Mental Health meeting with Ministers

Suhail Jamshidi, Annah Beh, Ehp'Saw Dahdait and Halima Shee all participated in a round table discussion with Ministers Ella George, Alison Marchant and Christine Couzens. In addition to these high-profile powerful leaders of change in our community were members of Headspace, social workers and young people affected by mental health. The purpose was to discuss challenges and needs of young people to direct further inquiry. I was so proud of our students who contributed in a positive way utilising their own lived experience and presented what they see in their own contexts. I was particularly impressed when Ehp Saw responded to the claim that RUOK day was too tokenistic. She simply stated that the aspiration at our school is to educate others, whilst engaging in activities that promote fun and connection to create a more supportive and positive environment.

Schools Plus Teaching Awards

On September 15, I was privileged to step on the stage in the great hall of Parliament House Canberra to receive a Schools Plus Teaching award. This is in recognition of the work to establish and develop the Be Bold, Be Heard initiative and I look forward to sharing the learnings in 2027. Following the award I have had the privilege of sitting down with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles to discuss the importance of the initiative to our students.

The award includes a fellowship; inclusive of mentorship, coaching and High Impact School Visits. All this under the overarching inquiry question of:

"How do I evolve my symbolic leadership and strategic change management to establish Be Bold, Be Heard as an autonomous, nationally influential lever for gender equity and student agency over the next decade and beyond?"

Celebration day

Multicultural Festival

Human Library

I had the incredible opportunity to sit and listen to the Human Library students. This is where refugee background students write and read their journey to an audience. These stories are unbelievable and the students showed their outstanding resilience and enthusiasm for our school and the opportunities ahead of them following their, at times, traumatic journey. I want to commend the 15 students who participated and Nestor Estampa for putting this program together.

Multicultural Festival -Parade

Progress Reports

These are the last Progress Reports for 2026, and they will be referred to revise the pathway choices of students for 2027. If students are not meeting basic expectations, then it will show up in these reports. Year Level Coordinators will then work with the students and families to set some more realistic goals for the following year. This is often a great opportunity to hit reset and get a fresh start with a more rigorous approach to study in 2027. Please reach out to the Sub School staff to organise a meeting if you, as parents, have concerns about progress.

Geelong Tertiary Futures Program

This term, our Year 9 students have the exciting opportunity to participate in the Geelong Tertiary Futures Program (GTFP). Delivered by The Gordon TAFE under the Skilling the Bay initiative, this unique program bridges the gap between secondary school and future career pathways.

The GTFP gives students a hands-on preview of tertiary life and vocational training. Combining introductory online modules with practical, on-campus experiences, students can explore over 20 diverse industry areas; ranging from trades and technology to design and early childhood education.

Rather than just listening to presentations, students work directly with industry-standard equipment and professional TAFE trainers. It is a fantastic way for Year 9s to build career awareness, boost their educational motivation, and confidently plan their senior school subject selections.

Mental Health meeting with Ministers

Suhail Jamshidi, Annah Beh, Ehp Saw Dahdait and Halima Shee all participated in a round table discussion with Ministers Ella George, Alison Marchant and Christine Couzens. In addition to these high-profile powerful leaders of change in our community were members of Headspace, social workers and young people affected by mental health. The purpose was to discuss challenges and needs of young people to direct further inquiry. I was so proud of our students who contributed in a positive way utilising their own lived experience and presented what they see in their own contexts. I was particularly impressed when Ehp Saw responded to the claim that RUOK day was too tokenistic. She simply stated that the aspiration at our school is to educate others, whilst engaging in activities that promote fun and connection to create a more supportive and positive environment.

Be Bold, Be Heard Celebration Forum

Empowering Young Women Across Barwon: Be Bold, Be Heard Celebrates Record Impact at GMHBA Stadium

The Be Bold, Be Heard program recently celebrated a landmark year of student agency, leadership, and systemic change as over 130 student leaders and educators gathered at GMHBA Stadium for Forum Four: Celebrating the Impact of the Be Bold, Be Heard (BBBH) initiative.

Co-hosted by student MCs Shelby Hawkins and Laila Tingate (Geelong High School) alongside Abigail John, Jessica Barrow, and Joselyn Tomlin (North Geelong Secondary College), the celebration forum showcased how young women across 14 regional schools turned local survey data into tangible, lasting school improvements throughout 2026.

Inspiring Keynotes & Mentorship

A highlight of the forum was an inspiring panel of guest speakers—including Jessica Chappell, Carly Luke, Mackenzie Clinch, Simone Boer, and Megan Moody—who shared powerful insights on goal setting, resilience, and authentic leadership. Speakers urged students to build a personal "board of mentors," embrace what makes them unique, and focus on solution-driven advocacy when overcoming institutional barriers.

