Dear NGSC school community,

Well, the weather is finally warming up as we head into spring. All students have now completed some form of subject selection for 2027. It is an exciting time of year as students begin to make choices that may influence their future pathways and careers. For many, it is the first time they have the opportunity to take greater ownership of their learning and start thinking about where their interests and strengths might take them in the future.

Term 3 Key Dates

Parent Teacher Conferences

It was pleasing to see so many parents and carers engaged in meetings with their children’s teachers. The attendance numbers indicated that this was one of our highest-attended Parent-Teacher Conferences, which is a fantastic reflection of the importance our community places on working together to support student learning.

These conferences provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between students, parents and teachers, with a shared focus on improving learning outcomes. Feedback from staff was very positive, with many teachers appreciating the opportunity to connect with families. Staff also noted improvements in the effort, engagement and attitude of some students following these conversations, which is very encouraging.

Parent/Carer Opinion Survey

From Monday 17 August to Friday 18 September, our school will participate in the Department of Education annual Parent/Carer Opinion Survey, formerly known as the Parent Opinion Survey.

The survey, titled “Your School, Your Say”, provides an important opportunity for parents and caregivers to share their views about our school community. The feedback helps us understand how families perceive areas such as school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement, and will inform our future planning and improvement efforts.

Approximately 30% of parents and carers will be randomly selected to participate this year. All responses are anonymous. If you are selected, the school will contact you and provide all the information and support you need to complete the survey.

The survey:

• Takes approximately 20 minutes to complete
• Can be completed online at home or at school
• Can be accessed using a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone
• Is available in a range of languages, including Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Chin (Hakha), Hindi, Japanese, Somali, Turkish, Punjabi and Greek.

If your family is selected, we strongly encourage you to take the time to complete the survey and provide honest feedback. Your voice matters, and your participation helps us continue strengthening our school community and improving our students' experiences and outcomes.

Thank you for your ongoing support. If you have any questions or concerns about the survey, please contact the school and speak with Ms Leanne Scarlett.

Japanese Student Visit and the MOU

We had a wonderful time with our Japanese sister school's students and staff from Izumiotsu. We open up their minds to AFL, netball, vegemite, Tim Tams and even Possum, crocodile and wallaby as meals. I thoroughly enjoyed the sporting clinics which were led by some very motivated students, on a side note, there are several future coach/teachers amongst the group, I know this because they were able to convey the very unclear rules of netball without the language and one even organised the group to be standing so they were not looking into the sun -A -grade coaching skills.

Thanks to the families for opening their doors to the students as homestays and sharing with them a wonderful experience of Australia. To the staff who accommodated the students and staff as well. We know that we are treated to a lifechanging experience every time we go, so thank you to all those who contributed to the school.

Course Counselling

Course counselling began in Week 2 this Term with Year 11 students individually meeting with counsellors, discussing their future career plans and ensuring their subject load aligns with that pathway.

Week 3 was our Year 10 Career’s week which included workshops, alumni visits, a Careers Expo visit to the new convention centre and many more activities designed to support our students in the selection of their senior studies pathway. A big thanks to Visjna Perin and Caroline Makin for organising the week and Julie Elkin for organising the Alumni.

Finally, the Year 9 and Year 8 students completed their course counselling in weeks 4 and 5. This time of year reminds us of the ongoing commitment NGSC has to guiding students through their entire time at the college in the realisation of their future career goals and ambitions.

It is hard to believe we are already getting towards the end of Term 3.

This is always an interesting time in the Senior School because, all of a sudden, the finish line starts to feel very real. Our Year 12 students are beginning to count down their remaining weeks of classes, while our Year 11 students are starting to realise that next year, they will be the ones at the top of the school! There is still plenty happening over the next few weeks, so here is a quick look at what is coming up.

September Holiday Practice Exams – This is Where the Final Preparation Really Starts

Our scored VCE students will complete their practice examination program during the September school holidays. I know the words “exams during the holidays” probably do not generate enormous excitement in every household, but these exams are genuinely one of the most valuable parts of Year 12 preparation. The aim is not to get a perfect score in September. In fact, if there are areas students are struggling with, we would much rather find that out now than when they are sitting the real exam!

Practice exams give students the opportunity to experience proper examination conditions, work on their timing, build some examination stamina and, most importantly, identify the areas they need to focus on during the final few weeks of revision. All scored VCE students are expected to attend their scheduled practice examinations, and families have now received the timetable. My biggest message to students is simple: use them properly. Sit the exam, get the feedback, work out where the gaps are and then do something about them. There is still plenty of time to improve.

