师同学们踏上了一段旅程。我认为这是非常美丽自然的，因为当我们去到瀑布、喂野生动物并在海滩玩耍时，我们爱上了自然并感受自然。这段旅程也是有意义的，因为他教会了我们自然与人类总是联系紧密。

MIRIM MEISTER HIGH SCHOOL VISIT, KOREA

Recently, our College was approached by Mirim Mesiter High School in Korea to form a partnership with our International Student Program. This will also add to the growth of the Program and allow more International Students to fulfill their dreams of education within Australia and complete this at our College.

The visitors to our College were, the Principal, Dr Kim, the Head of the Global Education Department at Mirim Mesiter High School, Mr Seho Lee and Mr Jihoon Kim, English Teacher / Global Education Program Coordinator - Mirim Meister High School, Seoul, Korea.

This entailed the Korean students to come to Australia and interact with our College students, showing their amazing presentations which were absolutely mind blowing with the expertise and ideas that were introduced. The presentations were part of their overall assessment and our NGSC students were certainly intrigued and impressed by these presentations. This interaction was warmly welcomed, and everyone involved had an extremely informative session which allowed our students in particular to “think outside the box” in a positive and constructive way.

The highlight was also the College Tour, all of the Mirim Mesiter High School students and their leaders were highly impressed with the interaction in the classrooms alongside the facilities. What was surprising was that Korean Schools are still using chalk and blackboards, so our Smart Boards were impressive to say the least!

A brief email from the Mirim Mesiter High School Leader on behalf of their school which is as follows;

I would like to sincerely thank you for your thoughtful support and coordination throughout our exchange program. Your guidance helped make the experience smooth, meaningful, and memorable for our students.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to Vice Principal Ryan Miller for his warm welcome and insightful campus tour, as well as to Principal Paul Dawson for his kind encouragement. Their support added great value to the exchange and left a strong impression on all of us.

Thank you once again, and I hope we can stay in close touch.

Warm regards,
Jihoon Kim

Primary School Visits

During the last few weeks our College was privileged to have some wonderful Primary Schools in the local area, visit. This visit entailed various activities including: Food Tech, Science, Art, Music and VR Goggles.

The visits enable the Primary School students to get a first-hand “taste” of what Secondary School is like, amongst having fun with the organised activities at the same time. There were so many smiles, bright eyes and wonderful comments during these activities, which was both pleasing to hear and see. The students were so proud and enthusiastic of their pieces made which contained a lot of creativity, inspiration and above all fun J

Our College still has a couple more Primary Schools visiting over the coming weeks but to date the following Primary Schools enjoyed their mornings or afternoons with the NGSC students that attended their school last year. Our students were excited too, not only see their teachers again but their friends which made the day even more special.

Thank you to: Bell Park North Primary School, Holy Family Primary School, Rollins Primary School, Herne Hill Primary School, Ashby Primary School, Manifold Heights Primary School and St Thomas Aquinas Primary School.

In the coming weeks, Newtown Primary School and Anakie Primary School will have just as much enjoyment and fun. NGSC look forward to seeing the students and teachers from these two Primary School shortly so they too can experience the amazing facilities and enjoyment that the previous Primary Schools had.

Multicultural Committee News

We hope you have all had a wonderful start to Term one! The weeks are flying by, and we are already well over halfway through the first term.

Our first Multicultural Committee meeting was held on Monday, 16 February. It was an informative session featuring our guest speaker, Lisa Kennedy (Multicultural Officer) from Centrelink, with many fruitful discussions. Our School Captain, Louis, chaired the meeting and warmly welcomed both new and returning members of the NGSC community.

Discussions included school updates and upcoming events, with a focus on selecting this year’s Multicultural Festival theme. The festival will be held on Friday, 23 October 2026.

At our next meeting, we will work towards selecting a festival theme that aligns with NGSC’s 60th anniversary celebrations. The Multicultural Committee warmly welcomes parents, friends, service providers, and all members of the school community to join us.

Next Meeting: Monday, 23 March
Time: 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Conference Room
Refreshments provided

Stay informed about upcoming events, get involved, and watch this space!

Vera Dudas
Multicultural Community Liaison Officer

First Nations Club: Celebrating Culture and Connection!

This week, our First Nations Club kicked off an amazing session full of energy, creativity, and cultural learning. Students from all year levels joined in Room A01 during lunchtime to take part in fun activities celebrating First Nations culture.

The session was a huge success, with students eagerly engaging in games, storytelling, and creative projects that helped them connect with First Nations traditions and history. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were inspiring to see!

