12 Mar 2019
Dear Parents and Carers
I am writing to advise you of our proposed change of the Term 2 School Development Day from 29 April 2019 to 7 May 2019.
We have booked James Nottingham to present a combined session to teachers from Newcastle High School and Lambton High school.
James Nottingham is recognised as an educator internationally and is the co-founder and executive director of Challenging Learning. His passion is in transforming the most up-to-date research into strategies that really work in the classroom.
James is regarded by many as one of the most engaging, thought-provoking and inspirational speakers in education. His first book, Challenging Learning, was published in 2010 and has received widespread critical acclaim. Since then, he has written 6 books for teachers, leaders, support staff, and parents. These books share the best research and practice connected with learning; dialogue; feedback; the Learning Pit; Early Years education; and Growth Mindset.
In 2006, James co-founded Challenging Learning with Jill Nottingham. Now, his team support nurseries, schools, colleges, and school districts with long-term projects that make a significant difference to the lives of ALL learners (staff lives as well as young people’s lives). This support includes keynote speeches, staff workshops, demonstration lessons, coaching, research and analysis, presentations for parents, and excellent teaching resources
The purpose of school development days is to assist whole school strategic planning and staff development which contributes directly to the improvement of student learning outcomes. The planned training activities align to our school priorities and directions. The re-organisation of school development day will enable our staff to be involved in the planned activities.
This means, 29 April 2019 would be a normal school day and 7 May 2019 a student-free day.
Program:
Keynote Address James Nottingham Challenging Learning
Workshops James Nottingham Challenge and Leadership
Cross Faculty Workshops Leadership and Collective (and self) efficacy
Cross Faculty Workshops Learning to learn
Reorganising school development will enable our staff to be involved in the planned activities.
Arrangements for students on 29 April 2019 would be:
- School will operate as normal.
- Newcastle Buses will operate as normal.
- Hunter Valley Buses will operate as normal.
- Busways will operate as normal.
The bus companies suggested that students would need to be at the bus stop a little earlier than normal on this day, as traffic and pick-ups will be less than normal and the bus driver does not wait if there is nobody at the bus stop.
Tuesday 7 May would be a student-free day, the school will organise some casual teachers and provide minimal supervision to students who are required to attend due to supervision issues at home. No timetabled classes would be held on this day.
Parent/Carers with queries or concerns can Email NHS or call the school by 12 April 2019.
The community will be informed of the final decision once confirmed.
Yours sincerely, Nathan Towney, Principal