The Countdown is On for the Class of 2026

For our Year 12 students, the countdown is now well and truly on. After thirteen years of schooling, we are suddenly talking about their final few weeks of regular classes. That is a pretty big milestone. There is obviously still plenty of work to do. SACs need to be completed, coursework needs to be finished, and exam preparation needs to ramp up. But I also want our Year 12s to make sure they enjoy this part of the year. It can be very easy to spend the final weeks thinking only about what is due next, what exam is coming up or what life will look like next year. Every now and then, take a moment to enjoy being at school with your friends, your teachers and the people you have spent the last few years alongside. Before you know it, someone will ring that final bell, and you will all be wondering where the time went. So yes — work hard, stay focused and finish strongly. But enjoy it as well.

VCE VM – Finishing Strongly and Looking Ahead

Our Year 12 VCE VM students are also entering an important final stage of their program. Over the next few weeks, the focus is on making sure all remaining learning outcomes are completed, and students stay on top of their VET and Structured Workplace Learning requirements. For many of our VM students, the next step after NGSC will be employment, an apprenticeship, a traineeship, TAFE or further training. That makes this a really exciting time. The goal is not simply to get to the end of Year 12. We want every student leaving us with a clear idea about what comes next and feeling ready to take that next step. There is still work to be done — but the destination is getting much closer.

Year 12 Graduation – Tickets Are Now on Sale!

One of the best nights on the Senior School calendar is also fast approaching. Year 12 Graduation will be held on Tuesday 24 November, and tickets are now available for families to purchase through Compass. Graduation is always a fantastic night and a great opportunity for students, families and staff to celebrate everything the Class of 2026 has achieved. So, Year 12 families - if you have not organised your tickets yet, jump onto Compass and get that one ticked off the list. If you experience any technical issues with Compass or payment, please contact the College Front Office and they will be able to assist. 

We are really looking forward to celebrating with everyone in November.

Year 11 – You Are Nearly Year 12!

Our Year 11 students have now made many of the big decisions around their subjects and pathways for 2027. The next challenge is beginning to think like a Year 12 student. The good news is that nobody wakes up on the first day of Year 12 magically more organised! The habits that make Year 12 easier are the same ones students can start developing now — attending regularly, using class time well, meeting deadlines, keeping track of work and asking for help before a small problem becomes a big one. Later in the year, our Year 11 students will complete their exams before moving into Year 12 Orientation. Orientation is where 2027 really begins. Students will meet their new teachers, start their new subjects and get their first taste of what their final year of schooling will look like. For Year 11s, there is still plenty to achieve this year — but Year 12 is definitely starting to appear on the horizon.

2027 Year 12 Jumpers

Speaking of becoming Year 12s, it is also getting close to that very important rite of passage — the Year 12 jumper. For many students, this is apparently almost as important as choosing their subjects! Information regarding the 2027 Year 12 jumpers, including ordering, sizing and deadlines, will be communicated to students and families through Compass. Keep an eye out so nobody misses the opportunity to order one.

Make the Most of What is Left

The final part of the school year always seems to move faster than the rest. One minute we are talking about starting Term 3 and the next we are discussing practice exams, graduation and Year 12 Orientation. For our Year 12s especially, there are not many ordinary school days left. Make them count. Keep working, keep supporting each other, ask for help when you need it and make sure you enjoy some of the little things along the way. There is still plenty ahead — but there is also plenty to be proud of. I am really looking forward to seeing how our Senior School students finish off 2026.

Continuing a Positive Term

As we move through the second half of Term 3, it has been pleasing to see our Year 9 and Year 10 students continuing to engage positively in their learning and school community.

While the past few weeks have been quieter in terms of major events, there has been plenty happening in classrooms. Students have been settling into their Semester 2 subjects, working towards assessments and continuing to build positive learning habits. I would like to acknowledge the many students who continue to come to class ready to learn, participate positively and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

These everyday behaviours are an important part of student success. Being organised, attending regularly, arriving on time, completing classwork and assessment tasks, and actively engaging in lessons all contribute to positive academic outcomes.

Course Counselling Finalised

Our Year 9 and Year 10 course counselling process has now been finalised, marking an important milestone for students as they begin planning their next steps.

It has been fantastic to see students and families engaging with the process and carefully considering the subjects and pathways available to them. For our Year 9 students, this has involved selecting their Year 10 program, while our Year 10 students have been making important decisions about their senior school pathways and subject selections for next year.

