The school year has started well, and it has been wonderful to see students settling into their new classes and routines. 

In the coming days, assessment booklets and assessment calendars for all year groups will be available to students and parents via the respective Google Classrooms and the school website. The assessment booklets outline the school’s assessment policies and procedures, while the calendars provide a clear overview of all assessment tasks for the year, including the nature of each task and key due dates. We ask that students review these documents carefully and acknowledge receipt of their assessment booklet through the provision made on Google Classroom. 

Senior Assessment Policy and Illness/Misadventure Process  

The procedures for illness or misadventure are outlined in the Year 11 and 12 Assessment Booklets. The school has a clear policy regarding senior assessments, and it is important that students and their parents familiarise themselves with these procedures.  If a student is unable to attend an assessment due to illness or misadventure, either the student or parent must notify the relevant Deputy immediately. On the student’s first day back at school, they must report to their Deputy and return the completed Illness/Misadventure form along with the NHSPA Medical form. These forms are available in the Assessment Booklets and also via the school website for printing at home.  Medical Forms need to be completed by a certified medial practitioner.  Senior students have been informed about these procedures during their year meetings. If students or parents have any questions, they are encouraged to contact the school for clarification. 

Illness/Misadventure Form

Medical Certificate Form 

Artificial Intelligence Policy 

The school has introduced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy to guide the responsible, ethical and creative use of AI tools in teaching and learning. The policy encourages students to use AI as a supportive resource while ensuring all work submitted reflects their own understanding and effort. Students and parents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the policy which outlines expectations, guidelines, and acceptable use of AI in the classroom. The guidance of classroom teachers should be sort if ever your child requires clarification.

NHSPA Artificial Intelligence Policy 

Year 12 Senior Production - The Maladies 

Our Year 12 Drama students took to the stage this week for their Senior Production, The Maladies, delivering a performance of exceptional quality and maturity. Under the direction of Ms Hardingham, the production explored powerful female perspectives across time and place, weaving together stories that were both confronting and inspiring. The students demonstrated remarkable commitment, skill and confidence, captivating the audience from beginning to end. We congratulate our Year 12 performers and Ms Hardingham on a highly accomplished production that was a fitting showcase of their talent and dedication. 

Year 7 

Our Year 7 students have successfully completed their Transition Program and are settling in well to high school life. They have been learning the routines at Newtown, making new friends, and building important social connections. 

In Week 8, students will participate in the Year 7 Peer Support Camp at The Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops. This three-day camp, attended alongside their Year 10 Peer Support leaders, is an important part of supporting students’ transition to high school.  We thank Ms Abbey Campbell (Peer Support Coordinator) and Year Advisers Simona Kanasugi and Emma Hammond for organising the camp, and we also extend our thanks to all staff who will be attending. Parents will shortly receive the camp notes via School Bytes, and we kindly ask that the required forms be completed as soon as possible, as this information is essential for camp organisation. 

Year 11 Life Ready Program

In Week 2, Year 11 students attended the Life Ready Camp at Stanwell Tops. The camp was a great success, with students demonstrating exemplary behaviour, actively participating in all activities, engaging with guest speakers, and strengthening their connections with peers. The final component of the Life Ready program will be delivered later this term at school by Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia. Thank you to Year 11 Advisers, Chau Nguyen and Maddison Smith, for their organisation of a successful camp and the Life Ready Program events and the staff who volunteered their time to make this camp such a rewarding experience for our students. 

Swimming Carnival 

The annual NHSPA Swimming Carnival was held at Prince Alfred Park Pool on Tuesday, 17 February.  It was wonderful to see so many students participating and competing with enthusiasm. We congratulate all students on their excellent behaviour, participation, and school spirit throughout the day.  A big thank you to the PDHPE staff, especially Abbey Campbell, for organising another successful whole-school sporting event. 

Year 12 2025 Reunion 

Today, we warmly welcomed back our Year 12 Class of 2025 for a special reunion gathering. It was wonderful to reconnect and hear about the many different directions our graduates have taken since completing their HSC.

From university and apprenticeships to employment and new ventures, it was inspiring to see them embracing opportunities that reflect their individual strengths and aspirations. We extend our sincere thanks to their Year Advisers, Amber Johnson and Philip Podreka for their time, care and organisation in bringing this event together. We are incredibly proud of our alumni and look forward to following their continued achievements in the years ahead. 

