Deputy Principal's Report

'Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed.' [Irene Peter]

With the top three Apps of 2020 being Zoom, Tic Tok and Disney+, I think we can safely say this has been a year like no other and one in which this inevitability has brought a lot out in all of us: within our places of work, our families and our friends. For some, this coming Christmas will be the first opportunity we will have had to meet with loved ones from interstate; for others, this still won't be possible.

As a team and as a school, this has resonated with us deeply and connections have never been more important. However, while we won't miss Zooming one another from office spaces across the school, this year has presented all of us with challenges that we are all proud to have taken on board. For the four of us, this change has clearly been in the leadership team this year, with the appointment of a new Principal, three new Deputy Principals and multiple new Head Teachers. Although we have only been operating as a Senior executive team this term, we have already started to implement new procedures and practices leading to enhanced outcomes. These changes may have an unsettling nature in the beginning, however, we are excited and confident about the new direction of Newcastle High with a shared vision for student growth and achievement in the coming years. As a new leadership team, we are in the fortunate situation where we have the opportunity to plan and implement a new school plan cycle together, which is exciting for us, as we continue to work collaboratively to be proactive and further support our students, staff, parents and community members into 2021.

Meanwhile, good news from our Cooks Hill Campus site with all University bound students gaining official offers, through completion of the Big Picture “Graduation Portfolio”. As the Senior Executive of the school, we value supporting our students to have the best exit outcomes possible and understand each student in our care is  unique and valued.  

So, with an elbow-fist-pump the Senior Executive Team wish you and yours a restful break and positive and productive new year.

Joel Anderson (DP Yrs 8 & 10) 

Rachel McNeilly (DP Yrs 9 & 12)

Quinn Robertson (CHC Deputy Campus Leader)

Shannon Sager (DP Yrs 7 & 11)