Category: Education

Farzana finalist in space program

Northern Bay College Captain Farzana Mohammad Aref has been shortlisted to attend Space Camp in the USA.

Farzana (pictured) is a finalist in the Endeavour Scholarship, an international STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) education program that each year selects a team of four Australian secondary students and one teacher to travel on an all-expenses paid trip to Space Camp USA.

The scholarship recipients will spend one week at the International Space Camp program in Huntsville, Alabama in July 2025. They will form Mission Team Australia and connect with fellow teams from around the world, fostering international collaboration and long-lasting friendships.

Farzana was selected for her outstanding commitment to her studies and her community. In her nomination, she said: “As a girl with a deep passion for STEM, I faced countless challenges growing up in my home country. Opportunities for girls to pursue careers in STEM were limited, and societal expectations often made it harder to follow my dreams.

“Moving to Australia opened up new possibilities, but the transition came with its own set of hurdles, including adapting to a new educational system and cultural differences.

“Despite these obstacles, my love for STEM only grew stronger. I am fascinated by how technology can solve real-world problems and improve lives, and I am eager to contribute to innovations that make a difference.”

Awards recognise Raelene’s dedication

Corio early childhood educator Raelene Carr capped off a successful year in 2024 as a finalist in the Educator of the Year in the Victorian Early Years Awards.

Raelene has worked at William Hovell Preschool in Corio for more than 25 years and is a passionate educator and advocate for children and families.

“It’s the best job in the world,” Raelene said. “There are challenges … but the great days outweigh the bad.”

Raelene’s early childhood teaching career took off after she responded to an advertisement in the local newspaper for a role at William Hovell Preschool and was selected from 250 applicants for an interview.

“At the interview I said if I get the job, I’ll be here until I retire … and now here I am 26 years later. I think that’s why I got the job,” she said.

The Educator of the Year Award nomination highlighted Raelene’s dedication to building connections with children to support their learning and wellbeing.

She said she was “overwhelmed and excited” to be chosen as one of just three finalists in the state-wide award, which recognised an educator who has demonstrated “innovative and exemplary practice in early childhood education and care”.

Her caring, calm and consistent approach, along with her dedication to developing strong relationships with families, has led to positive outcomes for children and families at the preschool.

“It’s nice to be able to look back at the end of each year and see the difference you’ve made in these children’s lives,” she said.

Raelene has two grown-up sons of her own and six grandchildren aged six to 21. She lives in Corio and values her close connections with families. She’s now teaching children whose parents, aunties and uncles were once in her care. “I can’t go to the supermarket without someone coming up to me. I’ve even been invited to 18th and 21st birthdays of former students. To think I’ve had that much impact is incredible.”

Time to get ready for 2025

Families are getting ready to finish another school year, but it’s also time to think about 2025. 

Preparing children for a new school year is more than buying a uniform, bag and lunchbox. Many will start their transition to school in Term 4.

Prep teachers at Northern Bay College have suggested that parents follow tips from the Department of Education and Training, which advises them to:

  • Practise the journey to and from school.
  • Arrange play dates with families who have children at the same school.
  • Encourage independence – skills like dressing, packing and carrying a bag, applying sunscreen and going to the toilet.
  • Label all belongings – clothing, bags, lunch boxes, drink bottles.
  • Talk about and practise any after-school arrangements.
  • Check the start and finish times and where to drop off and collect your child.
  • Be positive, get your child excited and talk about any worries they have.
  • Visit a library and read with your child.
  • Start using the name of their new teacher to help build familiarity.
  • Establish predictable routines including dinner, bath time and bedtime.

Other things to focus on include opening zips on bags and lunchboxes, practicing a morning routine, children packing their bag, bathroom routines including washing hands, taking on and off jumpers and jackets and tying shoelaces.

There are Prep classes at four of the Northern Bay Colleges – Wexford, Peacock, Tallis and Hendy – and up to 160 new school starters are expected in 2025. Other primary schools in the northern suburbs include St Francis Xavier and St Thomas Aquinas.

To enrol your child for 2025, contact the office of the nearest campus to where you live. The staff will support you with enrolment paperwork and provide dates of information and transition sessions.

Families wanting to enrol children other than Preps can also contact the office of the campus they are zoned to for help with paperwork. They’ll also be able to meet with a member of the Principal Team to talk about starting dates and answer any questions.

If you’re not sure about which campus you’re zoned to, contact any of the P-8 campuses and they will point you in the right direction. 

Student art and films featured

Northern Bay P-12 College recently hosted the Stories Without Borders exhibition as part of Refugee Week celebrations in the Goldsworthy Campus’ new gallery and auditorium.

Stories Without Borders is a two-part exhibition featuring art installations and a short film festival, created by students from the senior campus.

The art installations and short films highlighted the creativity, passion, journeys, experiences, and resilience of the students, providing insight into their unique refugee journeys. The exhibition not only shared these experiences but also aimed to spread empathy and understanding within the community.

