Welcome back to Term 2

Well, we have finally welcomed winter after an extended summer, and what a lovely sound it was to hear the rain falling on the tin roof over the long weekend. The change in weather has certainly reminded us that the year is moving quickly.

Term 2 continues to be a significant period in the academic calendar, with exams, assessment tasks, and preparations for the transition into a new semester well underway. I have been extremely pleased with the diligence, resilience, and commitment our students have demonstrated in their learning. Their positive approach and work ethic will place them in a strong position as they continue preparing for these important assessments and opportunities.

As we approach the end of Semester One, students are preparing to transition into their Semester Two subjects next week. While some classes will continue, others will be entirely new, providing students with fresh learning opportunities, new challenges, and the chance to further explore their interests and strengths. This transition period is an important opportunity for students to reset goals, build on their achievements from Semester One, and approach the second half of the year with renewed focus and enthusiasm.

Upcoming Term 2 Key Dates

Power Outage

I am sure you are all aware that in the second-to-last week of Term 1, the College experienced a significant power outage after a truck struck a power line. This resulted in a complete loss of power across the school, affecting Wi-Fi, screens, computers, 17 switchboards and many of the systems we rely on each day. For a brief moment, there was some excitement amongst students at the prospect of using their phones for emails and Compass, although the reality of the challenges ahead quickly became apparent.

The Department described the situation as a “unicorn,” as an outage of this scale had never previously affected an entire school and had generally affected only individual blocks or sections. What stood out most during this time was the remarkable flexibility and resilience shown by both staff and students as they adapted quickly to ensure teaching and learning continued with minimal disruption.

When an initial timeline of six to eight weeks was suggested, there was understandable concern about the potential impact on the College. Fortunately, the Department was able to organise tradespeople to work throughout the weekend, and power was successfully restored by Tuesday, an outstanding outcome considering the possible alternative.

Work continued throughout the school holidays and across many weekends to ensure all repairs and systems were fully restored. I am pleased to say that the final works were completed by Tuesday, 19 May. The commitment shown by everyone involved to minimise disruption to the College and return the school to full operation as quickly as possible was greatly appreciated.

I would like to sincerely thank all staff for their support and adaptability throughout this challenging situation. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Jason Smith, our Maintenance Manager, and Thomas Grantham, our IT Manager, who both went above and beyond to help restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Practice GAT

This week, our Unit 3–4 VCE VM and VCE students completed the practice GAT. We were pleased to welcome Fred Slade, a former NGSC teacher and alumnus, in his new role as VCAA convenor. He was highly impressed by the discipline, focus, and maturity demonstrated by all students involved throughout the assessment.

The GAT is a very important component of the VCE program for all students. It is essential that students approach it with seriousness and give their best effort, as the results play a significant role in moderating school-based assessments. In addition, the GAT can serve as an important safeguard when illness or injury affects a student’s ability to complete assessments, assisting in determining derived scores when required. The GAT will be conducted on the 16th of June.

Exams

The next few weeks are an important time for students as they prepare for upcoming exams. For Years 7–10, exams will begin on 1 June, with Year 11 examinations commencing the following week on 9 June. This is a key period for students to consolidate their learning and demonstrate their understanding across all subjects.

It is essential that students engage in regular revision both in class and at home. In doing so, they are not only preparing for these upcoming assessments but also developing the study habits and skills that will support them in VCE examinations and the GAT in the years ahead. These capabilities, organisation, revision strategies, and time management are fundamental to future academic success.

It is also important to remember that formal examinations and summative assessments are a feature of many post-school pathways, including further study and a range of vocational and trade careers.

Term 2 is proving to be another busy term for our college community. The college has held several key events including SEAL Evening, Young Leaders Breakfast and an International Agent Visit.

SEAL Info Evening

On Wednesday 29 April (Week 2), we hosted our first SEAL Information Evening for prospective students and their families.

The purpose of the evening was to provide more detailed information about the SEAL program than is possible during Open Night. While Open Night continues to be an important opportunity to showcase the program, we identified that many families were seeking more in-depth information and asking higher-level questions. The SEAL Information Evening was introduced as a targeted strategy to address this, while also maintaining engagement with families in the period leading up to SEAL nominations.

