Year 2025 - Issue 1
14 Feb 2025

Welcome back to the 2025 School Year

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

I hope you all had a wonderful and restful summer! I am excited to welcome you back to a new school year filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and success.

Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare engaging lessons, create a safe and supportive environment, and ensure that this year is one of the best yet. We are committed to fostering a community where students feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential.

Let's work together to make this year a fantastic experience for everyone. I look forward to seeing your bright and eager faces in the schoolyard. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

A special welcome goes out to our new Year 7 students who have joined our school community. Seeing so many parents attend the Year 7 Teacher and Chromebook Night on January 30th was wonderful—your engagement and support are genuinely valued. Additionally, we welcome all newly enrolled students from Years 8-12 who are now part of the NGSC school family. We hope you feel supported and inspired as you settle into our school.

As we begin this new academic year, we encourage all students to embrace challenges, set goals, and maximise the opportunities ahead. Our dedicated teachers and staff are here to support every student on their journey.

Let’s make 2025 a year of success, collaboration, and community spirit! If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

At NGSC, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. If parents or guardians believe their child may need additional support, we encourage them to inform their child's teacher or coordinator. We aim to work collaboratively with all school community members to guide students in the right direction and equip them with the skills to navigate any challenges they may face.

This year is particularly significant for our Year 12 students, embarking on their final year of secondary school. We hope they will look back on this year as one of the most rewarding and memorable in their educational journey. This is a critical time, and we encourage them to stay focused, set goals, and seek support when needed. Our teachers and staff are here to help guide them through their studies and provide any assistance they may require.

To help prepare for the challenges ahead, our Year 12 students recently attended a study camp at Federation University in Ballarat. This valuable experience was designed to equip them with essential study skills and foster strong relationships with their peers and teachers—setting them up for a successful final year.

Once again, welcome back to the NGSC school community. I look forward to working closely with all members to ensure a successful year of learning for all students.

Welcome to New and Returning Staff

Welcome the following new and returning staff to our college and wish them a productive and enjoyable year. The staff and I look forward to working closely with our new staff to ensure the best possible teaching and learning opportunities for our students.

New

• Paige Karamatic (English)
• Cam Von Bibra (Maintenance and Grounds)
• Cameron McKay (DI and Music)
• Annemarie Camilleri (Wellbeing)

Returning

• Callum Mitchell (VM and PE)

Rafael Lakandula selection in the Australian U18 Men's Ice Hockey Team

On behalf of the College, we congratulate Rafael Lakandula on his selection for the Australian U18 Men’s Ice Hockey Team. This is an incredible achievement, and we are immensely proud of his hard work and dedication.

Rafael and his team will compete in the Ice Hockey Federation World Championships from March 17th to 23rd in Sofia, Bulgaria. He will prepare for nine days at the Australian Institute of Sport training complex in Gavirate, Italy.

We wish Rafael all the best for the championships and his European experiences. We look forward to hearing about his journey and accomplishments upon his return.

School Council and School Council elections

School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. Effective councils have a wide range of skills, expertise, and knowledge to support good governance and provide students the best possible educational outcomes.

The annual school council election process provides an opportunity to attract members keen to add value and bring their expertise and skills to assist the school's governance.

All government schools with students enrolled in Year 7 and above must have a student member category on council. The school election process for the student member category must co-occur with Parent and DET employee member elections.

Where a council has Community member positions, the council can co-opt members following the election process and add to the council’s skills and expertise.

School council membership

Each school council’s constituting order makes provision for its structure and membership:

• Parent members – parents of students at the school must comprise more than one-third of the school council’s total membership. ‘Parent’ includes a guardian or person responsible for maintenance or custody of a student at the school. Department employees are eligible for membership in this category as long as they have children attending the school and the Department employees do not work at the school (except for the principal, who is a member of the Department employee member category) of that school council.

• Department employee members – must not be more than one-third of the school council’s total membership. The principal is automatically included in this membership category and has full voting rights. Other staff (teaching and non-teaching) are elected or co-opted to this category. To be eligible for election to this category, a person must be a member of the school's Department of Education and Training (DET) employee electorate.