We look forward to supporting students as they move towards the next stage of their learning journey.

A Reminder for Year 10 Students – Satisfactory Completion

As Year 10 students begin looking ahead to their senior school pathways, it is important to remember that successful completion of their current Year 10 subjects remains essential.

Year 10 students are assessed on a Satisfactory (S) or Not Satisfactory (N) basis. In order to achieve a satisfactory outcome, students are expected to demonstrate consistent engagement with their learning throughout the semester.

This includes:

• Attending school and classes regularly and arriving on time
• Completing classwork and homework
• Completing and submitting assessment tasks
• Making a genuine and consistent effort in all subjects
• Following assessment requirements and maintaining academic integrity

Students who do not meet the requirements of a subject may receive an N – Not Satisfactory result. This can have an impact on a student's ability to progress and may affect the pathway and subject choices available to them moving forward.

As we move towards the end of the semester, I encourage all Year 10 students to ensure they are up to date with their work and assessments, speak with their teachers if they are unsure of their progress and seek support early if they are experiencing any difficulties.

Middle Sub School Reminders

A reminder to all students and families about some important everyday expectations within the Middle Sub School.

Uniform

Students are expected to attend school in the correct North Geelong Secondary College uniform each day. We appreciate the support of families in ensuring students are wearing the correct academic uniform, including appropriate jumpers and outerwear.

Maintaining a high standard of uniform helps students represent our college positively and contributes to a strong sense of belonging and pride within our school community.

Signing In and Out

Students arriving late to school or leaving school early must follow the correct Middle Sub-school sign-in and sign-out process.

Students who arrive late are required to sign in through the appropriate process before heading to class. Likewise, students who need to leave school early must ensure they

have followed the correct procedure and have been signed out appropriately.

These processes are important in ensuring we can accurately account for the whereabouts and safety of all students throughout the school day. We appreciate the continued support of students and families in following these expectations.

Looking Ahead

As we move closer to the end of Term 3, our focus remains on continuing the positive momentum that has been established throughout the term. There is still plenty of learning to be completed, assessments to be undertaken and opportunities for students to demonstrate their growth.

I encourage all students to continue coming to school ready to learn, remain organised, seek support when needed and finish the term strongly. The choices and habits students develop now will continue to support their success as they move into the next stage of their schooling.

Thank you to our students, families and staff for your continued support of the Middle Sub School. I look forward to seeing our Year 9 and Year 10 students continue to make the most of the remainder of Term 3.

With the end of term fast approaching, we encourage all students to finish the term positively and continue to demonstrate our Junior School expectations.

Students are reminded to:

• Be on time and ready to begin learning.
• Be organised with the equipment and materials they need.
• Wear the correct school uniform each day.
• Be in class and settled for every lesson.
• Actively participate in their learning and make the most of every opportunity.   

There is still plenty of learning to be done before the end of term, so let’s finish strong.

Year 7 Zoo Excursion

Our Year 7 Zoo Excursion is taking place next week. This will be a fantastic opportunity for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom, engage with new experiences and put their knowledge into practice. We encourage all students to make the most of this valuable learning opportunity and represent our school positively throughout the day.

Year 8 Course Counselling

Year 8 Course Counselling has now taken place. Students and families are reminded that the subjects selected are preferences rather than guaranteed placements. We will do our best to accommodate student preferences; however, a range of factors need to be considered when developing the final timetable.

Actual Year 9 timetables will be released later in Term 4. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as we work through this process.

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 - Family Take Home Activity

We have been exploring Gratitude in our Connect Lessons this year, and staff & students have had the opportunity to add to our Gratitude Wall the people, places and things they are grateful for.

This has provided students to reflect on the important aspects of their life and remind them to give thanks to them.

If you’d like to explore the concept in your home, have a look at the activity below!

Geelong Cats x The Resilience Project Visit

As part of our partnership with The Resilience Project, we welcomed 3 players from the Geelong Cats to come and visit NGSC and talk to our Year 9 &10 EIS students about how they apply The Resilience Project themes to their mental preparation for football and how they bounce back after a tough performance. 

Our EIS students were full of great questions and picked the brains of Jay Polkinghorn, Joe Pike & Cillian Burke to learn how to get the mental edge on their competition. The players and students also took some time to add to our newly erected Gratitude Wall, which has been provided by the Cats, to provide the opportunity for our students to share who, where and what they are grateful for in their lives.