Highlighting 2026 Student-Led Actions Across Our Network

From physical yard equity to period dignity and mental health, student teams presented incredible real-world outcomes driven by their 2026 action plans:

• North Geelong Secondary College: Conducted whole-school period care surveys and executed "The Bloody Important Day" fundraiser and awareness campaign, raising funds to combat period poverty and removing menstrual stigma across the college.

• Belmont High School: Addressed whole-school Respectful Language Survey results (where 44% of peers reported feeling unsafe or hurt by sexist language) by launching Women’s Health Week, complete with guest dietitian assemblies, Year 8 Rock Band performances, and Zen Life yoga sessions.

• Saint Ignatius College: Tackled a stark 1:8; 10 female-to-male sports yard ratio by auditing sports attire and securing school commitments for female-appropriate competitive sports uniforms and netball court rings.

• Grovedale College: Advocated directly to the Principal Team to establish designated lunchtime gym court allocations, ensuring female students have equal, active space during break times.

• Northern Bay College: Scripted, filmed, and presented video skits depicting real-world sexist scenarios for staff meetings, providing practical professional learning to help teachers address yard and classroom sexism.

• Oberon High School: Addressed emotional regulation data by creating "The Reset Room"; a student-supervised quiet space equipped with sensory tools and puzzles for stress relief.

• Western Heights College: Handcrafted 7 custom Kokoda hygiene and period packs to support female students embarking on the school's annual Kokoda trek.

• Clonard College: Established a Year 10 Community Hub with study resources, event calendars, and mental health tools to reduce assessment stress.

• Newcomb Secondary College: Successfully hosted the regional Term 2 Forum, ran period education, organized Wellbeing Dog visits, and performed "Nobody's Fool".

• Geelong High School, Matthew Flinders Girls SC, Lara Secondary College, Bellarine Secondary College, and Iona College: Advanced peer mentoring, Year 7 buddy systems, new Student Government bodies, and whole-school wellbeing days.

State Forum October 29, Victoria University

In October, 50 BBBH student leaders will jump on a bus and head down to Footscray for the inaugural State Forum. Here they will share their experiences with other schools who are keen for the initiative to spread in their own regions. We are delighted to explore this opportunity and are thankful to Soroptimists International Victorian Foundation for supporting us with a grant to ensure this exciting event is packed full of the BBBH substance, without any adverse cost to schools.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The Be Bold, Be Heard framework continues to demonstrate how empowering teen girls to analyze data and lead self-advocacy transforms entire school cultures. As regional schools prepare for 2027, student teams are already planning expanded mentoring, sexual health education initiatives, and broader community connections; ensuring every young woman across the Barwon region feels visible, voiced, valued, and validated.

Senior School News: The Final Stretch!

It's hard to believe that we're already well into Term 4, and what a busy few weeks we've had in the Senior Sub School!

For our Year 12 students, the finish line is finally in sight, while our Year 11 students are preparing for their final assessments and looking ahead to their last year of secondary school. There is certainly plenty happening around the College as we head towards the end of another school year.

Year 12 VCE Examinations

This week marks the beginning of the 2026 VCAA written examinations, with our English and EAL students the first to tackle their exams on Tuesday.

Over the past few weeks, our Year 12 students have been working through practice examinations, attending revision sessions and taking advantage of the Connect Lectures organised by the College.

It's been great to see so many students putting in the effort during these final weeks of preparation.

For those students still completing exams, remember to look after yourselves, get plenty of rest and make the most of the time you have left to prepare. You've spent a long time working towards this point, so back yourselves and give it your best effort!

A big thank you also goes to our teaching staff, who have continued supporting students through revision classes, extra assistance and plenty of last-minute questions.

Year 12 VCE VM: The Next Chapter

For our Year 12 VCE Vocational Major students, the past few weeks have marked the completion of their secondary schooling journey.

Our students have been participating in their final exit interviews, reflecting on their achievements and discussing what comes next, whether that be employment, apprenticeships, further training or other exciting opportunities.

It's always rewarding to hear students speak about their future plans and see how far they have come during their time at NGSC.

We wish all of our departing VM students every success as they take their next steps into life beyond school.

Year 12 Celebration Day: A Day to Remember!

What a fantastic day we had celebrating our Year 12 students as they marked the end of their time at NGSC!

Our Year 12 students arrived at school dressed in an incredible range of costumes, and what a sight to behold! There were plenty of laughs, some very creative outfits and a wonderful atmosphere around the College as students enjoyed one of their final days together.

One of the highlights was the traditional Year 12 Lap of Honour around the school. As our graduating students made their way around the College, students and staff cheered, clapped and congratulated them on reaching this important milestone.

It really was a special moment. For our Year 12 students, it was an opportunity to celebrate with their friends and enjoy the recognition of the entire school community. For our younger students watching on, it was a glimpse of something they can look forward to when their own time comes. It was certainly a moment to remember and cherish.

