New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations for all. As the school year ends, we have been putting this into practice by been celebrating success, looking forward to future pathways and paving the way for a positive return in the New Year.

We have been able to celebrate some very positive feedback in our External School Review. When the panel chair spoke, they said the key word for their feedback was ‘hope’ and that the consistent message they received from students, parents & staff was that this isn’t the same school it was even just 12 months ago when they were last here.

This was reaffirmed by progress in achieving a number of our School Improvement Plan targets. Suspension rates are down 10% year-on-year &, for term 4, the reduction is 20%. We also saw a 10% improvement in students reporting medium or high wellbeing for School Climate in the Student Wellbeing & Engagement Survey.

In addition, building on some significant, including the addition of VET, we saw significant improvement in Year 11 & 12 attainment. For example, the number Year 11 students gaining 60 TCE points was up 37.5% and those achieving at least one standard up 75%. Furthermore, the number of Year 12 students achieving their TCE was up 40%.. To top it all off, this week we learnt that one of our students will be recognised by TASC with an Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Education & Training (VET) Award!

Lifting Literacy is a significant focus across the whole Department. Before this initiative began, we were one of the first schools to introduce the MacqLit program & we now have staff from other schools coming to learn from us.  It has been very encouraging to see the impact of our work on Lifting Literacy born out in significant reading growth for our Year 7 & Year students. Building further on this work will be an important continuing focus next year.

An important feature of this time of year is celebrating the achievements of our Y10s. With the final assembly and Celebration Dinner, in addition to all the award recipients recognised at our Presentation Evening, it has been very encouraging to see increased engagement with the transition process. Whether remaining here, heading to college or engaging at TAFE through an apprenticeship or traineeship, our congratulations to all year 10s for all they have done and best wishes for all that is to come.

Though they finished earlier in the term, it was also heartening to be able to celebrate increased attainment in our Y11/12 cohort including the news, confirmed only this week, that one of our students is going to be recognised by TASC with an Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Education & Training (VET) Award!

In a week full of celebratory events, including Grade Days, Beach Day & Esplanade Day, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our school community, particularly parents & carers, for your engagement with us and commitment to your children’s education and future. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff for their commitment, flexibility and adaptability throughout the year.

We wish you all the best for the summer break and look forward to continuing our work with all who are returning next year.

Stuart Lord, Principal