Learning Communities

Prep - 2 Community

As we come to the end of term 3, we look back on another fantastic term of learning and fun! In prep we have been learning about weather, seasons and the changes that happen in our environment. We have also started to produce sentences and stories as students letter / sound knowledge has grown and this has been evident in the learning growth we have seen in Writing. Fantastic!  The preps have also had a visit from the Space Discovery Dome. Like a big dark igloo, they sat inside and enjoyed a 360-degree lesson on the weather, night and day, and our Solar System. 

Our 1/2 Community have also been exploring Earth and Space through Literature, Investigations time and HASS. We also had the opportunity to go up to the Melbourne Museum where we explored the Dynamic Earth exhibition as well as enjoy the Dinosaurs, Bugs Alive and First Nation history. Students were able to write narratives this term where we got our imagination going and develop a story about finding an alien! We had some great fun. 

The students have done an amazing job this term and hopefully have been able to share some new knowledge and interesting facts about space. Thank you for your support this term. Enjoy the upcoming break and we look forward to seeing everyone in Term 4. 

What were your favourite things to see at the Melbourne Museum?

“My favourite thing at the museum was the Bugs Alive area because they had cool enclosures. I liked looking at the millepedes because their legs are just slithering around the enclosure” Samuel S 

“I liked seeing Bunjil at the First Nations area. I also liked seeing the leaf insects. There were little ones, medium ones and big ones! I also liked seeing all the different crystals in the Dynamic Earth section.”  Isabella F

“My favourite part of the excursion was Bunjal’s. The room was very dark and on the roof was the reflection of Bunjil moving up and down. I also liked sitting and eating lunch and watch the seagulls and pigeons fight over a chip on the floor" Jayda D

“ I liked the coloured bird, Bunjil because it was changing colours as it was flying. I also like the old house. It was built it a long time ago.” Peyton J

“ I liked when we went to see all the leaves because leaves are nature. I like the bugs and flowers in nature. I also like the forest walk area because it was cold! It was freezing!” Myah A

“My favourite thing at the Museum was the Star Wars Lego, it was big! I also liked the dinosaur bones and the old houses people used to live in. They had to share the toilet and it was a bucket!” Neda S

What facts have you been learning about space this term? 

 

 

“I have learnt the sun is a star. My favourite planet is mercury is one of the hottest planets because it is near the sun.” Luka W

“ I have learnt that Lego was sent into space to orbit Jupitar. There is a man buried in the moon. There is a big colour of floating water in space. I have enjoyed learning about space because it has changed my mind about going into space. I’m still worried about going to space because there is a black hole. It is also completely silent in space” Rayne H

“I have learnt we can’t live without the sun because the plants won’t grow and it would be too cold to live.” Editte K

What did you enjoy about Book Week?

“ I loved to dress up. I dressed up as Batman because I watch Batman at home. Max dressed up as Lionel Messi the soccer player. I liked all the Tellytubby’s too.” 

Logan F

“ I liked seeing Barbie, Wednesday Adams and Batman at Book Week. I dressed up as Moana. Dad put a love heart through my face so no one could see my face.” Amelia J

Narrative Writing by Benjamin M Year 2

“Ahhh…hh..hh! An Alien!” “Hey, I don’t hurt people, only if they are mean” said the Alien. “Ok, I was shacking super hard.” Said Ben. “Hey, come in my bedroom so you’re safe from the world, my mum might see you.” “Dear, can I please come in your bedroom?” Said Mum. Ben was scared for this Alien but he said “Sure!” Bang! Went the Door. “Ahhhhhhh!! What is that?” said mum in a deep voice. “An alien, it’s my friend” I yelled. “I’m sad now” the alien said. It spat larva. “Gross! My bed! It is gone now. Oh no!” said Ben. “Ah ah! Why did you like that Alien?” Mum asked. “It looked awesome.” Said Ben. “Now how are we going to stop that alien? ”mum asked. “I don’t know” said Ben. “I can help” said Ben’s sister. “Get my laser gun” “Do you really have one?” asked Ben. “Yes! Let’s go get that crazy alien.” Said Ben’s sister. “Ok, it’s in the city. I have it’s location at the resort. Now it is at a park!” said Ben. The alien was moving like lightening and thunder at the same time. Boom went the alien. It was like a humming bird in the forest. They got a rocket to catch up with the alien so they did not loose it. The alien had got more aliens to help him…. To be continued! 

Sharne Oliver

Assistant Principal - Tallis Campus

P-2 Stages of Learning Coordinator

Anthony Condemi

Assistant Principal - Wexford Campus

P-2 Stages of Learning Coordinator

Year 3-6 Community

Check out our students who have been acting as Reporters for the newsletter! Watch their interviews in the 'Student Newsletter Crew section'.

