We are now well and truly into the subject selection process, with our Year 9 and 10 students recently participating in Careers Week. This is always one of the highlights of my year, as I have the opportunity to see students excitedly exploring the many pathways available to them. It is inspiring to watch them select subjects that reflect their interests, strengths, and aspirations while engaging in meaningful conversations with their families, teachers, and careers practitioners about their future education and career opportunities.

One of my favourite aspects of this process is witnessing the "lightbulb moments" as students begin to recognise how their subject choices can shape their future. They genuinely enjoy the increased independence that subject selection provides, and for many, it is the first time they can clearly see a pathway towards their future education, training, or career aspirations. These moments of excitement and purpose are a reminder of the importance of providing students with meaningful opportunities to pursue their passions and strengths.

During these discussions, I also reminded students of the importance of setting themselves up for success by maintaining consistent effort in their studies and attending school every day unless prevented by illness. The habits they establish now will play a significant role in achieving their future goals.

I would like to sincerely thank Steve Quinn and Brad Headlam for their outstanding leadership of this important process, as well as our dedicated Careers team, teachers, and families, who provide invaluable guidance and support to our students. The continued expansion of subject offerings at North Geelong Secondary College is creating greater opportunities for students to explore their interests, pursue their passions, and make informed decisions about their future pathways with confidence.

In the table below, you will find the dates for students' career guidance sessions and subject selection appointments. While subject selections are not finalised immediately, they are influenced by overall student demand and the number of students selecting particular subjects. Although the College always endeavours to provide students with their preferred subject choices, this is not always possible due to timetable constraints and class availability. We therefore encourage students and families to carefully consider their selections and submit them within the required timelines to maximise the opportunity of securing their preferred program.

THE NGSC FOUR R.R.R.R.s

Below is the classroom student management process that teachers will follow to address misbehaviour. At NGSC, we believe that all students have the right to learn and teachers the right to teach. This process ensures familiarity and consistency in the classroom in addressing misbehaviour.

The purpose of this process is to provide a clear, consistent and predictable approach to managing classroom behaviour. By following the same staged process, students become familiar with the expectations and understand the consequences of their choices, while teachers are supported to respond to misbehaviour fairly and consistently.

1 - REMINDER 

2- REDIRECTION

3- REPOSITION

4 - RELOCATION

All relocations are expected to include a restorative conversation between the teacher and the student to ensure a positive relationship is maintained upon re-entering the classroom.

NOTE

Students can be relocated immediately if their behaviour is of a serious nature.

Term 3 Key Dates

Streamlining Our Communication Pathways: Building Belonging Through Connection

Research by McCrindle highlights that a deep sense of belonging within a school community is not accidental, it is directly cultivated through intentional, transparent communication. McCrindle’s findings on school engagement reveal that when parents feel connected and informed about both academic progress and social development, they are three times more likely to report a high sense of belonging (92% vs. 30%).

Effective communication bridges the gap between home and school. By aligning our academic communication (clarity on coursework, expectations, and learning goals) with social and pastoral updates (positive entries and relational check-ins), we create a unified ecosystem where every student feels known, valued, and supported.

To maintain this vital partnership, we have established clear, streamlined channels of communication:

Channels of Communication & Information Flow

Parent-Teacher Conferences: A Resounding Success

Our recent Parent-Teacher Conferences were a fantastic success! It was inspiring to see teachers, parents, and students sitting together to reflect on progress and chart a path forward.

The feedback across our community highlighted a deep shared gratitude for being involved in this learning journey. The clarity gained regarding future expectations and learning goals sets a strong foundation for the remainder of the year.

Missed Out on a Spot?

If you were unable to secure an appointment during conference evening, please reach out directly to your child's subject teachers via email. They will be more than happy to arrange an alternative update on your child's progress.

Be Bold, Be Heard (BBBH): Driving Equity Across Victoria

Our commitment to student advocacy through the Be Bold, Be Heard (BBBH) initiative continues to gain powerful momentum. Originating as a local drive to improve educational equity, agency, and voice across Geelong, the program is expanding its reach with the hope of driving positive change statewide.