NGSC is extremely grateful that these players made the time to come to our school and the support of the Geelong Cats to promote gratitude, empathy and mindfulness in our college.

Year 7 Girls Geelong Volleyball Championships

On Thursday 13th August, our enthusiastic team headed off to the Leisure Centre to compete against seven other teams for the Geelong title. They had two wins and a loss in the Round matches, which put them in a Semi Final against Northern Bay. The team controlled the ball well but are still working for consistency with their serving. Northern Bay proved too strong and continued on to win the final. The NGSC girls were disappointed but are keen to improve for future tournaments. They displayed great enthusiasm and worked hard as a team to do their best.

Also on August 13th, the Year 7 Boys Table Tennis competed against schools from the Geelong region. They finished top of their pool and played against the second positioned team from the other pool. Our boys played well to win that match and went on the Grand Final. Unfortunately we were not consistent enough to beat Belmont High School, so finished as runner-up.

Congratulations to the boys who played with enthusiasm and good spirit throughout the whole day. Well done Charles, Yousef, Patrick, Mikael and Benji.

Year 7 Table Tennis

Snow Camp

What an experience. Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies class went to the snow! For many of us, it was our first time snowboarding or skiing! The whole class rapidly improved their skills throughout both days. The first day we went cross-country skiing at Mt Stirling (Telephone Box Junction), and on our last day we headed up to Mt Buller, where each group completed lessons on either recreational activities: snowboarding or skiing. After our lessons, both groups attempted to go down the slopes and hopefully stick the landing. For many of us, both skills were humbling to try to master, but after a couple of face plants and constant falling, everyone persisted and continued to keep on trying. Going to the snow helped our class have a deeper understanding of ‘The sustainable use and management of outdoor environments’, preparing us for our SAC when we came back to school. Being in the Alpine National Park helped us use examples from our experiences effectively, improving our knowledge for discussing concepts such as non-Indigenous land management strategies. We then applied that knowledge to our SACS whilst also remembering the adventurous experience we all had out in the snow.

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 the 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!

Alumni News

Out of the classroom and into the boardroom!

Students from Ourschool’s partner schools in Geelong visited KPMG Geelong’s office for an Industry Insights session. As a partner school, students from the Year 12 Accounting class attended.

They heard from public school alumni working in a variety of roles, including senior staff members Corinna Bertram (an alum of South Gippsland Secondary College), Paul Robson (an alum of Mooroopna Secondary College), Dana Bentley (an alum of Ballarat Secondary College) and Claire Richards (an alum of Belmont High School). Students then broke into smaller groups to chat with additional KPMG staff members.

The theme - Capital City Careers Locally. Students learnt about the focus of the Geelong office being for the benefit of small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in the region that ultimately help the growth of Geelong and its surrounds. They also gained an insight into how large multinational firms can set up offices in regional areas to provide prospective employees the opportunities afforded to larger capital city residents, without having to leave their regional city/town.

Thanks to KPMG Geelong for providing this opportunity to our students. 

If you would like to join our alumni program, please get in touch

https://docs.google.com/forms/...

KPMG Geelong

Research in Action!

Alumni Yolanda Esteban (Class of 1996) has recently spoken with the STRIVE classes at Year 7, 8 and 9 levels. Yolanda is Associate Head of School, Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment/ School of Architecture and Built Environment at Deakin University in Geelong. Her degrees include a Doctor of Philosophy, Bachelor of Architecture (Honours), Bachelor of Building (Honours) and a Graduate Certificate of Higher Education. 

With her industry experience in the areas of urban design and strategic planning and formal training in Architecture and Construction Management, Yolanda has worked on several key projects across Victoria in both regional and metropolitan contexts.Yolanda’s research has focused on the changing profile of urban spaces, using population data and trends to design future physical spaces (like buildings and neighbourhoods) and how to turn big urban design ideas into real, enforceable planning policies.

The STRIVE classes are all completing research and developing presentations with increasing complexity as the students progress through the year levels. With her experience, Yolanda has been a perfect alum to speak with these classes. She detailed her pathway since leaving NGSC and presented the research she is currently undertaking - to see whether Fisherman's Gully was connected to Cowies Creek in the past. Yolanda outlined various sources for research (she loves maps and photographs) and gave tips on how to verify research. Yolanda returned to the Year 8 and 9 classes to hear from the students about their projects and to guide their synthesis and written report processes. She is looking forward to the Expo in term 4, which showcases the students' work to parents, friends and staff.

Thanks, Yolanda, for giving up your time to speak with all three classes!

