New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations for all. One of the ways we show this is by our commitment to school improvement. This year, I have already been able to share some very exciting progress in a range of different areas.

There has been a substantial decrease in suspensions, a promising increase in attendance and a very encouraging improvement in NAPLAN relative gains. Suspensions continue to be 27% down on the year-to-date last year and 40% on the same time in 2021. The significance of this improvement was recently recognised by the Department when we were recently one of just five schools from across the whole state invited to share our engagement strategies because of the extent of this improvement in suspension data. We are also seeing a more modest but nonetheless promising increase in attendance. This is the first improvement in attendance we have seen since before COVID. Finally, as previously shared, we say significant improvements in the percentage of students displaying medium or high levels of improvement between their Year 7 and Year 9 NAPLAN tests, especially in Reading (up 14%), Numeracy (up 27%) and Writing (up 32%!).

This week we had further positive feedback when the results of the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey were released. We saw improvement in many areas, including three of the Department’s key indicators (the other, already better for us, remained steady). The highlights were School climate, which continued to improve, up 4% year-on-year and 14% since 2021. Even more impressively, School Belonging which improved 17%, the biggest improvement I have every seen in any SWES result. The percentage of medium and high wellbeing for this question was better this year than at any other time since the survey was introduced in 2019.

It is very exciting to be able to share these results, which are only achieved by focussed, hard work and successful partnerships with students and their families. On the Professional Learning Day, our teachers were concentrating on taking next steps and driving further improvement by developing a Multi-tiered System of Supports for positive behaviour, increasing engagement by designing learning activities with more engaging hooks that are easier to access and by developing learning checklists to support students returning from absences. All of this draws not only on external data but also the understanding of staff on the ground and active engagement with student voice.

Of course, there is always a next step, and always more to do, but we look forward to taking those steps together, because that is the New Norfolk Way.

Stuart Lord

• Thursday 6^th November Athletics Day
• Friday 7^th November Athletics Day
• Tuesday 11^th November Remembrance Day assembly
• Wednesday 12^th November grade 6 Scavenger Hunt Day
• Wednesday 12^th November grade 11/12 Activities Day
• Wednesday 12^th November Parent Information Evening 6.00-7.30pm
• Thursday 13^th November Year 11/12 Final assembly
• Friday 14^th November Last day for Year 11/12 and Celebration Dinner
• Wednesday 26^th November Year 6 to 7 Orientation Day
• Friday 28^th November Year 9 Towards 2027 Day - Claremont College
• Tuesday 2^nd December Presentation Evening
• Wednesday 3^rd December Claremont College Orientation Day
• Thursday 11^th December Year 10 Final Assembly
• Friday 12^th December Free Dress
• Friday 12^th December Year 10 gr day - Bowling
• Monday 15^th December Step Up Morning
• Monday 15^th December Year 10 Celebration Evening
• Tuesday 16^th December Grade Activities Day
• Wednesday 17^th December Beach Day
• Thursday 18^th December Esplanade Day and Students Last Day
• Friday 19^th December Staff Last Day

We continue our commitment to the DECYP, and our school values of Connection, Respect, Growth, Courage, and Responsibility. Our Key Value for Term 4 is Responsibility, with our next fortnightly focus on “Being the best version of ourselves”.

High school years involve juggling classes, work, family, and everything in between. Being the “best version of yourself” doesn’t mean being perfect, it just means trying, learning, and growing a little at a time.

One of the valuable lessons students learn during high school is self-awareness. Students learn to reflect on their interests, strengths, and goals and are supported to recognize what motivates them and what values matter most. When students understand themselves, they are better equipped to make choices that align with their long-term success and happiness.

Confidence comes from recognizing our own worth and accomplishments. Term 4 brings the opportunity to celebrate students’ yearlong efforts as much as their outcomes. Whether it’s improving an academic rating, trying something new, or showing kindness to others, small victories help students build self-esteem and motivation for continued success.

Becoming the best version of ourselves is a lifelong journey, with encouragement, guidance, and support students learn to navigate challenges, set meaningful goals, and believe in their potential. Together, schools and families can help every student grow into a thoughtful, capable, and confident individual ready to take on the future.

Please see the section in this Newsletter from the Department for Education, Children and Young People on Every School Day Matters for more information on supporting your young person.

Jodie Strohfeld

The end of last term saw grade 7 students participate in lots of fun activities. Students contributed significantly to the displays and performances at this year’s Student Showcase. ‘The Good Sirs’ a band comprised of grade 7 students, made their debut and had the room rocking.

On Footy Colours Day, Mr Shelton organised a game of AFL, which saw grade sevens make up the majority of players. They gave it their all and earned the respect of the older players.

For History Week Mr Underdown and Linda led a guided walk of historic buildings around New Norfolk. The students listened to stories about the history of the interesting past of our town. They conducted themselves very well and were brilliant ambassadors for the High School.

At VIP day grade 7 students participated in a wide range of activities both on and offsite.

This term in Year 7 HASS, students are investigating the vital topic of Water in the World. From understanding the water cycle to exploring global water scarcity, we’re gaining insight into one of Earth’s most precious resources.

Soon, we’ll shift focus to Place and Liveability, where students will examine what makes a place desirable to live in—from access to services and environmental quality to community and culture. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to connect geography with real-world issues and develop thoughtful perspectives on sustainability and urban planning.

This term, our Year 7 students are diving into the world of film as part of their English curriculum. Through close analysis of cinematic techniques, storytelling elements, and character development, students are learning to view movies not just as entertainment, but as rich texts full of meaning. The unit encourages critical thinking, creative responses, and lively classroom discussion. We’re excited to see our budding film critics in action as they explore themes, symbolism, and the power of visual storytelling!

Kyle Underdown