At NBCS we are deliberately focused on establishing a culture we believe will positively impact on our students during their time at school and then beyond. This strong culture intentionally seeks to foster positive relationships, deep learning, extensive opportunities and faith in Jesus.

Across the school, a key focus this year is developing strong relationships. These connections are paramount in maintaining a healthy community. Across the whole school, we provide opportunities for students, teachers and parents to authentically connect. Planned relational opportunities are coupled with spontaneous interactions, which are especially noted by visitors to the school. NBCS is characterised by genuine, mutual respect and communication that is shared between students and staff.

This focus on relationships has led to a strategic approach in Secondary through a number of activities:

• Student Opportunity Week provides students with options to participate in one of twenty exciting program on offer with teachers who share the same passion.
   
• Student Teams have been re-structured to facilitate strong relationships between students of the same gender and Stage with their teacher.
   
• Student Progress Meetings are sessions that focus on a pro-active discussion between the student, parents and teachers about the student’s learning. They are scheduled this week for Year 11 and 12 and early next term for Kindergarten to Year 10.
   
• Our Relationship Team has been established to provide individual pastoral care, in a supportive environment, to strengthen resilience, relationships and personal responsibility.

Deep Learning is designed to develop young people who are motivated and challenged to learn more, to apply their learning in various situations and to discover how it relates to the real world. In other words, it is when learning makes sense. The Unlimited course in Year 7 is an example of this, providing the opportunity for students to explore an area of interest that has helped to define Australian culture. It can also be seen in the practical HSC projects being created in Design and Technology, one of which resulted in a student project literally becoming 'part of the furniture' across the school.

The concept of 'Opportunities' has been embraced by students to capture the wide range of options for student involvement within the school. These include organised  Leadership and Social Justice groups, Bible Study and Prayer groups, Media Team, various Sport Teams and Creative & Performing Arts opportunities. Many students are finding their niche within these areas.

The mission of NBCS is “Excellence in Education, Christianity in Action”. These two statements ​capture the culture that we are working together to nurture and grow. ​

Mrs Jenny Exton
Head of Secondary

As parents we can often ask ourselves, “am I parenting well?​”​ For reassurance that you are on track and to gain some useful hints, tips, strategies and skills from a specialist in the area of Clinical Psychology, come along to hear from Greg Powell at our Term 2 Empowering Parents event. You should gain greater confidence in your role as a parent. Greg will provide answers to questions in an informative and interactive workshop.

When: Tuesday 27 May, 7:30-8:30pm in the Marina Prior Centre at NBCS

Spaces are limited. To register, please complete this form.

Mr David Grundy and the Student Media Team have put together a video of the recent Secondary Athletics Carnival, capturing the atmosphere and spirit of the day really well.

Link: ondemand.nbcs.nsw.edu.au/media/athletics-carnival-2014

A small number of Polyester/Cotton Jumpers are available from the Uniform Shop at $70 each:

• Size 6 (x1)
• Size 8 (x2)
• Size 10 (x2)
• Size 14 (x5)
• Size 16 (x1)
• Size18 (x2)

Please contact the Uniform Shop to place an order: uniformshop@nbcs.nsw.edu.au

This week’s Parenting Ideas information sheet:

• Healthy ways for kids to manage their emotions

In association with our Empowering Parent Seminars, we have been providing additional weekly parent information sheets to support NBCS parents. Some information will be more relevant to Primary than Secondary and vice versa. This is to support families within our school community covering all age groups.

If you would like an information sheet on a specific topic sent via Wavelength, please contact Mrs Anne Jobson via the School Office (9450 1311).