PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Key Dates

26 MARCH             Athletics Day - Landy Field

03 APRIL                Parent Teacher Conferences 7-12  

05 APRIL                Last Day term 1

22 APRIL                Easter Monday 

23 APRIL                First Day Term 2

25 APRIL               ANZAC Day Public Holiday

09 May                    Year 7 Immunisations

   

Mr Nicholas Adamou

Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, staff, students and community members,

Following the tragic events that took place in Christchurch last Friday, I know the thoughts of all school community members and the whole of Victoria are with those affected.

 

Like Christchurch, one of Victoria’s greatest strengths, and in particular North Geelong Secondary College community’s, is the history of multiculturalism. We’re proud of the diversity within our school community and Diversity is one of our values.

 

The impact of this tragedy stretches far beyond New Zealand and I understand that some members of our community, particularly our children and young people, may be looking to their families or the school for guidance and support.

 

Some may have watched the footage on the news and feel impacted by the images. Others may feel unsure of their safety and will need reassurance and support to feel safe.

 

For tips for parents and carers on supporting children and young people and helping them feel safe during this time, see: Supporting children and young people with distressing events.

 

I encourage you to take care of yourself and those around you during this time.

Grade 6 Parent Information Evening, Open Night Prospective Parents for 2020

The Parent/Guardian/Student Information Evening, Open Night for our 2020 Year 7 intake was held very successfully, on Wednesday, 20 March, 2019. A large number of parents/guardians and prospective students visited the school and experienced the teaching and learning programs NGSC has to offer. 

 

The information evening provided prospective parents/guardians/students the opportunity to visit our school, talk to teachers, students and current parents about our community, our close knit family and what it has to offer their children in relation to curricular, extra-curricular, individualised and specialised programs. 

 

In my welcoming speech, I spoke about the school’s High Expectations from students, staff, parents and the wider community and the fact that the school is a ‘School of Choice”. The Victorian government has made it abundantly clear that parents can choose any school for their children, provided the school has capacity. I also stressed the importance of parents/guardians matching the educational needs of their children with the educational programs a school has to offer. We all know, and research informs us, how important it is to the future success of the child the decision in choosing the right high school for the child.  

 

Highlights of the evening:

  • Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM program; Naobot Robot, Robotics, Drones, Spheros) 
  • Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program
  • Scholarship Program
  • STAR Literacy & Numeracy Intervention Program 
  • ACE Literacy & Numeracy Intervention Program  
  • Digital Technologies (iPad and BYOD) Programs
  •  iLeaders Program 
  • Significant Teacher Program
  • Excellence in Sports Program (Football and Soccer)
  • Performing Arts Program/School productions 
  • Instrumental Music Program 
  • International student Program 
  • EAL Programs
  • VCE, VET and VCAL Programs 

Since the beginning of this term, Ms Astles and Mr Cowan-Clark, Transition/Pathways Leaders, and their team have conducted many feeder Primary school visits, personalised tours and information sessions for prospective students and their families. There is much interest in these visits and if parents of current students with a sibling attending next year are interested, or if you know of other potentially new families to NGSC who would like to take this opportunity, I encourage you and others to contact the school and book a visit with Ms Astles, Mr Cowan-Clark or a Principal Class Officer. 

 

It was a pleasure to meet so many new and also current families during this evening. I take this opportunity to thank all our staff and in particular our students who have supported this evening, presenting to parents or just by answering parent questions about what they have been learning at the school. Our students were great ambassadors to our school community and I, as their Principal, together with the whole school community are very proud of them. 

 

Students know that I hear them and my goal is to provide the best possible learning opportunities ensuring their future success.

School Council Elections

At the close of the call for nominations in the Parent Category for School Council there were 5 nominees for the 5 vacancies. The following parents were therefore, elected for a two year term. 

•    Mr Matthew Sheehan

•    Ms Catherine McKenzie

•    Ms Donna Woods

•    Ms Shelley Kitchen

•    Ms Helen Polyzos 

 

At the close of the call for nominations in the Department of Education & Training DE&T Category of School Council there were 3 nominees for 3 vacancies. The following DE&T staff member were, therefore, elected for a two year term.

•    Ms Shona Scorringe

•    Ms Tonia Tigani 

•    Mr Philip  Walker  

 

At the close of the call for nominations in the Student Category of School Council there were 2 nominees for 2 vacancies. The following students, therefore, elected for a two year term.

•    Mr Lachlan Grantham 

•    Mr Bailey Kitchen 

 

Congratulations to the parents, DE&T staff members 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 in students’ lives. 

 

On behalf of the school community, thank you to the outgoing council members (parents & staff). Their contribution has been paramount to the life of our College Community. Thank you very much. 

2019 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)

The 2019 AIP is based on the 2017 – 2020 School Strategic Plan. 

The Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) describes how the key improvement strategies in the school strategic plan, and other significant projects, will be put into operation during the year and how they will be monitored. It assists schools to:

  • plan and communicate their work for the coming year and how this will lead to achieving their identified goals and targets
  • ensure efficient and effective allocation of resources to complete the work
  • monitor progress and success.

The 2019 AIP is posted on the school’s website.

Annual Report 2018

Annual reporting is an important tool for effective governance within schools and across the government school system. Reporting to the school community adds value in a number of ways:

  • Keeping the school community informed
  • Contributing to system accountability and meeting legislative requirements
  • Relationship between the planning and annual reporting processes 

The Annual Report is prepared by the school Principal and presented to parents and the wider community to inform them of the school's activities and achievements throughout the previous year. The report also provides an opportunity to communicate and publicise the longer term directions for the school. Please take your time to read through and familiarise yourselves with the 2018 Annual Report. A copy will be published on the school’s website. 

Student Appearance

All students at North Geelong Secondary College are expected to take pride in their personal appearance. Jewellery, make-up, hair colour and style must be discreet as per the school expectations and policies. Earrings must consist only of sleepers or studs in the ears.

 

It is the school’s preferred position that students do not have facial piercing i.e. any facial piercing other than the ears. However, for students who already have facial piercing they have the following options: (i) the facial piercings are removed during the school day, to and from school. (ii) the facial piercing is discreet and clear plastic and (iii) a band aide is applied on the piercing during the school day, including to and from school .

 

Under no circumstances will metal facial piercings be accepted.

 

Therefore, new facial piercings cannot be obtained during the year due to the healing time which requires the piercing to be metal.

Personal Property brought to school

Personal property is often brought to school by students and visitors.  This can include mobile phones, electronic games, calculators, toys, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises.  I wish to remind you that, DET does not hold insurance (excluding the school’s iPad program) for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property.  

 

I wish to discourage students and visitors from bringing any personal property in particular valuable items to school and if you choose to do so it is entirely at your own risk.