The celebrations continued with a whole-school assembly in the Gym, where students and staff came together to congratulate our graduating class. There were plenty of laughs, particularly when our Year 12 students presented some rather cheeky awards to their teachers in recognition of the support, encouragement and memorable moments they had shared throughout their journey at NGSC!

It was a wonderful way to acknowledge the relationships built between students and staff over the years and a reminder that school is about much more than just what happens in the classroom.

A fantastic day all round, and one we hope our Year 12 students will look back on with plenty of fond memories.

Year 12 Graduation: One Final Celebration

With Celebration Day now behind us, we have one more special occasion to look forward to as our Year 12 students prepare for their Graduation at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

After all the excitement, laughter and colourful costumes of Celebration Day, Graduation gives us the opportunity to come together in a slightly more formal setting to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our graduating students.

It promises to be a wonderful evening, with students, families and staff gathering to reflect on the journey these young people have taken throughout their secondary schooling.

For many of our students, NGSC has been a significant part of their lives over the past six years. Along the way, there have been challenges, achievements, friendships, plenty of laughter and countless memories made.

We also recognise the important role families have played throughout this journey. The encouragement, patience and support provided at home have been an enormous part of helping our students reach this milestone.

We are really looking forward to celebrating with everyone and giving our Year 12 students the farewell they deserve.

From the fun and excitement of Celebration Day to the pride and emotion of Graduation, it's a wonderful way to bring their time at NGSC to a close and celebrate everything they have achieved.

Congratulations to our Class of 2026!

Year 11: Finishing Strongly

While our Year 12 students have been receiving plenty of attention, our Year 11 students are also approaching an important stage of their year.

Semester 2 examinations are fast approaching, and students should now be making the most of their class time, completing outstanding assessments and preparing for their exams.

It's important to remember that the final few weeks of Year 11 are not a time to switch off. The work students are doing now provides the foundation for a successful Year 12.

We encourage families to have a conversation with their young person about how they are preparing, what assessments they have remaining and whether they need any additional support.

Our teaching staff and Senior Sub School team are always available to help.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Believe it or not, planning for 2027 is already well underway!

Students have been making their subject selections, and we are busy preparing for the upcoming orientation program.

Orientation is a fantastic opportunity for students to meet their new teachers, become familiar with their subjects and get an early understanding of the expectations that come with VCE and VCE VM.

Year 12 Camp: One of the Highlights of the Year!

One of the things we are most excited about for 2027 is our Year 12 Camp in Ballarat!

Without a doubt, this is one of the highlights of the entire Year 12 experience, and something we strongly encourage every student to be part of.

The camp is about much more than simply getting away from school for a couple of days. It's an opportunity for our students to come together as a year level, strengthen friendships, build relationships with their teachers and start their final year of secondary school on a really positive note.

Year 12 can be a challenging year, with plenty of expectations, assessments and important decisions ahead. One of the main purposes of the camp is to help students feel prepared, supported and confident about the journey ahead. There will be a range of activities designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in Year 12, whether they are completing VCE or VCE VM.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Year 12 Camp without plenty of fun along the way! Students will have the opportunity to participate in activities, spend time with their friends and enjoy experiences outside the classroom that help bring the entire year level together.

Our previous camp was an absolute highlight, and it was fantastic to see students getting involved, having a laugh, making new friendships and building connections with staff. Some of the best memories from Year 12 are made during these shared experiences, and it's often the little moments, conversations and laughs that students remember long after they have finished school.

We really cannot speak highly enough of the value of this camp. It sets the tone for the year, helps create a sense of belonging and gives students the opportunity to begin their final year feeling part of something special.

We would love to see every Year 12 student attend in 2027. We encourage families to make this a priority, as it really is an experience students won't want to miss!

We are already looking forward to another fantastic camp and all the memories that will come with it!

Attendance Still Matters

As we approach the end of the year, a reminder to all our senior students that attendance remains incredibly important.

Students are expected to maintain at least 80% attendance in each of their subjects, and missing classes can have a significant impact on their ability to successfully complete their VCE or VCE VM units.

Even at this stage of the year, every lesson counts.

We ask families to continue supporting regular attendance and encourage students to speak with their teachers or the Senior Sub School team if they have concerns about outstanding work or their progress.

A Final Word

Term 4 is always a mixture of excitement, nerves, celebrations and, for some students, a little uncertainty about what comes next.

For our Year 12 students, enjoy these final moments of your school journey. Whether you're heading into employment, further study, an apprenticeship or something completely different, we hope you look back on your time at NGSC with pride.

For our Year 11 students, keep working hard. Your turn as the leaders of our Senior School is just around the corner!

As always, thank you to our families and staff for their continued support. It's a busy time of year, but also one of the most rewarding.

