From the Principal's Desk

A huge thank you to everyone for ensuring our students had such a positive start to the year. This dedication and preparation has created a welcoming and engaging learning environment, setting the tone for another year of growth and success.

We began 2025 with what was a moving Smoking Ceremony, a moment that reminded us of our shared purpose and deepened our connection to the land and community we serve. Hopefully this can ground and guide us as we navigate another full year of learning, challenges, and achievements together.

Student Voice and Agency continues to be a focus of our work at NBC. Empowering students at NBC is essential in a rapidly changing world. By fostering voice, agency, and leadership, we equip students with critical skills for lifelong learning. When students take ownership of their learning, they become more engaged, reflective, and capable decision-makers, strengthening both their academic success and their ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities. 

Students reflect on their voice and agency by considering their role in decision-making, opportunities to share and influence ideas, and how their input shapes learning and class activities. They assess whether they feel heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute to discussions, school decisions, and the learning process.

As we continue to focus on this empowerment piece, reminding ourselves where these opportunities exist is important.

Scott Diamond

College Principal

GROWTH

Mission Team #24

Our very own College Captain Farzana Mohammad Aref has been gaining some considerable media attention in being shortlisted to attend Space Camp in the USA.

Through a nationwide competition Farzana has been selected for her outstanding commitment to her studies and her community, and we wait with great anticipation for a positive outcome in Farzana gaining a place in this ‘once-in-a-lifetime-program. 

We are all very proud of Farzana and she is certainly doing plenty to lead by example.

COLLABORATION

Learning Adjustment Specialists Coaches

This year, we are fortunate to have expert teachers in the role of Learning Adjustment Coach (L.A.C.) at every campus (formerly known as Learning Adjustment Specialists, or LAS).

The LACs are an asset to our college and their role was developed in recognition of teacher workload and the increasing number of students who may require learning adjustments and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

The LAC will work within learning teams to support teachers in implementing targeted adjustments for students with learning difficulties. They will assist in curriculum development, scaffolding tasks, and co-teaching, while also working closely with Classroom Support Staff to ensure adjustments are effectively embedded in daily practice. They will mentor and guide education support staff, helping them implement strategies that enhance student learning experiences. 

Additionally, the LACs will collaborate with staff and allied health practitioners to provide tailored interventions, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive practices. All to ensure an inclusive learning environment and that the curriculum is accessible to all students.

Blue Edge Kicks Off

The first session of the 2025 Blue Edge program was a fantastic start to its fifth year at NBC! This program, a true partnership between Corio Police, The Village, and our school, continues to thrive thanks to the generous sponsorship of goods, time from these organisations and dedication of NBC staff who volunteer their Friday mornings.

Huge shoutout to the 33 students who attended todays first session, hearing Year 12 student Tom Bugg share his Kokoda experience over breakfast with local police.

Special thanks to all staff and community volunteers involved, especially Stoofa, for their ongoing support in making this program such a success!

Commemorating the National Apology

Thursday, February 13 marked the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, a pivotal moment in Australia’s history. On this day in 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally acknowledged the profound pain and injustice experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples due to past government policies.

As a college community, we reflect on the significance of this apology, honour the resilience of the Stolen Generations, and reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation, respect, and cultural understanding. Let’s continue fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all students feel valued, heard, and connected.

PERSISTENCE 

Northern Bay College Data

The ‘Similar Schools Dashboard’ on the DE Panorama site provides valuable insights into Northern Bay College performance compared to identified similar schools. Some of the data highlights include our strong results in School Connectedness for Years 10-12, Student Absence rates in Prep–Year 6, and NAPLAN Reading Growth from Year 7 to Year 9. Across these measures, NBC (yellow line) is performing well against the similar schools in our network (blue line) which at Prep - Year 6 is - Bell Park North Primary School and Year 7 - Year 12 is North Geelong Secondary College. 

This data reflects our commitment to student engagement, attendance, and academic growth.

Staff Success

It really is a pleasure to share a very short shout out to a wonderfully dedicated staff member at NBC who on the weekend became the first female cricketer to score a century in the local GCA competition.

To Alisha Aldridge we say well done and congrats on a wonderful innings!

KINDNESS 

Community Events

Our P-8 Community Events held at all P-8 Campuses through this week once again demonstrated the power of connection, with high levels of family and student engagement. These events are designed to foster a strong sense of belonging, and it was fantastic to see the interaction between staff and families, the smiles, and the meaningful conversations that made each gathering so special.

A huge thank you to all staff who played a role in organising and supporting these events—your efforts make a real difference in strengthening our school community. 

A special thanks to our event planning maestro Gordana Krsul. Thank you again for unwavering skill in supporting these events to happen to seamlessly.

Looking ahead, the final Community Event at Goldsworthy Campus will take place next term. This event will celebrate our new facilities while showcasing the outstanding learning and co-curricular programs that support students as they transition through school.

A Special Goodbye

Colleen Marshallsea has worked for the Department of Education for over 40 years with most of her time supporting students in 3214. Colleen has been a dedicated and passionate educator, taught across all year levels and done many different roles in that time.