The evening was very well attended by both parents and students and provided an opportunity to explore the structure, expectations, and benefits of the SEAL program in greater detail. Feedback and engagement on the night were highly positive. Since the event, the College has seen a strong increase in SEAL test applications, indicating the effectiveness of this initiative.

A number of student leaders and volunteers supported the evening, including Louis Smith (School Captain), Lila Fennell (Academic Captain), and Sadie Dorais, who spoke on behalf of the STRIVE program. We also acknowledge the contribution of several Year 7 and 8 students who assisted throughout the event.

Overall, the SEAL Information Evening was a successful addition to our recruitment and engagement strategy. It is anticipated that this will become an ongoing event in future years.

Young Leaders Breakfast

On Thursday 7th May, North Geelong Secondary College hosted student captains from 11 local primary schools for our annual Young Leaders Breakfast.

This event is hosted in the spirit of connecting and developing the leadership skills of young people in the Geelong Region. It provides 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.

The Grade 6 students and NGSC student leaders had the honour of hearing from guest speaker, Laura Hingston, World Championship 10m diver. From overcoming career-ending back surgery at 15 to rising to 5th in the world, Laura forged an extraordinary path as a 3x National Champion, international medallist, and key member of the Australian Diving Team. Laura shared her story of overcoming challenges, losses, and injury and how she focuses on training smarter not harder, visualisations and goal setting.

The event was a great success and, as every year, visiting staff comment is the one they always want to attend.

International Agent Study Tour

On Friday 8 May, North Geelong Secondary College hosted its second annual International Student Agent Study Tour.

The purpose of the tour is to strengthen our international program by providing education agents with first-hand experience of both our school and the broader Geelong region. Specifically, the tour aims to:

• Showcase Geelong as a vibrant and welcoming city for international students
• Highlight Geelong’s proximity and accessibility to Melbourne
• Promote the world-class facilities at both Deakin University campuses
• Provide agents with a comprehensive understanding of North Geelong Secondary College and what we offer international students

This year, we welcomed a number of international agents to the College. The day began with a school tour and presentation, giving agents insight into our programs, facilities, and student opportunities. This was followed by a visit to Deakin University’s Waterfront campus, where agents participated in a guided tour to experience the quality of facilities available to students in the region.

The group then enjoyed lunch at a café along the waterfront, which provided an excellent opportunity to further showcase the lifestyle and appeal of Geelong. The weather was favourable on the day, allowing the agents to experience the city at its best.

Feedback from both this year and last year’s tours has been overwhelmingly positive. Many agents commented that they were previously unaware of the opportunities available in Geelong, particularly at North Geelong Secondary College. Several indicated that they would confidently recommend our school to prospective international students moving forward.

The continued success of this initiative highlights its value in promoting the College and strengthening international enrolment pathways. It is anticipated that the International Agent Study Tour will remain a key component of our international strategy in future years.

Curriculum Day 20th May

This semester’s curriculum day is focussing on the continued implementation of Victorian Curriculum 2.and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model. Staff will be ensuring units are updated and that they contain key elements of Knowledge Rich Curriculum, Retrieval Practices and Managing Cognitive Load. Staff will be working collaboratively in Key Learning Area groups to ensure rich and engaging learning for our students.

Learning Walks

Learning walks were held on Wednesday 13th May. This is the second time that students have participated, and their input was so valuable and insightful and reflected a student's view. The focus was on collecting Victorian Teaching and Learning 2.0 implementation. This data and feedback will be presented prior to Curriculum Day and help shape the focus for staff. Students highlighted that this is a great way to promote student voice and share key learning, e.g. a key highlight was acknowledging different ways students learn and teachers teach.

GRO Model Learning Homework Sheets

The weekly homework program has now expanded to include English as well as numeracy. The sheets are provided to students each week and three levels of work are provided - Gain / Reach / Optimise. The aim is to continue to reinforce learning and develop organisational skills. Student feedback has been positive and the SRC have nominated the rewards students will receive at the end of the semester and the academic year - silver and red pens that are engraved and boxed.

Senior Pathways Information Evening 

On Wednesday 24th June there will be an information session held at the school for Year 10s and their families informing them of Senior School Pathways and the various options available. During the night we will discuss topics like:

• VCE
• ATAR and subject scores
• Vocational Major (VM)
• Vocational Education and Training (VET)
• Structured Workplace Learning
• Senior School Expectations
• Upcoming Careers Week

Please save the date in your calendars, more information will be released soon about specifics and RSVP details.