A Busy and Important Time in the Middle School

As we move further into Term 4, there is plenty happening across the Middle School, with a number of important events and milestones approaching for both our Year 9 and Year 10 students. Our Year 9 students have been enjoying opportunities to explore future career pathways through the Geelong Tertiary Futures Program, while our Year 10 students are preparing for their final examinations and the exciting transition into senior school. With examinations, orientation programs and end-of-year activities approaching, it is important that students and families are aware of the key dates and expectations over the coming weeks.

Year 9 – Geelong Tertiary Futures Program (GTFP)

Our Year 9 students have been participating in the Geelong Tertiary Futures Program (GTFP), delivered through The Gordon. This program provides students with an opportunity to explore different industries, career pathways andvocational learning experiences through a range of practical, hands-on activities.

Across three days – Friday 16 October, Thursday 29 October and the upcoming Thursday 5 November – students have been, and will continue to be, involved in Career Previews across a variety of fields. These experiences allow students to step outside the traditional classroom environment and gain a better understanding of the skills, knowledge and opportunities associated with different industries.

Programs such as GTFP are particularly valuable for our Year 9 students as they begin to think more seriously about their future pathways. While some students may already have an idea of what they would like to pursue, others are still discovering their interests and strengths. Having the opportunity to experience different industries firsthand can help students explore new possibilities and make more informed decisions about their future.

It has been pleasing to see our students embracing these opportunities, and I look forward to hearing more about their experiences following their final day at The Gordon on 5 November.

I would also like to acknowledge the staff involved in organising and supporting our students throughout the program, as well as The Gordon for providing these valuable learning experiences.

Year 10 – Examination Preparation and End-of-Semester Exams

For our Year 10 students, the coming weeks are an important time as they prepare to complete their final assessments for the year.

During week 6 (Monday 9 November – Friday 13 November) there will be dedicated examination preparations going on in class, providing students with an opportunity to consolidate their learning, revise key concepts and prepare for their end-of-semester examinations.

Moving into week 7, the official Year 10 examinations will take place (Monday 16 November – Friday 20 November). 

Students are encouraged to make the most of the support and guidance provided by their teachers during this time. Effective examination preparation involves more than simply reading through notes. Students should be actively revising, completing practice questions, reviewing feedback from previous assessments and seeking clarification on areas they are unsure about. Developing effective study habits now will not only support students through their Year 10 examinations but will also help establish a strong foundation for the academic expectations of senior school.

As students prepare for their examinations, it is also important to remember that Satisfactory (S) completion of Year 10 subjects is determined by more than examination results alone. Regular attendance, active participation in class, completion of required coursework and assessments, and demonstrating an understanding of the learning outcomes all contribute to a satisfactory result. Students who do not meet these requirements may receive a Not Satisfactory  (N) result, which can impact their progression into senior school in 2027.

We encourage families to support students in establishing a balanced study routine, ensuring they are organised,getting adequate rest and approaching their examinations with a positive mindset.

Year 10 – Preparing for Senior School: Year 11 Orientation

Following the examination periods, one of the most significant events approaching for our Year 10 students is the Year 11 Orientation Program, which will run across Weeks 8 and 9, from Monday 23 November to Friday 4 December. This program marks the beginning of our students' transition into senior school and provides an important opportunity for them to experience the expectations, routines and learning associated with their chosen senior pathways.

During these two weeks, students will begin attending their new Year 11 classes, whether they are undertaking the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the VCE Vocational Major (VM). All Year 10 students are expected to attend and actively participate in their Year 11 classes throughout the full two-week orientation program, regardless of whether they are undertaking VCE or VM. Students will have the opportunity to meet their new teachers, become familiar with their subjects and begin developing the learning habits and skills required for success in their senior studies.

It is important that students and families understand that these two weeks are not simply an introduction to Year 11.Students will be commencing learning in their new subjects, and the work undertaken during orientation will help establish the foundations for their studies in 2027.

Being Prepared for Orientation

Students are expected to arrive at their new classes organised and ready to learn. This includes having:

• New workbooks or exercise books for their Year 11 subjects.
• Pens, pencils and other essential stationery.
• Any subject-specific equipment or resources required for their new classes.
• A positive attitude and readiness to participate in their senior studies.

We ask families to support students in ensuring they have the necessary materials ready before orientation begins on Monday 23 November.

For many students, this is an exciting step towards greater independence and responsibility. It is also an opportunity to establish positive routines, build connections with new teachers and begin their senior school journey with confidence. We encourage all Year 10 students to approach the program seriously, ask questions when needed and make the most of this important opportunity.

Important End-of-Year Arrangements – Year 9 and Year 10

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, there are several important arrangements that students andfamilies need to be aware of.

Year 9 – Examinations

Year 9 students will undertake their end-of-semester examinations in Week 9, from Monday 30 November toThursday 3 December, with catch-up examinations scheduled for Friday 4 December.

