PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Nicholas Adamou

Principal

Key Dates

10/11 to 30/11VCAA Exams
23/11 to 3/12Year 10 into Year 11 Orientation
4 DecYear 10 Parent/Teacher Conferences
23/11 to 26/11Year 7 to 9 Exams
27 NovAssessment and Reporting Day – Student Free Day
30/11 to 4/12Year 8 STEM Project
1 DecYear 12 Graduation
8 DecGrade 6 Orientation Program
9 DecBeach Day - Years 7 to 9
10 & 11 DecActivities – Years 7 to 9
14/12 to 18/12Activities/Environmental Days Years 7 to 9

COVID-19 update

The consistently low coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers in recent weeks are a testament to how well all Victorians have worked together to slow the spread of the virus. Schools have also played a huge role in ensuring Covid safety plans have been in place and providing a positive platform for students, staff and families to minimise risks in terms of spreading the virus.  I take this opportunity to thank students, staff and parents for their understanding and cooperation in the fight against the pandemic.

North Geelong Secondary College Scholarship Program   

 “Providing opportunities for excellence”

North Geelong Secondary College is committed to providing the best educational, cutting edge programs to the wider community.  The school is also committed to providing the best possible Transition Program from Primary to Secondary School.

 

Scholarships are awarded for two years, commencing in Year 7, and then reviewed in Year 9. The Scholarship Program promotes outstanding commitment of Primary School students, who have displayed a strong involvement in their Primary School Community. The College looks for outstanding young people who are exceptional in different areas and possess personal values that will contribute positively to the life of the College.

 

The Year 7 and 8 Scholarships are to the value of $5000. The scholarships cover the following items:

  • Full value of school fees in Years 7 and 8
  • Chromebook
  • Full school uniform including a school blazer and a tie
  • Year 7 and Year 8 Camps
  • All books and materials for Years 7 and 8
  • All excursions and extra –curricular activities for Years 7 and 8

Scholarships are available in the following areas:

 

Academic Excellence

The Academic Excellence Scholarship is available to students with an exemplary academic record who have demonstrated outstanding application and achievement in one or more of English, Mathematics or Science, together with a strong performance in general studies. 

 

Student Leadership

The Student Leadership Scholarship is available to students who have demonstrated leadership skills. The successful applicant(s) will have excellent communication skills, display initiative, and have a passion to motivate, delegate, guide and direct fellow students.

 

Community (Good Citizenship)

The Community (Good Citizenship) Scholarship is available to students who have made a significant demonstrable contribution to their community. The successful applicant(s) will display a strong social conscience, as well as an outstanding work ethic and excellent behaviour. 

 

Sporting Excellence

The Sporting Excellence Scholarship is available to keen sportspersons who have shown outstanding aptitude and personal achievement in one or many sporting field(s). 

 

The Arts 

The Arts Scholarship is available to students who have displayed excellence and shown commitment in one or more of the Arts (such as; Drama, Music, Dance, Visual Arts). Successful applicants should have a record of involvement in all aspects of Primary School life in addition to artistic talent. 

 

2021 Year 7 Scholarship presentations, Congratulations to the following students and schools. 

  • Academic Excellence Scholarship: Molly  D’Andria, Teesdale Primary School
  • Student Leadership Scholarship: Charlee Glazer-Harmsworth, Lethbridge Primary School
  • The Community (Good Citizenship) Scholarship: Cara Greville, Manifold Heights Primary School
  • The Arts Scholarship: Ella Osborne, Bannockburn College
  • Sporting Excellence Scholarship: Meyah Fursland, Rollins Primary School

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Molly D’Andria

Teesdale Primary School

 

Congratulations to Molly for her outstanding achievements, as the recipient of the Academic Excellence Scholarship! 

 

On Thursday, 19 November, Molly and her parents were invited to NGSC for the Scholarship presentation. Unfortunately, this year, due to the pandemic, I was not able to attend the Primary School assembly to present the Scholarship, as I have done so in the past, therefore all of the Scholarship presentations occurred at North Geelong Secondary College, according to the school’s Covid safety plan.

 

Molly has made an outstanding contribution to the Teesdale Primary School Community. She has demonstrated the following achievements and skills;

  • Molly has achieved outstanding academic results in all curriculum areas, in particular Science and Mathematics.  She worked on a Mathematics/STEM challenge in which she excelled. She also received an award from her Primary school Principal for a huge academic growth in Numeracy.
  • Molly worked on a Science project on the Solar System which was again rewarded with a high distinction.
  • She demonstrated great leadership and communication skills; Molly was elected to be a member of her Primary School Committees for the 2020 year.
  • Molly has also achieved high results with the Royal Academy of Dance, receiving three Distinction Certificates
  • Molly is a high achiever, whose teachers and peers, can’t speak highly enough of.