• Student members– ‘student’ describes a student enrolled at and attends the school and is in Year 7 or above. Students are elected to this membership category or co-opted if a casual vacancy occurs. To be eligible for election, a student must be a member of the school's student body. The number of student members is recorded in the Ministerial Order for the school council.

• Community members– is an optional membership category. The council’s membership schedule may include this category. If a council has the option of community members, the committee decides who to approach and co-opt into this position. People are co-opted by the school council to a community member position to bring additional skills and perspectives. Community members hold the same rights, responsibilities, and terms of office as elected members. Parents are eligible to be co-opted to a community member position, but Department employees are not. Students may also be co-opted to a community member position.

The North Geelong SC, school council composition includes:

(9 x parents, 1 x community member, 2 x students and 5 x DE employees including the Principal - voting members)

• 9 x parents (no DE&T employees)
• 1 x community member
• 5 x DE employees – teaching and non-teaching staff, including the Principal
• 2 x elected students

Total number of voting members 17.

The College Principal is the Executive Officer of the school council.

This year we have:

• 6 x parent members vacancies for a 2-year appointment (2025 and 2026)
• 2 x DE employee member vacancies for a 2-year appointment (2025 and 2026)
• 2 student member vacancy for a 2-year appointment (2025 and 2026).

I call for parent nominations for three vacancies. Any parent or community member that would like to discuss the role of the Council or the role of the parent member on the council, please call the school and speak to Ms Leanne Scarlett or the Principal.

Nomination forms can be obtained from Ms Leanne Scarlett at the General Office. The closing day for nominations is Tuesday 7th Of March by 4.00pm.

I take this opportunity to thank all school council members, particularly the parent body, for their outstanding contributions to the life of the college.

Welcome to the 2025 school year! It has been lovely to welcome our Year 7 cohort and other families new to our college family and we look forward to working with you all. Students have settled well into classes and their learning. Our vibrant and engaging extra-curricular activities, including lunch time clubs, SRC and sport are all currently being organised.

Year 12 Camp

During Week 1, Year 12 students set off for their yearly camp to Federation University in Ballarat. Students got a taste of what University life would be like by staying in large dormitories, attending a variety of sessions in lecture halls focusing on different areas of study and also got to know their coordinators and peers through mealtimes, games nights and tenpin bowling. All students in attendance had a great three days and it was a fantastic way to start their final year of school.

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Applications to join the SRC are accessible at Sub-Schools for students to collect. Being involved in SRC at North Geelong Secondary College can benefit students in the following areas:

• great way to meet new people and form friendships
• have a say in how the school operates and what we provide for students
• gain new skills in organisation, time management, public speaking and more

Testing

Students in Years 7-10 have been undertaking PAT and DAL testing in literacy and numeracy. This information , along with class work and testing, provides teachers with data to plan for learning and meeting students at their point of need.

NAPLAN testing will take place for students in Years 7 and 9 from 12/3/25-24/3/25. Specific details and timetable will be provided at a later date. Parent information and notifications will be sent via Compass.

Connect

Our new pastoral care program, Connect, runs on Thursdays. Students have been placed in a Connect group with a key teacher who will be supporting them for the year. The first lessons focus on Connect Culture and Expectations. Staff are getting to know the students and building a positive environment for the program. All curriculum is linked to VCAA Capabilities, including Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Capability, Intercultural Capability, and Critical and Creative Thinking.

Please note that there are no homegroups in the morning. Students who have notes for uniforms/ absences etc are to take them to the relevant Sub School before school.

Progress Reports

Progress reports focus on learning behaviours and progress and provide students and families with regular feedback. They act in conjunction with Semester Reports to provide feedback on learning behaviours and data on feedback.

Data from the reports enable the college to acknowledge the positive efforts of students and is used to identify those students who are deemed “at risk”. The Student Management Team will make contact with parent/families of these students to organise a Student Support Group meeting.

Progress reports will be provided to parents at the end of week 5. These are four weekly reports that focus on the key areas of:

• Meets Attendance Requirement
• Progress In Learning
• Participates In Learning
• Demonstrates Preparation for Learning
• Displays Respect for Learning

Progress Reports: Descriptors

Year 10 Immunisation

Year 10 Immunisations will take place on 25 February 2025. Families are required to respond to Barwon Health. Please see the relevant Compass notifications.

