Embedded Files
LAND OF THE GADIGAL PEOPLE OF THE EORA NATION
BULLETIN 10 - Term 3 - Friday 15 August 2025
MESSAGE from Our Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning
Ms Nilaufer Rajwar
MESSAGE from Our Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning
Ms Nilaufer Rajwar
Year 12 students have completed their Trial HSC Examinations and are now back in class, working to strengthen their learning during this important post-trial period.
This post-trial period gives students a chance to look at what they did well and what they still need to improve before the HSC Examinations. Attendance at school during this period is mandatory and experience has demonstrated a very positive correlation between regular school attendance during the post-trial period and enhanced final HSC results. A rigorous and diligent home study programme is equally important to ensure students are well prepared for the Higher School Certificate written examinations commencing on Thursday 16 October.
From Wednesday 20 August to Friday 22 August, Year 12 will take part in Finish Strong: HSC Success Sessions. These three days will give teachers time to run targeted workshops free from normal timetable constraints. Sessions will include revision, exam preparation, interpreting HSC markers’ feedback, and practising past exam questions. The aim is to boost student confidence and skills for independent study in the lead-up to the HSC.
For many of our Year 12 students the practical HSC examinations have commenced this month with HSC Dance Practical examinations having already taken place this week from 11-18 August. HSC Drama Practicals will be examined on 25 – 27 August (Week 6) and HSC Music exams take place during the period of Weeks 8-9.
We wish our Year 12 students the very best of luck as they enter the final stages of their secondary schooling.
Assessments
Term 3 is also a very busy assessment period for our Year 7-10 students and for our Year 11 students the final term of their preliminary courses. It is strongly advised that students and parents become familiar with the assessment schedules for the term and prepare themselves well in advance to ensure that all essential assessment deadlines are met. It is essential that all tasks are completed seriously and are submitted on time to ensure that students achieve their potential in each course. We encourage parents to also become familiar with the school’s assessment policy for both the junior and senior school and follow the procedures clearly outlined in these documents.
Year 9 Camp
On Monday 25 - Wednesday 27 August, our Year 9 students will head off early to Lake Burrendong Sport and Recreation Centre for their 3-day Leadership camp. At camp, the students will participate in problem solving activities as well as other activities such as pedal karts, mountain biking, grass skiing and archery. As part of the experience, one of the two nights will involve camping out under the stars. Thank you to Ms Di Camilo for her organisation of the camp and to all staff who will be attending.
NAPLAN 2025
In Term 1, our Year 7 and Year 9 students completed the NAPLAN tests. Parents received their child’s results last week.
These results help us identify areas of strength and where further support is needed, ensuring every student can continue to improve. We encourage families to discuss the results with their child and celebrate the achievements, while also setting goals for the future.
Subject Selection
Term 3 is an important one for many of our year groups as it involves selecting subjects for 2026.
In Week 2, Year 8 students attended an elective course information session and following this, students with the help of their parents submitted their Year 9 elective choices online.
On Tuesday 26 August our current Year 11 students will attend an HSC information session which will be held during Period 4. This session will provide students with information about extension courses offered as well as the requirements of the HSC. This presentation will be shared with parents. Following this, on 2 September, Year 11 students will have their course pattern of study interviews. Students will get to meet with their curriculum advisers who will help them think through choices of picking up extension courses or dropping subjects for their final HSC year.
On Monday 18 August Years 10, 11 and 12 students will attend a talk given by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) on what to consider before selecting subjects. Year 10 students and their parents will also be attending a Year 11 2026 course information afternoon. This presentation will involve finding out about the many courses we offer in senior school as well as understand the HSC requirements.
On Monday 25 August, Year 10 students along with our new Year 11 students for 2026, will meet with the curriculum advisers for their course selection interviews to discuss their Preliminary and HSC pattern of study.
Dates and information regarding the subject selection sessions this term have been communicated with students and parents.
Year 7 Vaccination
Year 7 students will receive their dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) and HPV vaccinations on Wednesday 20 August. Year 10 students who missed their meningococcal vaccination can also receive it on this day.