Students will complete examinations in their four core subjects:

• English
• Mathematics
• Humanities
• Science

These examinations provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the content and skills developed throughout the semester, while continuing to build the examination preparation and study skills that will become increasingly important as they progress through their schooling. We encourage students to begin preparing early, seek support from their teachers and maintain positive learning habits throughout the coming weeks.

Year 9 – Locker Clean-Out and End-of-Year Program

On Friday 4 December, all Year 9 students will be required to completely empty and clean their lockers. This process will be coordinated by the Year 9 Subschool Team, with students provided with further instructions closer to thedate.

In Week 10, from Tuesday 8 December to Friday 11 December, Year 9 students will participate in the End-of-Year Program. This program will provide students with a range of activities and experiences as they conclude their Year 9 studies. Further details regarding the activities and arrangements for each day will be communicated to students and families closer to the dates.

Please keep an eye out for this information.

Year 10 – Locker Clean-Out and Final Arrangements

Year 10 students will begin their locker clean-out process on Monday 16 November, following their English examination. At this time, students will be expected to remove any books, resources and personal belongings that are no longer required for the remainder of the school year. Students will be permitted to keep their new Year 11 workbooks and any required equipment in their lockers throughout the two-week Year 11 Orientation Program.

However, all Year 10 lockers must be completely emptied by Friday 4 December, following the conclusion of the orientation program. No belongings are to be left in lockers after this date.

To assist with the clean-out process, skip bins have been organised for students to dispose of unwanted materials. We ask students and families to consider the following when sorting through school resources:

• Take home: Any books, notes or resources that students would like to keep or may find useful in future years.
• Dispose of: Unwanted or damaged materials that are no longer required.
• Donate: Unused or good-quality books and resources that students and families no longer wish to keep may be donated to the school for other students to use.

We encourage students to take responsibility for their belongings and ensure that their lockers are left completely empty and clean by the required dates.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks will be busy for our Middle School students, with examinations, orientation and end-of-year programs all providing important opportunities for learning, growth and preparation for 2027. I encourage all students to remain focused on their learning, maintain positive attendance and organisational habits, and continue to make the most of the opportunities available to them. We will continue to provide further information and reminders through upcoming newsletters and school communications as these important dates approach.

Thank you to our students, families and staff for their ongoing support as we work through this important stage of Term 4.

Student Achievement

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a perfect score in the most recent round of progress reports:

• Stella Maslen
• Maddison McKenzie
• Benjamin Stojanoski

Important Dates

There are several important dates coming up this term that Year 7 and 8 students and their families should be aware of. Please take note of the following:

• 26–30 October: Years 7–10 Testing Week
• 13 November: Staff Professional Practice Day (Student Free Day)
• 23–27 November: Year 7 and 8 Exam Week
• 30 November – 4 December: Year 7 and 8 STEM/Swimming Week
• 7 December: Assessment and Reporting Day (Student Free Day)
• 8 December: Day 1 of End-of-Year Activities
• 9 December: Beach Day
• 10 December: NGSC Awards Night
• 11 December: Day 2 of End-of-Year Activities

Uniform

It is important that all students wear the correct academic uniform each day, including black leather shoes without logos. The PE uniform should only be worn on days when students are timetabled to have PE.

If a student is unable to wear the correct uniform for any reason, a note from a parent or guardian must be provided, or a phone call made to the school explaining the reason for the uniform issue.

If families require assistance with accessing the correct uniform, please contact the Wellbeing Team for support. The school’s uniform policy can be found in the student diary or on the school website. If you are unsure about any uniform requirements, please speak with a member of the Coordination Team.

Class Equipment

Students are expected to arrive at every lesson with the correct equipment and should not need to return to their lockers during class time or between lessons.

Students must bring the following items to every class:

• A pencil case containing pens and pencils
• Their student diary
• An exercise book
• Their device

If students experience any difficulties accessing the required equipment, please contact the Junior Sub School for assistance.

SRC - 2027 Captains

After a lengthy process which involved a written application, searching for references, a speech to their entire Year 11 cohort, a student vote and an interview, the 2027 NGSC Captains have been selected.

We are extremely excited to announce the 2027 NGSC College Captains, who are

College Captains: Kate Timberlake and Ayush Singh

Community & Culture Captain: Caleb Stephenson

Arts Captain: Thoma Kacprzak

Academic Captain: William Devlin

Sports Captain: Tina Pham

Well done to all the Year 11s who nominated for a position; it was an extremely difficult decision for staff to decide the best candidates - which is a credit to all students who put themselves forward. We are excited to see you all be student leaders in 2027.

Connect 

As we are drawing closer and closer to the end of the school year, Connect Classes have been focusing on the people, places and things that have helped them get through another school year. Below is a take home activity from The Resilience Project which families could play to highlight those things we have been grateful for this year.

