Whole School Wellbeing and Inclusion

At Newcastle High School, the Positive Education Enhanced Curriculum (PEEC) Program is embedded into our approach to student wellbeing from Year 6 through to Year 12. PosEd is designed to promote positive mental health and wellbeing practices, using evidence-based strategies that help our students thrive. The program emphasises character strengths, gratitude, and pro-social behaviour, while building resilience and supporting students in achieving their personal best.

PosEd lessons, delivered by dedicated PosEd Mentors every second week, address key curriculum outcomes and capabilities. To ensure meaningful and consistent support, each student is assigned a PosEd Mentor as a trusted go-to person, enhancing their overall sense of belonging and wellbeing within our school community.

At Newcastle High School, we are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels respected and supported. Our anti-bullying initiatives, aligned with the NSW Department of Education’s guidelines, focus on proactive education, awareness campaigns, and a structured response to bullying incidents. We emphasise positive relationships and use our RAFT (Recognise, Act, Follow-up, Tell) reporting system to empower students to take action. Through ongoing education and a culture of zero tolerance towards bullying, we strive to ensure that "Everyone Belongs." Our PosEd lessons focus on the promotion of pro-social behaviour. For more information, see our Anti-Bullying External Procedures or to report anti-social behaviour please complete the following RAFT report: https://online.schoolbytes.education/published_forms/6479/54c3c39f-2174-4365-a77d-3b32358384a6 or speak with a trusted adult in the school. 

At Newcastle High School, we believe in celebrating the achievements and positive behaviours of our students as a vital part of fostering a supportive school environment. Our Recognition and Rewards system includes Positive Sentral entries, which acknowledge students for their efforts, achievements, and contributions to the school community. These entries serve as a powerful tool to reinforce positive behaviour and motivate students to strive for excellence.

Parents can access and read these Positive Sentral entries through the Parent Sentral portal, allowing them to stay informed and engaged with their child's progress and successes. By recognising and rewarding our students, we aim to create a culture of positivity and encouragement that enhances the overall wellbeing of our school community.

At Newcastle High School, our Wellbeing Days, now known as Maroong Marai, are a highlight of our school calendar. The name Maroong Marai comes from the Awabakal Language, meaning "good spirits," and reflects our commitment to the holistic wellbeing of our students.

These days are filled with engaging activities and expert-led sessions that promote positive mental, physical, social and emotional health. We invite external services and specialists to share their knowledge, offering students a range of opportunities to learn, connect, and have fun. Each year group’s day concludes with a vibrant, whole-year activity designed to foster a sense of community and joy.

Maroong Marai days are held on Fridays throughout the year:

• Year 12: Term 1, Week 6

• Year 11: Term 1, Week 10

• Year 10: Term 2, Week 5

• Year 9: Term 2, Week 9

• Year 8: Term 3, Week 5

• Year 7: Term 3, Week 9

We are proud to celebrate wellbeing and connection through Maroong Marai, ensuring our students experience good spirits and positive energy throughout their high school journey with an emphasis on connecting with their peers. 

Our Peer Support Program supports the transition of Year 6 students into high school. It is led by trained Year 10 students who mentor and guide Year 6 students through this important phase, building a sense of belonging and confidence as they begin high school. This program encourages leadership skills in older students and provides new students with positive role models.

At Newcastle High School, we recognise the importance of supporting our HSC students during this critical phase of their education. Our Teacher Mentors program pairs students with dedicated teachers who guide them in implementing healthy HSC practices. These mentors provide tailored support, helping students to develop effective study strategies, manage their time efficiently, and maintain a balanced lifestyle during their HSC journey.

By fostering open communication, our mentors encourage students to set realistic goals and address any challenges they may face. This supportive relationship not only aids in academic achievement but also promotes wellbeing, resilience, and stress management. Our Teacher Mentors are committed to helping students thrive both academically and personally as they prepare for their HSC exams.

Designed for Year 7 and 8 students, RAP groups focus on building resilience and equipping students with strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Delivered by our skilled Student Support Officer (SSO), these sessions help young adolescents develop a strong sense of self-worth and emotional well-being. 