Parent consent must be given online: NSW Health – School Vaccinations
Attendance
We would like to remind our students and parents about the importance of attending school on time each morning and attending every timetabled class. One of the areas our school community is continually seeking to improve is lateness and partial truancy. If students are late to school they must ensure that they have a note from their parents explaining the lateness. Also, if a student is absent from class without a valid reason, a partial truancy letter will be issued home. As a school community we always send a very clear message to the students about the importance of attendance and punctuality. There is a very positive correlation between improved school attendance and overall achievement and for this reason we intend to support and ensure that our students’ overall rates of attendance increase, with fewer reported incidences of truancy.
NATIONALLY CONSISTENT COLLECTION OF DATA ON SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) is a joint state and federal government initiative. The Data Collection is an annual national count of the number of students provided with educational adjustments as a result of their disability as defined broadly under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and reinforces the obligations that schools have towards students under the Disability Standards for Education 2005.
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability will provide Australian schools, parents, education authorities and the community with information about the number of students with disability in schools, where they are located and the adjustments they receive. The NCCD involves collection of numbers only, no names are submitted.
General information about the national data collection for parents/carers can be accessed via the link below;
nccd_parent_fact_sheet_english_0.pdf3 pages PDF - To enlarge, click right top corner
NHSPA COMMUNITY SURVEY
NHSPA COMMUNITY SURVEY
At Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, we are proud of our vibrant and diverse community.
Our parents, carers and alumni play an essential role in shaping our culture of excellence, creativity, and equity —and we are always inspired by the legacy and contributions of our extended NHSPA family.
In recognising the richness of our school’s history and the talent of our students, we are reaching out to deepen our community connections and explore new ways you might support and extend the learning experiences of our students.
We invite you to complete a short survey to let us know how you may be able to contribute your time, skills or industry expertise.
Your involvement can help open doors and create opportunities for our students as they prepare for their future beyond school.
NHSPA COMMUNITY SURVEY: https://forms.gle/zE3hD7WAtzobF54T9
EVERY DAY MATTERS
EVERY DAY MATTERS
DANCE
International Guest - Omar Humphrey
During the final week of Term 2, our students in Dance welcomed International Guest, Omar Humphrey. During our biannual international tour of America, the students and staff met Omar, who was a teacher at the Booker T. Washington High School. From this we welcomed him to Australia, where he spent the week working with our students. All students within our Dance Curriculum classes from Years 7-12 had the opportunity to work with Omar, taking contemporary classes that utilised live music. This was a fantastic moment for our students to engage and network with our international dance scene, and draw knowledge from Omar and his expertise in modern dance.
Alongside our dance classes, Omar worked with our Senior Repertory and Intermediate Repertory Dance Companies, re-working a piece that the students watched in USA during their travels. These students worked over several rehearsals to re-create this piece, which will be performed at our Dance Showcase on Wednesday 3 December.
The Dance Faculty and Dance students spent the week feeling rejuvenated and inspired after experiencing Omar's company. We look forward to more international opportunities like this in the future.
Bangarra Dance Theatre performs 'Illume'
In Term 2, our Year 9 Dance Students and First Nations Students had the opportunity to watch Bangarra Dance Theatre perform a new work called 'llume' by Francis Rings.
Within the performance, we were proud to watch one our own ex-students from NHSPA, Maddison Paluch, as she is now a touring member of Bangarra Dance Theatre. We were fortunate enough to have Maddison introduce herself and speak to our dancers, answering their questions and inspiring the next generation.
Integrating the performance as part of the Dance curriculum, our Year 9 Dance students will be using their understanding of the work as part of their Dance Composition Unit. The students will draw inspiration, finding creative ways to generate their concept/intents for their Assessment Task.
Co-Curricular Program Reminders
Co-Curricular Program - Rehearsals Commencing
Following a successful first semester, we are anticipating the beginning of our co-curricular Dance Programs for Semester Two. Please be aware that all rehearsals with commence in Week 6 for this term.
