Principal's Report
Year 11 and 12 Completion
Child Safety Update
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.
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.
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
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.
Assistant Principals' Report
During the second half of term 4 students at all levels are busy finishing their learning tasks, preparing for and sitting exams and participating in orientation for 2025 classes.
Year 12 students are completing the final VCAA exams and/or heading off to further training and work. Graduation is always a special evening as it is a time to reflect on the secondary school journey and the growth from Year 7-Year 12. A particular highlight is the comparison of Year 7 and Year 12 photos! We would like to wish them all the best as they adventure out for the next exciting stage of their lives.
Year 10 and Year 11 students are preparing for exams and learning about their subjects for next year during orientation. It is great to get a head start on the 2025 program, so they are aware of subject requirements and content.
Year 7-9 are still working in their classes and finalising learning tasks ready for end of year exams. During Week 9 our junior students will be participating in the swimming and STEM programs before heading into activities. Families are reminded to complete the swimming permission on Compass and to hand in activity forms at the specified lunchtimes.
It is a busy time of the year!
The recent Multicultural Day showcased our many different cultures and nationalities. It was great to have many local students and families celebrate with us and to welcome local members of parliament and the acting Prime Minister Mr Richard Marles and our enthusiastic past principal Mr Adamou. The highlights of the opening ceremony, Welcome to Country and the parade of national dress, made us proud to lead this community. Students were invited to “tell their stories” of their journeys to this country and school and this will be captured for future students to read and share. We indeed do share “Common Ground” which was the theme of this year’s festival.
Staff were privileged to a presentation from Dr Niki Vincent, who works for the Commission for Gender Equity in the Public Sector. Dr Vincent presented a variety of facts and statistics that reminds us that whilst there is great work being completed in this area, we still have a long way to go. The estimation is that it will take another 130 years to fully address inequality.
The WOW group at NGSC helps ensure the voices of all staff are heard and we can continue to develop and provide an inclusive and equitable work environment.
This group continues to have extended success in and outside of our school.
This program is really starting to shape up with some exciting strategies. The team recently met to discuss their program and subsequently are pursuing all kinds of wonderful opportunities for the students. This will include a podcast program onsite, with potential connections to Pulse radio. There are also a range of engaging activities coming up in the orientation program.
Several Year 9 students completed their initiation into the Accelerated program for 2024. This program included liaison with Sally Merryful who is the Community Engagement Coordinator. Sally took the students through a range of local opportunities for work, work placements, apprenticeships and organised the students to complete some goals. This culminated in the students shaping what their program will look like in 2025, inclusive of mentors, work experience and school certificates. So engaging was the program that they did not want to leave it to go back to class.
The mainstream setting of school is not always suitable for everyone. Often, we discuss some negative classroom behaviours with students and the response can be “I do not want to be at school, I would rather be doing …” This was the case with one student, who had always wanted to be in construction. He waited patiently for a different opportunity and when one came up, he took to it with both hands. Subsequently last week he graduated from the Northern Futures Building and Construction program to which he can now pursue an apprenticeship.
In 2024 we have refocused and redirected our efforts towards students’ choice of behaviour. Meaning we have put more energy into conversations to build relationships and when mistakes were made, we continued to provide consequences however, we ensured we explored a lengthy conversation to explore the decision making, values of the student and set up plans for them to be successful in future scenarios. This can be demonstrated by the increase in referrals and student support group meetings, whilst a significant decrease in the number of suspensions has occurred. The positive relationships with parents and the advancement of parent voice is certainly benefiting our College community.
School Captains for 2025 have been announced to our students at our assembly on 1st November. Our captains were introduced one-by-one and addressed the school sharing their goals and visions for 2025. We wish them the best of luck in their leadership roles and studies next year.
Captains pictured left to right, Ashley Clingan (Arts), Charlee-K Hide (Cultural), Asher Mitchell (Sports), Lucy Heitmann (College Captain), Dean Smilevski (College Captain), Dayna Maring (Academic).