The short film festival presented 10 short films directed by the students, covering themes such as identity, belonging, memories, and life in Australia. This event shone a spotlight on the resettlement journeys of students in Corio and Norlane, offering a deeper understanding of their experiences and cultural identities.

Education Support at NBC and the curator of the exhibition, Brandon Dellow, said: “This event was a worthwhile opportunity for the community to see the creative minds of our young people. “I am incredibly proud of our students’ hard work and creativity.”

Northern Bay P-12 College, where 40 different languages are spoken by students hailing from 55 different countries, is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and inclusive education from Prep to Year 12, fostering academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement to prepare students for future success.

Former students sharing knowledge

The Alumni program at Northern Bay College, now in its second year, has benefitted from talented and knowledgeable alumni who have returned to their own school to share their insights on life post school. This program runs a variety of alumni events, including career panels.

Co-ordinator Alison Meredith said “hearing from real-world people, people who grew up in the same neighbourhood, is so impactful and has hopefully inspired students in our career panels to think about their own future pathway.

“A career panel was held to help Year 9 students start to think longer term, to begin to decide what pathway they might want to get into, and to be exposed to lots of different careers.

“Inviting back five alumni guests to our Goldsworthy Campus, in a question and answer format, we asked them to speak on their career, or study, and to explain what they do, and how they go into their pathway.

“Our panel (pictured) consisted of: Kellee Reissinger (Corio Tech), curator, Geelong Botanic Gardens; Ty Gilson (NBC 2022), Bachelor of Science (Maths and Statistics); Joshua Barling (NBC 2013), industrial electrician; Lisamaree Bottomley (NBC 2020), Bachelor of Environmental Science and working at Corangamite Catchment Authority; and Stephen Kennedy (NBC 2020), timber machinist, A&R Timber.

“An event for Year 7 and 8 students saw many rush up to ask more questions of the featured panel, which comprised Jasmine Lawrence (NBC 2010), In Work support consultant; Luke McConarchy (NBC 2009), electrician and business owner; Samantha Wilson (NBC 2018), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce; and Cody Jeynes (NBC 2022), Bachelor of Space Science Degree.

“Early in the year we welcome back some alumni to speak to our VM (formerly VCAL) students. They were: Tony Harvey (Corio Community College), sport and marketing consultant; Sarah McNiven (NBC 2021), farming apprenticeship; Shae Charlton: (NBC 2020), Interior Design student.”

Are you NBC alumni?

If you attended Corio Tech, Corio North High, Norlane High, Corio Community College, Corio Senior College, Flinders Peak SC, and Northern Bay College, the Alumni program would love to hear from you. Check out the Facebook group for some yearbook photos and updates: https://www.facebook.com/Northern-Bay-College-and-Schools-Alumni-108962595081117 or via [email protected].

MusicSpace after school option

Young people who love music can now access a new program, MusicSpace After-School, at Cloverdale Community Centre.

MusicSpace After-School is a Bluebird Foundation program held weekly for young people to get involved in music, or to further develop their music skills. Anyone can join in at MusicSpace After-School regardless of music experience and the program welcomes people with disability and other diverse needs.

Young people work with professional musicians including a Registered Music Therapist to develop their interests, whether it is to learn an instrument, develop vocal skills, be a song writer, play in a band, perform, record or just hang out with fellow music lovers.

Program manager Mel said: “When you come along, you can let us know what you wish to do with your music, and we will support you to follow that dream. Even if you are not sure what you want to do, you will meet other music-loving people, learn a few skills and discover your passions along the way.

“The program is supported by funding from the Cassandra Gantner Foundation and the APCO Foundation. This allows young people to access the pilot program for at least two school terms or until their NDIS funding review comes around. They can then use their NDIS or TAC funding. We will meet with people individually to discuss how this will work for them. For privately funded attendance, please talk to us about costs and payments.”

MusicSpace After-School does not include any personal support needs. If the young person requires a support worker to attend and/or participate, this will need to be sourced and funded separately.

The program runs every Thursday from 3.30om-4.30pm during school terms at Cloverdale Community Centre,167-169 Purnell Road, Corio. It is for 13–18-year-olds who have an interest in music

For more information or to fill out an expression of interest, go to https://www.bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au/musicspace-afterschool or contact the program manager, Mel on 0448-313-462 or email [email protected].

Playgroups are not just for kids

Parents and carers of young children are encouraged to get involved with a playgroup to help connect themselves and their children to the local community.

A playgroup is a group of parents or caregivers with their babies, toddlers and preschool children who get together regularly for play and social interaction. A range of playgroups are held throughout the Corio and Norlane area. Some are council-run, some are facilitated by agencies and services. All have the common aim of using fun and play to connect with others.

Helen O’Connor, from Northern Bay College’s Family Centre, said playgroup is a fun and playful experience for parents and carers to share with their child and with other families. 

“Playgroups at our centre are run by committed staff who rely on relationship building, sharing ideas and simply brightening the day for the adults and the children. I strongly recommend playgroups. There are excellent ones in our local area.