WMR Athletic Sports Report

Wednesday 17^th October Moonee Ponds Athletic Centre

This year an enthusiastic team of 25 students qualified for this high-standard event. The conditions for the day were quite good, with reasonable temperatures and low wind.

All students showed real determination to achieve their best results. There were some PB’s achieved and some great experience for our up and coming athletes. A win on the day qualified students for the State Finals on Friday 16^th October, so we wish Gurman all the best in her events.

Medal winners –

• Samira Haidari 12/13 Girls Long Jump Bronze 4.04m
• Angus Warren 14Yr Boys 200m Bronze 24.22sec
• Hannah Day 18-20Yr Girls Javelin Bronze 21.89m
• Xander Mitchell 15Yr Boys Triple Jump Silver 12.86m, Long Jump Silver 5.83m, Javelin Silver 40.22m
• Gurman Kaur 12/13 Girls Javelin Gold 25.43m
• Angus Warren, Kwe Oo, Ned Bubb, Layeh Dahdait , 14 Boys 4x100m Relay Bronze 49.93sec
• Xander Mitchell, Anthony Adrien, Jack Phemister, Xavier Haigh 15 Boys 4x100m Relay Bronze 49.43sec

Update - State Athletics Report

Great effort from Gurman Kaur who finished fourth best in the 12-13 Yrs Girls Javelin at the State Finals.

Years 7-9 Maths Weekly Homework

The maths team have implemented weekly homework sheets for students in years 7-9. The sheets are designed in an interleaved fashion, requiring students to practice maths skills from all topics on the one sheet. This method of retrieving information has been shown to increase students understanding and memory retention. It was incredibly pleasing to see 85 students across the three year levels complete every single weekly homework sheet in semester 1. These students were recognised for their commitment to homework excellence with a certificate and commemorative pen. Well done to all students who have embraced this extra learning opportunity.  The same process will apply in semester 2, with awards going to students who complete semester 2 worksheets, as well as awards to students who complete the entire year of homework.

Our school chickens had a successful weekend at the Royal Geelong Show, earning some fantastic results! Our school was awarded Best Presented Chicken and Reserve Champion in the Schools Poultry Competition. An excellent achievement! Schools were judged across three categories: Bird Presentation, Plate of Eggs (assessed on uniformity, size and colour) and a Poster. These categories showcase the care and knowledge our students put in raising and caring for our chickens. A few of our students visited the show to see how our feathered representatives were doing. Congratulations to our Chook Club who prepared our chickens and entries for the show!

NGSC Multicultural Festival 2026 – Many Cultures, One Community

A Spectacular Celebration of Colour, Culture and Community Spirit!

What a spectacular day of colour, culture, delicious food, and community spirit! Held on Friday, 23 October, the NGSC Multicultural Festival 2026 was a wonderful celebration of our cultural diversity and a memorable occasion for our college and the wider Greater Geelong community. What a magnificent kaleidoscope of colour! The dazzling national costumes parade showcased the beauty and richness of cultures from every corner of the globe. Alongside delicious gourmet food, fantastic performances, exciting rides and a myriad of activities, the Multicultural Festival offered something for everyone. As part of our 60th Anniversary celebrations, the festival beautifully reflected our theme, “Many Cultures – One Community.”

A heartfelt thank you to Selma Dalipi, our dedicated College Events Coordinator and Festival organiser, for your tireless hard work, countless sleepless nights and unwavering dedication. Your commitment, enthusiasm and behind-the-scenes efforts helped make this year's Festival such a spectacular success.

The “World's Best Cake Stall” – A Cherished NGSC Tradition!

The festival would not be complete without our much-loved Homemade Cake Stall, affectionately known as the “World's Best Cake Stall”! This treasured tradition continues to thrive thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our wonderful NGSC community.

A huge thank you to Miss Carolyn Kent, Mrs Soghra Mahtabi and the many helping hands who worked tirelessly to make the stall such an outstanding success. The students who stepped in whenever needed also demonstrated the wonderful teamwork and community spirit that make NGSC so special.

Special thanks to Dragana Skoric, a current parent and former NGSC student, for once again generously sharing her time, helping from set-up to pack-up, and donating an array of delicious homemade cakes. Her signature “peach cakes” were, as always, a favourite!

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Jodie Brown, mum to Braxton (Year 8), for her generous donation of homemade cake slices and gourmet treats. Her ever-popular Tim Tam Balls and Peppermint Balls were a huge hit and received many compliments for their delicious taste. Beautifully packaged and labelled with ingredients and dates, the treats were delivered on Festival Day by Braxton and lovingly made by his proud Nan. Well done, Nan, and thank you for your wonderful generosity and continued support!

A special thank you also goes to Minahil, a Year 10B student, who generously made and donated a birthday cake to celebrate the College's 60th Anniversary. Officially cut by Mr Headlam and shared with staff, the cake added another special touch to this milestone celebration. Thank you, Minahil, for such a thoughtful gesture!

