18 Dec 2024
As each year comes to a close, I love to take the time to reflect on the year that was and share with parents the pride I have in our school, its wonderful students and all our achievements. Thank you for a wonderful year; our community is very close and this is reflected in the culture of our school.
Our year has been a whirlwind of activity, with students exploring a plethora of extracurricular, academic, sporting, cultural and social pursuits. It is through these diverse opportunities that students created strong friendship bonds and fond memories they’ll treasure for life. Both Year 9 and Year 12 have demonstrated our NHS core values of respect, responsibility and participation in all they have done.
Individual student achievements, attitudes to learning and attainment of outcomes will be reflected in their academic reports which will come home in Week 10. I encourage you to take the time to use these documents to initiate a conversation with your student on what feedback the report provides to both. This reflective thought and conversation can highlight their achievements and help to shape learning goals for 2025. Engaging with feedback is a lifelong skill crucial for refining skills and ongoing self-development.
I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and I look forward to working with you and your families in 2025.
Michelle Fraser
Deputy Principal (Years 9 & 12)
Year 9
Year 9 commenced their Stage 5 studies this year which will culminate in an award of a ROSA at the end of 2025. They have engaged in a wide range of curriculum based activities designed to enhance their understanding of core content in various subjects thanks to the dedication of our exceptional teaching staff. It is these initiatives which complement classroom learning and help connect this knowledge to real world experiences.
I would like to offer special thanks to Ms Olivia Higgins, their Year Advisor, who has guided them in her Wellbeing role. She has also had an outstanding year personally, representing Australia in the WNRL, congratulations Olivia. Mr Paul Myers will commence in this role in 2025 and we welcome him to the Year 9 team. He has already been busily working with our students to get them prepared for next year.
Our sporting prowess was again phenomenal this year with many sports and many successes across local and regional levels, some going on to perform outstandingly at both state and national level. A wonderful problem to have, there are far too many to name individually with over 15 sports included. Participation individually and in team sports is an integral part of the NHS culture. This spirit was exemplified at our carnivals, expertly run by our PDHPE faculty, with students cheering and chanting in their house colours. The students vs teachers race was a popular event and drew a big crowd.
Our creative students performed at Starstruck, drawing on talents in Drama, Music and Dance with impressive performances which captivated audiences and allowed students a real world theatrical experience. Our Support Unit students participate in all of these cultural events. Our Aboriginal dancers shared their culture with us, much to our delight. With our CAPA team running art exhibitions and Friday music in the quad at lunch to celebrate the week.
Our Maths Growth team and English faculty have added value through the implementation of a new syllabus with new topics and pedagogies, The Write it Right! program collaborated with Murrook Cultural Centre and was a popular and successful program with field visits throughout the year. HSIE visited local landmarks and used site visits to transfer content knowledge to real world learning opportunities, creating a further appreciation of the beautiful beach lifestyle we have. TAS have a vibrancy in their learning spaces with students creating the most amazing products showcased at subject selection nights and these treasured symbols becoming family keepsakes.
Our scientists/IT whizzes had the opportunity to participate in the CSIRO challenge at Newcastle University implementing their iSTEM skills – I am looking at their glass trophy as I type! Scientific enquiring minds also enhanced through our increased participation in BYOD and the resulting pedagogical shift. We live in a dynamic world and our kids are so ready for this!
Our Languages faculty gave our students the most wonderful experience with the Ube visit to the school and their immersion in Japanese culture. How lucky our students were to meet new friends from overseas! Our Yr 9 EAL/D students were immersed in local culture through community visits and learning activities which created a sense of belonging and builds friendships. Thanks to a financial grant, our students have been able to attend weekly swimming programs helping them to transition to our beach lifestyle, just in time for summer!
As always, our Wellbeing team has offered so many programs and guest speakers to support students with positive decision making and by building a bank of strategies they can use throughout their lives to support their wellbeing. Our Pos Ed and Maroong Marai Days are an integral part of this support offering workshops and discussion across mental health, positive relationships, civic responsibility, resilience and self care. Participation rates from Year 9 attain to their success. Similarly, our Learning Hub offering support with organisation skills, assessments and all manner of student learning has been utilised well this year with proactive requests from students, proactivity is such a pleasure to see. Our Library is building on their book collection each week and many exciting activities are offered at lunch times as well. The Book Week celebrations were outstanding, as was our launch of the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Year 9 have had such an amazing year and I look forward to working with them in Year 10.
Year 12
As we come to the end of the school year, I am filled with both pride and a touch of sadness as we say goodbye to our Year 12 students— the NHS Class of 2024. The HSC examinations are now complete, marking the end of a significant chapter in their lives, the culmination of thirteen years of schooling. Our school formal at Merewether Surfhouse, was a beautiful celebration of their graduation. A special thank you to Mrs Samone Dinnery who, as the Year 12 Advisor, guided them through the last few years of their education and coordinated many of their schooling adventures.
As our students begin the process of signing out, we take a moment to reflect on their hard work and growth over the years. The HSC results will be released on Wednesday 18 December and will be celebrated by a Year 12 Morning Tea with students popping in to school to share their joy with their teachers. These results showcase their dedication and hard work, helping them move forward in their chosen vocational pathway.
Many of our students have already received early acceptance offers to University. This early success not only signifies their hard work but also provides a reassuring glimpse into their futures, which allowed them to approach their HSC examinations with a sense of security. Others are awaiting their results with a sense of anticipation of what comes next. As our cohort celebrate this milestone, some students may choose to take a gap year, seeking to broaden their horizons before committing to their next educational step. Others may opt to enter the workforce, gaining valuable experience that will serve them well in their future endeavours. Regardless of the path they choose, NHS extends our heartfelt best wishes to each and every one of them.
To the Class of 2024, your journey is just beginning. We are proud of what you have accomplished and are excited to see where your dreams will lead you. Congratulations and good luck in all your future endeavours!
