PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Nicholas Adamou

Principal

2021 Key Dates

15 Nov to 25 NovYear 11 into Year 12 Orientation
16 NovGraduation Evening
22 Nov to 3 DecYear 10 into Year 11 Orientation
26 Nov

Assessment and Reporting Day 

(Student Free Day)

29 Nov to 3 DecYear 7 & 8 Swimming Programs
6 Dec

Last day of Year 7 to 9 classes

Grade 6 Parent Information Evening

7 Dec & 8 DecGrade 6 into Year 7 Orientation Program
8 & 9 DecYear 7 to 9 Activities
10 DecYear 7 to 9 Beach Day
14 DecAwards Evening
13 Dec & 15 to 17 DecEnvironment Days

2022 School Leaders

It is with great pleasure that I present the 2022 School Captains to our school community. 

Congratulations Darcy, Martin, Ae Tablay, Molly, Patrick and Leah!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Darcy Szakiel and Martin Salazar

School Captains

Ae Tablay Htoo

Community/Cultural Captain

Molly D'Elia

Academic Captain

Patrick Sager

Sports Captain

Leah Perin-Symons

Arts Captain

 

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we will not be able to have a whole school assembly, as we have done in the past, to present the Captains to the whole school community. I am hoping that students, staff and parents congratulate these young leaders via email or on a personal level when they see them out in the yard. 

We will have a special morning tea to welcome our new leaders to the NGSC Leadership Team on Tuesday, November 16. During the morning tea the School Captains will have the opportunity to discuss and present their views and their plans for next year. This is one of the moments that, as Principal of this proud community, I look forward to hearing and discussing fresh views and ideas about schooling in a COVID-19 safe environment. 

School Captains, and other students in leadership positions, play a vital role in the operations and life of the College. They act as role models for the student body and provide leadership across a wide range of activities within the school community including sports, the creative arts, culture, technology and the general life of our school life.

To be selected as a student leader at NGSC, students must have demonstrated a commitment to the values of the school, have a record of involvement in all aspects of the school life and have shown a willingness to serve the needs of others. Not all Year 12 students are School Captains, but all are leaders. 

Once again, congratulations to our 2022 School Leaders! My Principal Team and I are looking forward to working with them to continue carving a successful path within the school, achieving great outcomes for all.

North Geelong Secondary College Scholarship Program  

 “Providing opportunities for excellence”

 

North Geelong Secondary College is committed in 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 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
  • Lenovo 300E Chromebook
  • Full school uniform including a school blazer and a tie
  • Year 7 and Year 8 Camps and Excursions
  • All books and materials for Years 7 & 8 
  • All excursions and extra–curricular activities for Years 7 & 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 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. 

2022 Year 7 Scholarship Recipients

This year we had a large number and very high calibre of scholarship applications, which made it very hard on the scholarship panel to make their final decisions. 

Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients joining North Geelong Secondary College in Year 7 next year. Also, congratulations to their respective school communities. 

We are looking forward to welcoming these young leaders to our school community. 

A big thank you to Mrs Julie Andrews, Assistant Principal, Mr Stan Koullas, Transitions/Pathways Leader, Ms Tonia Tigani, Transitions/Pathways Assistant for all their work processing and reviewing applications, arranging and conducting interviews and following up with all applicants. 

We are looking forward to welcoming these young leaders to NGSC in 2022, to commence their high school education journey. 

 

Academic Excellence Scholarship:

Lincoln Peel

Manifold Heights Primary School

Lincoln has demonstrated the following achievements/skills; Premiers Reading Challenge in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and enrolled for 2021. Selected to compete in the Australian Mathematics Competition 2019. First prize in the Junior Cohort writing competition in 2017 (Grade 2). Throughout Primary School Lincoln has worked above the expected Levels for his learning. Wishing to be a role model to the School Community, Lincoln considers this Scholarship a great honour and privilege.

Welcome to NGSC Lincoln.

 

Student Leadership Scholarship:

Victoria Kotsopoulos

Bell Park North Primary School

Victoria has demonstrated the following achievements/skills: Victoria was nominated and was the successful House Captain for 2021 at her Primary School. Teachers commented that Victoria works to a very high standard and is very conscientious. A very responsible a trustworthy student who will be a good role model to other students. Prepared to face the Scholarship with great optimism and determination, Victoria will always go above and beyond with all tasks that are requested of her.