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Our first Parent–Teacher Interviews for the year will be held on Thursday 12 March from 3.30pm to 7.00pm for Year 12 students and parents. Information regarding the booking process has been sent to parents via email. Appointments can be made through the Parent Portal, with bookings opening on Tuesday 24 February at 9.00am. If you experience any difficulty making a booking with your child’s teachers, please contact the school for assistance. 

Year 10 and 11 Parent–Teacher Interviews will take place in Week 10 on Wednesday 1 April, commencing at 3.30pm. Bookings will open on Tuesday 17 March at 9.00am via the Parent Portal. To allow sufficient time to prepare for the interviews, all students will have an early finish at 2.30pm on this day. We appreciate your understanding and support. Parent–Teacher Interviews provide a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s current progress, celebrate achievements and identify areas for further development. We encourage parents to take advantage of this important opportunity for partnership in learning. 

Course Changes 

Some students have requested changes to their course patterns for 2026. Any requests for changes to courses or electives for Years 8–11 must be submitted in writing by 27 February 2026. No changes will be accepted after this date, ensuring students have sufficient class time to achieve learning outcomes and perform to their potential. 

Study Centre 

Our library is open from 8:00am each morning to support student learning. The after-school Study Centre is also available on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:10 pm to 5:00 pm, providing a valuable space for students to complete homework as well as prepare and revise for assessment tasks and exams. Additionally, Year 12 students have access to quiet study rooms (E1 and C13) during their study periods. 

Sentral Parent Portal 

The Parent Portal gives parents and carers easy access to important information about their child’s progress, including attendance records, timetables, academic reports, and the ability to book interviews for Parent-Teacher Nights. Emails with access keys were sent out at the beginning of the term and we strongly encourage all parents and carers to set up a Parent Portal account. If you experience any difficulties, please contact the front office at newtown-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au for assistance.

Update Contact Information

We ask all parents and carers to ensure that their email address and home address details are up to date, as accurate information is essential for effective communication. If your contact details have changed, please notify the school as soon as possible. A change of address form is available on the school website for your convenience.

Attendance 

Regular attendance and punctuality play an important role in helping students fully engage in their learning and achieve success in all subjects. Arriving late to school can disrupt learning, cause students to miss important instructions, and make it harder for them to settle into lessons. Ongoing lateness is recorded and will be followed up with students and/or parents, as lost learning time can quickly add up and impact progress. We encourage students to leave home with plenty of time to arrive at school by 8:45 am, ensuring they can participate in every lesson and make the most of their learning opportunities. If your child is absent for part or all of the day, a written explanation is required within two days of their return, in line with Department of Education requirements. For early departures, please notify the school by 9:00 am on the day via phone, email, or a note sent with your child. Early departures are recorded online to alert teachers and ensure your child is not marked absent in class. Thank you for supporting your child to attend school regularly and on time, helping them to achieve their full potential.

Uniform expectations

Wearing the full school uniform each day is an important and basic expectation at NHSPA. Parents are encouraged to prepare for the upcoming cooler weather by ensuring students have the appropriate winter uniform items. All students are required to wear the full school uniform, including approved school jumpers, jackets, or the NHSPA hoodie, grey pants, shorts or school skirts, along with black, fully enclosed leather shoes to meet Work Health and Safety requirements. The hoodie, along with all other uniform items, is available for purchase online through Pickles Schoolwear. The P&C will be running their second-had uniform stall next week. Parents and carers are reminded to clearly label all clothing with your child’s name so lost items can be easily returned. We appreciate your continued partnership in upholding our uniform expectations.

NHSPA Uniform Policy 

How is your first high school swimming carnival?

It's good. It's different to primary, where we had to stay in our houses, here we're allowed to move around.

We're playing uno.

Mathematics Modelling Club

Wednesday, weekly, 3.20-4.30 pm

Does your child love solving puzzles, exploring real-world problems, and thinking creatively? Math Modelling Club gives students the chance to use mathematics to solve exciting, real-world problems.

This is not just a club for people who already love math or think they are "good at it". In the real world, mathematicians work in teams made up of people with a diverse range of skills, and math modeling is no different. We especially encourage students with strengths in writing, problem solving, research, programming, creative and critical thinking to get involved. The ability to communicate clearly, organise ideas, or code a solution may be just as if not more valuable as the math itself.

Mathematics + Valentine’s Day = A Perfect Match

This Valentine’s Day, students explored the creative side of mathematics through hands-on and digital activities that combined problem-solving with artistic design.