The remarkable success of the Cake Stall reflects the generosity of our entire community. Parents, grandparents, carers, students, staff, and friends contributed by baking, donating and purchasing homemade treats. Your support keeps this cherished tradition alive and makes it a highlight of the NGSC community calendar.

Thank You, NGSC Community!

A huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2026 Multicultural Festival. Your generosity, dedication and enthusiasm demonstrate the very best of NGSC: a community that celebrates diversity, embraces differences and works together in harmony.

We look forward to coming together again in 2027 to keep the multicultural flame burning brighter than ever!

Many Cultures – One Community. Together, we make the difference

Final Multicultural Committee Meeting for 2026

As another busy and rewarding year draws to a close, our final Multicultural Committee meeting will be an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, reflect on the festival, share feedback and thank everyone for their contributions.

We will also farewell our 2026 MC Captains and welcome our new Captains for 2027 as we look ahead to another exciting year.

Meeting details

• Date: Monday, 2 November 2026
• Time: 12:40 pm – 1:30 pm
• Venue: NGSC Conference Room

Members are warmly invited to bring a plate of their favourite food to share as we celebrate the year's achievements, enjoy each other's company, and conclude 2026 on a positive and festive note.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our final meeting for the year!

Alumni News

Industry Insight Visit to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

In Week 1 of Term 4, select students were lucky enough to visit the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre as part of an Industry Insight visit coordinated by Ourschool, the umbrella organisation for the NGSC alumni program.

Nine Year 10 students, who had expressed interest in medical and allied health careers, boarded a train with Mr. Kyvetos and Maw Meh bound for Parkville.

The session showcased the career journeys of government school alumni and gave students the chance to explore various health pathways through a panel discussion and small breakout groups. Students also gained valuable insight into cutting-edge medical equipment during a tour of the hospital's world-renowned facilities.

We thank Jaimee Kindt from Ourschool for organising and hosting the event, as well as the Peter Mac staff for participating in the discussions. Thanks also to Mr. Kyvetos and Maw Meh for attending and leading the trip in my absence overseas.

Multicultural Festival

It's always a pleasure to see many students return for our annual Multicultural Festival. Whether they are officially invited as alumni that have previously been a part of a session throughout the year, or whether they simply remember what fun they enjoyed on the day when they were students and turned up, it is great to catch up with them. Thanks to all those who attended this year, and I hope to see you again next year!

If you would like to be a part of the alumni community at North Geelong, we welcome all past students! Please complete the survey by scanning the QR code

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Thanks to the generous support of the Give Where You Live Foundation Community Choice Voucher Program, we can provide vouchers to individuals and families. From July 2025 – June 2026, these vouchers have helped over 100 community members access essentials like food and prescription medication, offering much-needed relief during challenging times.

As a community organisation that is a proud partner in this program, we’ve seen firsthand the impact this program has on people’s lives. The Community Choice Voucher Program not only provides immediate support but offers choice and dignity as well as supports a fairer community.

Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day

Mental Health Month is held in October each year, with World Mental Health Day taking place on 10 October. This is an important moment to raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it. It’s also an opportunity to pause, check in with ourselves and those around us, and reflect on how we can look after our own mental health and wellbeing.

The 2026 theme for Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day is “Together We Thrive”. It recognises that while life can often feel overwhelming, connection remains one of the most powerful ways to support our mental health and wellbeing. When we come together– through small, everyday moments of care, kindness, conversation and connection – we can help each other to truly thrive. Whether at home, at work, at school, in the community or online, this Mental Health Month we're encouraging everyone to start conversations, share their stories and strengthen the connections that help us thrive.

Mental Health Awareness at School

We will be raising mental health awareness throughout October through our Connect Classes. We use The Resilience Project and The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships programs to guide our mental health curriculum at school.

The topics we cover include:

• GEM – Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness
• Emotional Literacy
• Personal and Cultural Strengths
• Positive Coping
• Problem Solving
• Stress Management
• Help Seeking

Celebrating Mental Health Month

On Wednesday 28 October, our school celebrated Mental Health Month with a range of fun and engaging lunchtime activities promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.  Students had the opportunity to get creative by designing tote bags, colouring mindful bookmarks and making bracelets, all featuring positive affirmations to encourage kindness, positivity and self-care.

The excitement continued with our mental health spinning wheel! Students tested their knowledge by answering questions about mental health and wellbeing, with prizes awarded for correct answers.

It was wonderful to see students getting involved, expressing their creativity and learning more about the importance of looking after their mental health. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day a positive and enjoyable celebration!

Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. It focuses on four key themes, each week highlighting a step you can take to keep yourself safe online.