Students included in Intermediate Dance Company - CAL and Intermediate Dance Company - BANKS will be the only groups to commence in Week 5.
Styles Audition Reminder
This semester we will be welcoming Felicia Stavropoulos to conduct our Styles Ensemble for the second half of the year. As such, we remind all students that participate in our co-curricular program and two training classes that the Audition will be held on Thursday 4 September during the regular Masterclass time (2.45-4pm).
Key Dates for Semester 2 in Dance
Year 12 HSC Dance Practical Examinations: Monday 11 - Monday 18 August, Week 4 & 5, Term 3
Styles Ensemble Audition: Thursday 4th September, Week 7, Term 3
State Dance Festival: Monday 15 - Friday 19 September, Week 9, Term 3 (Senior Repertory Company, Intermediate Repertory Company, Intermediate Dance Company Banks, Year 7 Performance Group Burg: Specific Performance dates TBA)
Schools Spectacular: Wednesday 26 - Saturday 29 November, Week 7, Term 4
Dance Showcase: Wednesday 3 December, Week 8, Term 4
Finale Showcase: Thursday 11 December, Week 9, Term 4
DRAMA
TERM 4 WEEK 2 - KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR TICKETING INFORMATION
A candid shot of the cast in rehearsal
Year 9 Drama Extension students at ATYP Intersection Festival
Each Year, as part of their course work, our Year 9 extension students audition for the Intersection Festival run by Australian Theatre for Young People. Our school is sent a range of scripts written by young people across Australia, the students stage and direct the pieces and then submit their performances for inclusion in the Festival. This year we were lucky enough to have 2 pieces selected from nationwide submissions.
Willow Seager and Laila Luck performed "You Give Me Butterflies" written by Lily Thomson, and Zen Soto and Jemima Finch performed "Proper" written by Koen Brown. We were also asked to provide comperes for the evening and so congratulations to Timofey Prakhiy, Beatrix Nagy and Leila Chamberlain for keeping the evening running smoothly and representing the school and they were praised for their profesionalism.
A huge thanks must also go to Ms Hoddinott, who has managed this project over the past 2 years and was at ATYP yesterday to support the students in the Festival.
Subject Selection
Subject Selection
Information Sessions
Information Sessions
Do not forget that Subject Selections and choices are happening for 2026. Drama has a lot of information to share with our students but if you need any more clarification about what subjects we offer, check the school website or contact the Drama Department for more information on our courses in 2026.
We had a great (albeit wet) informative session for Year 8 on Friday 1 August and Year 10 into 11 will be on Monday 18 August. We will send home some information for parents when the Stage 6 day has happened.
Thank you to our senior Drama and Screen and Media students who came to support The Drama Department and to assist Ms Macedone in showcasing our Film courses.
Year 10 Extension Wellbeing Plays
Year 10 Drama Extension have begun the research and development phase of the 2025 Wellbeing Plays. Year 10 Drama Extension dedicate Semester 2 to working in teams, with each team allocated to either Year 7, 8 or 9. Their task is to research, create and stage a short play aimed at opening up a discussion about Wellbeing issues relevant to the year group. The research and development process has kicked off with a series of interviews with Year Advisors, Deputies, and our Student Support Officer.
Thank you so much to Ms Rajwar, Ms Scanlan, Ms Grey, Ms Callaghan, Mr Menyhart, Ms Coveny and Dean for giving up their time to be interviewed by the groups. The Wellbeing Plays will be performed for the Year Groups in Term 4.
Bianka Jakovljevic, Year 11
sings 'I See Red' on The Voice Australia
CONGRATULATIONS BIANKA!
Bianka Jakovljevic is a current contestant on The Voice 2025, progressing past the blind auditions with ease, and now working as the youngest contestant this season in a talented field of 14. In her last round, Bianka earned four chair turns with I See Red by Everybody Loves an Outlaw.
“Bianka that was so mind blowing,” Richard Marx said, adding that her mature and powerful voice had surprised him.
We wish Bianka all the very best as she progresses, hoping for an amazing win and strong artist development.