Upcoming Exams

End of semester exams are being held soon and classes are starting revision. There are revision sheets being provided by English and Maths for year 7-9 students to take home and complete (similar to the weekly homework sheets).

Dates:

*Year 7-10 Exams - 1-6 June. Students will be provided with specific timetables. *Year 11 Exams - 12-16 June - Exam timetable has been published.

End of Semester Reports will be provided at the end of the term.

Student Free Days:

8 June: Kings Birthday Public Holiday.

16 June: Assessment and Report Writing Day.  Students completing the GAT will be required to sit the GAT on this day.

Dear Senior School Families,

Term two has been one of the busiest and most important periods of the year for our senior students. SACs, the GAT, revision programs, and Year 11 exams are all rapidly approaching, making organisation, attendance, and preparation more important than ever.

Practice GAT and General Achievement Test (GAT)

All students required to complete the GAT in 2026 will participate in our Practice GAT on Wednesday 20th May. This is a session that mirrors the real thing. We have made the timing, the seating, and the content all to mirror the real GAT, which will take place on Tuesday 16th June.

The Practice GAT is designed to mirror the real experience and provides students with an invaluable opportunity to familiarise themselves with exam conditions, timing, and question styles before the official assessment.

The GAT plays a very important role in the VCE and VCE VM system. It is used by VCAA as part of quality assurance processes and can help support students if there are unexpected disruptions, examination issues, or applications for special provision. A strong GAT performance can only benefit students.

Students should ensure they arrive well rested, equipped, and ready to perform at their best.

Thinking of Going Non-ATAR?

Some Year 12 students may now be considering a non-ATAR pathway. A few key tips if you are:

• Speak with your Year Level Coordinator and the Careers Team early.
• Make informed decisions - some future courses still require completed VCE, even without an ATAR.
• Stay engaged! You still need to meet all coursework requirements to successfully complete VCE or VM.
• Own your journey. Non-ATAR pathways lead to incredible futures too. Pride in your choice is what matters most!

(And no, unfortunately, it doesn’t mean "no more schoolwork" - we’re still finishing strong together!)

SAC Season - Stay Ahead of the Game!

Believe it or not, we are nearly halfway through the year! Soon, students will enter a particularly busy period where end-of-semester SACs pile up quickly across multiple subjects. Now is the time to stay organised and disciplined!

• Stay on top of classwork — don’t let tasks build up.
• Plan ahead — know when your SACs are scheduled and work backwards.
• Seek help early — if you’re feeling overwhelmed or falling behind, please speak to your Year Level Coordinators (YLCs) or teachers.
• Use support sessions like after-school catchups to stay in control.

Remember: SACs are not surprise parties — they’re predictable if you prepare!

Senior School Catch-Up Sessions

Each Tuesday afternoon from 3:20pm–4:30pm, catch-up classes run for students who:

• Missed SACs
• Need to complete a redemption
• Are behind in key coursework

Your Year Level Coordinator will let you know if attendance is required. It is a chance to get ahead before deadlines catch you!

Year 11 Exam Preparation

Year 11 students will shortly begin preparing for Semester 1 exams, with the examination period commencing directly after the King’s Birthday long weekend beginning Monday 9th June.

Leading into exams, students will participate in a dedicated revision week across their subjects. This is an important opportunity for students to consolidate learning, revise key knowledge and skills, and seek clarification from teachers before assessments begin.

Exams are a critical part of senior schooling. They not only assess student understanding, but also help students develop the study habits, resilience, organisation, and examination skills required for Year 12 and beyond.

Students are encouraged to begin preparing now by:

• Reviewing class notes and coursework regularly
• Completing revision questions and practice tasks
• Creating study schedules and routines at home
• Seeking help from teachers early if unsure about content
• Reducing distractions and maintaining healthy sleep routines

Consistent preparation over time is far more effective than last minute cramming.

Attendance Matters

Attendance continues to be an important focus across the Senior School.

Students undertaking VCE and VCE VM are expected to maintain consistent attendance in all classes. Regular attendance is essential, not only for academic progress, but also for teachers to be able to authenticate student work and verify achievement of learning outcomes.