Our Year 8 students investigated the fascinating properties of Möbius strips by creating entwined paper hearts. A Möbius strip is a surface with only one side and one edge, formed by giving a strip of paper a half-twist before joining the ends together. Students were amazed to discover how cutting along the strip produces unexpected and beautiful results — a wonderful example of mathematics meeting creativity.

Ayano Kijima (Class 9H), won first place in the Intermediate Category of the Contemporary Dance Section at the Australian Classical Challenge, which was held in Newcastle from February 12 to 15. 

To support learners in developing effective study habits the school will run an after-school study centre during term times on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons from 3:25pm-5:00pm in the school Library.

This is open to all students, providing a quiet environment in which focussed study could take place.

Whilst attendance every week is not compulsory, should your child wish to use this facility, it is recommended that they be regular in their attendance for effective learning to occur.

The study centre will be supervised by a staff member between the times above to assist learners with organisation, planning, and developing successful study habits should they so wish.

This is an excellent opportunity for students to form small study teams to work together to improve their understanding of concepts and spur each other on to achieve a personal best in their subjects.

Expectations for attendance are as follows:

Students

• respect the rights of other learners and so maintain a quiet learning environment.

• desire to improve their performance in subjects.

• use this time productively.

• be regular in attendance.

The centre has been shown to be an effective way for improving students' results, confidence, and organisation in an enjoyable, relaxed environment.

THE ASSC IS A QUIET SPACE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LEARNING AND SEEK HELP FROM STAFF

You Will Need:

1. Medicare card details for you and your child

2. name of the secondary school your child will attend in Year 7 or Year 10

3. your Service NSW login details (this is the same account you might use to renew 

your driver’s license)

4. if you don’t have a Service NSW account, you can create one by visiting 

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/myservicensw-account/how-to-create-anaccount. 

More Information:

For detailed steps on how to provide consent, please watch the How to Provide Consent Video or refer to the NSW Health webpage:

(https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/online-consent-schoolvaccination.aspx).

If you or your child does not have a Medicare card, internet access or you are unable to complete the online consent, ask your child's school for a paper consent form.

On vaccination day, children should eat a good breakfast and wear a short-sleeve shirt like their sports uniform. After getting the vaccine children can play sport, shower, and do afterschool activities as normal.

For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit: 

www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination.

For a detailed video explanation of how to provide consent, please click the following link:

https://vimeo.com/877304083/da667f7044

Please note the following dates for your child/ren's vaccinations:

Vaccinations for Year 10 are scheduled for March 4, 2026

Vaccinations for Year 7 are scheduled for May 22, 2026

TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS

St George’s Hall Trust Fund Performing Arts Donation

This donation is to support the school’s performing and visual arts endeavours. We suggest a donation of $200 per year per family or any amount which is tax deductible through our St George’s Hall Trust Fund. Each year donations provide funding for technical equipment, musical instruments and professional industry workshops for students which enrich our programs and extend students’ opportunities. Donation(s) may be made on the School Bytes statement or Parent Portal.

Library Fund Donation

The Library Fund is a tax-deductible fund established in 2025. Library Fund donations will be used for the following: 

• new books

• computer/software and hardware 

•  library furniture such as bookshelves, booth seating, library displays and archival preservation

Donations made to the St George’s Hall Trust Fund or the school Library Fund are fully tax-deductible as charitable contributions under the ATO provisions.

Tax Deductible Donations  

OTHER DONATIONS

School Donation

If you would like to make a general donation to the school, please include the amount you wish to donate at the designated section via the School Bytes statement which will be emailed to you in the beginning of Term 1. Please note, this donation is not tax deductible. Donation(s) may be made on the School Bytes statement or Parent Portal.

NHSPA P&C Donation

The P&C relies on voluntary fundraising donations as their primary means of fundraising.  We suggest a donation of $50.00 per year per family. Funds collected are allocated to fund items or projects in consultation with the school. P&C members support the school to ensure our children have the very best educational opportunities possible and our aim, when allocating funds, is to have whole of school impact.

The P&C works with the school to identify and implement specific funding for a variety of initiatives.  One such initiative was the purchase of mega decking, consisting of stage legs and braces, which were used for the 2023 production of the Musical ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘Legally Blonde’ in 2025.  In 2025 a laser cutter for the TAS faculty was partially funded through the P&C. Other items purchased in the past include the new school bell, PA security system and large fan in the gym.