New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations for all. As I mentioned in the last newsletter, our External School Return Review was held at the end of last term. While we are still waiting on the report to be officially endorsed, we have already begun acting on the feedback we received.

The opening sentence of this article is one example, being the revised version of our vision statement which we collaboratively clarified to make more direct and easier to remember. Of course, we work daily to ensure that these are not just words but that this vision animates all the work we do to progress our school improvement journey, because that is The New Norfolk Way.

One great example of this being put into action recently has been our prefect elections. We have a a wonderful group of candidates who are not only demonstrating an understanding of our values but are demonstrating them in action. The prefect speeches at last week’s assembly were outstanding both in content and in presentation and all who took part can be immensely proud of their efforts. We look forward to finalising this process and announcing our prefects for 2025 next week.  

This is just one example of the many celebrations that take part in term 4. Attendance remains just as important as in any other term. At the moment, we are undertaking PAT testing for reading & maths which provides vital information to measure student progress and identify areas for improvement. While we work hard to provide catch up sessions for those who are not here on the day the testing takes place, there is a limited testing window in which they can be completed.

Attendance is also obviously important for all those working to earn their place at our Year 10 Celebration Dinner. This is a real highlight of the school year, with the arrival of students being very well attended by families and clearly demonstrating the hours if not days of preparation involved. We look forward to seeing all our students at school this term, demonstrating The New Norfolk and joining in all of this term’s celebrations. 

Stuart Lord, Principal

Coming Events

• Thu 21st November, 7-10 boys football

• Fri 22nd November, Interhigh Athletics

• Wed 27^th November, Orientation Day & Y7 Excursion & Y10 Beach Activities Day

• Fri 29^th November, Y9 Claremont Taster Day

• Tue 3^rd December, Presentation Evening

• Fri 6^th December, Rainbow Day

• Wed 11th December, 2pm MacqLit celebration

• Thu 12^th December, Final Assembly

• Mon 16^th December, Y10 Celebration Dinner

• Tue 17^th December, Grade Day

• Wed 18^th December, Beach Day

• Thu 19^th December, Esplanade Day & Last Day for Students

• Fri 20^th December, Last Day for Staff

Term Dates

2024

Term 4: Monday 14^th October – Thursday 19^th December

2025

Term 1: Thursday 6^th February – Friday 11^th April

Term 2: 28^th April – 4^th July

Term 3: 21^st July – 26^th September

Term 4: 13^th October – 18^th December

The Key Value for this term is Responsibility.

 Over the last week, we have been focussing on "Every minute, everyday counts." 

Making the most of every moment fits within the theme of our recent 2024 Mental Health Week, Wellbeing Day "Appreciate the little things". 

 Mental Health Week is part of a national health promotion campaign held each year and incorporates World Mental Health Day held globally. The purpose of this awareness week is to engage communities in activities that promote mental health and wellbeing, increase understanding and reduce stigma about mental illness, and how it impacts on the lives of people in our community.

 During Wellbeing Day at NNHS students participated in a variety of wellbeing themed activities and were respectfully engaged in the mental health expo. Please see the NNHS Face Book Page for fantastic photos of the day!

 We learnt that just like our physical health our mental health is important for our overall wellbeing; good mental health helps us cope with challenges and enjoy life.

 The Value focus for the next few weeks will be: "Being the best version of Ourselves".

Jodie Strohfeld

On the 11^th of November, students participated in a Remembrance Day Service to honour those who sacrificed their life for us to live in peace. Guest speaker Neil Biggar shared the purpose of the Returned Services League of Australia and the services they offer to improve the lives of current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families. Students observed a minute’s silence and listened to the playing of ‘The Last Post’ by bugle player John O’Carol. After the service, students were invited to donate to Legacy, represented by another special guest ‘Legacy Bear’. We raised $180 towards this worthy cause who support families of Australian Defence Force men and women who have lost their life or health in conflicts of war. Thank you to Brilee and Mia who represented our school in the New Norfolk Remembrance Day Service.

Our annual Wellbeing Day was a huge success last week with our program raising awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing. Students enjoyed a variety of indoor and outdoor activities from a silent disco, sports, journal writing, craft activities, food stalls and chatting to the many exhibitors at the expo. This has been an important opportunity for us to check in with ourselves and each other and to think about what we can do promote positive mental health in our school community.

What Safety Means – Art Exhibition

Last week, we came together as a community alongside Bruce & Denise Morcombe to open the Safety Art Exhibition at The ArtHouse Café. In class students had been talking about what safety in the community means to them, and several Grade 7 & 9 students created artworks to represent this.