• Student-Led Leadership: BBBH empowers young leaders to identify key social justice issues, tackle engagement barriers, and build authentic agency within their school communities.

• Friday 7th August, 15 NGSC girls will engage with 20 other schools in the 3rd Forum, ensuring progress towards their final achievements is being made.

• The leadership extension program continues in August, with student leaders gathering to plan the end of year Celebration Forum.

• Statewide Student Forum (October): We are thrilled to announce that our student leaders will be running a major State Forum this coming October! This platform will bring together student voices from across Victoria to share action plans and shape equity initiatives.

We could not be prouder of our student leaders as they prepare to take the stage on a statewide level to advocate for equity in education.

Expanding Voice: Launching Boys’ Agency

Following the remarkable success of the Be Bold, Be Heard framework in building student agency, we are excited to share that our male students are now stepping up to launch their own agency initiatives!

• Identifying Meaningful Targets: The boys have hit the ground running, identifying key areas within the school where they can exercise leadership, drive positive cultural shifts, and take ownership of their learning environment.

• Staff Leadership: A special congratulations and thank you to Mr. Grayson and the dedicated group of young men who have put in the foundational work to launch this program. Building self-efficacy and active responsibility in young men is a crucial step in their personal and academic growth.

Navigating Careers & Future Pathways

Preparing students for life beyond the school gates requires a modern approach to career planning - one centred on adaptability, practical experience, and broad horizon scanning.

• Focusing on Transferable Capabilities: Rather than training for a single specific job title, students are being guided to build versatile skills, complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy, that apply across rapidly evolving industries.

• Broadening Options: Tertiary education, apprenticeships, vocational certificates, and entrepreneurial paths all hold equal merit. Our Careers team works individually with students to align their personal strengths and passions with viable, fulfilling future pathways.

• Next Steps for Families: Encourage your child to regularly check the Careers platform for upcoming university open days, TAFE taster sessions, and work experience opportunities.

Reflecting, Resetting and Looking Ahead

Term 3 is now well underway, and both our Year 11 and Year 12 students have reached an important point in the school year.

For our Year 12 students, the remaining weeks will move very quickly as they work towards completing their final units, learning outcomes, VET requirements and plans for life beyond school.

For our Year 11 students, Semester 2 is a chance to build on the first half of the year, finish strongly and start preparing for their final year of secondary school.

This is a good time for all of our senior students to stop, take stock of how things are going and think honestly about what they need to do over the remainder of 2026.

The year is certainly not over yet, but it is moving quickly. As we often remind students, there is still plenty of time to make a difference, but not much time to waste.

Parent–Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all of the families who took part in our recent Parent–Teacher Interviews.

These conversations are an important chance for students, families and teachers to compare notes and discuss how things are really going. This includes academic progress, attendance, classroom engagement, assessment requirements and any concerns that may be getting in the way of learning.

The most useful interviews are the ones that lead to a clear next step. That might mean completing some outstanding work, improving attendance, developing a better study routine, asking for help earlier or simply keeping communication open between home and school.

Families who were unable to attend an interview are encouraged to contact their child’s teachers directly. You do not need to wait for the next formal reporting period if you have a question or concern.

A quick email or phone call now is often far more helpful than discovering at the end of the term that something has quietly gone off track.

Reflecting on Progress Reports

Students and families have also recently received the latest progress reports. These reports provide a four-week snapshot of how a student is going across each of their subjects. They are not a final judgement or an end-of-semester result. They are designed to help students, families and teachers keep track of progress while there is still time to make changes. Progress reports are also a useful starting point for a conversation at home. We encourage families to sit down together, look over the report and discuss what is going well, where there may be room for improvement and what could be done differently over the next four weeks. The reports consider several important areas.

Progress in Learning looks at whether the student is actively taking part in their learning, making progress towards the expected outcomes and using feedback to improve.

Participation in Learning considers whether the student is attending regularly, engaging in class, asking questions and working effectively with others.

Preparation for Learning includes arriving on time, bringing the right materials, having a charged device, keeping organised notes, completing set work and catching up after an absence.

Respect for Learning looks at how students treat themselves, others, staff and equipment, as well as whether they are taking responsibility for their own learning.