Juanita Mountjoy

Assistant Principal - Wexford Campus

Year 3 - 6 Stages of Learning Coordinator 

Rachelle Koepler

 Assistant Principal - Peacock Campus

Year 3 - 6 Stages of Learning Coordinator

Year 7-8 Community 

Coming towards the end of term, we are working towards our final assessments. Including an Essay response based on individual campuses text selections and our Humanities Educational Research Project based on liveability. For English, students will be discussing the different elements of character development and exploring their text's range of themes. For Humanities, students will be choosing a city from around the world and using the liveability factors as a base, trying to convince their peers their location is the best to visit and live. We look forward to seeing what our students will produce!

The ⅞ students will also be attending camp! Wexford and Tallis first and Peacock Hendy second. We stayed at the Coastal Forest Lodge near Anglesea and engaged in a range of fun filled activities. We have also included some student reports in this newsletter from camp. 

When we went to Coastal  Forest Lodge Camp, we did many fun and also exciting activities, like archery, mini golf, a low ropes course, orienteering and some group challenges. At night we played a big trivia game as well and we watched a movie last night which was really fun. We went on a walk and saw some animals like horses and Alpacas. By far my favorite activity had to be the night walk because it was fun and very different compared to what we had done the previous days. Overall, year 7 camp was a great experience! Reese A - Wexford year 7.

When I arrived at camp I was excited for what we were going to do, I found out what activities that we were going to do which included (archery and minigolf, orienteering, low ropes, hut building and Team Building activities). The activities were fun, but we didn’t go yabbying sadly. I was in a cabin with Cruz, Mat , Abdal and Jacob. There were 5 beds/mattresses in my cabin, 2 bunk beds and 1 mattress on wood. Jacob was on the wood, Abdal and Cruz were on top bunk and me and Mat were on bottom bunk. We had a lot of free time in our cabins and outside. The first meal was SO good, as it was roast beef, potato gems, cooked vegetables and gravy. On the second day we did 2 activities- low ropes and hut building. For dinner on the second day we had spaghetti and garlic bread. On the third day we packed up and left. Overall I had a good time! Hunter P - Wexford year 7.

Jana McElhinney

Year 7-8 Community Leader

Mathew Potter

Assistant Principal - Hendy Campus

Year 7-9 SoL Leader

Year 9 Community

Werribee Zoo excursions. 

In Week 5, all Year 9 students visited the Werribee Open Range Zoo as part of the Humanities program, with a focus on the impacts of environmental changes caused by human activity.

The day began with an interactive workshop where students examined a range of animal bones to explore how different species adapt to their environments. They then boarded the safari bus for a guided tour, providing a unique opportunity to see animals roaming in open, naturalistic settings. After the tour, students enjoyed exploring the zoo in smaller groups, deepening their understanding of wildlife and conservation. This excursion gave students a chance to experience firsthand the key themes explored in Year 9 CORE Humanities, while also connecting with species whose survival is increasingly threatened in a rapidly changing world. A highlight for many was the safari tour, where students were able to see the animals up close. Overall, it was a highly engaging and memorable day that enriched classroom learning and inspired students to think critically about humanity’s role in protecting our environment.

Program Selection days 

This week, students in Years 8 and 9 took part in Program Selection Days, meeting with the Year 9 and 10 teams to choose their subjects for 2026. To support this important process, students, parents and carers were also invited to attend our Senior Pathways Information Evening, where they had the opportunity to learn more about the year ahead and ask questions about subject choices and future pathways.

It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout from the Northern Bay College community, with families engaging enthusiastically in planning the next stage of their child’s learning journey.

Textiles excursion 

The Year 9 Textiles students recently visited the National Wool Museum in Geelong for an inspiring day of learning and creativity. They began with a guided tour, discovering the history of wool and its role in Australia’s textile industry. Students then explored the ‘We The Makers’ exhibition, which showcased innovative designs and the growing influence of sustainability in fashion. To finish the day, they took part in a hands-on sustainable fashion workshop, using recycled materials and fabrics to create their own unique accessories. The experience gave students a deeper understanding of ethical design and encouraged them to think creatively about sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

Wheelchair basketball

Year 9 HAPE students recently visited Try Boys Stadium, where they had the opportunity to develop new skills and experience the fast-paced game of wheelchair basketball.

Students first learnt the fundamentals of controlling a sports wheelchair, including how to move, turn, and pick up the ball while seated. They then practised shooting techniques before putting their skills to the test in a competitive game. The session was not only fun and engaging but also gave students a valuable insight into the skill, strength and strategy required to play wheelchair basketball. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of trying something new.

Student enrichment program

It has been another busy and exciting term for the Year 9 Student Enrichment Program, with students taking part in a range of hands-on activities.

A highlight was the visit to the Fearless Farmhouse, where students fed and cared for the animals with cuddling the chickens proving especially popular! Another favourite activity was the series of cooking classes held in the GITTC. Students prepared a variety of dishes, including sushi, pasta and fried rice, and demonstrated their skills in rolling sushi and baking delicious chocolate chip cookies. These activities provided students with opportunities to learn practical skills, work together and improve their perception of being at school. 

House dodgeball! 