School Photos

School Photos will take place on 12/3/2025. Students are required to be in full college academic uniform. Ordering will take place via Compass and Student Identification Cards will be issued after the photos have been taken. There will be “catch up day” on 17th March 2025 for those who miss the first day.

School Athletics Day

Students will be able to represent their House Teams and have a great day participating in athletics activities on 18th March 2025. This will take place at Landy Field.

Parent Teacher Conferences

This will take place on 2/4. Bookings will be available through Compass. Compass will notify families when booking is open.

Supports available

There are a variety of supports available for students and families who may need support to adjust to the new year and school environment.

School Based Support:

• Sub School Student Management Team

• Student Wellbeing

Other supports available:

School refusal: children & teenagers | Raising Children Network

Raising Healthy Minds app | Raising Children Network

Thanks for your support

Sarah Bridges/Brad Headlam/Ryan Mills

Welcome Back, Senior School Families!

We hope your summer was filled with relaxation, adventure, and just the right amount of “Mum, I’m bored” complaints. As we dive into another school year, we’re thrilled to have a fantastic team leading our senior students through the chaos—oops, we mean, the excitement—of Year 11 and 12.

This year, our expert lineup includes:
Year 12 Coordinators: Mrs. Martin & Mr. O’Callaghan – masters of motivation and keeping Year 12 on track.
Year 11 Coordinators: Ms. Cropp & Dr. King – here to help students navigate the VCE maze.
VCE VM Coordinator: Ms. Quick – because things need to happen fast in the VCE VM world!
VET Coordinator: Mrs. Sulomar – making sure our hands-on learners get the best experience.
Sub School Assistant: Miss Bonnie – the glue that holds it all together!

We’re set for an amazing year ahead!

Year 12 Camp – The University Experience (With Extra Fun)

Our Year 12s kicked off their final school year with a trip to Federation University, where they got a sneak peek at residential life (a.k.a. learning how to survive without a fully stocked fridge at home).

The highlight? An epic games night, featuring intense rounds of Simon Says and Musical Chairs—because nothing says "VCE prep" like fiercely battling classmates for a seat.

But in between the fun, students gained invaluable study skills and VCE/VM strategies, including job interview tips, time management, and application advice. A huge win for our soon-to-be graduates!

Year 11 Study Sensei – Unleashing the Inner Academic Ninja

Our Year 11 VCE students started strong with a how-to-study session that provided game-changing tips on time management, study plans, and making the most of their learning. Think of it as “VCE Bootcamp,” but with fewer push-ups and more brain workouts.

A great start to the year and, hopefully, a little less last-minute cramming before exams!

Year 11 VCE VM – Gearing Up for the Workforce

Our VCE VM students have hit the ground running! Not only have they begun their VET studies, but they’re also preparing for their first work placements. This year’s program offers an exciting twist—students will get the chance to spend a structured workplace learning day applying their new skills in real-world settings.

So, parents, if your teen starts practising their professional handshake at the dinner table—just go with it. They’re getting career-ready!

Looking Ahead!

With so much happening already, Term 1 is shaping up to be a fantastic one. We’re excited for all that’s to come and look forward to seeing our senior students thrive.

Here’s to a great term ahead—bring on the learning, laughter, and maybe just a little bit of caffeine for our Year 12s!

Cheers,
The Senior School Team

Welcome back to the 2025 school year!

There have been some changes to the staff in the Middle Sub School and your key staff for each year level can be found below. We all look forward to supporting the Middle Sub School students this year.

Late to school and uniform passes

With no Homegroup this year there is more ownership on students to be prepared for the day ahead. Any student requesting a late pass or uniform pass must report to Anna in the Middle Sub School when arriving. A reminder that these passes are not meant to be a regular thing and are a one-off when things don’t go to plan. If you need additional support in assisting students with uniforms or arriving at school on time, then please contact the relevant staff above.

Subject Changes

Students can collect forms from the Middle Sub School to request a change. This year there are very limited spaces in classes, so any changes will be difficult to accommodate. As always this stresses the importance of filling out your subject preferences correctly later in the year to avoid being disappointed. These changes must be completed by the end of this week 15/02/2025.