HSC MUSIC SOIREE TUE 1 SEPTEMBER
HSC Music Soiree is the culmination of HSC practice, performance focus and high expectations repertoire. Students from Music 1, 2 and Extension will present selected works from their full programs, and would appreciate a supportive and warm audience.
This is a fantastic experience for you if you are an Elective Music student, especially if you are considering Music in the senior school or are examining the choice of Music Extension.
$5 at the door for an entry donation is appreciated.
SPRING PROM THU 25 SEPTEMBER
Tickets available in Week 5 via the school website: watch this space for updates.
Do you store your instrument in the Music Storeroom?
Do you store your instrument in the Music Storeroom?
Please LABEL YOUR INSTRUMENT CASE with your name, year and a contact
e.g. school email address (in case of loss)
A colourful tag or distinctive keyring is helpful, especially if your case is black with black straps
NHSPA Vocal and Instrumental Program
NHSPA Vocal and Instrumental Program
The school provides an opportunity for students to have instrumental and/or vocal lessons at NHSPA with professional tutors. The lessons take place during the school day on a rotational basis so that students do not miss the same class each week. Most lessons are half an hour in duration once a week over each school term.
This opportunity is available to all students enrolled in Newtown High School of the Performing Arts.
Students are reminded that they need to swipe in and out of every lesson.
You can sign up for the program and access lessons using this link:
Vocal/Instrumental Tuition Program Application Form
** Currently there is no longer capacity for new Vocal Applications **
For Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium, Percussion (Timpani, Auxillary, Drum Kit, Mallets), Piano.
PERFORMING ARTS NOTICE !
PERFORMING ARTS NOTICE !
Notice regarding The Arts Unit Initiatives and Schools Spectacular
Initiatives offered via the Arts Unit are developed to provide performing arts opportunities to students of NSW Public Education schools statewide.
At Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, a specialist, selective entry performing arts high school in Dance, Music and Drama, we offer numerous enrichment and extension opportunities in the Performing Arts to develop the talents of our gifted students.
For a student at NHSPA to be eligible to apply for an Arts Unit initiative, they must receive the school's endorsement. This will usually be given by a Head Teacher and confirmed by the Principal.
Parents looking at opportunities for their students through the Arts Unit should get in touch with the relevant Faculty Head Teacher for guidance in this matter before seeking endorsement from NHSPA and submitting an application for Arts Unit programs.
Parents and students should be familiar with NHSPA's Dance, Drama and Music general co-curricular policies. Familiarity with these policies in tandem with consulting the faculty Head Teachers will ensure the best contextual understanding regarding opportunities for our talented students.
Links to NHSPA Co-Curricular Policies:
Please speak to the relevant Performing Arts Head Teacher if you have any questions.
VISUAL ARTS
VISUAL ARTS
Year 9 Visual Arts Photography and Digital Media
Year 9 Visual Arts Photography and Digital Media students are embarking on an artmaking adventure to develop their skills and darkroom practice by creating a series of Pinhole Photographs within the school grounds. Students have been building their pinhole cameras and readying themselves to develop a body of work within the tradition of Portraiture. Check out our test samples below.
Group shot, 1min exposure, lots of movement. 5/7/25
Digital inversion:
Group shot, 1min exposure, lots of movement. 5/7/25
Portrait of Bea, 45sec exposure, messy finger prints. 5/8/25
Portrait of Bea, 45sec exposure, messy finger prints. 5/8/25
Year 8 Photo Paint and Print
For your enjoyment, presented here collectively are Bodies of Works, produced by our Visual Arts Year 8 Photo Paint and Print students during Semester 1. Students explored personal signs and symbols throughout the topic Mono and the Multiple and developed their skills in drawing, photography and printmaking.
Working from their inital drawings of personal spaces, students then adapted their imagery in Photoshop and produced a photogram in the darkroom. After that, students then developed their imagery further to create a drypoint etching.
For Semester 2, these talented students are building their painting skills within the topic Far From a Still Life. We are really excited to see their works develop.