We are looking forward to welcoming our incoming 2025 Year 7 students and their families. The main transition days are December 10th and 11th. Students will meet new friends, staff and enjoy an array of activities. Extra transition days are this week and next and students will be supported to become more familiar with secondary school processes and environments.
We have the pleasure of welcoming new students and families in Year 8-12 in 2025. There is a transition morning on 10th December to welcome and orientate those new to our community.
Junior School News
Term 4 has been a great term thus far with a few things coming up to keep an eye on as we near the end of the year. Students reports will be appearing in late December so please keep checking Compass after the school year has finished in order to read reports.
Our exams for Years 7 and 8 are next week. Our mainstream students will be doing English and Maths with our SEAL classes adding Science and Humanities as well. We will have our catch-up exams on Thursday and Friday.
Students need to check on Compass in regard to their activities. We are offering both internal and external activities for students after the STEM and swimming week. This will be terrific.
Looking forward to what the coming weeks will bring.
The end of year swimming program for ALL Year 7 & 8 students is fast approaching!
Students will attend the Kardinia Pool for a double period each day of Week 9. Check Compass for more details.
Key information:
If you have any questions, please ask your PE teacher.
Middle Sub School News
Year 9 Activities Week, Year 10 Exams, Year 10 into 11 Orientation, VCE VM, Awards Night, Progress Reports
A reminder for students wishing to attend activities week that they need to collect a form from the middle school and return the filled-out form to the lunchtime sign up sessions. Once this has been completed to then finalise all the activities on compass. Students who fail to consent and pay will remain at school.
Well done to all the students who finished their exams this week! Students should have completed their exams this week to finalise their Year 10 studies. If any students have missed an exam, they should come to the middle sub school office to organise a time to catch up.
VCE- Students completing their VCE studies should have their timetables on Compass to follow for Year 11 orientation. It is essential that students attend all their classes for these two weeks to set themselves up for a successful start in Year 11.
VCE VM- A timetable has been shared on Google Classroom outlining their two weeks of orientation. This is a reminder for students to complete the permission on Compass for the excursion on Wednesday
The College Awards Night will be on Thursday 12th of December. The Year level coordinators will be collating data and then contacting students/families over the coming weeks regarding any students who will be receiving an award on the night. All students/families are welcome to attend the evening.
All students will need to be in full school uniform.
Well done to the following students who achieved outstanding results on their recent progress reports. Keep up the good work!
Year 9
Alexia DIMKOPOULOS |
Madison VASOVSKI |
Jean KATNY |
Katelyn LIND |
Griffin GALL |
Nori HTOO |
Blanzhe BERMUNDO |
Thanh Vinh NGUYEN |
Year 10
Sasha JOERGENSEN |
Jeremiah KHAING |
Maria PAGTOLON-AN |
Monica PAPONJAK |
Ha-Lien NGUYEN |
Harrison FARRELL-BRADBURY |
Kyle SANCHEZ |
Eva SILJAC |
Senior Sub School News
VCE VCAA exams
Year 12 Graduation Night
Year 11 to 12 Orientation
Year 12 Leadership Camp.
The finish line is finally in sight for our Year 12 students! After months of late-night study sessions, group chats filled with last-minute tips, and more cups of coffee than we care to count, the VCE VCAA exams have officially come to a close. But don’t get too comfortable just yet—results are still to come! Year 12 students can expect to receive their VCE results on December 12th. (We recommend a strong cup of tea and deep breaths on the day!)
Before we get to the results, however, we’ve got the highlight of the Year 12 calendar: Graduation Night! On November 27th, our Year 12s will step out in their finest attire to celebrate the end of 13 years of schooling, countless assignments, and a few too many "I’ll do it tomorrow" moments. The event will be held at the GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, starting at 6 pm, and it's shaping up to be a night to remember. We can’t wait to see all the students looking sharp and celebrating their incredible accomplishments. After all, it's not every day you wrap up over a decade of learning!
