New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations that we know as The New Norfolk Way. One of the ways in which we demonstrate this is by celebrating student achievement and working to build connections with families. Our recent Student Showcase provided great examples of both.

There was a wide range of musical performances—violin, guitar, singing, keyboard & a dynamite rock band—performing jazz, classical and rock. It was a great example of the courage and growth being developed by our music teacher Kerry McKittrick (I was even drafted in late in the piece to provide acoustic support for a student singing ‘Wagon Wheel’). 

There was also a whole room dedicated to displaying the accomplishments of our students in art. Again, there was a real diversity of the work on display—prints, paintings, drawings, sculpture and even sensory books made by our Y11/12 students for a project with ptunarra, the Derwent Valley Child & Family Centre.

Students were also involved in the Showcase making drinks in the café, serving food (also made by students) and greeting parents. Of course, there were also many students there with their parents, sharing the Evidence of Learning prepared by teachers to demonstrate the progress they are making.

All in all, there were countless great examples of building connections and a sense of belonging. There were also many examples of courage, students accepting challenges and embracing opportunities, and growth, aspiring to learn and improving even when it is tough.

Special thanks go to our Arts & Tech team who took the lead in setting up for and running the event. They spent many hours over the weekend getting everything ready. As I told our students during assembly, they and so many staff put extra work into this event because we care about our students and about building positive relationships with them and our families.

Many thanks to the positive feedback from all those who attended. This was only the second Showcase we have run and we look forward to building on the success of this event again next year. I wish you all a happy holiday and look forward to seeing everyone again when school returns on Monday the 13^th of October.

Stuart Lord

• Thursday 25^th September Newsletter published
• Friday 26^th September Prefect applications close
• Friday 26^th SeptemberLast Day term 3

• Mon 13^th October first day of Term 4
• Thursday 16^th October Athletics Day 1 (Dependent on ground condition)
• Friday 17^th October Athletics Day 2 (Dependent on ground condition)
• Monday 20^th October Wellbeing Afternoon Activities
• Thursday 23rd October Hobart Show day Holiday
• Friday 24^th October Student Free Day

On Wednesday afternoon, students participated in the school’s VIP Rewards Day, an event designed to acknowledge their efforts and application to the school values throughout the term.

Students had accumulated Class Dojo points, which allowed them to select preferred activities from a varied list. The number of points earned determined access to their top choices, making the day a reflection of individual achievement.

Activities included:

• Jewellery making, where students created their own accessories.
• Roller skating, offering a chance to unwind and have fun with peers.
• Bath bomb making, combining creativity with hands-on learning.
• Music sessions, where students explored instruments and rhythm.
• Dungeons & Dragons and Minecraft, encouraging imagination and collaboration.
• Physical education, with a mix of games and fitness activities.
• A pancake cooking challenge, where students tested their culinary skills and competed to make the best pancake stack.

Due to poor weather, the hiking activity was postponed and will be rescheduled for next term.

Staff noted the calm and positive atmosphere throughout the afternoon. The event provided students with a break from routine and a chance to engage in activities that suited their interests.

VIP Rewards Day served as a quiet recognition of the values students demonstrated over the term — including perseverance, cooperation, and personal growth.

Our recent Student Showcase was a vibrant celebration of the creativity, talent, and hard work of our Years 7–12 students. Families, staff, and community members were invited to explore the diverse learning and artistic expression happening across our school.

Visitors were treated to an inspiring display of visual art, including detailed drawings, expressive paintings, and imaginative sculptures and clay pieces. In the Design and Technologies space, students proudly presented their handcrafted lamps and garden stakes, combining design thinking with practical skills. Students also showcased their food packaging designs, demonstrating their understanding of branding, sustainability, and consumer appeal. These projects reflected not only artistic flair but also entrepreneurial thinking.  Our year 11 and 12 students displayed their thoughtfully designed sensory quiet books from their Working with Children course.

The showcase featured live musical performances, with students sharing well-rehearsed pieces that highlighted their musical talent, growth and confidence.

Our Food Technology students impressed guests with a delicious spread of sweets and Mexican-style dishes, prepared and served as part of their practical learning. From handmade churros to fresh tacos, the food was a true testament to their culinary skills.

This event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate student achievement across multiple disciplines. A heartfelt thank you to all the students, staff, and families who contributed to making the showcase such a memorable and meaningful success.

This term, Youth Workers Isaac and Rowie teamed up with Hobart PCYC to run the Reset Opportunity Youth Works program for our Year 8 and 9 students.

The program was all about adventure—outdoor challenges that built courage, confidence, teamwork, and plenty of laughs along the way! Alongside the action, students also took part in engaging in educational workshops provided by The Link, covering all aspects of youth development. Twenty students proudly graduated, walking away with stronger friendships, a boost in self-belief, and some great memories.

A huge thanks to Hobart PCYC’s Brooke, Monty and Aleesha for their inspiring role modelling and encouragement, which helped make this program such a success.