If you would like to join our alumni program please get in touch!

https://docs.google.com/forms/...

STRIVE classes learn about researching

Wear It Purple Day at NGSC

On Friday 21 st August, NGSC celebrated Wear It Purple Day. Students had the opportunity toparticipate in a range of activities that promoted empathy, respectful relationships, and the importance of embracing diversity.

This year’s Wear It Purple Day theme is “Colours of Courage”. “Courage is not just expressed in big moments, but in everyday choices to live proudly and invite others into understanding, acceptance and celebration.” Colours of Courage celebrates the many different forms of courage shown by LGBTQIA+SB young people, allies and communities every day. Courage can look like speaking up, standing out and creating change. It can also take quieter forms of bravery, like living authentically, coming out, asking for support, standing beside someone, or choosing pride and hope in spaces where being yourself does not always feel easy.

Wear It Purple Day provides an opportunity for our school community to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and respect. The day is a reminder that every student deserves to learn in an environment free from bullying, discrimination, and exclusion.

Together, we can foster a culture where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to be themselves.

R U OK? Day: A Conversation Could Change a Life

On Thursday 10 th September, our school will once again recognise R U OK? Day, Australia's national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that meaningful conversations can make a real difference.

R U OK? Day encourages us to check in with the people around us—our friends, classmates, teachers, and family members. While a simple "How are you going?" may seem like a small gesture, taking the time to genuinely listen can help someone feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Secondary school can be an exciting time, but it can also bring challenges. Balancing schoolwork, friendships, extracurricular activities, and other commitments isn't always easy. That's why building a culture where everyone feels comfortable reaching out and checking in with one another is so important.

On R U OK? Day, students will have the opportunity to participate in activities that promote kindness, connection, wellbeing and help seeking, including classroom discussions in Connect, lunchtime events, wellbeing activities, and opportunities to learn how to recognise when someone may need support and how to respond with empathy.

Remember the four simple steps promoted by R U OK?:

• Ask – Start a genuine conversation.
• Listen – Give the other person your full attention.
• Encourage action – Suggest they connect with trusted supports if they need extra
• help.
• Check in – Follow up to show you care.

Everyone has the ability to make a positive difference. Whether it's inviting someone to join your group at lunch, sending a supportive message, or simply asking, "R U OK?", your kindness could brighten someone's day or encourage them to seek the support they need.

As a school community, let's continue to look out for one another—not just on R U OK? Day, but every day. Together, we can create a safe, caring, and inclusive environment where everyone knows they belong and that help is always available.

Year 7, 2027 Scholarship Recipients

The Year 7 Scholarships for 2027 have recently been confirmed, and the successful applicants are as follows:

Each Scholarship has the following Criteria;

• Length of Scholarship Offered - Two years

• Full value of School Fees for Years 7 and 8, Chromebook, School Blazer and one full set of uniforms, Year 7 and Year 8 Camp, all Books for Years 7 and 8 and all Excursions for Years 7 and 8

On behalf of North Geelong Secondary College, we would like to congratulate the following students and look forward to seeing their growth and achievements during their Secondary College journey J

The presentations of the Scholarships will be awarded to the students at their Primary Schools during their whole school assemblies. Photos of this special presentation will follow in the upcoming NGSC newsletters

Academic Scholarship:

Amr Nofal from Ashby Primary School

The Academic Excellence Scholarship is available to students with an exemplary academic record who have demonstrated outstanding application and achievement in one or more of English, Mathematics or Science, together with a strong performance in general studies.

Leadership Scholarship:

Luca Ellery from Anakie Primary School

The Student Leadership Scholarship is available to students who have demonstrated leadership skills. The successful applicant(s) will have excellent communication skills, display initiative, and have a passion to motivate, delegate, guide, and direct fellow students.

Sporting Scholarship:

Dante Kustura from Lara Primary School

The Sporting Excellence Scholarship is available to keen sportspersons who have shown outstanding aptitude and personal achievement in one or many sporting field(s).

Community Scholarship:

Patrick (Paddy) Connor from Manifold Heights Primary School

The Community (Good Citizenship) Scholarship is available to students who have made a significant demonstrable contribution to their community. The successful applicant(s) will display a strong social conscience as well as an outstanding work ethic and behaviour.

Arts Scholarship:

Anastasia Mitrakis from St Francis Xavier Primary School

The Arts scholarship is available to students who have displayed excellence and shown commitment in one or more of the Arts areas (such as: Drama, Music, Dance or Visual Arts). Successful applicants should have a record of involvement in all aspects of primary school life in addition to artistic talent.

