From the Principals Desk

And just like that we have reached the end of another term. As we reflect on all that has taken place this term there is - as always - so many highlights that deserve recognition and celebration. Through the term we received our NAPLAN Data showing some really impressive gains in our students’ outcomes towards similar and state targets. This was particularly evident across our First Nation students cohort; we have had such a great term in supporting students to perform with the Victorian State School Spectacular and Short Black Opera topping off this list in Term 3; our attendance focus work has continued to gain momentum and we really should take great confidence in this data which demonstrates the efficacy we have in making a positive difference to this important data set for our students; our Numeracy Professional Learning day gave us a chance to see first hand what a powerful force we are as one college - the work and focus on this topic was first class and we look forward to further embedding college wide practice in his space next term and finally the continued effort to Turn Compass Green has been so amazing. It is a pleasure to see and hear students talking about getting a Green Compass. This positive reinforcement strategy - so simple in application - has such an effect on the climate of our campuses. Thank you and well done everyone and enjoy a very earned break!!

KINDNESS - RUOK Day

The college launched R U OK? Day with sizzling BBQs and some terrific activities to raise awareness to the importance of checking in and taking responsibility for our own Mental Health. This year R U OK? Day aims to promote the four step process for engaging in this important conversation - LINK - Ask, Listen,  Encourage Action and Check-In. The work that went into this year’s activities was so first class and we are so grateful to our Wellbeing teams who led the festivities across our campuses. 

COLLABORATION - Homework Club Success

We are so fortunate at Northern Bay to be supported by, and work alongside, some incredible people and organizations. One such example is Nestor Estampa who works with Catholic Care to deliver Homework Clubs and personal development programs for so many of our CALD (Culturally and Linguitically Diverse)students. This week the CatholicCare Victoria NBC EAL Study Group for Year 9 & 10 was awarded ‘Best OSHLSP’ in the Victoria Regional/Rural category. The award was presented by Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Education. The program aims to address the educational needs of newly arrived refugee and asylum seeker students while supporting their engagement and wellbeing. Congratulations Nestor and team (including our own EAL and MEA team) for this well-deserved accolade.

KINDNESS- Whole College Casual Dress Day

One of the key tenants of our work at Northern Bay quite clearly is Student Agency and working alongside our students to support them in becoming socially aware and active. We have so many examples of this happening in our classroom pedagogy and in the activities our students do outside of their classes in student-led activities and events. 

One such event totally and wholly organised and led by students was the connection we made to the Tabassam School in Kabul. This school exists to teach orphans and girls for whom education is otherwise not allowed. A Year 10 student, Ali, led a students' forum where students and some staff from both schools sat, chatted and shared hopes for what we hope will be a long lasting connection between our two schools. 

The students in Kabul spoke of the gratitude they have for their opportunity to learn, spoke of the challenges they face in accessing learning in the midst of a Taliban regime and shared gratitude for the interest and support they receive from our school community. The lessons we continue to learn from the students we teach should never go unnoticed. They remind us every day in so many ways and through so many examples of what is truly important and what they demonstrate to us everyday exemplifies what it is to be Collaborative, to be Persistent and to show unconditional Kindness. 

The Tabossam School was the subject of our Student Representative Council, whole College fund raising day. The wonderful outcome was the Casual Dress day with a Gold Coin donation - the profits of which will provide resources for the students (over 200 of them and 90% orphaned)

This is a social action and kindness to the nth degree. Congratulations to all involved.

GROWTH - Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Commemoration -  Tree Planting

Our Hendy 7/ 8 students and cross campus leaders had an excellent opportunity to have long lasting memories of meeting the Hon Richard Marles who came to Northern Bay to finalise a commemoration ceremony celebrating 70 Years of monarchy and service by Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. Each Campus were given a River Red Gum to hep shape a canopy of trees across Australia. Richard brought plaques to place on a plinth beside each tree. 

During his talk, the Deputy Prime Minister reminded students

of the wonderful example the Queen was to us all during her reign, with a relentless appetite for serving others - a great example to us all.  

Also during his visit, he generously spent some time with one of our students sharing the story of her journey to Australia, new experiences and the challenges she still faces in achieving her dreams of attending University. 

The reality for so many NBC students is that their current Visa status means they must make upfront payments for their Uni studies - a true injustice - and it was inspiring to see this student share her story  and the effects this policy has on her life in such a 

sophisticated and generous yet assertive manner.Her approach and humility certainly won the heart and mind of Mr. Marles and we look forward to the advocacy he will now provide with a greater sense of the people behind the work.