Some useful questions for students and families to discuss include:

• What am I doing well?
• Is there a pattern across my subjects?
• Which area needs the most attention?
• What is one thing I can improve over the next four weeks?
• Is there a teacher I need to speak with?
• Do I need some additional support?

A rating of “Sometimes” or “Rarely” is not a permanent label. It is simply an indication of what teachers have observed during the most recent four-week period. The most important part of a progress report is not the rating itself. It is what the student chooses to do next.

Year 11 Subject Selections

Our Year 11 students have recently completed their subject selections for 2027.

Choosing Year 12 subjects is an important step and gave students a chance to reflect on their experiences during 2026 and think carefully about what they want their final year of school to look like. Students were encouraged to consider their interests, current achievement, future pathways and the level of work required in each subject. 

It can be tempting to choose a subject because a friend is doing it, because it sounds easy or because it fits nicely on a timetable. Unfortunately, none of those are particularly strong long-term career strategies. The best choices are the ones that suit the student, support their pathway and give them the strongest chance of completing Year 12 successfully. Although selections have now been submitted, students should continue discussing their plans with their families, teachers and the Careers Team. 

Changes may not always be possible, but any major concerns should be raised as early as possible. Year 12 will arrive much faster than our Year 11 students probably expect. 

The habits they are building now - attendance, organisation, preparation and asking for help - will have a big impact on how confidently they begin their final year.

Year 12 VET Applications

A reminder for any current Year 11 student hoping to complete a VET subject during Year 12: the appropriate VET application form must be obtained, completed and returned to Miss Sulomar. Including a VET subject in the online subject selection process does not complete the application. In other words, clicking the subject is not the same as applying for it. The required form is an important part of the enrolment process and must be returned before the application can be considered and processed. Students should not assume that selecting a VET subject means their place has been automatically confirmed. They are responsible for making sure all required documentation has been completed and returned. Any student who is unsure about which form they need, or whether their application is complete, should speak with Miss Sulomar as soon as possible.

Year 12: Making the Remaining Time Count

Our Year 12 students are now moving into the final stages of their secondary education. 

For students completing scored VCE subjects, the focus will increasingly shift towards completing Unit 4 coursework, preparing for practice examinations and beginning a structured revision program for the VCAA examination period.

For our VCE Vocational Major students, the focus remains on completing learning outcomes, VET units, Structured Workplace Learning requirements and preparing for employment, further education, training or another post-school pathway.

At this stage of the year, every lesson matters. Students who are behind in coursework, have missed an assessment or are unsure about their progress need to speak with their classroom teacher as soon as possible. Waiting until the final week and hoping it all sorts itself out is rarely a winning strategy.

The good news is that there is still time to make meaningful progress. A student’s current position does not have to be their final position. Improvements in attendance, effort, preparation, organisation and communication can still make a real difference.

There is plenty of support available, but students need to take the first step and let us know when they need it.

Attendance and Engagement

Regular attendance and active participation remain essential for both Year 11 and Year 12 students.

Senior students need to demonstrate the required knowledge and skills, complete learning outcomes and provide teachers with enough evidence to authenticate their work.

When students miss classes, they do not just miss a worksheet. They miss explanations, class discussions, feedback, examples and opportunities to show what they understand.

Students are responsible for catching up on work missed through absence and communicating with their teachers about outstanding requirements.

Collecting a worksheet three days later is useful, but it is not quite the same as being in the room when the learning took place.

Families are encouraged to continue checking attendance and progress through Compass and to contact the relevant teacher or Year Level Coordinator if concerns begin to appear.

The earlier we know, the more we can usually do to help.

Moving Forward

The second half of the year always moves faster than anyone expects.

For Year 11 students, the focus should be on completing Semester 2 strongly and developing the habits they will need for Year 12.

For Year 12 students, it is about making the most of the time that remains and completing their secondary education with purpose.

Students do not need to manage every challenge on their own. Classroom teachers, Year Level Coordinators, the Careers Team and the Senior Sub School are all available to provide guidance and support.

At the same time, students need to play their part by attending, participating, communicating and asking for help when they need it.