The exhibition is on till the 22^nd of November at The ArtHouse Café, come along and celebrate our young artists!

Recently, several of the Senior Visual Art students visited the Moonah Art Centre to view three temporary exhibitions. Students explored the works of currently practicing local artists and took time to reflect on their importance and meaning, diving deeper into the statements provided. This experience has further supported our young creatives to become more involved with the arts community, being able to see the spaces where their art can be shown.

Ms Harradine 

Celebrating the Achievements of Our Year 11/12 Students

Last week, we farewelled our Year 11/12 students in style with a fun-filled Activities Day. The group enjoyed a trip to Rewind Cinema and a lively game of bowling, and we were delighted to have Mrs Allwright join us for the celebrations.

On Friday, we held their Recognition Assembly, where Steve Halloran from the Duke of Edinburgh program joined us as a special guest to present a range of certificates. The day culminated in a celebratory dinner at the New Sydney Hotel, attended by 15 of our dedicated staff members—a perfect way to honour this remarkable group of students.

This remarkable cohort has worked tirelessly throughout the year, reaching incredible milestones. Collectively, they earned over 450 TCE points and gained essential qualifications, including First Aid, RSA, and RCG certificates. Their commitment to giving back to the community is truly inspiring, with more than 400 hours of combined volunteering and work placements completed.

Many students also achieved significant personal goals, such as earning their Bronze or Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards. These experiences have prepared them well for the next stage of their journeys, and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts and accomplishments.

Throughout the year, we’ve been fortunate to have the support of Linda, Miss Combes, and Sabrina. I also want to extend my gratitude to Anita for taking such pride in maintaining our shared spaces.

Congratulations to our Year 11/12 students—your hard work and dedication have set a shining example for others to follow!

—Miss Jess Cepeniuk

Year 11/12 Student Voice:

1. What has been the best part of this year?

1. What do you most look forward to for 2025?

Emma N: “The best part of this year must have getting back into a school routine and meeting new people. I look forward to stepping out of my comfort zone once again and gaining new experiences.”

Hailey L: “Best part of 2024 is when I met Jess and that she was my teacher. 2025 I’m not too sure.”

Emma VS: “The best part of this year would probably be Jess being my teacher for year 11, helping me oversee all my stresses about life. I’m excited to finish school forever.”

Mikayla R: “The best part of this year was meeting my best friend Emma P and going for a holiday in QLD. I am looking forward to graduating Year 12!”

Jade G: “The best part was having Jess has my teacher. I am not sure what I am looking forward to for next year at the moment.”

Jazmyn C: “Best part of this year was the Duke of Edinburgh camp to Fortescue Bay to complete my sliver. What I look forward to in 2025 is to hopefully start a traineeship to get my working life started and to complete my gold in Duke of Edinburgh.”

Aislin C: “Best part of 2024 would have to be spending time with Jess. In 2025 I’m looking forward to starting my life.”

Kade C: “The best part was making friends in Year 11/12. I am excited to be finished with school.”

Abbey C: “Playing uno at camp in the dark in the cold at like 1 am. I’m looking forward to the travel opportunities I will have next year.”

This term, the Year 9 Packages of Learning class had the exciting opportunity to visit the construction site of the new Bridgewater Bridge. The excursion, which took place over the morning, included an informative presentation on the bridge's construction, followed by a bus tour of several key locations within the site.

One of the highlights of the trip was the pre-cast facility, where the massive concrete segments for the bridge are created. Each segment measures 15 meters in width and can weigh up to 90 tonnes. In total, the facility is set to produce 1,082 segments for the project.

A special thanks goes to Tiarna Bricknell, who coordinated and hosted our visit. Tiarna, a graduate of New Norfolk High School, played a key role in making this excursion both educational and memorable.

On Thursday 7^th November selected Year 8 & 9 girls travelled to Swisher to play in a 3 x 3 Basketball Tournament. The girls played seven other schools, developing their basketball skills each game. It was impressive to watch them improve in a sport where they had very little experience playing, and we even come out with a couple of wins against some really challenging teams. The sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork they had shown throughout the day was outstanding. Well done to all the girls that participated.

On Friday 8^th November our boys teams headed into Swisher compete against ten other schools as the last of our Reclink Community Series for the year. The boys started off the tournament with a close loss. We then picked up a couple of wins on our way to finishing the tournament in fifth against some very strong opposition. Once again, we are very proud of how all our teams handled themselves during the competition and the levels of respect they showed.

We would also like to wish all our Interhigh Athletics students good luck at the carnival on Friday the 22^nd November. We know you will do us all proud.