Once again, congratulations to Molly and Teesdale Primary School. We are looking forward to welcoming her to the NGSC community for the next six years.


Student Leadership Scholarship

Charlee Glazer-Harmsworth

Lethbridge Primary School 

 

Congratulations to Charlee for her outstanding achievements, as the recipient of the Student Leadership Scholarship!

 

On Friday, 20 November, Charlee and her parents were invited to NGSC for the Scholarship presentation. 

 

Charlee has made an outstanding contribution to the Lethbridge Primary School Community. She has demonstrated the following skills and achievements;

  • Charlee has been elected as the Lethbridge PS STEM representative held at Deakin University
  • She has been a member of the Primary School SRC Council and furthermore, this year, she is a School Captain, leading the student body through the pandemic and role modelling for the younger students
  • Charlee represented the Primary School in Year 5 at the Victorian Parliament Student Day
  • Charlee is a high achiever whose teachers and peers can’t speak highly enough of.

Once again, congratulations to Charlee and Lethbridge Primary School. We are looking forward to welcoming her to the NGSC community for the next six years.


The Community (Good Citizenship) Scholarship

Cara Greville

Manifold Heights Primary School

 

Congratulations to Cara for her outstanding achievements, as the recipient of the Community (Good Citizenship) Scholarship! 

 

Cara was presented with her Scholarship on Tuesday, 24 November. She has made an outstanding contribution to Manifold Height Primary School over the last three years. Cara demonstrated the following skills and achievements:

  • Cara assisted the Primary School with three fundraisers, working with the WWF, the Cancer Council and the Red Cross
  • She attended a Girls Coding Camp in Melbourne, where Cara learned a range of coding skills
  • She is very well respected by her peers, as she always has a “can do” positive attitude
  • Cara is a strong leader who feels passionate about the world and the environment. She has participated in a Public Speaking Program, promoting a healthy environment and a peaceful world
  • She has been a School Leader at her Primary School
  • Cara has successfully participated in the “What Matters” Competition at the Whitlam Institute for  Short Writing Stories

Once again, congratulations to Cara and Manifold Heights Primary School. We are looking forward to welcoming her to the NGSC community for the next six years.


Sporting Excellence Scholarship

Meyah Fursland

Rollins Primary School

 

Congratulations to Meyah for her outstanding achievements, as the recipient of the Sporting Excellence Scholarship! 

 

On Tuesday, 17 November, Meyah and her parents were invited to NGSC for the Scholarship presentation. 

 

Meyah has made an outstanding contribution to the Rollins Primary School community. She has demonstrated the following achievements and skills:

  • Meyah is passionate about sports, a student who has developed levels of respect and someone who enjoys a challenge
  • She represented Rollins Primary School at Cross Country and achieved 1st place at Regional level
  • She has won the Girls Age Group Championship in Athletics for the last three years.
  • Meyah was a Class Captain at Rollins Primary School in Grade 5 and also a School Captain this year
  • She won numerous Grand Finals in Netball for Bell Post Hill Netball Academy and currently she is a coach assisting new players with the basic skill in Netball and match play strategies.

Once again congratulations to Meyah and Rollins Primary School. We are looking forward to welcoming her to the NGSC community for the next six years.


The Arts Scholarship

Ella Osborne

Bannockburn College 

 

Congratulations to Ella for her outstanding achievements, as the recipient of The Arts Scholarship!

 

Ella was presented with her scholarship on Thursday, 26 November. She has made an outstanding contribution to Bannockburn College over the last three years. Ella has demonstrated the following skills and achievements:

  • Ella reached out of her comfort zone by having a Solo part in the 2019 School Concert
  • She is a talented student with many impressive talents across different elements and different mediums in the Arts.
  • Ella has achieved excellent levels in the Arts and has been recognised for that by her teachers
  • She enjoys working to develop other students in achieving a better understanding of both music and the different instruments
  • Ella is a well respected student amongst her peers
  • She is very passionate about Visual and Performing Arts
  • Ella is a young leader who loves new challenges

Once again, congratulations to Ella and Bannockburn College. We are looking forward to welcoming her to the NGSC community for the next six years.