Welcome to NGSC Victoria.

 

The Community (Good Citizenship) Scholarship:

Joseph Traficante

Herne Hill Primary School

Joseph has demonstrated the following achievements/skills: Joseph is the School Captain of his Primary School for this year, a position which he takes very seriously and has thoroughly enjoyed throughout the year. An exceptional leader who shows great initiative and respect to his peers. The Principal commented that Joseph is a great role model to all other students. He is extremely well organised, respectful and inclusive to all other students. Joseph is always ready to help others in need, both in the classroom and in the yard.

Welcome to NGSC Joseph.

 

The Arts Scholarship:

Georgie Webster,

Rollins Primary School

Georgie has demonstrated the following achievements/skills: Georgie is the 2021 School Captain of her Primary School. She initiated an extracurricular program at the Primary School during lunch times for the Prep students, which entailed playing games aiming at engaging and strengthening student connectedness to school. Georgie is highly respected by the school community and has the ability to connect with everyone. She is a member of The Geelong Art Society and has displayed artistic talent throughout her primary school years. She was also the Spelling Bee Champion in 2019.

Welcome to NGSC Georgie.

 

Sporting Excellence Scholarship:

Zaylen Mercer

Teesdale Primary School

Zaylen has demonstrated the following achievements/skills: He has been his Primary School House Captain in 2021 and has delivered various speeches at sporting events for the school. Zaylen is very keen and interested in all sports, especially basketball and soccer. He has reached the semi-final of the Division 1 Geelong United Competition for basketball. He achieved first place in the District Championships for High Jump. Zaylen always likes to try his best and encourage other students to do the same. He was nominated as a Learning Leader for the Primary School in 2020.

Welcome to NGSC Zaylen.

 

2022 Year 9 and 10

Scholarship Recipients

Every year the College allocates 4 Scholarships to the value of $4500 for NGSC Year 8 students going into Years 9 and 10. The students are selected based on their written application, multiple references and their ability to articulate their vision on how they could lead the student body and contribute to the life of the school. 

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 pandemic, this year we were not able to present these students with their Scholarships at a whole school assembly. However, Mr Koullas and Ms Jacinta Eales, Transitions and Pathways Leaders, and I presented each student with their Scholarship and congratulated them on their great achievement at a private meeting.

 

Once again, congratulations to the following students:

  • Lana Pagram (8C) 
  • Dean Smilevski (8C)
  • Abishek Ranjithkumar (8B)
  • Lilly D'Elia

Student Parties

Keeping in mind that there are still COVID-19 restrictions in relation to public gatherings, I think it is timely to clarify with parents and students the school’s position about 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 very clear to all that the only College sanctioned activity currently planned by the school, in a COVID-19 safe environment, is the Year 12 Graduation Evening on Tuesday November 16 at the Pier. Graduation details have been provided to all Year 12 students and their families. Unfortunately, as per the government rules in relation to indoor events, this is subject to the obligations such as caps and density quotients. All participants over the age of 16 must be fully vaccinated. 

The Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed for family and friends. More details will be provided to students and parents shortly.

As parents or carers, if you are faced with the dilemma of whether a function is a school 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: 

  • Covid-19 Safety guidelines and state restrictions
  • 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 school’s name, please contact the school immediately so that we can clarify the issue with parents and guardians.

Awards Presentation Evening

At this stage the traditional Awards Presentation Evening will be on Tuesday December 14 and most likely will be modified, according to the DET operational guidelines to meet COVID-19 safe guidelines. More information will be provided to the school community in the near future. 

Happy Teachers Day at NGSC

World Teachers’ Day is held internationally on Tuesday 5 October. As it usually falls during the school holidays in many parts of Australia, we celebrate a little later. 

The state of Victoria celebrates World Teachers' Day on Friday 29 October 2021.

World Teachers' Day is a chance to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions teachers have made in Victorian communities.