International Student Program:

As part of our International Student Program, students attend an Annual Excursion not only to see the amazing sights around our region but also to “bond” with each other on a more personal level, building stronger friendships.

These friendships that are made during their stay in Australia , whether it is for long or short term studies, makes a real difference to their understanding of our culture and making wonderful memories during this journey.

This excursion was definitely a highlight for all of the International Students as they were able to see the underwater wildlife in action, up close and personal, by visiting the Melbourne Aquarium. Not to mention, after a lunch break, an exciting time was shared at King Pin Amusement Centre. The smiles on each student’s face was priceless, and the bright lights shining everyone made this event even more spectacular than first anticipated.

Overall a very memorable day for everyone, including the staff that attended, and travelling back via train, all of the students had a brief siesta to relax prior to returning home.

SRC - Events

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

It was great to see so many staff and students get involved in the Wear It Purple celebrations last Friday! It created an awesome space for everyone to come together and celebrate what makes us unique and embrace all members of our community.

Some photos of the celebrations are below.

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 this year.
• House Quidditch on Tuesday 25/8/26 - come and represent your house in the classic Harry Potter game!
• 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.

Multicultural Committee News

Term Three is accelerating with gusto, with planning well underway across the school as we continue to build towards an exciting second half of the year!

This term, our focus is firmly on NGSC’s grand annual event — the Multicultural Day Festival, taking place on Friday, 23 October 2026, with this year’s inspiring theme:

“Many Cultures – One Community”

This much-loved and spectacular event is a highlight of our school calendar, bringing together the NGSC and Greater Geelong communities to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that makes our school so vibrant and diverse. Each year, we aim to raise the bar — and 2026 will be no exception!

We are inviting creative ideas, innovative activities, engaging performances, and new ways to make this year’s festival even more spectacular and memorable. We warmly welcome contributions from students, staff, parents, and community members.

Our Famous Homemade Cake Stall is Back!

Back by popular demand, our renowned Homemade Cake Stall will once again be part of the festival.

We are thrilled to welcome back Dragana, a dedicated parent and former student, who began this wonderful tradition more than three decades ago. Dragana continues to delight us with her delicious homemade cakes, while our generous school and wider community continue to support the stall by baking, donating, and purchasing these much-loved treats.

To help make this year’s festival another memorable success, we are once again seeking your support for our Traditional Homemade Cake Stall. Whether you are a talented baker or simply happy to contribute a homemade treat, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Together, let’s keep alive the tradition of having “the best homemade cakes in Geelong and beyond!”

Our dedicated team has already made a great start with preparations, and we look forward to sharing delicious culinary delights from the many cultures represented within our school community.

Next Meeting

Monday, 7 September 2026
Time: 12:40 PM – 1:30 PM
Agenda Focus: Further Multicultural Festival planning

The Multicultural Committee warmly welcomes ideas and contributions from students, staff, parents, and community members. Your input is highly valued!

Stay tuned for further updates — or, better yet, join us at our next meeting and be part of the planning!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Vera Dudas
Multicultural Community Liaison Officer

Geelong Harmony Chorus are one of the Geelong region’s premier a cappella ensembles. We are a diverse and vibrant group of women who, through the joy of 4part a cappella harmony, strive to enrich the lives of our members and audiences with beautiful harmonies that touch the heart. Geelong Harmony’s motto is, ‘Harmony with Heart’. We are non-political, non-denominational, and not-for-profit. You can find out more about us on our website: www.geelongharmony.com.au

Our chorus is actively recruiting new members of all adult age groups, and we thought this may appeal to parents from your school community. Singing in a group has been shown to have significant social and mental / physical health benefits. We would like to place an invitation to parents in your school newsletter or noticeboard to attend a Geelong Harmony rehearsal to see what it’s like and ascertain if we’re the group for them. 

Here is the notice: “If you love singing you will love Geelong Harmony Chorus. Join us for your ME time. You deserve it. Give it a go!” Geelong Harmony Chorus are one of Geelong's premier a cappella ensembles. We're a diverse and vibrant group of women who, through the joy of 4-part a cappella harmony, strive to enrich the lives or our members and audiences with music that touches the heart. For more information about us go to www.geelongharmony.com.au 

Contact members@geelongharmony.com.au to attend. We're holding a free vocal workshop 14th November 2026, and we'd love to see lots of keen women come and sing with us for an afternoon!

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!