We are looking forward to continuing to work with our senior students and families throughout the remainder of Term 3.

There is still a lot to be done, but also plenty to look forward to.

A Strong Start to Term 3

It has been a fantastic start to Term 3 in the Middle Subschool. After returning from the break, it has been wonderful to see our students come back ready to learn, engage and, importantly, start thinking more seriously about their future pathways.

The past few weeks have been particularly busy for our Year 9 and Year 10 students, with both year levels undertaking their course counselling and careers programs. These experiences are an important part of helping students understand the opportunities available to them and make informed decisions about their next steps.

Year 10 – Looking Towards the Future

For our Year 10 students, Term 3 has provided an intensive focus on careers, senior pathways and preparing for life beyond Year 10.

Students spent a week engaging with a range of careers and pathway information before culminating in a fantastic Careers Expo at the new Geelong Arts Centre. This provided students with the opportunity to explore different pathways, speak with representatives and begin thinking about how their interests and strengths might connect to future study and employment.

Following this, our Year 10 students spent time participating in course counselling sessions with their teachers. This gave students the opportunity to explore the range of VCE subjects available in 2027 and, importantly, to have individual conversations about which subjects and pathways may best suit their interests, strengths and future aspirations.

These are significant decisions for our Year 10 students, and it has been pleasing to see so many of them approaching the process with maturity and genuine consideration of their future.

Year 9 – Exploring Year 10 Opportunities

Our Year 9 students have also been actively involved in the course counselling process, beginning to explore what their Year 10 program in 2027 might look like.

While their process has been a little more relaxed than our Year 10s, students have had the opportunity to explore the broad range of options available to them. This includes considering different elective subjects, accelerated subjects, and opportunities such as the Resurgence Program.

For many students, this is the first time they are beginning to think about how their subject choices can connect to their interests and longer-term goals. We encouraged our Year 9 students to take advantage of these opportunities, ask questions and speak with their teachers and families before they made their final decisions.

A Huge Thank You to Our Staff

The success of these course counselling and careers experiences could not have been possible without the incredible planning, organisation and commitment of our Careers Team and the many staff who gave their time to work directly with students and families throughout the course counselling days.

There is an enormous amount of work that happens behind the scenes to make these opportunities meaningful and successful for our students. From organising the careers presentations and Expo through to preparing course information and sitting down individually with students to discuss their subject choices, our staff have gone above and beyond to ensure students are well supported.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for the time, energy and care they have invested in helping our Year 9 and Year 10 students make informed decisions about their futures.

Looking Ahead

Course counselling is an important milestone for our Middle Subschool students. While it can sometimes feel like a lot of information and a lot of decisions, the purpose of the process is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to make choices that are informed, realistic and aligned with their individual interests and aspirations.

I would like to congratulate both our Year 9 and Year 10 students on the way they have approached these opportunities so far. It has been encouraging to see students beginning to take greater ownership of their future and recognise that the decisions they make now can help shape the pathways available to them in the years ahead.

With Term 3 now well underway, I look forward to seeing our students continue to build on this positive start and make the most of the many opportunities ahead.

Parents and carers should now have received the Term 3, Week 2 Progress Reports. Congratulations to the almost 100 Junior Sub School students who achieved an average score of 3.5 or above across their reports. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects these students' consistent commitment to our school values of Attendance, Participation, Progress, Preparedness and Respect. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and encourage all students to continue striving for their personal best. Congratulations to the following students who have achieved a perfect score:

• Heldana John
• Emma Drew-Brick
• Jacob Richens

Parent Teacher Interviews

This week the college community participated in Parent-Teacher Interviews, and it was wonderful to see so many families taking the opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss student learning and progress. Strong partnerships between home and school play an important role in supporting student success, and we appreciate the time families took to attend.

Year 7 Zoo Excursion

A reminder to Year 7 families to please complete the permission and consent process for the upcoming Werribee Zoo excursion if you have not already done so. Permission is due by the 27^th of August. We are looking forward to providing students with this exciting learning opportunity.