Unfortunately, a number of students are currently placing themselves at risk of receiving an ‘N’ (Not Satisfactory) result in one or more subjects due to low attendance.

At senior level, missed classes quickly lead to missed learning, incomplete coursework, SAC preparation gaps, and increased stress later in the semester. While we understand that illness and unforeseen circumstances can occur, ongoing unexplained absences can significantly impact a student’s ability to successfully complete their studies.

Families are encouraged to continue monitoring attendance closely and work with the school to support students in attending consistently and engaging positively in their learning.

Final Thoughts

The coming weeks will be extremely important for all senior students. We encourage students to stay organised, attend consistently, prepare thoroughly, and make the most of the support available from their teachers and Year Level Coordinators.

Success in senior school is built through consistent effort over time, and the habits developed now will make a significant difference later in the year.

We thank all families for their continued support throughout the term.

Focus, Preparation, and Looking Ahead

It has been another busy and productive period in the Middle Sub school at North Geelong Secondary College. As we move towards the midpoint of the year, there is a strong focus on preparation, reflection and making informed decisions about future pathways.

Upcoming Examination Week (June 1 – June 6)

A reminder to all families that examination week will take place in Week 7 (June 1st—June 6th).

Year 9 students will complete four core subject exams this semester:

• Mathematics
• English
• Science
• Humanities

Each exam will run across a double period, with normal classes continuing when students are not scheduled for an exam.

Year 10 students will complete exams for all their subjects, also scheduled in double periods across the week.

Year 10 students are only required at school for their scheduled exams, unless they have two exams in one day (Periods 1+2 and 5+6), in which case they are expected to remain on-site.

Important reminders:

• All exams will be held in the gymnasium
• Full academic school uniform must be worn by all students
• Students should ensure they come prepared with the necessary materials for each exam

This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and preparation across the semester.

Booklists & Semester Change

As we approach the change of semester, families are encouraged to review booklists carefully.

With new subjects beginning, some students may require additional materials or resources that were not needed earlier in the year.

Being organised and prepared from the outset will support a smooth transition into Semester 2.

Year 9 Highlights

Morrisby Interviews & Future Planning

Our Year 9 students have now completed their Morrisby interviews, an important step in developing self-awareness around strengths, interests and future pathways.

As students begin to consider their Year 10 course selections, they should be actively using their Morrisby results to:

• Identify subjects that align with their strengths and interests
• Explore potential career pathways
• Make informed and purposeful decisions about their learning

This is an exciting time as students begin shaping their individual pathways through the senior years.

Academic Excellence

A big congratulations to the following Year 9 students who achieved a perfect GPA of 4.0 on their most recent Progress Reports:

• Mia Joldzic (9F)
• Hiraani Anderson (9G)

This is an outstanding achievement and reflects consistent effort, dedication and a commitment to excellence across all subjects.

Year 10 Highlights

Deakin University Experience

Our Year 10 students recently enjoyed a fantastic excursion to Deakin University (Waurn Ponds Campus), where they engaged in hands-on learning experiences and explored the wide range of opportunities available beyond secondary school.

The day provided valuable insight into:

• University courses and pathways
• Campus life
• Future study and career options

Experiences like this help students make more informed decisions as they begin planning for their post-school futures.

Science for Life - Werribee Zoo Visit

As part of the Science for Life program, students visited the Werribee Open Range Zoo, where they explored key concepts related to evolution and biodiversity.

This hands-on experience allowed students to connect classroom learning with real-world environments, deepening their understanding through observation and inquiry.

Academic Excellence

Congratulations to the following Year 10 students who achieved a perfect GPA of 4.0 on their most recent Progress Reports:

• Anna Beh (10A)
• Ken Blut Paw Lan (10A)
• Nazaninzeynab Shirvani (10B)
• Ashley Sharbu (10D)
• Abigail John (10F)
• Hope Regalado (10F)
• Sania Batool (10H)

An exceptional accomplishment that highlights consistent hard work and academic commitment.

Looking Forward

As we move into the next phase of the term, students will be focusing on:

• End of Unit Assessments, providing further opportunities to demonstrate their learning
• The transition into Semester 2, including new subjects and fresh learning experiences

This is a key time for students to remain organised, motivated and focused on their goals.

The Middle Sub School has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, growth and opportunity. I look forward to seeing how our students approach the challenges ahead and continue to strive for success throughout the remainder of the year.