Week 1 emphasises the need for strong passwords to secure your accounts. Use long, unique and unpredictable passwords for each account. Try making ‘passphrases’ – passwords made up of 4 or more random words – as they’re easier to remember.

Week 2 highlights why you should turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection to your accounts. MFA requires a second step to prove it’s you logging in – protecting your account even if your password is leaked or stolen.

Week 3 emphasises the importance of turning on automatic software updates on your devices and apps to protect against software weaknesses and keep your data safe.

Week 4 focuses on protecting yourself against phishing, a common scam tactic used by cybercriminals. Look out for red flags – such as urgent language. Be cautious with unsolicited links or messages.

By following these steps, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber threats.

National Nutrition Week 2026

National Nutrition Week is an annual opportunity to celebrate food and start positive conversations about the role it plays in our lives in Australia. National Nutrition Week 2026 runs from 12–18 October 2026. Throughout the week, people, workplaces, schools, early childhood services and community organisations across Australia are invited to celebrate food and join the conversation.

Love What You Eat

The National Nutrition Foundation’s theme for National Nutrition Week 2026 is:

• Love what you eat.
• Food is more than fuel.

Food connects us. Food brings us together. Food helps us thrive. This National Nutrition Week, we’re celebrating what we love about food – from the people we share it with, to the cultures and traditions behind it, the places our food comes from and the ways food can support our wellbeing. This year, we’re celebrating the many ways food matters in our lives, including its connections to culture, community, place, wellbeing and equity. Food can tell stories, preserve traditions, bring people together and connect us to the places we live.

World Food Day

World Food Day is Friday 16 October 2026, which falls within National Nutrition Week this year. World Food Day is led globally by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and provides another opportunity during the week to celebrate food and consider how we can build more inclusive and sustainable food systems.

Celebrating Food and Connection

National Nutrition Week is a great opportunity to start conversations about food, connection and the experiences that make food meaningful. We encourage our school community to take some time during the week to think about the role food plays in our lives – the people we share it with, the traditions and cultures it represents, the places it connects us to and the ways food can support our wellbeing.

This National Nutrition Week, let’s celebrate food and love what we eat. For more information National Nutrition Week 2026 | 12–18 October | NNF

National Carers Week

National Carers Week is held from 11 to 17 October 2026. National Carers Week is a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of the more than 3 million Australians who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend. Carers are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or who are frail aged.

Anyone can become a carer, at any time. National Carers Week is an opportunity to raise community awareness among all Australians about the diversity of carers and their caring roles.

Recognising Carers in Our School Community

We acknowledge all carers within our school community, including young carers who may be students. Young carers may provide care and support to a family member or friend while also managing the responsibilities of school, friendships and everyday life. If you know a young carer attending our school, please reach out to the Wellbeing Team. We are here to support students and families within our school community.

Can Carers Get Support?

• Homepage | Carer Gateway
• Carers Victoria | Support, Advice & Advocacy for Carers

During National Carers Week, we encourage everyone in our school community to take a moment to recognise, celebrate and acknowledge the important role that carers play in supporting their families, friends and communities. We thank and acknowledge all the carers within our school community.

Thunderstorm asthma – be prepared this pollen season

Grass pollen season in Victoria usually runs from October to December. During this time, asthma and hay fever symptoms can get worse. There is also an increased risk of thunderstorm asthma.

Ten years ago, Melbourne experienced the largest thunderstorm asthma event in the world. Thunderstorm asthma can be sudden and serious. It can be life-threatening, especially if a person’s asthma or hay fever is not well controlled.

North Geelong Secondary College will have measures to keep our school community safe. Many of our staff are trained in asthma first aid. We will monitor Vic Emergency for thunderstorm asthma warnings. When needed, we will keep students indoors if the weather forecast shows a higher risk.

Managing asthma and allergies matters. During this pollen season, there are some things you can do to protect yourself and your family:

• If your child has ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about your Asthma Action Plan and to make sure symptoms are well controlled.
• If your child has hay fever, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about a hay fever plan and check if you need an asthma reliever puffer.
• If your child has cough or wheeze with hay fever, talk to your doctor to make sure they don’t also have asthma.
• Take asthma medication as directed by your doctor, as good control of symptoms can prevent thunderstorm asthma.
• Follow the Vic Emergency website or app. Where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms – especially during the winds that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it to ‘recirculate’.
• Know asthma first aid. If you are not sure if someone is having an asthma attack, you can still use a blue asthma reliever puffer.
• Find out more: For more information, speak to your doctor. You can also: speak with an asthma educator on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462). This is a free service from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday
• Refer to Better Health Channel. This includes information in different languages. Community Programs and Resources
• Young people | City of Greater Geelong
• Connect Club to combat youth loneliness | News, City of Greater Geelong
• Seen & Supported: Youth Zine Workshop
• Free pads and tampons. Period. | Better Health Channel

Geelong Harmony Chorus

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!