The Challenge Update

Welcome

Our Northern Bay Challenge Newsletter aims to keep members of our wider NBC Challenge community updated with work that is happening at our college and through the programs that are directly funded by The Challenge.

GROWTH - Annual Reporting 2022

At the School Council this month we wrapped up the annual reporting for 2022. The Annual Report provides a summary of our key data and work through last year and will make for some positive reading for our community. One of the major highlights is the learning data that shows the school has exceeded the 2021 results in basically every outcome with a particularly positive result coming in the Senior School outcomes.  In many cases these results are the best the college has ever acheived. This is a true testament to the dedication and work of all Northern Bay College stakeholders - students, staff and families - and is an achievement we should all be very proud of. 

Please see here a LINK to our 2022 Annual report. 

GROWTH - Marrung Scholarships

We are proud to share the brilliant news that two of our outstanding year 11 students were awarded with Marrung Scholarships. Marrung Scholarships are open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in Victorian Government schools. Each year the program offers 30 scholarships across the State to support students to complete their Year 11 and 12 studies. The scholarships recognise students who demonstrate a high potential to succeed in their chosen pathway and commitment to education. 

Nikkera Bedford Van Parreren and Lauren Kelly journeyed to Melbourne with Erin Prendergast (Goldsworthy campus princpal) to attend the Marrung Scholarship awards ceremony held in Melbourne. This was a most salubrious occasion with politicians and education leaders speaking of the important role this scholarship program plays in promoting positive educational outcomes. 

We congratulate Nikkera and Lauren on this wonderful achievement - it really is remarkable that two NBC students have been selected as part of the statewide 30 awardees. We look forward to the role these scholarships will play in further encouraging these two outstanding community members to achieve their ultimate educational goals.

COLLABORATION - Education Week @ NBC

This year's theme for Education Week was ‘Active Learners: Move, Make, Motivate’, which celebrates physical activity, hands-on learning and student voice in education. These are all aspects of student learning that our school values and this has lead to some wonderful activities across the college. We have engaged in staff student games of basketball and netball; seen students pitch ideas for their small business ventures in HASS; we have welcomed parents into the school for tours; Investigations Expos; Staff / Student Debates; a Teddy Bears Picnic and a ‘Feel Great Disco.’  

NBC Staff and students have truly caught the bug of all things active and the connection between students, staff and families this week really has been fantastic. A huge thanks to everyone who got into the spirit of Education Week. 

KINDNESS - Term 1 College Wellbeing Camp

During the last school holidays, the latest of our College Wellbeing Camps took place with great success. This time around Year 5 and 6 students from all four junior campuses enjoyed the last three days of their holidays up at our SVOEC (Staughton Vale Outdoor Education Camp) with members of our Wellbeing team. Students were able to participate in personal development workshops, some abseiling and rock climbing and visits from furry and scaly beasts!  

This is such a positive program for so many of our students, fostering new friendships, celebrating personal achievements, and we are so grateful to the Wellbeing team members who go above and beyond to bring these opportunities to our students. 

See below some of the wonderful data collected through the camp showing what a positive impact these camps have for our students.

And remember ... there is an opportunity to be an official sponsor of our School Holiday Wellbeing Camps. These camps allow the college to build an increased connection with selected students through a purposeful and highly engaging program. The camps that have already run have delivered some outstanding results with data indicating a huge increase in both personal confidence and connectedness to staff and peers. 

To be involved, the Challenge Committee is offering 'Supporter Shares' @ $1,000 per share. To become involved please contact the college directly or The Challenge via the 'How Can You help?' page at the end of this Newsletter.

Yours sincerely,

 Ken Harrison and Scott Diamond

The Challenge Chair & College Principal