Year 9 USI numbers

Year 9 students will be required to have a USI number (Unique Student Identifier) this year for some upcoming excursions to the Gordon. Information has been shared on the Year 9 classroom page on how to create a USI. These will be collected by staff later in the year.

Year 10 S/N Learning Tasks

Students in Year 10 will receive a Satisfactory or Non-Satisfactory mark on all learning tasks this year.

The decision about satisfactory completion of an outcome/assessment is based on the teacher’s judgment of the student’s overall performance on a combination of

• Regular attendance of classes
• Completion of set work/homework
• Contribution to class discussion and learning activities
• Satisfactory completion of assessment tasks
• Effort shown in class

• Students will not receive an ‘N’ determination if they have genuinely attempted all of the work

This puts ownership on the students to regularly attend school and participate in completion of the set classwork. If a student receives multiple 'N' results they are at risk of failing the subject and repeating the school year.

Welcome back to Term 1 2025. I hope you had a restful holiday.

As we welcome back the Year 7 and 8 cohorts, I feel it is a great time to introduce the NGSC Junior Team for 2025.

• Year 7 Coordinators: Ms Butler, Mr Grayson and Mr Kyvetos
• Year 8 Coordinators: Ms MacLeod, Mr Fairchild and Ms Bell
• Junior Sub-School Assistant: Letka Ristovski.

These staff members are the contacts for any questions or queries that you may have regarding your child in Year 7 or 8.

Moving into a new year, we have lots of new activities planned, including camps for students to participate and enjoy. Stay tuned and keep an eye out on Compass for further notices in the near future.

Our first event is our NGSC Athletics Day at Landy Field. It's a fantastic day to see the participation of all our students for their House. It’s one of the highlights on our school calendar.

We have had a good start to the year in regard to students wearing the correct college uniform. Can I please ask that students continue to wear their academic uniform on non-sport days, including their blazers. If there are any issues or questions regarding the uniform, please contact the relevant year level team.

National Lunchbox Week is here!

National Lunchbox Week celebrates the uniqueness of every lunchbox. A lunchbox can reflect love, care, and nourishment from simple sandwiches to creative meals. North Geelong Secondary College is proud to support National Lunch Box Week to help make lunchboxes enjoyable, nourishing and pressure free.

Every lunchbox tells a story shaped by family traditions, available resources, and unique preferences, reminding us there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. During National Lunchbox Week, we embrace the diversity of lunchboxes and promote supportive, judgment-free conversations around food.

We know that packing a lunchbox can sometimes feel daunting. Nutrition Australia’s tips and simple options can make busy mornings much more manageable. More importantly lunchbox packing isn’t about perfection but finding what works for you and your family. Affordability matters, too, and with some practical ideas, nutritious lunches can be both satisfying and budget-friendly.

Lunchtimes can also help children and young people build lifelong positive relationships with food, turning every lunch break into an opportunity for enjoyment and connection. The heart of National Lunchbox Week is collaboration. Families, schools, and health advocates share a common goal: for children and young people to have nourishing, enjoyable meals that support their growth and learning.

Through National Lunchbox Week we can inspire meaningful change that benefits the next generation by working together, sharing ideas, and creating inclusive spaces. Be sure to explore the National Lunchbox Week website for helpful resources: www.lunchboxweek.org.

Vape Prevention Project

North Geelong Secondary College is partnering with the City of Greater Geelong and Catholic Care to co-design a Vape Prevention Project to address the growing issue of vaping among young people.

This project is part of a broader effort funded by VicHealth, uniting local governments and health services across the Barwon South-West region. Together, we aim to listen, learn, and co-design strategies to combat vaping among young people aged 12-25.

The project's key objectives include:

• Increasing awareness of the harms of vaping and empowering young people to reject it,
• Reducing exposure to vaping and vaping products, and
• Strengthening community capacity to address vaping among young people.

12 senior students from NGSC have been selected to participate in this project. They will meet once a week throughout Term 1 to:

• Learn about the harms of vaping,
• Collaborate on designing a project, resource, or campaign addressing vape prevention, and
• Bring their ideas to life with support and allocated project funding.

