From the Principals Desk

As we move through Term 4, it’s been wonderful to reflect on the breadth of achievement across our college. At the senior end, our Year 12 VM students have demonstrated exceptional rigour, effort and professionalism through their portfolio presentations, while our VCE students have approached their exams with positivity, focus and a strong sense of collaboration. At the other end of the journey, our 2026 Prep cohort has now completed three engaging transition sessions across our P–8 campuses, setting them up beautifully for next year.

This term has also already seen a successful opening to our College wide Art and Design Showcase –  a vibrant celebration of student creativity and community - following closely on the heels of our P–8 concerts. These performances were a perfect lead-in to the launch of our inaugural NBC Production, The Wizard of Oz, which will take the stage in 2026 and feature students from across the college.

Please enjoy reading through our Term 4 Newsletter which certainly demonstrates just how much happens at our school every week.

Scott Diamond

College Principal

GROWTH

End of Formal Classes for Year 12s!

October saw the end formal classes for our Year 12 students — a milestone celebrating 13 years of learning, growth, and contribution. This year’s cohort, our largest in many years, has shown exceptional citizenship, leadership, and community spirit. They’ve been role models in the way they support one another, engage with their teachers, and contribute positively to school life. Their legacy is one of kindness, persistence, and service — qualities that reflect the best of Northern Bay College. As our VCE students prepare for exams and our VCE-VM students move into further study, training, or employment, we thank every staff member across our P–12 community for shaping their journey. Congratulations, Year 12 — you leave us proud and inspired.

VPC Negotiated Projects

Our Year 12 VPC students did a wonderful job presenting their Negotiated Curriculum Projects this week. Students shared the purpose of their projects, the learning gained, and the challenges they overcame along the way. Projects were wide-ranging—from designing and constructing a bicycle wash bay, to hosting cultural food experiences, and even organising a thank-you gifting initiative. Riley designed and built this bike washstand for the Goldsworthy Bike Repair Workshop. Baxter (Ash) giving Amanda Baulch a terrarium as part of his ‘Thank you’ project. The confidence students showed in their presentations, along with the genuine support they offered one another, was outstanding and a credit to their growth throughout the year.

Education Excellence Awards

We are thrilled to share that Lisa Gray was shortlisted as a Finalist for the 2025 Victorian Education Excellence Awards – Business Manager of the Year. This recognition is a testament to Lisa’s outstanding dedication and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Northern Bay College. Managing the incredible complexity of a five-campus school is no small feat, and Lisa approaches every challenge with professionalism, care, and unwavering support for our community.

Multicultural Youth Leadership Conference

This week, students attended both the African Australian Students Conference and the Multicultural Youth Leadership Conference. 

The African Australian Students Conference, themed Dreaming Out Loud: Our Future in Focus, inspired students of African heritage to envision purposeful futures and connect with accomplished African Australian professionals across diverse industries. 

The Multicultural Youth Leadership Conference brought together students from varied backgrounds for a dynamic, youth-led summit featuring keynotes, panels, workshops, and creative sessions. It served as a platform to amplify youth voice and reimagine leadership. Students shared positive feedback about both conferences and are already looking forward to next year’s events.

COLLABORATION

Kardinia Rotary Breakfast

Northern Bay College was proud to host the Kardinia Rotary Club Breakfast Meeting. NBC is one of the Club’s major fundraising causes for 2025, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing support—through student awards, programs such as RYLA and the National Youth Science Forum, and the invaluable networking opportunities they provide our students. The breakfast allowed members to hear from our school captains and gain an insight into the outstanding young people who make up our college community. This successful partnership, built on goodwill and true community spirit, remains a valued connection for NBC.

Drawing Up Exhibition and Book Launch

This term, Corio Village officially launched the new book - The Next Generation: Strength Vision and Legacy - a compilation of short stories written by First Nation elders. This book was developed as part of the ‘Drawing Up’ program that is sponsored by the Corio Village and saw students from our P-8 Campuses submit their artwork for inclusion alongside each story. This book launch was very special and included a group of our own First Nation students singing and the successful student artists being awarded framed prints of their artwork and a complimentary copy of the book. Congratulations to our Art team for supporting this outstanding initiative and please look out for a copy in your Campus office and library spaces.

PERSISTENCE

School Concerts

Congratulations to Hendy, Tallis and Peacock Campuses, who were the first to take to the stage in our new furnished NBC Theatre with their end-of-year concerts. Making full use of the recently installed curtains, theatre lighting, AV, and sound system, students—supported by the Performing Arts team and campus staff—put on a wonderful display of creativity, talent, and confidence. The huge parent attendance made it a true community celebration, filling the space with energy and pride. Events like these highlight the valuable skills students gain through the arts—teamwork, expression, and performance—and the joy that comes from sharing them with others. Congrats and thanks to the team of amazing staff behind what was a great production! Stay tuned for the Wexford concert in December. 

Staughton Vale Re-Opens!

We’re excited to share that our very own Staughton Vale Outdoor Education Centre (SVOEC) has officially re-opened after an extended period of updates and repairs. The first students to enjoy the refreshed site will be our Year 5s, who will no doubt make the most of the new and improved facilities! Upgrades include new flooring in the recreation hall, fresh furniture, a brand-new Gaga pit, an updated mini golf course, improved accessibility with new ramping, and of course, our striking Bunjil statue overlooking the grounds.

A reminder that SVOEC is available for any NBC program use and makes a fantastic option for a day trip or outdoor learning experience.

Year 6 SEEDlings Undefeated!

Congratulation to our year 6 SEEDLINGS Volleyball girls who were undefeated at the Division Volleyball Championships. A terrific display of skills and terrific sportsmanship. Thank you to Kay for his terrific coaching.All the best at the Regional Championships on October 31.

KINDNESS

Local Cricket

A huge shoutout to NBC cricketers Lozzy Kelly and Lauren Neville, who took to the cricket field on Saturday in what was a fantastic display of friendly competition and community spirit! Lozzy came away with the win and had an outstanding game, showing great skill, teamwork, and determination. It’s wonderful to see our staff representing Northern Bay College with such pride and enthusiasm beyond the classroom. After some time away from bowling due to injury, John Fisher is back in action! He’s stayed involved through batting, but it’s great to see him back sending them down the pitch with his usual fire and focus. Well done to Lozzy, Lauren and John— great to see the NBC spirit alive and well out in the community!

Farewell Deb!

After 11 amazing years of dedicated service, we farewell Deb Barclay, whose contribution to Northern Bay College has been nothing short of extraordinary. Deb has had a lasting impact across our entire school community - from her leadership in the NBC Challenge, her commitment on College Council, and her wonderful management of Staughton Vale Outdoor Education Centre, to her support of college-wide programs including the Year 7-8 Scholarships and our ANZAC Day services. Deb’s professionalism, unwavering commitment and wonderful connection with our students all leave an enduring legacy. We are so grateful to you Deb, for all you have given to NBC and wish you every happiness in the next chapter ahead. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT DIAMOND!

Our Executive Principal recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking his 50th birthday. We hope he enjoyed the occasion surrounded by family, friends, and perhaps a well-deserved slice of cake. To honour the day, the Principal Team engaged in a light-hearted birthday pickleball challenge.

Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations and best wishes as he celebrates his 50th year. Here’s to continued leadership, good humour, and many more memorable moments ahead.