The Junior Sub School Team would like to wish our Year 7 Coordinator, Mrs. Janelle Butler, all the very best as she begins her maternity leave. We thank Janelle for her dedication and support of our students and look forward to welcoming her back later this year. As Janelle begins her leave, we are pleased to welcome Mr. James Cown-Clark, who will be taking on the role of Year 7 Coordinator. We are excited to have James join the Junior Sub School Team and students and families can be assured that they will continue to receive the same high level of care, support and guidance throughout this transition.

It has been a busy and exciting few weeks in the Junior Sub School, with many students representing the College in a range of junior interschool sports. Congratulations to all students who participated and demonstrated great teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride.

A reminder that exams will take place in Week 7. All Year 7 and 8 students will complete a Mathematics and English exam, while SEAL students will also complete Science and Humanities exams. Students and families are encouraged to regularly check Compass for revision materials and tasks to be completed at home in preparation.

As always, we appreciate the support of families in reinforcing our college expectations. In particular, we ask students to remember:

Uniform: Students are to ensure they are checking their timetables so that they are wearing the correct uniform each day. Any notes for incorrect uniform/uniform items need to be received by sub-school before the beginning of period one.

Academic Uniform:

• Blazers must be worn to and from school, on excursions and when representing the college (unless reports of extreme heat)
• White collared shirt (short or long sleeve) or plain white polo shirt (short or long sleeve)
• College dress (no shorter than 8cm above the knee)
• College skirt (no shorter than 8cm above the knee) – optional black tights/stockings underneath
• Grey trousers/tailored slacks (not denim, cargo, corduroy or flares – must be unbranded)
• Grey shorts (not denim, cargo, corduroy or flares – must be unbranded)
• College jumper – black with red trim
• NOTE: PE jacket cannot be worn as part of the academic uniform

PE Uniform:

• Track pants or shorts – black with red trim
• NOTE: College PE pants/shorts with the logo can still be worn
• NGSC College polo
• College soft-shell sport jacket

Sanctuary Use: Students must use their own lockers, ensure they are locked, and keep the space tidy by placing rubbish in bins.

Device Use: Laptops are not to be used during break times unless students are working in the library.

Bathroom Use: We ask all students to use bathroom facilities appropriately and respectfully.

Organisation: Students should come to each class prepared with the required equipment.

IT Support: Students can access IT support during break times only, not during class time.

Thank you for your continued support of the Junior Sub School.

Bellarine Athletic Sports Report

The NGSC Aths Team competed enthusiastically throughout the day and ended up 3^rd in the overall aggregate. The team had perfect weather conditions, and this helped several students achieve personal bests. It was so pleasing to have students offer to fill in gaps in the events. Particularly when relay teams needed adjusting, students happily helped out. Also, a big thank you to the students who assisted the officials at triple jump, shot put and discus.

Congratulations to the students listed below who have qualified for the Western Metro Zone Championships in Term 4 Week 1 Wednesday 7th October.

Transitions News

Annual Young Leaders Breakfast

On Thursday, 7th May, North Geelong Secondary College hosted student captains from 11 local Primary Schools for our annual Young Leaders Breakfast.

This event is hosted in the spirit of connecting and developing the leadership skills of young people in the Geelong Region. It provides 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.

The Grade 6 students and NGSC student leaders had the honor of hearing from guest speaker, Laura Hingston, a World Championship 10m diver. From overcoming career-ending back surgery at 15 to rising to 5th in the world, Laura forged an extraordinary path as a 3x National Champion, international medallist, and key member of the Australian Diving Team. Laura shared her story of overcoming challenges, losses, and injury, and how she focuses on training smarter, not harder, visualisations and goal setting.

The event was a great success, and every year, visiting staff comment that this is the one they always want to attend.

Indigenous Australia in VR

Last week, students had the exciting opportunity to participate in an immersive “Indigenous Australia in VR” experience. Using virtual reality technology, students explored Indigenous culture, stories, and Country in an engaging and interactive way.

The experience encouraged students to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, perspectives, and traditions while building respect and appreciation for Australia’s First Nations Peoples. Students were highly engaged as they explored virtual environments, listened to stories, and reflected on the importance of connection to Country and culture.