This term, Goldsworthy students came together for the much-anticipated House Dodgeball Competition. Students volunteered to represent their houses in a spirited tournament that saw teams battling it out with energy, teamwork and determination.

The competition was fierce, with every house showing pride and commitment. In the end, it was Eirwin House who triumphed, claiming victory after a series of hard-fought matches.

Ben Cooper 

Year 9 Community Leader

Year 10 Community

Year 10 Amazing Race

On Tuesday September 16th, our Year 10s completed the Amazing Race challenge! This involved them travelling through Geelong’s CBD in groups, completing tasks at various locations, and receiving hints on their mystery destination to reach at the end! Along the way, students also completed challenges to be ranked compared to each other such as making a sales pitch for a business, creating a healthy three-course meal from a food court, and completing puzzles as a team as quickly as they could! The final results will be revealed today at an end-of-term assembly - please enjoy some of the scenes from the day below. 

Congratulations to all students who completed the Race! Your skills in collaborating and communicating with each other and your creativity and critical thinking skills in planning your day and your responses to tasks were superb! Also a huge thank you to all staff supporting on the day! 

Year 10 Skyline Updates

Eighteen of our students have been accepted to do interviews for the Skyline Scholarship! If successful, they join the Skyline Program in 2026 which includes benefits such as university camps with other students from across the state, having the majority of their VCE experiences reimbursed, and access to 1:1 support from members of the Skyline team for any concerns or difficulties they run into in the final two years of their schooling. Very exciting! Good luck to the following students. 

Scott Alldis

Year 10 Learning Community Leader

VCE-VM/VPC Community

Year 11 Personal Development Sessions 

Thanks to Wellbeing Leader - Jarrod, Mental Health Practitioner Joss & Wellbeing Student Sarah for facilitating.

A special birthday surprise for Mr. McMaster & Ms Speed from our very talented students!

Year 11 student Belle on work placement at Wexford Campus, all dressed up with the team for book week!

Year 12 Social Justice Project 

Here was so much to celebrate as students showcased their learning and successfully met the requirements of their unit of competency. The presentations were engaging, polished and well-prepared, with plenty of classes coming through to see the great work on display. 

VM Clothing Shop

Students have been working hard to prepare all the clothing donated to the College by Corio Village Shopping Centre, to be able to get it ready to sell to our community. They have now had multiple opportunities to sell their wears, and are continuing to raise money for their designated charity.

Abbey Speed

VCE-VM / VPC Learning Community Leader

VCE Community

International School of Science Sydney

Earlier this year, our very own Mehdi Aref Mohammad was invited to attend the International School of Science in Sydney, a two week program that takes place every two years. Mehdi was one of only four students from Victoria selected, making this an outstanding achievement.

The program focused on STEM and brought together students from across the world. Mehdi had the chance to make international connections with students from Japan, China and the UK while taking part in hands on STEM activities and lectures. Topics ranged from “how galaxies are shaped” to “how dark matter can be formed around us.”

 Reflecting on the experience, Mehdi said “It was a great experience and changed my perspective of what I want to do. I realised I can go to different states, countries and fields that I never thought of before.”

Congratulations, Mehdi. We are proud of your achievement and look forward to seeing where your passion for STEM takes you next.

Year 12 Connect Lectures

Snow Camp: 

Twenty two VCE students had the opportunity to attend a three-night ski camp at Falls Creek. Students began the trip by staying at Howmans Gap for the first two nights, where they learned the basics of cross-country skiing in the Nordic Bowl.

After a day of practising their skills, students set off on a journey to Ropers Lookout, where they camped overnight in alpine tents. The next day, they skied back into Falls Creek before returning home.

The weather and snow conditions were perfect, which made the trip even more enjoyable. A big shoutout to Mr Wallace for organising and running the camp.

This was an amazing trip and a valuable experience for all involved.

Student Reflections

“The skiing lessons were amazing and the snow conditions were perfect. It was such a great experience!” Kade

 

“The snow was beautiful. It was my first time going to the snow and it is something I won’t forget.” Johnny

 

“The experience was really memorable. Whilst it was challenging, it is something that I’ll never forget.” Ali

 

“The snow camp was magical. It was very funny when Kade ran into a hole and fell over before I crashed into him.” Yves

Year 11 & 12 Food Studies Excursion – Velisha Farms

Our Year 11 and 12 Food Studies classes recently visited Velisha Farms, a working vegetable farm in Werribee. It was a fantastic morning with strong connections to the VCE Food Studies curriculum across both year levels.

Students toured the facilities, including the chilly storage rooms and the busy packing room, before sampling fresh produce straight from the farm. A highlight of the visit was enjoying a delicious homemade green smoothie, made with farm-fresh ingredients.

If you’d like to try it at home, here’s the recipe:

• 4 zucchinis
• 10 strawberries
• 4 pitted dates
• 1 cup of water

Blend together and enjoy a refreshing, healthy drink!

Jessie Melnik

VCE Learning Community Leader