Year 8 Course Counselling

Year 8 Course Counselling will take place Friday 14^th August. Students should regularly check their school email for important information regarding what subjects are on offer and the course selection process. Any students with questions are encouraged to speak to their teachers and coordinators in the lead up to course counselling.

Uniform Reminder

Finally, a reminder that all students are expected to attend school in full and correct school uniform each day. We appreciate the continued support of families in ensuring students arrive at school dressed appropriately and ready to learn.

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

Connect - The Resilience Project - Take Home Activity

Below is an activity from The Resilience Project that families may wish to engage in to manage screen time in their household:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i--7-tvTbSe4ywk_-r7OqKL8jQvtOtXV/view?usp=sharing

Connect - Semester Report Review

In Connect this week, students have reviewed their Semester 1 Reports to find parts that they are proud of, but also highlight some parts they wish to improve on; during the lesson they set an academic goal for the rest of 2026, which they will monitor with their Connect teacher. 

This is a great opportunity for students to refocus on their aims for their learning as we fly through Term 3!

If families wish to have some more information on accessing their child's Semester 1 Report so they can discuss their goal with them, please find it in the resource below:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BI9LXJ6ogeul0GyEpojnRue_vDNONQDODUa4OKIT7Yo/edit?usp=sharing

If you have any questions about your child’s Semester 1 reports, we encourage you to reach out to the teacher of the subject in question.

SRC - Upcoming Events

Week 6 - Friday 21/8/26 - Wear it Purple Day

• Lunchtime activities in the Piazza
• Purple accessories (headbands, bracelets, scrunchies ect) can be worn with the school uniform - these will also be available for a donation.

Week 7 - Book Week

• Lunchtime activities in the Library each day - including staff reading their favourite books, making bookmarks and other resources related to popular books from lunchtime activities in the Library each day - including staff reading their favourite books, making bookmarks and other resources related to popular books from his year.
• Character Dress Up or Casual Dress on Friday 28/8 - students can dress up as their favourite book characters for a $1 donation or casual dress for a $2 donation.

Week 9 - 10/9/26 - R U OK Day

• Lunchtime activities in the Piazza including music/dance sessions and other mindfulness activities.

Geelong Advertiser Newspaper Article with NGSC SRC Students:

Geelong Divisions Intermediate Badminton Championships

On Monday 20th July, the NGSC Boys and Girls teams competed in this Badminton tournament at the Leisure Centre in Corio. They all learnt more about the rules and tactics/strategies of the game and tried hard to win their matches. The teams represented themselves very positively and displayed enthusiasm and always played within the spirit of the game. The top end of the competition was very strong, and our students appreciated the ability of these players. A big thanks to Hayley for coming along and supporting the students.

Team members – Ethan, Jorda, Harjeeth, Adrian, Ozone, Krystoff, Tee moo, Bwenay, Ritika, Angel, Rahma, Dah eh, Anna, Ken, Sienna, Rose and Eh dah.

Save the Date!

Our annual North Geelong Secondary College Multicultural Festival is fast approaching, and we can't wait to celebrate with our school and wider community!

Friday, 23 October 2026
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
North Geelong Secondary College

This year's festival is extra special as we celebrate 60 years of North Geelong Secondary College. The day will showcase the rich diversity of our community through delicious international food, cultural performances, market stalls, student activities, entertainment, and much more.

Stallholders Wanted!

Applications are still open for food vendors, cultural organisations, community groups, businesses, and market stallholders. If you or someone you know would like to be involved, we'd love to hear from you.

Donations & Sponsorship

We're also seeking donations for our raffle and silent auction, along with sponsorship from local businesses. Every contribution, big or small, helps us create an unforgettable event for our students and community.

Keep an eye on Compass and our social media pages as we announce more exciting attractions and activities in the coming weeks.

We look forward to celebrating our many cultures, one community, with you on 23 October!

SRC - Upcoming Events

Week 6 - Friday 21/8/26 - Wear it Purple Day

• Lunchtime activities in the Piazza
• Purple accessories (headbands, bracelets, scrunchies ect) can be worn with the school uniform - these will also be available for a donation.