We can’t wait to continue these lunchtime sessions every Monday and Tuesday, providing a welcoming space for students to explore, learn, and celebrate culture together.

Photo Caption: Students enjoying today’s First Nations Club activities, exploring culture, and connecting with each other.

LOTE Corner 

Hinamatsuri is a seasonal festival celebrated on March 3^rd every year in Japan.

It is a festival to pray for the growth and happiness of Japanese girls. It is also known as the ‘Peach-Blossom Festival’ or the ‘Dolls Festival’ as it occurs according to the lunar calendar when peach trees are in full bloom in Japan, and the festival is celebrated through decorating the house with a display of ‘hina’ dolls. Though the displays vary by family and locality, there is usually doll couple displayed together representing the emperor and empress. There are simple ‘just the couple’ displays through to very elaborate many tiered displays including members of the ancient imperial court and their accoutrements, set on red fabric covered ‘stairs’.

Auspicious ornaments and foods are also incorporated into the day.

This year, Geelong West is holding an even on the 21^st and 22^nd of March connecting the ancient to the contemporary and reimagining Hinamatsuri today and in Australia’s multicultural context.

Events in Geelong: Hinamatsuri reimagined

We're reimagining Hinamatsuri (Japanese Girls’ Festival) with a modern, multicultural and all-gender lens.

Let’s celebrate girls’ happiness, health, and growth through traditional festive activities…while exploring the question

"What does happiness mean for girls and women in Australia today?"

While the theme is Japanese Girls, we’ll be offering a range of multicultural activities and mini workshops led by practitioners from diverse backgrounds.

We’d love to see men, all-genders, all ages, and people from all backgrounds to come participate in our Reimagined Hinamatsuri, with a focus on cultural shift, inclusivity and equality!

When

Daily from 21 March 2026 to 22 March 2026

Upcoming dates

21 March 2026, 03:00 PM - 06:00 PM

22 March 2026, 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Where

Geelong West Neighbourhood House

Wadawurrung Country, 89 Autumn St, Geelong West

Cost

· This is a free event

https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/events/calendar/item/8de69c0a2ce7969.aspx

We have a new robot dog, but we need a name. Can you please click on this link to respond?

Please give our robot dog a name 

On February 19th, eleven students with an interest in pursuing a career in law had the opportunity to visit Slater and Gordon as part of an Industry Insight tour organised by Ourschool.

After travelling into the city and arriving at 530 Collins Street, the group was welcomed by staff from Slater and Gordon and escorted to the 35th floor, where we joined other school groups participating in the program.
Students heard from a panel of three government school alumni who shared their journeys from secondary school through to their careers at Slater and Gordon. Their insights into study pathways, career choices and opportunities in the legal field sparked plenty of interest among our students—especially during David’s memorable responses, which even included a reference to the Obamas!
Following the panel, students enjoyed a light lunch before touring the firm’s offices across the 35th, 36th and 37th floors. The visit also included small group discussion sessions with professionals from the firm. One group had the privilege of meeting the newly appointed Chair of the Board, James Merlino, former Deputy Premier and Education Minister for Victoria.
A special mention to Caleb, who delivered an excellent thank-you on behalf of all attendees.
On the way out, we were lucky enough to catch some Chinese New Year celebrations in the city, complete with lion dancing and drums. One of the lions even tossed a lucky token to Tina — hopefully setting her up for a very fortunate Year of the Horse!
Thank you to all students for representing the school so well, arriving on time and demonstrating our value of Respect throughout the excursion.

VCE Vocational Major Numeracy students had a visit from Miguel Henriques (2010) and Erfan Rahimy (2018) to talk about Financial Literacy. The alumni spoke about opening accounts, the benefits of compound interest, the hazards of credit cards and poor credit scores and loans. Next week, David Posterino (2003) will talk about superannuation and how to grow wealth. 

Business Management students were visited by Zahir Nazar (2024) this week to talk about his journey to becoming an entrepreneur, owning his own business. He spoke of his vision since year 10 to become a business owner, progressing through a couple of ventures before securing a Pizza Hut franchise. He talked about seeing gaps in markets, and finding a product to fill that gap; he mentioned about competition and realising that some ventures may not work, but not to give up, simply pivot. Zahir talked about the day-to-day running of a business from rostering and pay schedules to complying with health and franchise regulations. One of the students in the VET Business Management class was surprised to see him, as he has organised a work placement there for his WRS subject!

We thank all our alumni for returning to inform and nurture the learning of our current students. If you would like to be a part of the ever-growing alumni community, please get in touch via email (alumni@ngsc.com.au) or this link Alumni Survey

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!

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!