Recognition

Our college is blessed with many valued community members - here are a few.

Marrung education scholarships

Marrung education scholarships support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to complete years 11 and 12. There are 30 scholarships that recognise students who demonstrate a high potential to succeed in their chosen pathway. Each applicant had to address:

• involvement in the Aboriginal community
• year 10 results and school reports
• potential to succeed in a chosen pathway
• references from school and community representatives.

and if shortlisted meet a selection panel made upof A selection panel made up of representatives from Department and the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) reviews applications and selects the 20 successful applicants

Northern Bay College had two successful applicants,  which is,  outstanding:

Lauren describes her experience

I was one of 20 winners of a Marrung Scholarship in Victoria.  This is a very big achievement that I am proud of.  This scholarship will help me to pay for school fees and camps.  It makes me feel good to be helping my father with these expenses.  This also gives me the opportunity to consider hiring a private tutor if I am struggling with my studies.

I was very busy when the application was due but I am happy that the school helped me to submit my application even though I was very stressed at the time.  I had a great reference written by Mr Massari which made me appreciate the effort he took to sing my praises.  A close family friend was my Aboriginal Community reference and it made me feel honoured that she took the time to help me with my application.

Having this money helps me to feel as though I am able to save more from my wages at my job and  will help me to achieve the independence I look forward to having after I finish year 12.   Lauren 

and this from Nikkera

In November of 2022, I worked on applying for the Marrung Scholarship in which I had to answer questions and give a reason why I wanted the scholarship. The questions were why completing year 12 was important to me, what my goals are for the future and an achievement I am proud of. I wrote about studying and learning about childcare and being proud of getting the help that I needed. 

A large part of the application process was to get an Aboriginal community referee and a school referee.  I was lucky that my aunty’s sister was happy to write me a nice reference letter.  At school, Ms Prendergast wrote a heartwarming reference for me as well.  

The final hurdle in the process was to write about my participation in the local Aboriginal community.  This was difficult for me because I do not live with my Aboriginal family and am not very involved in the local community.  Luckily, I was given several opportunities to participate in programs through school which allowed me to connect with my culture.  My biggest accomplishment was singing in the Dhungala Children’s Choir with famous opera singer, Deborah Cheetham. 

I was shocked to find out that I was successful in getting 1 of the 20 scholarships across the entire state of Victoria!  This scholarship will help me to be able to afford clothing and equipment for both school and my structured work placement.  I am thinking about buying myself a new laptop to help me with my VET studies in Childcare.

I appreciate having the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and that the school helped me to get my application submitted on time.  I feel honoured to be a Marrung Scholarship recipient.

The Geelong Youth Awards

are a significant opportunity for young people  aged between 12 and 25 to present their successes and achievements to a notable local panel. When all nominations are considered and judged an event is held in the city to recognise the achievement of not only winners but all certificated applicants.  Former student and current Northern Bay College staff member Brandon Dellow was the host of the events. Congratulations Brandon. The College had Certificate winners in 6 of the categories.

• Category - Active Achievement
  • Ali Zafar Rezaei
  • Jay Blackney
  • Jessie Blackney (staff)
  • Lauren Kelly
  • Subana Murugamoorthy
• Category - Art and Music Award
  • Eh Doe Htoo Shay
  • Elis Tun Htay Thu
• Category - Cultural Awareness Award
  • Moo Thay Wyar Blue (staff)
• Category - Inclusion
  • Jessie Blackney (staff)
• Category - Inspiration Award
  • Eh Doe Htoo Shay
  • Elis Tun Htay Thu
  • Jonathon Kelly
• Category - Leadership Award
• Jahnaye Buntine
• Moo Thay Wyar Blue (staff)

However, two of our own were awarded withe the Major Honour

1. Moo Thay Wyar Blue won the Cultural Awareness Award
2. Johnathon Kelly won the Inspiration Award

The announcements highlighted

Cultural Awareness – Dedicated to ensuring his community felt connected to their new country, through sport and various activities, Moo Thay Wyar Blue, was instrumental in the organisation of the largest sports tournament within the Karen and Karenni communities.

Inspiration – Proud Aboriginal person Jonathon Kelly connected with the broader community by sharing his culture and supporting the Aboriginal community to engage in cultural activities, sporting carnivals and activities.

Northern Bay College’s MEA Moo Thay Wyar Blue was nominated in two categories for his work in the community.  He is a tireless worker with Karen people especially young people in the local area.  and was also nominated  for Best Leader in the local community.  We are so proud of  Moo Thay Wyar Blue and so grateful for your work at Northern Bay College as well the volunteer work you do for your community. 

Jonny Kelly is a graduate of 2021. Goldsworthy Captain and one of the most popular students and role models  to have attended our College.  It would have been a proud night for Jonny too as his sister Lauren was there in her own right, as well as being a great support for Jonny.

 Such deserving winners and Northern Bay staff and students say  “Well done and congratulations !”  

Jonny fourth from left and Moo Thay second from right

PERFORMANCE

In the second week of the holidays - 20 & 21 April, three of our current students and two former ones - will be performing in North Youth Theatre's new production Rafiki. 'Rafiki' is a joyful comedy devised, written and performed by the NYT ensemble and their collaborators. This invigorating work incorporates original songs, Jamaican dance and projections to explore friendship, culture and resilience. With an aim to address challenges that are currently facing the community, short film 'Ran' follows a young man’s struggle to find his way in a new country. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to see our students shine on the stage. 

Tickets now on sale via https://tinyurl.com/y4k8hbvf 

Recognising the support of local organisatons

The Rotary Club of Kardinia are great supporters of the College and as a Club they have great admiration and respect for our College community.

There are two major interests in their College support. The Family Learning Centre where they give time and money to improve the facilities and experiences for the community, especially the first 1000 days.  Their meeting also gave an opportunity for Narelle our Community Hubs Coordinator to share some of the exciting plans the Centre has to further engage community members in projects such as Culture and Community Gardens.

She also made a plea for anyone - including readers of the newsletter to  donate unwanted, new material for clothes making during their sewing sessions.

Goldsworthy students also benefit from their generosity in providing awards.

Our College Captains Jevic and Fiona had the opportunity to say thanks in person and were Joined by 2022 Graduate Lachlan Stevenson who was awarded the prize for highest achieving VCAL student last year.

The other award winners sent a video message to Rotary which was very well received at their breakfast meeting.

The Kiwanis Club of Geelong similarly donate a fantastic Award at the end of year Goldsworthy Awards and current Goldsworthy Captain Indy Mayo was the recipient of their generosity. 

Through the Club they also offered an after school session to our students to show them some of the things to look out for in buying a car. The Club members also donated a BBQ sausage sizzle which kept the attendees very happy. They were also joined by one of the Extended School Day groups who 'volunteered' to help with the sausages! (eating not Cooking!)