Issue 4 02 May 2025

Welcome back to Term 2

On behalf of the Leadership Team and staff, I would like to welcome back all members of the NGSC school community. I hope you have all had the opportunity to have a holiday over the Easter break and spend time with your families. We are looking forward to a productive Term as students prepare for major assessment tasks and the end-of-semester exams.

Term 2 Key Dates

Anzac Day

Last Thursday, the College commemorated Anzac Day with a moving ceremony led by the students at North Geelong Secondary College. School Captains, along with students Dayna Maring (also a School Captain), Shesh Rajasingham, Jack Ristevski, and Gabriel Brown, all members of various armed forces, took part, proudly wearing their service uniforms, which added to the solemnity of the occasion. The “Mounting of the Guard” was a particularly moving moment, with Dayna Maring marching the wreath to Jack Ristevski, who laid it beneath the flags as a powerful symbol of remembrance and respect. A highlight was Shesh Rajasingham's inspiring performance on the bagpipes, captivating everyone present. During the recitation of the “Ode of Remembrance,” the playing of the “Last Post,” the Minute of Silence, and the “Reveille,” you could hear a pin drop. I was enormously proud of the staff and students for their reverence and respect in honouring our soldiers.

Exemplary Student Behaviour

I am delighted to share two wonderful pieces of feedback we recently received, which recognised the exceptional behaviour of our students.

This week, I received a beautiful email about the 48 Year 11 and 12 Media students who travelled to Melbourne for a morning excursion. Their respectful, responsible and considerate behaviour left a lasting impression. In addition, at the end of last Term, a member of the public took the time to write a letter praising the conduct of some of our students in the broader community.

These messages are a credit to the students themselves, the teachers who guided them during these experiences, and everyone in our school community, who contributes daily to shaping young people of character and integrity.

While we know that part of learning and growing sometimes involves offering guidance and support, moments like these remind us of the positive impact we are making together.

Below is an email I received from a member of the public yesterday while travelling on the V/Line service at Tarneit and a handwritten letter that I received from a local resident, which has been typed up by the school at the end of last Term.

Dear NGSC Community,

While commuting on the V/Line train this morning, I witnessed something genuinely uplifting: a group of NGSC students disembarking at Footscray, guided by their dedicated teacher. In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, the students’ impeccable behaviour, quiet confidence, and respectful demeanour stood out as a glimmer of hope. They were not just well-behaved—they embodied the values of kindness, discipline, and unity that form the foundation of great citizens.

To the students: Your actions speak volumes about your character. In a quiet way, you supported one another, followed instructions, and carried yourselves with grace. You showed the world what it means to be thoughtful, responsible young adults. You are not just the future of this country—you are its present, and you make it brighter already.

To the teacher: Your influence is immeasurable. The respect and attentiveness your students showed you—and one another—are a testament to your patience, compassion, and commitment. Educators like you don’t just teach lessons; you shape hearts and minds, leaving a lasting impact that ripples far beyond the classroom. Thank you for nurturing these young souls with such care.

You reminded me of the power of education, community, and human decency in a single morning commute. God bless each and every one of you, and may your future be as bright as the example you set today. Keep shining, NGSC!

With deepest gratitude and admiration

"The best way to predict the future is to create it.” You’re doing precisely that. 🌟

(Name redacted)

Dear Sir/Madam,

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to read my letter as I can appreciate how busy you folk are, (I certainly remember how busy my Principal was all those years ago. He was busy meeting with my parents or busy suspending me, but anyway I digress). Secondly, I apologise for any bad grammar or spelling that may follow, I write that with attempted humour, but I am honestly concerned where I put my commas and full stops.

I just wanted to bring to your attention about a few strapping - big fellas that regularly walk along Separation Street from your school. These guys have seen me walking along this street before and have always been pleasant with a “Gidday, how are ya’. But they went a little further than this the other day – I should remember what day it was, but going to NQR is a regular occurrence for me. It was in the last week – guessing it was the 6^th April, as my memory is not as good as it once was.

Anyway, they noticed that I had stopped for a rest from carrying several heavy bags and they offered to carry them for me. If I hadn’t met them on other occasions, a firm loud “No” would have been my reply. Instead, “Yeah, thanks guys” came out between my huffing and puffing. They walked with me carrying their own luggage and my shopping bags along Seppo then Thomson Rd, until the Bus Stop, offering to walk further but “Nah, but thanks heaps guys” I replied. They did go different ways with one staying at the Bus stop.

Once again, I just wanted you to know and maybe you let other students know this because it meant so much to me.

Quite simply students…. “A kind deed does get noticed”.

Hoping the rest of the school year is good to you, your staff and students and once again…. Thank you for sparing your time to read this.

(Name and address redacted)

These are just two great examples of the terrific behaviour we see from our students every day and a reminder of the powerful effect that simply being kind and considerate can have on others.