Awards Presentation 2020 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Awards Presentation will be held at the school gym, during the day on Monday 14 December.

 

Unfortunately, due to the restrictions, we are unable to invite parents to the presentation. However, we are fully aware of how important it is to celebrate our student achievements with family and friends, therefore, the presentation will be live streamed. 

 

The Awards Presentation for our Years 7 to 9 students will occur from 10:00 to 11:00 am and the awards presentation for our Years 10 to 12 will occur from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.

 

More details will be provided to students and family shortly. 

Melbourne University

Kwon Lee Dow

Young Scholars Program 

Abby D'Andria

 

We congratulate Year 10 student, Abby D’Andria, who has become a part of the University of Melbourne Kwon Lee Dow Young Scholars Program.

 

Abby was chosen from an excess of 1500 students across the state and adjoining border regions, to participate in the program that will see her take part in events and activities to enhance her studies, inspire, and interact with the University of Melbourne community. Should she go on to enrol at the University, Abby will also be afforded additional program benefits. 

 

On Tuesday, 15 December, the University will host a Welcome Event for Year 10 students selected as Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars. Students will be officially welcomed into the Program and hear from former Vice-Chancellor and the Program’s namesake, Professor Kwong Lee Dow. 

 

Once again, on behalf of the North Geelong Secondary College community, we congratulate Abby for her induction to the Class of 2021 Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars. We wish her the very best over the next two years.

Student Parties

Frequently we hear stories from around the state of students organising large “parties” or “formals” in a school’s name but where the function is not sanctioned or supported by the school. Invariably, a parent takes the responsibility for booking a venue. 

 

Such functions are open to significant abuse, especially in relation to drugs, violence and alcohol and, if this is the case, those involved leave themselves open to legal action. I wish to make it clear to all that the only College sanctioned activity that will occur outside of the school by way of celebrations, is the Year 12 Graduation Evening on Tuesday, 1 December. 

 

As parents or guardians, if you are faced with the dilemma of whether a function is a College function, please ensure you ring the College for clarification. Whether or not you allow your child to attend any such party or event is a matter for decision between you and your child. However, when discussing this, we suggest that you consider: 

  • Transport arrangements to and from any “function, event, party or after party”. We are all aware of the potential risks associated with young people travelling with young drivers particularly after celebrating; and
  • What level of security is being provided at the venue? There have been numerous stories over the years of such events resulting in alcohol and drug use and in violence.

If at any time you become aware of any event purportedly being held in the College’s name, please contact the College immediately so that we can clarify the issue with parents and guardians.

2021 Year 7 Parent/Guardian Virtual Information Evening

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s Parent Information Evening for our new Year 7 students, will be online. We will offer two online information sessions and we will ask parents to attend the one that best suits them. Details on how to attend one of the sessions will be communicated/emailed to parents.

 

Information Sessions:

  • Thursday, 3 December, 5:30 pm and a repeat session on,
  • Monday, 7 December at 5:30 pm

Any parents unable to attend an online session, please call the school and speak to Mr Koullas, Transitions/Pathways Leader. 

Grade 6 to Year 7 Orientation Day Program, 8 December, 2020

On December 8, all new Year 7 students in Victoria will be attending their Secondary School for a whole day. This is part of their transition to secondary schooling and it is a state wide Orientation Day for public education. On this day, our current Year 7 to 9 students will not be required at school. Some current Year 7 students will be attending, by invitation, to help out with our transition activities. I am looking forward to meeting all our new Year 7 students.

 

The Orientation Program has been planned according to the Department’s Covid-19 operational guidelines. All recommended safety guidelines have been taken into consideration, ensuring minimisation of risks. 

 

I take the opportunity to thank Mr Stan Koullas, Transitions/Pathways Leader, and Mrs Tonia Tigani, Pathways/Transitions Assistant, and other key stakeholders, for all their hard work and resilience in organising and implementing this year’s Covid Safe Orientation Program. 

Year 7 to 9 End of the Year Activities Program

All Year 7 to 9 students will have the opportunity to participate in our Covid-19 Safe Activities Program from December 9 to December 18. A variety of exciting activities, mainly based at school, have been offered to our Year 7 to 9 students. On December 9, the students will have the opportunity to participate in our traditional Beach Day. All Year 7 to 9 students are expected to attend the Activities Program. 

 

Thank you to Ms Sherryn Martin and other key stakeholders, who have worked hard to put together a very appealing end of the year Activities Program.