This was a valuable learning experience that combined technology with cultural education, allowing students to experience learning in a meaningful and memorable way. We are proud of the respectful participation and enthusiasm shown by all students throughout the session.

Multicultural Committee News

I trust that you all made the most of the last of the summer weather over the past week before winter sets in soon.

The third Multicultural Committee (MC) meeting took place on Monday, 4 May, from 12:45 pm to 1:30 pm in the Conference Room at NGSC.

We were pleased to welcome our guest speaker, Mr Webster Chimanga, a lawyer from the Barwon Community Legal Service. Mr Chimanga spoke about the free legal support available to NGSC students and students from other schools in the region. His work focuses on supporting young people with matters such as:

• Money and debt
• Bullying at school and work
• Employment law
• Cyberbullying
• Fines
• Family law advice

This was a very informative and much-appreciated session.

The remainder of the meeting was dedicated to discussions and planning for this year’s Multicultural Festival, which will be held on Friday, 23 October.

This year’s festival theme aligns with NGSC’s 60th Anniversary celebration:

“Many Cultures – One Community”

The theme reflects the rich diversity and history of NGSC over the past six decades.

During the meeting, it was decided that this year’s festival poster would be developed collaboratively through a student competition. We are excited to announce the launch of the:

NGSC Multicultural Festival Poster Competition

We invite students to take part in designing the official poster for our NGSC Multicultural Festival.

As we celebrate NGSC’s 60th Anniversary, we want students to help capture this special milestone through creativity and cultural expression.

“Many Cultures – One Community”

Your poster should reflect the vibrant diversity of our school and showcase the exciting elements of the festival, including food, music, dance, rides, and celebration. Show us what multiculturalism means at NGSC!

Competition Details

• Open to all students
• Posters should be bright, creative, and culturally inclusive
• You may use drawing, painting, or digital design
• Include the festival date: Friday, 23 October
• Incorporate the festival theme: “Many Cultures – One Community”

Submission Deadline By 23 June

How to Submit

• Hard copy: Submit to L07 or Mrs Bridges’ office
• Digital copy: Send to dalipi.selma@ngsc.vic.edu.au

Prize

The winning design will become NGSC’s official festival poster, and the winner will receive a rides wristband for the festival day, providing unlimited access to rides.

This is your chance to be part of a special celebration in our school’s history — we cannot wait to see your amazing designs!

We also invite you to join our committee to stay informed and take part in planning this exciting event.

For more information, please contact Vera Dudas via the school administration office or stay tuned and watch this space for further updates.

Upcoming Meeting:

Monday, 15 June
12:45pm-1:30pm
Conference Room, NGSC

We hope to see you there.

Last week we attended a sailing class at the Royal Geelong Yacht club. Over the course of two days we learnt how to prepare a sailing boat and take control of each roll needed to stay safe on the water. The staff there made it fun whilst also producing us with knowledge. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and will cherish the memories we made.

Alumni News

Last week, Haisong Qi (Dux of 2023) returned to Ms Darling’s Year 11 Biology class for an informal discussion focused on study strategies and exam preparation.
Rather than prescribing a single “best way” to study, Haisong emphasised the importance of developing a personal approach. They noted that what works well for one student may not suit another, and encouraged students to experiment to find methods that feel both comfortable and effective.
A range of practical strategies were suggested during the session, including colour-coded note-taking, the use of mnemonics, completing past exam papers, engaging in peer discussion and teaching, and using AI tools to receive feedback on written responses.
One particularly valuable exam tip related to reading time. Haisong advised students to read the entire exam carefully, even if this extends beyond the allocated reading period. This approach, they explained, helps students avoid running out of time later. By understanding the full scope of the paper early, students can identify questions they are more confident with and plan their time more strategically.
Another key message from the session was the importance of asking questions. Haisong encouraged students to seek clarification whenever needed - whether from peers, teachers, or other available resources—including AI tools. The central idea was simple: consistent questioning supports deeper understanding and stronger learning outcomes.
We thank Haisong for their willingness to contribute to our current cohort through the alumni program at the College.

If you would like to give back to North Geelong Secondary College in some way, please get in touch via alumni@ngsc.com.au or go to this Alumni Survey
We're always on the lookout for guest speakers or work experience placements!

Visit from Haisong Qi to Year 11 Biology class

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

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