At NGSC our teachers have continued to show their resilience, leadership and adaptability throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers have adapted their learning environments, supported their students and school communities, and continue to share their knowledge with students across the state.

World Teachers' Day 2021 was an opportunity to celebrate our teachers who are making, or have made, an impact on the lives of our students.

Whether you're a current student, have children in school, or have been out of school for many years, World Teachers’ Day is a chance to say ‘thank you’ to your own teachers.

On behalf of the Principal Team, I sincerely thank our teachers for their wonderful contributions in shaping the lives of our students.

Child Safety Code of Conduct

NGSC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Our school community recognises the importance of, and a responsibility for, ensuring our school is a safe, supportive and enriching environment which respects and fosters the dignity and self-esteem of children and young people, and enables them to thrive in their learning and development. 

This Code of Conduct aims to protect children and reduce any opportunities for child abuse or harm to occur. It also assists in understanding how to avoid or better manage risky behaviours and situations. It is intended to complement child protection legislation, Department policy, school policies and procedures and professional standards, codes or ethics as these apply to staff and other personnel.

The Principal and school leaders of NGSC support the implementation and monitoring of the Code of Conduct and will plan, implement and monitor arrangements to provide inclusive, safe and orderly schools and other learning environments. The Principal and school leaders will also provide information and support to enable the Code of Conduct to operate effectively. 

All staff, contractors, volunteers and any other member of the school community involved in child-related work are required to comply with the Code of Conduct by observing expectations for appropriate behaviour below. The Code of Conduct applies in all school situations, including school camps and in the use of digital technology and social media.

 

Acceptable behaviours

As staff, volunteers, contractors, and any other member of the school community involved in child-related work individually, we are responsible for supporting and promoting the safety of children by:

  • upholding the school’s statement of commitment to child safety at all times
  • treating students and families in the school community with respect, both within the school environment and outside the school environment, as part of normal social and community activities
  • listening and responding to the views and concerns of students, particularly if they are telling you that they or another child has been abused or that they are worried about their safety/the safety of another child
  • promoting the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students 
  • promoting the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of students with culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds 
  • promoting the safety, participation and empowerment of students with a disability
  • reporting any allegations of child abuse or other child safety concerns to the school’s leadership 
  • understanding and complying with all reporting or disclosure obligations (including mandatory reporting) as they relate to protecting children from harm or abuse.
  • if child abuse is suspected, ensuring as quickly as possible that the student(s) are safe and protected from harm.

Unacceptable behaviours

As staff, volunteers, contractors, and any other member of the school community involved in child-related work we must not:

  • ignore or disregard any concerns, suspicions or disclosures of child abuse
  • develop a relationship with any student that could be seen as favouritism or amount to ‘grooming’ behaviour (for example, offering gifts)
  • exhibit behaviours or engage in activities with students which may be interpreted  as abusive and not justified by the educational, therapeutic, or service delivery context 
  • ignore behaviours by other adults towards students when they appear to be overly familiar or inappropriate
  • discuss content of an intimate nature or use sexual innuendo with students, except where it occurs relevantly in the context of parental guidance, delivering the education curriculum or a therapeutic setting 
  • treat a child unfavourably because of their disability, age, gender, race, culture, vulnerability, sexuality or ethnicity
  • communicate directly with a student through personal or private contact channels (including by social media, email, instant messaging, texting, etc) except where that communication is reasonable in all the circumstances, related to schoolwork or extra-curricular activities or where there is a safety concern or other urgent matter
  • photograph or video a child in a school environment except in accordance with school policy or where required for duty of care purposes
  • in the school environment or at other school events where students are present, consume alcohol contrary to school policy or take illicit drugs under any circumstances 

Support for your kids to get active

 

Does your child love sport and being active? 

Does your family have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card? 

You may be eligible for up to $200 to put towards the cost of your child’s participation in physical activities.

As children return to sport over the coming months, the Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation activities. Under the program, children may be eligible to receive up to $200 to help with the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms, and equipment. 

The program also provides a special consideration stream to support children residing in care services as well as temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants or international students.

Applications for vouchers in round three of the program close at 5pm Tuesday 30 November. 

For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the Get Active Victoria website.