The resources developed by the students will have the opportunity to reach a wider audience, with plans to share these initiatives across other schools in Geelong and the Barwon South-West region. Projects will be formally launched in May 2025, coinciding with World No Tobacco Day.

We will provide updates regarding the vape prevention project throughout the term.

Active Schools

Our school recently received funding through the Active Schools initiative! Active Schools aims to ensure all Victorian students have the skills, confidence and motivation to be active in life. This grant will help us get students at North Geelong Secondary College moving more.

The priorities of an active school are:

• • quality physical education
  • quality school sport
  • active classrooms
  • active travel
  • active recreation

To learn more about Active Schools, visit www.vic.gov.au/active-schools

Focus on Active Travel:

Active travel is using physical activity to get around. It can be walking or cycling to a destination, or it might even be skating or scooting – anything that gets your body moving! You can use the North / Central Geelong and Lara Active Travel Map to start planning new ways of getting to the places you go regularly, such as your local shops, activities, school or workplace. The map includes information on shared pathways, bike lanes, bus routes and railways stations and local destinations such as schools, shopping centres and libraries.

• Active Travel Maps - North, Central Geelong, Lara

Community News

To book follow the link Vaping, Let's Clear the Air Tickets | TryBooking Australia

JOIN Geelong Youth’s MONTHLY ACTION GROUP

Are you aged 12–25 and passionate about creating positive change in your community? Geelong Youth are looking for young leaders to join an action group focused on vaping prevention in the Barwon South West region. As a member of this group, you’ll gain training from YACVic in advocacy, receive support from the City's Youth Development Officers in project management and prizes and meals will be available!

For more information, contact Geelong Youth at youthcommunitydevelopment@geelongcity.vic.gov.au, or click below to register your Expression of Interest (EOI). Expression of Interest: VicHealth Vaping Prevention Program

Seeds of Strength Community Dinner

Join Geelong Sustainability for an evening of meaningful connection, thought-provoking discussion, and delicious food at the Seeds of Strength Community Dinner. This event is an opportunity to explore how you can build resilience in our communities and food systems, as we navigate the complexities of a changing climate.
When: 25 February 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Common Ground Project, 675 Anglesea Road, Freshwater Creek
Book tickets here

Parenting Programs in the Geelong Region - Term 1, 2025

You can view all the Parenting Programs offered in the Geelong Region for Term 1, 2025 via this link Microsoft Word - 2025 Term 1 Regional Parenting Calendar.docx.

Geelong Regional Libraries' Youth Updates

The Nest Youth Hub opens its doors

On 23 January 2025 The Nest Youth Hub launched, a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for young people across the region. First proposed by the 2020 Youth Council, the Youth Hub is a place for our 12-25-year-old community members to hang out, enjoy meals, access programs and connect with support services. It is located on the corner of Gheringhap St and Transit Pl., in the Busport complex.

Preventing Vaping

Did you know that In Victoria, a person must not smoke or vape on school premises or within 4 metres of any pedestrian access point to school premises? The ban aims to protect children and young people from second-hand smoke and the aerosol from vapes. North Geelong Secondary College have “No Smoking or Vaping” signs at all pedestrian access points to the school grounds, as a reminder for students, families, staff and visitors. The smoking and vaping ban applies during and outside of school hours. The Department of Education also bans smoking and vaping at school events and excursions held off school premises. For more information about the smoking and vaping ban visit Smoking and Vaping Ban: Policy | education.vic.gov.au

Support Numbers for Young People and Families

Emergency - 000

Barwon Health Mental Health Services - 1300 094 187

Orange Door - 1800 312 820

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800

Suicide Line 24/7 - 1300 651 251

The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre -03 5222 4318

Headspace - 03 5222 6690

eHeadspace - Emergency assistance | headspace

Youth Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

Get support - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue

As we kick off the school year, we are excited to share the progress we've made with Connect, our new wellbeing program across the college. Over the past two weeks, our focus has been on building a strong foundation for connection and understanding across the school community.

During this initial period, students have had the opportunity to get to know one another and start forming meaningful connections with peers in their Connect classes. Whether through group activities, team-building exercises, or classroom discussions, the goal has been to establish a culture of support, respect, and collaboration. We have seen positive energy and engagement from students and staff alike as they begin to settle into their new routines.