Starting in 2024, Newcastle High School is excited to introduce PreVenture, a targeted prevention program for students aged 12-18. PreVenture focuses on promoting mental health and reducing the risk of substance use through personality-based interventions. The program uses interactive workshops and engaging workbooks to equip students with practical coping skills, the ability to set long-term goals, and ways to channel their unique personality traits positively.

Delivered to our Year 8 students by our Student Support Officer (SSO) in partnership with Young Healthy Minds, PreVenture has already seen positive impacts. Across two 4-week programs, 21 students have participated, learning how to navigate challenges and gain greater self-awareness. Here’s what some of our students had to say:

• “I learned about different scenarios and how to handle them better.”

• “You can learn new things about yourself and others.”

• “It helped me keep my long-term goals in mind.”

• “It was a calm group. Definitely made me rethink my emotions and think of my goals more often.”

We are proud to offer PreVenture as part of our comprehensive wellbeing initiatives, helping our students develop the tools to thrive in all areas of their lives.

At Newcastle High School, our Drum Group, based on the Rhythm2Recovery program, harnesses the power of rhythmic musical activities to foster social and emotional development among students. Grounded in the latest neuroscience, this engaging approach has been shown to enhance emotional regulation, improve social connections, and reduce anxiety and other forms of psychological distress.

We have tailored this program specifically for our Year 7 boys, who have responded exceptionally well to the sessions. Students who have participated in the program have discovered the joy of music while developing essential life skills. Here’s what some of our participants shared about their experiences:

• “My family has seen I'm more open and patient.”

• “It’s fun, and you learn new things… getting out of your shell.”

• “I liked how creative and diverse the activities were, so we were able to have fun… we learned to keep going and not stop if we failed on our first attempt.”

• “I have been better at talking to other kids and teachers... It is an excellent way to make new friends and be inclusive.”

Through Drum Group (Rhythm2Recovery), we aim to create a supportive environment where students can express themselves, build friendships, and enhance their emotional wellbeing.

Aligned with the Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum, Consent Labs workshops are provided to our Year 9 students. These sessions are vital in educating students about respectful relationships, consent, and personal boundaries, empowering them to make informed and responsible decisions.

At Newcastle High School, we deliver the Youth Aware Mental Health program to all Year 9 students, equipping them with essential skills to navigate the challenges of adolescence. This evidence-based program, delivered by trained external presenters, focuses on enhancing mental health literacy and reducing stigma, empowering students to understand emotional wellbeing and seek help when needed. Through engaging workshops, participants learn to identify signs of distress in themselves and peers, fostering a supportive environment that encourages open conversations about mental health.

For more information about the Youth Aware Mental Health program, click here.

At Newcastle High School, we are committed to providing personalised support for students requiring intensive intervention. We understand that each student's needs are unique, and we collaborate closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to develop tailored intervention plans. This collaborative approach ensures that we coordinate planning and progress monitoring effectively, drawing on the expertise of a diverse team that supports targeted group interventions.

Our school counselling team plays a vital role in this process, offering professional guidance and support to students and families. We also prioritise communication with families and carers, keeping them informed and involved in their child's progress and the interventions being implemented. By working closely with other service providers and utilising data to monitor and evaluate student progress, we strive to ensure the effectiveness of our programs and interventions.

For parents and carers seeking to initiate support, a referral form can be completed to engage with our school counselling team and begin the process of personalised intervention.

Complete a referral form here.

Harmony Week

At Newcastle High School, we celebrate Harmony Week with enthusiasm and creativity, showcasing the rich diversity of our school community. Our English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) students take the lead in planning and executing engaging events. This includes a language writing station, a cultural scavenger hunt, and a vibrant food festival that allows everyone to explore and appreciate various cultures through food and traditions.

These activities not only promote inclusivity and understanding but also foster a sense of belonging among our students. Join us in celebrating the unique tapestry of cultures that enrich our school community.