While the current Year 12s may be finishing their journey, our Year 11s are gearing up for their own adventure. The Year 12 Orientation is officially underway! Students transitioning from Year 11 to Year 12 have already started their first classes and are getting a taste of what’s to come in 2025. To make sure they’re ready for the year ahead, they’ve been given access to their new Google Classrooms and will be tackling some holiday homework over the break. It’s the perfect way to ease into the year, right?
Looking even further ahead, Year 12 students in 2025 will kick off their senior year with the Year 12 Leadership Camp at Ballarat University in the very first week of school. It’s a chance to build connections, learn new skills, and maybe even have a bit of fun along the way. But first, they’ll need to make sure all their paperwork is in order. Students are asked to return all necessary forms, consent slips, and payments via Compass as soon as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, Mrs. Martin in the Senior Sub School is your go-to person.
Whether you’re a current Year 12 or looking forward to next year, it’s a busy time ahead—so let’s finish strong and make the most of the final stretch!
Sport News
Borrowing Times: 12:39pm – 12:50pm
Please record the date, your name, home group, and the items you have borrowed on the Borrowing Sheet.
Return Times: 1:25 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.
Alumni News
Visits from alumni Jason Jaan and David Posterino
A big thank you to Jason Jaan (2017) who popped in for a visit on Thursday 7th November, during his time on leave from the Northern Territory Police Force. He graciously agreed to chat with students interested in pursuing a career in the Police Force. He spoke of his pathway, from starting a university course in Criminology, realising that he wanted a more hands-on experience, moving into Security, Prison Officer, and eventually travelling to the Northern Territory to follow his dream of becoming a Police Officer. He is now stationed at Ti Tree (a couple of hours from Alice Springs) in the Northern Territory. Jason spoke about his pathway to eventually securing a place in the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services College. His overriding message was that of never giving up - if you really want something, keep trying every avenue to get there.
David Posterino (2003), from AS Wealth Advisors, returned to North Geelong Secondary College to share his pathway with Year 9 Business Studies students. He mentioned how, despite not achieving the necessary ATAR score in Year 12, he was still able to pursue a university degree. This came about after working with a financial planner for a couple of years, realising that he had a passion for helping people manage their money, and that he wanted to do this for himself. The only way was to go to uni, obtain the qualifications and go from there. David worked hard, achieved his degree and went into the world of banking, money management and financial planning, within established companies. However, he knew he wanted to provide a more personalised service, so he took a leap of faith and started his own business. This first business was a success, and it gave him the confidence to branch out further. David eventually established AS Wealth Advisors, where he could fully implement his vision of a client-centric, comprehensive wealth advisory service that caters to the unique needs of each individual. David's pathway emphasises the tenets of never giving up and working hard towards your goals - points he passed on to the students in the Business Studies class.
Some feedback from David's visit - he was really helpful and made me believe in myself; even if you get a low ATAR score you can still be successful and if you don't do well in school you can still do good in the future (but it would help if you listened in school).
If you would like to be a part of the ever-growing alumni community at NGSC, please get in touch via alumni@ngsc.com.au or our socials (Facebook - North Geelong Secondary College Alumni https://www.facebook.com/north...; LinkedIn - NGSC Alumni https://www.linkedin.com/in/ng...)
Student Wellbeing
Dental In - Clinic Appointments
Head Start Program
Doctors in Secondary Schools (DISS)
financial Support - Uniting Barwon
Support Numbers for Young People and Families
Adolescent school immunisation catch up sessions
Where can I get emergency food in Geelong?
Health and safety risks associated with vaping
All students attending government schools are eligible for Smile Squad for free dental services– includes teeth cleaning, fluoride applications, fillings and any other non-cosmetic, follow-up treatments. They do not need a healthcare card, Medicare or access to the Child Dental Benefits Scheme. Parents will still need to complete the consent online form but can book independently and directly with the Smile Squad provider, Barwon Health.
