From the Principal's Desk
April 2025
Goodbye Term 1
Term 1 at Northern Bay College has been a dynamic and inspiring start to the year, filled with achievements, celebrations, and strong community connections.
Our Harmony Week events highlighted the diversity and inclusivity that make our school special, while student success was evident in academics, sports, and leadership opportunities. The Student-Led Conferences provided a valuable space for students to take ownership of their learning, and our Athletics Carnivals and Blue Edge program encouraged participation and persistence.
We were proud to see students awarded Western Chances scholarships, recognising their hard work and aspirations. With camps, excursions, and leadership initiatives shaping a rich learning experience, this term has been a testament to the commitment of our students, staff, and families.
Thank you to everyone for making NBC a vibrant and supportive place to learn and grow.
Scott Diamond
College Principal
GROWTH
Celebrating Student Achievement
Congratulations to our NBC students who were awarded Western Chances scholarships on Thursday, bringing the total number of supported students to 30 (21 still on NBC campuses). This program provides life-changing opportunities, offering both material support and valuable networking connections.A special mention to Farzana, who was formally recognised this week at the Avalon Airshow for receiving a scholarship to Space Camp—just incredible!!We are so proud of all our students and grateful for the support of Western Chances in their success.
COLLABORATION
School Council 2025
We are pleased to introduce the 2025 Northern Bay College School Council—the largest council we have had to date. This year, we welcome several new parent representatives who bring fresh perspectives and valuable insights. Additionally, five student representatives will support the council, ensuring student voices are heard in decision-making. School councils play a vital role in shaping our school’s direction, policies, and initiatives. We look forward to the discussions and work ahead, all aimed at improving student experiences and strengthening the overall climate of our college for staff, students, and families.
2025 School Council Leadership:
- President: Antony Vriesen
- Vice President: Jessica Burr
- Treasurer: Philippa Rickards
- Secretary: Hunter Palmer / Mehdi Mohammad Aref
We thank all members for their commitment and leadership in 2025.
Get Cooking
Keep the Harmony Day celebrations going by cooking up a storm with recipes in this cookbook created by our students, with support from Brandon Dellow and the City of Greater Geelong.
IMPACT Music
After working with musicians, learning the skills in either drums, guitar or voice, the Year 10 IMPACT students went to Oxygen College to learn how a recording studio works and the steps a band goes through to record a song. The Year 10's loved the experience, with their biggest complaint being they wanted to stay in their longer!
First Nation Forum
Over 50 First Nations students from Northern Bay College’s five campuses and Nelson Park came together for our Term 1 First Nations Student Forum.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect, share experiences, and explore the educational and support pathways available to them. Throughout the day, students also collaborated to develop an outline for future forums, ensuring these gatherings continue to meet their needs and aspirations.
A huge thank you to the staff who made this event possible, including Audra Czyzewski for organising, along with Renae Carmichael from Polly Farmer FTD, KESO Megan Howell, and NBC’s Tahlia McEwen, Bec Van Etten, Erin Prendergast and Nathan Brock. Their support helps create meaningful opportunities for our students to thrive.
The Polly Farmer Legacy
Noongar man; Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer is etched in the minds and hearts of many for his legendary impact on the footy field and his long-lasting impact off the field. Polly Farmer Follow the Dream, is Polly’s legacy. A national program that nurtures the aspirations of Aboriginal young people as they journey through school and beyond. Polly Farmer Follow the Dream, Geelong alumni, staff, community and school leadership supporters enjoyed a special visit to the Geelong Sports Museum (Kardinia Park) to preview ‘POLLY: the legend of Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer' and to learn and be wowed about his story. The exhibit and the museum are real deadly (awesome) and a must go to!
PERSISTENCE
College Athletics
Our College Athletics Days at the Corio Athletics Track have been a fantastic celebration of sport, teamwork, and community spirit. These events provide an invaluable opportunity for students to challenge themselves, cheer on their peers, and build house pride, all while having a great time. Beyond the competition, these days also allow staff to connect with students in a more relaxed and supportive setting, strengthening relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
A huge thank you to the Goldsworthy VCE-VM students, whose support and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of the events. Their efforts in assisting rotations, timing races, and encouraging younger students have been outstanding.
We look forward to another exciting day of competition and school spirit!
CFA State Championships
Thomas De Francesco in year 9 is an ardent CFA volunteer and last weekend he and is his fellow CFA volunteers came third place in the CFA junior volunteer state championships.
KINDNESS
David Neilson - Taking Him Home
David Neilson was a long-term member of NBC and had been unwell for some time. He finally received a lung transplant, with his inspiration to recover and return home to Scotland. Sadly, David passed away on January 5, 2024. David often talked to the NBC administration and leadership teams about this trip. NBC staff who knew David as a friend and colleague are taking him home to Edinburgh during the term holidays. David’s ashes will be scattered at Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh at an informal service attended by the NBC staff and David’s family