A big part of these first weeks has also been about setting clear expectations. Our staff has worked together to ensure that everyone understands what it means to be part of a connected, caring, and respectful school environment. From following the new bell times to adjusting to classroom expectations, students have shown remarkable adaptability and a strong desire to make the most of their learning experiences.

Looking ahead, Connect will continue to focus on promoting wellbeing, fostering social-emotional learning, and encouraging students to engage in their school community in a meaningful way. We are grateful for the support of our teachers, staff, and families in helping our students thrive.

Year 12 Camp

A big shoutout to Mackenzie, James and Logan (2023 graduates) for attending the Year 12 camp at Federation University to share their insights into how to cope with the upcoming year.

Mackenzie detailed how her initial ambition to become a nurse/paramedic changed to becoming a teacher. She is now studying a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, minoring in Outdoor Education - right down her alley! She made the point of how important it was to look after yourself during the year, and to not put too much pressure on yourself.

James is also studying the same degree after deciding he wanted to pursue teaching. James' message was to manage your time. He commented that time management was something he wished he had done better - juggling SACs, sport and work requires great organisational commitment.

Logan was very proud of his achievement in gaining a place at Southern Cross University Hotel School in Melbourne, after studying a VCE Vocational Major pathway. Illness during Year 11 forced Logan down the VCE VM route, which resulted in a fortunate outcome. Studying a Bachelor of Business and working part-time in a top-class restaurant has seen him flourish. His main messages were that setbacks may happen, but don't let them deter you, and that it is OK to change direction. He also reiterated Mackenzie's message of not putting too much pressure on yourself - don't set the bar that high that reaching it is impossible, make realistic goals for yourself to progress along the way.

Thanks Mackenzie, James and Logan for giving up your time to reconnect with the College - it is much appreciated.

If you would like to be a part of the ever-growing alumni community at NGSC, please email alumni@ngsc.com.au or call Julie Elkin on 5240 5800 (Wednesdays and Fridays)

SPORTS SHACK

Borrowing Times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Fridays - 12:38pm – 12:50pm 

                              *Thursdays 12:50 - 1:00pm

Please record the date, your name, home group, and the items you have borrowed on the Borrowing Sheet.

Return Times: 1:20 pm

Ensure to return the borrowed equipment and check off your name. Should there be any issues with returning the equipment, promptly inform the staff at the Sports Shack.

Failure to return equipment may impact your ability to borrow in the future.

The Sports Shack is an excellent resource for students, and it is in everyone's interest to contribute to its efficient operation.

Immunisations - Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine

On Tuesday 25th February 2025, Barwon Health immunisation service, will visit our Year 10 students to administer the free Meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

It is important to complete a consent form, whether consent is YES or NO.

Barwon Health immunisation need to know that you have received the information and made an informed decision for your child, then no further contact will be required to chase up your response.

Families are able to provide consent online via a recent Compass News notification sent to all families or by paper consent forms that were sent home with students.

Multicultural Committee News

Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful break and are feeling refreshed for the 2025 school year.

We are excited to kick off the first Multicultural Committee meeting on Monday, 17th February, from 12:45 pm to 1:30 pm in the Conference Room. Our meetings are short, productive, and include delicious refreshments! We warmly invite both new and returning members of the NGSC community to join us.

The Multicultural Committee plays a vital role in bringing together parents, friends, service providers, and the wider school community. If you’re looking for a way to get involved, this is a fantastic opportunity! We help organize major school events like Harmony Day, our Multicultural Festival, and other celebrations throughout the year.

Whether you want to participate actively or simply stay informed, we would love to have you on board! For more details, feel free to contact Vera Dudas at the College.

Stay tuned for upcoming events—watch this space!

International Student Program

The College has had a wonderful start to the 2025 school year, welcoming new International Students to the Program.

Welcome to Eva Luibrand from Germany who will be studying at our College for Semester 1. Already Eva has had some amazing experiences with her Homestay family and is looking forward to the Australian Curriculum, studying subjects that she is interested in for her future.