Week 7 - Book Week

• Lunchtime activities in the library each day - including staff reading their favourite books, making bookmarks and other resources related to popular books from lunchtime activities in the library each day - including staff reading their favourite books, making bookmarks and other resources related to popular books from his year.
• Character Dress Up or Casual Dress on Friday 28/8 - students can dress up as their favourite book characters for a $1 donation or casual dress for a $2 donation.

Week 9 - 10/9/26 - R U OK Day

• Lunchtime activities in the Piazza including music/dance sessions and other mindfulness activities.

Geelong Advertiser Newspaper Article with NGSC SRC Students: Voice Conference Addy

Term 3 is now at the halfway mark, and although the winter cold is still with us, our students and staff continue to embrace the term with enthusiasm. Everyone has been busy engaging in learning, participating in school programs, and contributing to the many exciting events taking place across the school.

The fifth Multicultural Committee (MC) meeting, held on Monday, 3 August, featured dynamic and productive discussions about upcoming events, with a strong focus on brainstorming ideas for our most significant annual event - the Multicultural Festival.

Throughout the remainder of this term, we will continue developing ideas and finalising plans for our ‘Many Cultures – One Community’ Multicultural Festival, to be held on Friday, 23 October. Planning includes the Festival's Opening Ceremony, cultural performances, displays, activities, and many exciting opportunities that celebrate the rich diversity of our school community. The program is coming together beautifully, so stay tuned for further updates - or better still, join us at our next meeting!

Our final Multicultural Committee meeting for Term 3 will be held on Monday, 7 September, from 12:40 pm to 1:30 pm in the Conference Room. There will be plenty to discuss as we continue planning for what promises to be another spectacular festival.

To help make this year's festival a memorable success, we are once again seeking your support for our much-loved Traditional Homemade Cake Stall. Whether you're a talented baker or simply happy to contribute a homemade treat, your generosity will be greatly appreciated. More information will be shared in our upcoming updates and Festival poster.

The Multicultural Committee warmly welcomes ideas, support, and involvement from parents, carers, and members of our wider community. Together, we can continue celebrating the many cultures that make our school such a vibrant and welcoming place.

SCHOLARSHIP News: 

Ekansh MEHUL GAGLANI 

Ekansh was the successful applicant for our Year 7 Sporting Excellence Scholarship in 2025, which continues for 2 years. From there Ekansh has gone from strength to strength with his sporting achievements. Recently Ekansh has achieved and been selected for the Table Tennis Victorian Junior State team and is going to compete at the 2026 Table Tennis Australia National Championships in Moreton Bay, QLD, in September.  

Ekansh will be representing Victoria as part of the U15 Boys event. The College is so proud of his achievements to date and wishes him all the very best at this upcoming event.

International Student Program News:

What a fabulous start to Term 3 with so many International Students commencing at our college:

Zoe is studying in Year 10 is from Germany. Zoe has made a wonderful start to our college making new friends and also being involved with external activities such as Musical Theatre at GAPA (Geelong Academy of Performing Arts).

Jano is also studying in Year 10 and from Germany. Jano is enjoying the difference in subjects compared to his school in Germany and is looking forward to the challenges ahead. Jano is also involved with external activities such as Musical Theatre at GAPA (Geelong Academy of Performing Arts) alongside Zoe and is looking forward to being a part of this performance.

Ximilien (Max) is studying in Year 11 and is from Belgium. Max is very athletic and is enjoying our Outdoor Education classes where he gets to see the scenic beauty of our Region alongside his academic studies. Max, too, is making wonderful friends at our college.

Jylou is studying Year 10 and is from the Philippines. Jylou is enjoying the new sport activities alongside the new style of learning and has adapted really well to our college.

Vhenz-Jy (Vhenz) is the younger brother of Jylou and is studying in Year 7, also from the Philippines. Both of these boys are very energetic and making new friends both on and off the sporting field.

Short Study / Temporary International Students:

This Term we have had 3 Short Study / Temporary International Students also commencing at our college and will be a part of the Australian Curriculum and lifestyle from 2 to 4 weeks;

• Xinyi (Sheila) ZHAO, Year 7
• Chengming ZHANG, Year 7
• Zexu (Sophia) SONG, Year 8

A special thank you to the “buddies” who have assisted with their transition to our college and making them feel very welcome to our college community.

