PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Paul Dawson

Principal

2024 Key Dates

Well-Done

On behalf of the leadership team and staff, I would like to extend warm wishes to all students, parents, guardians, and members of the NGSC community for a safe and restful Easter Break and school holidays. This is an excellent opportunity for students to take a moment to reflect on Term 1 and celebrate their successes, while also identifying areas that may need development. Overall, it has been a successful term for most students, with Compass reports and other school data showing significant improvement in the majority of students. I hope everyone has a peaceful break and enjoys quality time with their families. 

I would like to share with the school community a phone call I received from a local mother about a heartwarming incident that occurred on the Friday night of the Labour Day weekend at a local 7-11 store. A mother who was visiting the store with her 18-year-old daughter who has Down Syndrome was moved by the behaviour of NGSC students who were in the store. She was impressed by the way the students were orderly in lining up to pay for their slushies. The students allowed the woman's daughter to join the line in front of them and interacted with her in a genuinely engaging manner. I am proud of the students who went out of their way to be kind to the woman's daughter. I shared this experience at the school assembly last week to remind our students that "good things happen to nice people."  Can I also compliment the parents of these students.

NGSC Extracurricular Activities 

Listed below are the extracurricular opportunities for students to interact positively during lunchtime. We offer 20 different lunchtime activities, most of which are run voluntarily by staff. There are also extensive sporting facilities around the school, complemented by the “Sports Shack” where students can borrow equipment to use at these facilities. We have numerous tables and chairs around the school that promote positive interaction with all students.  The school's Student Representative Council (SRC), has instigated many initiatives, including implementing brand-new drinking fountains, uniform changes, and room and environment improvements, to name a few. 

School Council Elections

This year we had four parent, and three DE employee vacancies. We also had one student vacancy. 5 vacancies are for a two-year appointment (2024 & 2025) and 2 vacancies are for a one-year appointment (2024). 

The following parents were elected.

• Mr Dirk Heitmann - two-year term.
• Ms Jasmina Blagojevic - two-year term.
• Mr Terrence Gillard - two-year term.
• Ms Ann-Maree Dillon - one-year term. 

The following DE members were elected. 

• Ms Tonia Tigani - two-year term.
• Mr Thomas Grantham - two-year term.
• Ms Suzanne Henry - one-year term.

The following student was elected for a two-year term.

• Mr Paris-Junnoel Mina

Congratulations to the parents and student members who have joined our School Council and thank you to all for showing interest in school governance. Working together makes a huge difference in improved student outcomes and students’ future.

On behalf of the college community, I sincerely thank the outgoing council members (parents, student & staff), Ms Christine Wilson, Ms Michelle Culjak, Mr John Doyle, Ms Darcy Cropp, Ms Edie Graham. Their contribution has been paramount to the life of our College Community.

I would like to congratulate Dirk Heitmann, who has been elected as President, Susan Davenport, who has been elected Vice president and Tonia Tigani, who has been elected Treasurer. 

Enjoy the Easter break and have a happy and safe holiday.

Term 2 begins on Monday 15 April.