Barwon Health North Dental Clinic
155 Princess Highway, Norlane 3214
Tel: 03 4215 7240
Congratulations to Joel Curran (Certificate III in Meat Processing- Retail Butcher) for starting his Head Start School-based Apprenticeship in 2024.
The Doctors in Secondary Schools (DISS) program is still operating at NGSC each Thursday. The clinic is staffed by Nurse Kate, Dr. Cecilia, and Nathan (Psychologist) from Barwon Community Health. Students can see the nurse or doctor for a wide range of reasons and referrals can be made online https://bch.org.au/contact/youth-referral/ or by contacting one of the Student Wellbeing Coordinators. Parents/carers can also contact Student Wellbeing for enquiries.
Doctors- In- Secondary Schools’ last day of onsite services for the school year will be on the 5th of December.
Financial Support for 2025 Education Costs
Uniting Barwon provide eligible NGSC families with financial support for textbooks, uniforms, and education expenses.
Families that hold a current Health Care Card or are experiencing exceptional circumstances are eligible for support.
We encourage all eligible families to contact Uniting Barwon ASAP to book in an appointment time.
Please call 4210 1100 between 9:30 -11:45 Monday – Friday.
Uniting Barwon is located at 270 Torquay Rd, Grovedale.
If transport is not available, please advise the Uniting Barwon worker when you call.
Uniting Barwon
Ph: 4210 1100
Call between 9:30am - 11:45am Monday to Friday to book an appointment.
If you do not hold a Health Care Card but require assistance, please contact the Student Wellbeing team on Ph: 5240 5800.
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
Adolescent School Immunisation Catch Up Sessions | Barwon South West Public Health Unit
If your child has missed out on their school-based vaccinations, it’s not too late to catch up.
Secondary school immunizations are provided free to students in Year 7 and Year 10.
Catch up for secondary school immunisations is free up to 19 years of age.
Barwon Health Immunisation Service will offer a catch-up week at different venues around Geelong from Monday 25 November to Saturday 30 November 2024.
This is open to any Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 age students up to 19 years of age, who have missed their immunisations at school.
Booking links for the extra sessions:
Barwon Health North:
Tuesday 26 November 3.30pm-6.30pm and Friday 29 November 3.30pm-6.00pm, Barwon Health North,
https://www.trybooking.com/CWAIM
To see if your child is due for any vaccines, check your child’s immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register using your MyGov account.
If your child is over 14 years of age, they will need to access their immunisation history statement themselves through their own MyGov account or the Medicare mobile app.
Learn more about school-based vaccinations and why they’re important:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools
There are many organisations that provide food assistance in the local Geelong region. Where You Can Eat provides an up-to-date guide on all the food relief agencies across the Geelong region. Please click on the link below for information on when, where, how, and what food relief services are available near you.
https://www.feedgeelong.com.au/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Where-You-Can-Eat-July-2024-Ed_FINAL.pdf
Many e-cigarettes contain highly addictive nicotine, even though it’s not stated on the label. Nicotine use by young people can have a damaging effect on brain development.
Vaping can cause addiction
Vapes have safety risks
Vapes come with health risks
People who smoke who also vape may suffer from:
https://www.vapingfacts.org.au/health-and-safety-risks#health-risks
Below you can find a First Nations information sheet on Vaping
First_Nations_Vape-Animation_Fact-Sheet.pdf
Watch this video clip on How Vaping Can Harm Your Health and Make You Dependent on Nicotine
Careers News
What are employers looking for in an apprentice or trainee?
There are the baseline traits that all employees look for:
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!
Other School News
CONNECT Program
Multicultural News
In 2025 NGSC will introduce the CONNECT program into our weekly curriculum. There will be no longer a five-minute homeroom at the beginning of each day. We will now have a weekly 25-minute Connect class, every Thursday morning.