Kalina Greville, Grace McPherson, Year 7 and Prisha PRISHA, Ngoc (Nyu-y) PHAM, Year 8

On behalf of North Geelong Secondary College, we would like to wish all of the International Students all the very best for their time studying at our College, making wonderful friendships and lifelong memories of their adventures here in Australia.

VCE VM BlazeAid Camp Experience

Year 7 English Is Turning Heads: A Teaching Impact Fellowship Comes to NGSC

The Year 7 English teaching team: Laura Smith, Aidan Kidson, Bennett Thompson, Blake Fairchild and Julie Maine

Big news for our school community: our own Julie Maine has been awarded a Teaching Impact Fellowship with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. These fellowships go to graduates of the Academy's year-long Teaching Excellence Program, backing some of Victoria's most accomplished teachers to lead evidence-informed improvement in their own schools. Julie is bringing hers home to North Geelong Secondary College.

A partnership with the University of Melbourne

Through the Fellowship, our school is joining New Metrics, a research partnership run by the University of Melbourne that works with a select group of forward-thinking schools across Australia and around the world. Together, these schools and university researchers are answering a big question: how do we teach, measure and formally recognise the capabilities that matter most for young people's futures, not just their marks?

For NGSC, this means our teachers work directly with university experts and use research-backed tools to track students' growth as learners. Down the track, students may even earn formal recognition of these capabilities, evidence they can carry with them well beyond school. Our Year 7 English classes are leading the way.

What does this mean for your child?

Alongside reading and writing, your child is building the habits of a great learner: setting goals, bouncing back when work gets tough, using feedback to improve, and backing their own judgement. We teach these skills deliberately, every week, and now we can see and celebrate that growth. Don't be surprised if your child starts talking about acting with agency, demonstrating drive, or being open to the new. These attributes will serve them for life.

In the classroom right now

Ever wondered why an ad sticks in your head, or why a speech gives you goosebumps? Our Year 7 students are cracking that code. They pull apart the ads, speeches and articles they see every day, spot exactly how these texts win us over, then turn those tricks of the trade to their own use.

Step into a lesson and you will see the best research on learning in action. Teachers introduce one idea at a time and show students exactly what great work looks like before they have a go. The class practises together, then each student flies solo. Key skills return again and again until they stick.

Keep the conversation going at home

• Ask: which ad or speech did you analyse this week, and what technique did it use?

• Ask: what topic is your pitch on, and what is your strongest argument?

• Try it together: spot a persuasive technique in a TV ad tonight.

One to watch

Later this term, every Year 7 student steps up to deliver a persuasive pitch on an issue they care about. Ask your child what topic they have chosen. You might be surprised by how much they have to say!

VCE Information Session for Years 9 and 10

A big shout-out to Kai Purton (2022) and Annalise Speed (2024), who assisted with the VCE Information Session for Years 9 and 10 during the first week of term. They were available to answer questions from interested students about their pathway and suggest relevant subjects for the students to choose for their future studies. This event was part of the lead-up to Careers Week for Year 10 students, to provide details about VCE and VET subjects offered at NGSC.
Thanks for taking the time to give back to North Geelong Secondary College. It is very much appreciated.

VCE Information Session

Industry Insight - NAB Headquarters

Teenagers learn there's more to banking than money! 💸

Thanks to the generosity of a great team at NAB Melbourne headquarters. Ourschool organised an excursion to the bank for students keen to learn about careers in banking. 

Students chatted to bank staff about careers ranging from tech to marketing, enjoyed a tour of the bank's facilities and museum, and learnt about best practice tips for resume writing.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the day, especially the great views from the top levels of the building in the city centre.

NAB Headquarters

Alumni Return for Year 10 Careers Week

Six North Geelong Secondary College alumni returned to campus to share their post-school journeys and insights as part of Year 10 Careers Week.

A big thank you to our returning alumni:

David Posterino (Class of 2003)

Craig Simpson (Class of 1985)

Jorjah Brown (Class of 2022)

Richard Duerden (Class of 1987)

Miles Nicole Agras (Class of 2022)

Kai Purton (Class of 2022)

Joined on the panel by Kat (Deakin University) as well as Ebony and Jack (Victorian Group Training), our guest speakers answered questions about their varied career pathways since leaving NGSC.