“Each Northern Bay College campus offers playgroups, and this could be a great starting point if you want to join in. Session times, days and frequency vary across centres and may depend on the families who are attending. Sessions are free and joining a playgroup important for a range of reasons.”

At Our Place Northern Bay there are several choices for parents or carers and their pre-school, aged from birth to five years. No child is ever too young to go to playgroup.

Our Place staff, who are based at Korayn Birralee Family Centre, know that a child’s learning from birth to three years of age is one of the most important and vital stages of their lives. And playgroup helps set them up for the next step in their learning journey to Kinder.

Meli provides a free playgroup at Korayn Birralee Family Centre on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The playgroup is free and is facilitated by experienced and supportive staff. The Thursday playgroup also has a bi-lingual support worker which assists families to feel welcome and supported.

Playgroups provide families with so many benefits. Not only do children have the opportunity to socialise, learn and practice new skills, but parents and carers also benefit in so many ways. It is a place to meet other parents and carers of young children, share ideas and learn from one another.

For more information about Our Place Northern Bay, call in to Korayn Birralee Family Centre, 146 Purnell Road Corio or email [email protected].

The Northern Bay College Family Centre is at 25 Goldsworthy Road, Corio, phone 5224-9791.

More information about playgroups is also available on the Playgroups Victoria website – www.playgroup.org.au.

Facility supports health and fitness

Northern Bay College has a new strength and conditioning centre, that is proving popular with students and staff. Craned onto the Goldsworthy Campus, the modular complex is attached to the gymnasium and gives students and staff a state-of-the-art facility.

Initially designed to support the Years 7-12 SEED (Sports, Empowerment, Education and Development) Program, it has quickly become a much in-demand facility by other programs, students and staff. Sessions are run as part of the health and physical education program run by college staff.

Before College staff and students access the equipment, they are first given a pre-exercise questionnaire and induction by qualified personal trainer. This includes safety for users and care of the equipment.

Starting in Term 2, lunchtime and after school sessions will be offered to students due to the popularity of the fitness centre. Access is not limited to sport students – any student or staff looking to improve their health and fitness is given a personalised program by an instructor, to support the goals that the individual is hoping to achieve. The strength and conditioning centre is a safe, secure and healthy environment, and regarded by the College as an outstanding long-term asset.

Family, learning and fun

Families in Corio and Norlane can access long-term help to prepare their children for starting school, and to develop their love and confidence in learning in their first year. 

HIPPY – Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters – is a free, fun and flexible home-based learning program for parents and carers, who are guided to use playing with their child as a way of teaching them. Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF) is the local provider of HIPPY in Geelong.

Families commit for two years, usually starting in the year before the child starts school. It continues during their first year at school, with activities that support what they are learning. HIPPY families receive free activity packs from five learning areas: Thinking and Exploring, Communication, Creativity, Social and Emotional, and Family and Community.

In the first year of HIPPY, the year before school begins, families learn skills to get their children ready for school. In the second year, parents learn more about supporting their children’s learning and development at school and at home. Families spend 10 to 15 minutes a day doing fun, educational activities with their children.

Each family is matched with a trained mentor who has already completed the program with their child. Mentors are also supported to work on their own professional goals throughout their two years in the role, as well as learning how to work in the Community Services sector.

HIPPY is run all over Australia and results show that children who have participated develop confidence, curiosity, a love of learning, persistence, determination, resilience and a belief in themselves. It is a program that fosters learning and positive relationships in the home that celebrate effort, persistence and connection.

A HIPPY parent recently shared: “HIPPY has opened my eyes to the possibilities to life, not only for my daughter’s but for myself as well. My two girls are more knowledgeable, capable and kinder people because I have been able to support them in the areas that truly matter. Patience. Persistence. Sharing and a love of learning.  They say HIPPY is a two-year program, but what I’ve learned will last me a life time and I can never thank HIPPY enough for that.” 

For more information, contact HIPPY Leader, Rob Evans on 0419-039-869 or via email: [email protected]. 

Looking into school lunch boxes

Researchers at Deakin University want to talk to parents and caregivers of primary school aged children about packing school lunch boxes.

Honours student Kimberley Watson-Mackie’s research project is “School lunch boxes: are parents and caregivers under pressure?”

“The project aims to explore the experiences of lunchbox preparation by parents and caregivers in Victoria, and their adherence to the school policies,” Kimberley said. “This research will shed light on the lunchbox options of primary school aged children in low-income families, including any challenges in creating healthy lunchboxes.”  

Participation in the research involves an interview, lasting approximately 30 to 60 minutes, that is conducted either remotely or in person.

Parents and carers will be invited to talk about managing their child’s tastes, working with school policies, cost pressures and trying to make the lunchbox as healthy as possible.

Participants will receive a $20 voucher to thank them for their time.

If you receive the Parenting Payment or JobSeeker Payment, have children in primary school and would like to participate in an interview about the pressures associated with lunch boxes, contact the research team.

For more information, contact Dr Fiona McKay, phone 9251-7183 or email [email protected].