CONNECT is a framework to support students to build social and emotional capabilities, to develop and thrive as the whole person. Students are provided with a safe and nurturing environment, which focuses on providing opportunities for students to develop interpersonal skills with a core CONNECT teacher for each group. Teachers will develop strong relationships throughout the year and support students to develop their individual identity and reach their goals.
CONNECT will focus on the wellbeing of all students and build their capacity to be resilient learners within our school community.
We understand that this is a big change to what a day at school looks like for our students and it’s a change to the regular routine, that will take some time to adjust but the benefits of our CONNECT wellbeing framework will far outweigh this in the years to come.
We are looking forward to bringing the CONNECT program to NGSC next year.
Stay tuned!
The Multicultural Committee held its final meeting for the year on Monday, November 4th. This was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our major events and celebrations in 2024, especially the highly successful Multicultural Festival.
We were delighted to welcome the newly elected captains for 2025: Charlee-K, Dayna, Lucy, and Dean. They introduced themselves with enthusiasm and outlined their goals for the upcoming year, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the committee.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the unanimous praise for the success of this year’s Multicultural Festival. The event attracted a record number of new visitors, with many attendees sharing how much it has grown and enriched over the years. Building on this momentum, the committee is eager to create new, innovative ideas and enhance existing programs for 2025.
Special recognition must go to Ms. Suzanne Henry, our event coordinator for the second year running. Suzanne’s exceptional dedication and hard work exceeded all expectations, making this year’s festival a tremendous success. Thank you for your outstanding contributions to both the committee and the NGSC community!
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the committee members—students, staff, parents, and community representatives—alongside our network of service providers. A special thank you goes to Titit Nyak and Danielle Parker (COGG – FoRT) for their remarkable support and commitment throughout the year.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Following Contributors:
Farewell to Our Year 12 Leaders
As 2024 comes to a close, we bid farewell to our Year 12 students, including captains Paris and Nivetha. These incredible young leaders are stepping beyond the NGSC gates to embrace new challenges in the real world. We wish them and their peers every success in their future endeavours, whether in further education, careers, or other life pursuits.
Looking Ahead
To all members of the Multicultural Committee, I sincerely thank you for your dedication and hard work throughout 2024. As we approach the festive season, I hope you take the time to relax, recharge, and enjoy precious moments with loved ones.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a safe return in the New Year. See you in 2025!
VSL SCHOOL OF LANGAGES
Victorian School of Languages
North Geelong Centre
Located at
North Geelong Secondary College
Just a quick update on the situation with VSL / LOTE learning. Many of our students attend school on a Saturday morning to learn a language. The VSL is running all classes through on-line learning, as are day-schools; the lessons are running at the usual time on a Saturday. The VSL teachers contacted each class member prior to the commencement of this term in regard to the electronic platform being used and instructions to access those. If any of our students or their parents/guardians have questions about this, please contact the class teacher first (if possible) and then make all enquiries through the VSL head-office.
The Victorian School of Languages is a specialist Government school offering complementary language instruction outside of regular school hours. It enrols students in Years 1 to 12, who are unable to study their language of choice in their mainstream school. Students from all educational sectors (Government, Independent and Catholic) are eligible to enrol.
The Victorian School of Languages offers quality courses aligned with Government curriculum standards, based on communication skills, that include speaking, reading, writing and listening. Its VCE Program is fully accredited and can advantage students in the calculation of their University entrance score.
The school`s Language Program is delivered through online teaching in over 40 Language Centres situated in government Secondary Schools across the state, and through Distance Education mode.
In North Geelong, classes are held on Saturday mornings between 9:00 am and 12:15 pm online.
Languages offered:
Croatian, Karen, Vietnamese, Dari, Persian, Polish, Macedonian, Bosnian, Turkish and Russian
*New languages may be offered subject to demand*
For enquiries Telephone: 5277 9833
Further details and enrolment are available online at our website: www.vsl.vic.edu.au
Discover the World of Languages!