During the following expo-style session, Year 10 students explored a wide range of industries—including career firefighting, marketing, money management, music, nursing, and Early Childhood Education. The diverse perspectives offered invaluable guidance for students preparing to select their upcoming VCE subjects.

It was fantastic to see such a broad representation of graduating years and industries back on campus!

Get Involved
Interested in joining or supporting our alumni community? Reach out to the team at alumni@ngsc.com.au or send us a message directly.

Year 10 Careers Day

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!

Celebrating BodyKind August at NGSC

Throughout August, NGSC is proudly taking part in BodyKind August, joining hundreds of schools across Australia to promote positive body image and encourage kindness towards ourselves and others.

BodyKind August is an annual awareness initiative of the Butterfly Foundation, Australia's national charity for eating disorders and body image. BodyKind encourages us to be kinder to our own bodies and to the bodies of others by:

• Being kind to our own bodies through how we speak about, nourish, nurture and move them.

• Being kind to other people's bodies, both online and face-to-face.

• Celebrating and respecting the diversity and uniqueness of all bodies.

Throughout the month, students will participate in classroom activities using evidence-informed, strengths-based resources provided by Butterfly Foundation. These resources focus on building positive body image and wellbeing.

Each week of BodyKind August explores a different wellbeing theme:

• Week 1: Speak

• Week 2: Nourish

• Week 3: Move

• Week 4: Nurture

To launch the month, students celebrated our Speak theme by wearing odd socks to recognise that our differences make us unique. They also enjoyed spinning the BodyKind Question Wheel, answering questions about positive body image and wellbeing for the chance to win prizes, and writing positive letters to their bodies to acknowledge all the amazing things their bodies help them do every day.

As the month continues, students will take part in a variety of engaging lunchtime activities. During our Nourish week, we will host a soup lunch on Wednesday 12 August, providing an opportunity for students to enjoy a warm meal together while celebrating the importance of nourishing our bodies and connecting as a school community. Our Move and Nurture activities will encourage students to appreciate joyful movement, self-care and kindness towards themselves and others.

BodyKind lunchtime events will be held on Wednesdays throughout August, giving students the opportunity to participate in fun, interactive activities that reinforce each week's theme.

BodyKind August provides our school with a valuable opportunity to foster positive body image, confidence and self-kindness while encouraging families and the wider community to do the same.

For more information and to access helpful resources for parents and carers, visit BodyKind August - Butterfly Foundation.

Proudly supporting Bullying No Way: National Week of Action

This year NGSC will be supporting the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action, 17 to 21 August 2026.

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.

The theme for this year's campaign is Small Acts, Big Impact.

It takes a community to address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.

Students can make a big impact through small acts of kindness and support for others being bullied. Trusted adults are there to guide children and young people as they learn how small, thoughtful actions can create a positive difference and encourage reporting of bullying.

This Bullying No Way Week, we’re encouraging you to embrace the theme Small Acts, Big Impact. Show kindness, support others and take meaningful steps to stand up against bullying.

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

Dental Health Week: 3–9 August 2026

Keep your smile healthy!

Dental Health Week is the Australian Dental Association's annual oral health campaign. As a teenager or young adult, looking after your mouth and teeth is an important part of staying healthy.

A healthy smile starts with good daily habits. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and replace your toothbrush when the bristles become worn. Choose water or plain milk to drink, and enjoy healthy snacks such as cheese, natural yoghurt, fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and wholegrain bread. Limiting sugary foods, soft drinks and processed foods can also help protect your teeth from tooth decay. If you play sport, wear a professionally fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.

At Barwon Health all children aged zero to 18 years are eligible for FREE dental care!

You can contact any of the following services to make an appointment:

• Barwon Health North Phone: 03 4215 7240
• Belmont Community Health Centre Phone: 03 4215 6972
• Newcomb Community Health Centre Phone: 03 4215 7620
• Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative Phone: 5277 2038 (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders only)

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!