Issue 11 22 Nov 2024

I am incredibly honoured to have been selected as the Principal of North Geelong Secondary College. This role fills me with immense pride, and I am genuinely excited to lead our school into the future. As we approach the end of another remarkable year at North Geelong Secondary College, I want to reflect on our collective achievements and thank every school community member for their unwavering support and dedication.

This year has been a testament to the strength of our shared values—Respect, Achievement, Excellence, and Diversity. Together, we have continued to foster an environment where every student feels supported to reach their full potential, every staff member is empowered to grow professionally, and our broader community remains engaged in shaping the future of our school.

Year 11 and 12 Completion

The Year 12 students are in the final days of their exams, with most having completed their assessments and VCE VM students having finalised their work requirements. We’re now looking forward to the Year 12 Graduation on November 27th, one of my favourite nights of the year. This event celebrates not only this year's achievements but also the culmination of 13 years of schooling as students prepare to embark on the next phase of their lives, whether through further study or by entering the workforce.

For the last two weeks, the Year 11 students have been busy beginning their 2025 Unit 3 courses, which will give them a head start on their studies. They have also been encouraged to ensure they have a break before they complete their holiday homework.

Child Safety Update

As we approach the last few weeks of the 2024 school year, I wanted to update you on our school’s child safety policies and practices.

Following concerns that were raised relating to the conduct of a former member of staff, this year we have worked with the Department of Education to review our child safety policies and practices. These conduct concerns were thoroughly investigated and found to have breached our Child Safety Code of Conduct, and the professional standards of behaviour of a member of the teaching service. I commend the students and families who raised these concerns with us, and the staff at the time, who responded immediately to remove any child safety risk and report the concerns to the relevant authorities. I also assure you that this staff member is no longer permitted to work at North Geelong Secondary College, or any other Victorian government school.

I am pleased to advise that the Department of Education has found our school to be fully compliant with the Child Safe Standards, which all schools must follow. Nevertheless, this matter was a reminder of the critical and shared responsibility to remain vigilant about child safety.

Our child safety and wellbeing policies and procedures are available on our website at: Policies and Reports - North Geelong Secondary College. This website also includes our Complaints Policy which outlines the processes we have in place for both students, and parents and carers, to raise concerns or complaints with us.

I also take this opportunity to encourage you to visit the website of the National Office for Child Safety, which contains important information on child safety including:

Having conversation with children and young people about child sexual abuse

Understanding what child sexual abuse is

Understanding grooming

Signs and indicators of child sexual abuse

At North Geelong Secondary College we are committed to ensuring our students are safe, and feel safe. We always welcome your comments or feedback in relation to any child safety related matters, policies and procedures. If you require further clarification of the above information, please contact me or one of the Assistant Principals.