There have been four temporary International Students from China that have been studying in Year 7 and Year 8 since the commencement of Term 1. The big smile on their faces says it all. The students have had such a wonderful time at our College so far and have made not only beautiful memories but long-time friendships. It will be sad to see them return home on Friday 14^th February, but we wish them all the very best and safe travels. We look forward to seeing these students in the future for their studies on a more permanent basis with the International Student Program.

Another two temporary International Students from Japan will be arriving on the 17th of February to also experience a wonderful time at our College, creating beautiful memories and long-time friendships. Our College is so diverse with our cultures and this is always a positive with the International Students wanting to be a part of the Program and our College community.

Exciting times ahead with a further three International Students due to commence in the coming months to be a part of our International Student Program.

Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language Program Participation

NGSC will be hosting Miyu NISHIMURA, a Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts (university) student from Kyoto through the Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language Program. This program matches Japanese university students with a passion for education and how Japanese is learnt in Victoria, with schools teaching Japanese in Victoria. NGSC has previously hosted participants in this program and each time has been a marvellous experience for our Japanese language learners. We are thrilled that Miyu will be with us from February 17th through March 7^th, 2025 helping our students learn Japanese.

Thank you to the Lang family who will be hosting Miyu while she is working with us at NGSC.

The careers team would like to take this opportunity to welcome all new students and all returning students, we look forward to having meaningful pathways conversations with you.

Years 9-12 please make sure you have joined the Careers Google Classroom to stay updated with any programs and activities on offer that might interest you. The code is displayed at the middle sub-school window and on the notice board at the Careers office. You will also find a details in your year level Google Classroom.

Years 7&8, when we have programs for your age group, we will share it directly through your year level Google Classroom.

Some Great Information Regarding Applying for an Apprenticeship or Traineeship

What are employers looking for in an apprentice or trainee?

There are the baseline traits that all employees look for:

• Punctuality
• Honesty
• Initiative
• Work ethic
• Self-awareness and the desire for self-improvement – Curiosity is big thing all employers say they are looking for. They don’t expect you to know it all, but they want to see a drive to learn.

So how do you capture the attention of an employer?

Why are you unique? What can you offer that no one else can? We all have Unique Selling Points or USPs (in digital marketing terms). Name your top three strengths then ask a parent, friend or former employer to do the same. For example, you may be efficient, outgoing and driven. Think of examples in your personal life where you have illustrated these strengths and spell them out using examples.

YOU MUST have a Resume. Employers offering apprenticeships and traineeships accept that you may have very little paid work experience, but you do have skills. Perhaps you are the captain of your sporting club, or you are coach of a team, completed a pre-apprenticeship, studied tech or hospitality at school, worked at your dad’s company in the holidays or learned how to construct things. Include achievements such as awards or projects you managed at school. It could simply be that you worked part-time for a year to go on a school trip, which shows you have determination.

Be creative with your skill set.

Present well. Dress well and look clean and tidy even if you are in your school uniform. Presentation also includes ensuring there are no spelling or grammar mistakes in your resume. This is especially important to show you have a keen eye for attention to detail.

Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is so important in apprentices!

Someone who is enthusiastic, energetic and passionate creating products will get employed. Remember, while you may not have a lengthy resume, you might be surprised by how much you can truly offer.

Employers also value a young person’s initiative to pick up the phone (yes, actually talking) and have a conversation with prospective employers.

Stay off your mobile during business hours!

Might be obvious, but Snapchat, Instagram, Tik Tok.... CAN ALL WAIT!

The one thing the Head Start Coordinators hear from frustrated employers; “They are always on their phone.”

Check it at appropriate times during breaks, but other times show some initiative during slow periods and clean, restack, clean a work vehicle – this is the thing that will impress.

What makes doing an apprenticeship so worthwhile?

Learning in a practical setting is invaluable. Not only do you get to develop skills in a practical environment, but you’re surrounded by experienced professionals that you can learn and draw inspiration from. An apprenticeship goes beyond the theory and provides you with skills and experience that will set you up for a career that you may have never been able to access otherwise.

Finding yourself the right apprenticeship isn’t always as difficult as you may think, talk to your Careers Teacher about how Head Start can help you present well to employers.

If you’re a student looking for a pathway into employment, a parent looking for a secure future for your child, or an employer looking for your next apprentice, contact the Careers and Pathways Team about the Head Start Program!