On the Years 7 to 9 Community Pages - students describe meeting Mr Marles.

Whilst one visit from such a prominent political leader is wonderful for our school a few days later we were very excited to hear that the Premier of Victoria Mr Dan Andrews wished to pay our  Goldsworthy Campus a visit late on Friday  afternoon. Alongside our local MP Ella George, Mr Andrews was able to have a sneak-peek at our building works and were very excited at the progress and the scope of this exciting project.

The Premier was also able to spend some time with our School Captains and Year 7-8 Leaders. We are so appreciative that they could spend some time with us, 

and look forward to welcoming them back in the future.

These visits should give such a lift that our work is indeed noticed, valued and certainly celebrated by our community leaders.

COLLABORATION – NAIDOC Week

Whilst the beginning of every term is exciting Term 3 brings with it something extra special as we celebrate NAIDOC Week. This year's assemblies again helped us to further develop our understanding and awareness of our First Nations People and the ongoing work we have to do to support reconciliation. 

NAIDOC theme ‘For our Elders’ was the perfect opportunity for us to hear in person from Aunty May who continues to make an incredible contribution to our school and wider community. 

This will continue to grow in the years ahead as Aunty May begins working formally with students in a role as First Nation Student Support - Cultural Connections, Wellbeing and Engagement. Thanks to Audra, Bri and Frances for their support in pulling these assemblies together for all Campuses this week.

The Campuses produced some wonderful follow up work to engage students and community. This piece is found at Peacock Campus

COLLABORATION - North Shore FNC Awards

In July, two NBC students were recognised at the Annual North Shore FNC Partners breakfast. Held at the Corio Shell Club the breakfast this was an opportunity for the club to share the wonderful work they are doing across the community. On the day Hayley  and Oscar  were awarded scholarships to support their future sporting, vocational and academic endeavours. It is a very special and prosperous partnership that has already seen so many of our students engaged in community sport and one that we look forward to developing in the years to come.

GROWTH - Wellbeing Camp

Over the holidays it was our senior students turn to attend the NBC Wellbeing Camp at SVOEC. This was another very successful event where students participated in personal development workshops, outdoor activities such as rock climbing and fishing and even had time to participate in a Year 12 English Exam preparation lecture. The balance of study and wellbeing was well preserved over the three-day camp, and we extend our thanks again to the wellbeing team members who continue to make this such a worthwhile and positive opportunity for our students.

COLLABORATION - NBC Anime Club

At the end of last term, the NBC Anime Club of Goldsworthy Campus travelled to Melbourne to attend Oz Comic Con. The students were able to experience the once-a-year pop culture event where they met guest stars, artists and cosplayers from across Australia. Many students decided to cosplay and experience the fun and welcoming geek community of Melbourne. Year 9 student

 Zanda Day was interviewed on the day as well which he was very excited about.

KINDNESS - Rotary International

The College has a strong, ongoing relationship with a number of organisations. Rotary International is one and the Kardinia Club joined with the Corio Bay Club in 2021 to spread a message of Peace  to school communities across Australia. The club have asked if we could consider sharing the peace message on a regular basis and some of the original students who helped launch the Peace Poles could celebrate again for International Day of Peace. 

Visible at the entrance to each P-8 Campus is the peace pole - written in 4 of our common language.

If you get the opportunity while on site have a look with your child and add your hopes for peace, personal, family, towns and cities as well as nations.

GROWTH - State School Spectacular

After a gruelling 6 months of rehearsals- at home, in school, off site and in Melbourne, our Dancers and Choir members finally were able to shine in two performances at the John Cain Arena. 

In front of thousands in the audience, including many of their family members it was incredible to watch the obvious enjoyment each of the students experienced. Our appreciation for all the hard work goes to these students, their families and to Northern Bay Staff members who make this all possible.

COLLABORATION – BOOK WEEK

One of the many highs lights of schooling for us all is the opportunity to dress up for book week. All children love it and teachers go to great lengths to add to the love of reading and books in amazing costumes. It is with great appreciation we thank the staff, but behind the scenes mums, dads, grandparents and other relatives do their part to ensure that the little ones have a special day. Thank you

GROWTH – First 100 Days

Milestones are celebrated across the 13 years of schooling in Victoria.  Our prep students have two of them. The first of course if the first day of school and much is made of this event but 100 school days later – the first 100 days is a major celebration. 

Like so much of our school activities, FACEBOOK provides an up to date visual celebration of all that happens at Northern bay and the stories and pictures posted about the First one hundred days are no exception

Regards,

Mr Scott Diamond

College Principal