8PPP students at work on their painting samples
Sample studies of Still Life paintings
HSC SUBJECT SELECTION INFORMATION AFTERNOON
Monday 18 August for 2026 Year 11 students
PREPARING FOR HSC SUBJECT SELECTION IN TERM 3
Year 10 Parents/Carers are invited to attend the Subject Information Afternoon on Monday, August 18 from 12PM till 3.10PM
Register your attendance by Monday 11 August: Trybooking - Yr 10 Subject Information Afternoon Registration
Y10 2025 Parents 1.pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner
Y10 2025 Parents 2.pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner
Y11 NEW PARENTS 26 (2).pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner
PowerPoint presentation (23 pages) to assist Year 10 students in thinking about optimum choices for their HSC pattern of study and their future pathway plans
Y10 SUBJECT SELECT 2.pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner
YEARS 7 to 11 - Subject Selection Dates
YEARS 7 to 11 - Subject Selection Dates
Year 7 into 8 - Closed
Year 8 into 9 - Closed
Year 10 into 11 - Elective Choices DUE ONLINE Friday 22nd August
Curriculum Interviews will occur Monday 25 August where the signed HARDCOPY is DUE
Year 11 into 12 Curriculum Information Session - Tuesday 2 September 1.54pm Studio Theatre for students interested in Year 12 Extension Courses
COURSE SELECTION YEAR 8 INTO 9 Subject Information Day
Year 8 into 9 Elective Choice submission is now closed. Students and teachers braved the cold and rainy weather but had a wonderful time exploring the creative and diverse curriculum choices on offer in 2026.
Subject Information presentation
with Deputy Principal Curriculum, Ms Scanlan.
NEWS FROM OUR PREFECTS
Hey Newtown!
Make sure to stay up to date with all of our upcoming events on instagram @nhspa_prefects
If you have any suggestions/ ideas or feedback for the Prefects, please come and speak to us or fill out this form:
VOX POP
LUNCHTIME HANDBALL on a rare sunny day!
YEAR 8 and 11 PRESENTATION ASSEMBLY
SASSPA Annual Conference for NSW Administrative Staff
Mr Murat Dizdar, Secretary NSW Department of Education Office of the Secretary
Julie Goodwin, Presenter
with Christina Argyri (SASSPA, NHSPA) and Roxanne Yates (NHSPA)
Administrative staff around NSW have the opportunity to attend seminars and an annual State conference organised by SASSPA which are designed specifically to promote the professional learning of school administrators and present the Department of Education new initiatives. This year's Conference was attended by over 580 school staff including Roxanne Yates (School Administration Officer) and Christina Argyri (School Administration Manager and SASSPA Secretary)
Department of Education Presenters from DoE presenting on enrolment policy, finance, digital archiving and governance for schools and school communities
Kylie Moore-Gilbert; Overcoming adversity Importance of Human Connections
Australian AcademicJulie Goodwin; Mental Health, Looking after yourself. Laying down boundaries
Australia's first MasterChef winnerDr Neil Carrington; Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast; Creating and Sustaining High Performance Teams
Judy & Tim Sharp; A Double shot of Happiness
As a young boy diagnosed with severe autism went on to become one of Australia's best-known international artists and the creator of Laser Beak Man . Tim has been nominated for Young Australian of the year at age 16 and the only Australian selected for the VSA (Very Special Arts) Festival in Washington DC. Tim created Laser Beak Man, soon to star in a movie with Kate Blanchett
MATHEMATICS
NAIDOC Week Activities
As part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, the Mathematics Department ran engaging activities that blended culture with numeracy. Students took part in a traditional Aboriginal game called Gorri, recording data from their results. They then used this data to create various statistical displays, including charts and graphs, showcasing their analytical skills while learning about Indigenous culture.
HSIE
Welcome back to Geography for another year! This semester Years 7-10 HSIE will be focusing on Geography with the following topics:
Year 7: Landscapes and Landforms
Year 8: Water in the World
Year 9: Sustainable Biomes
Year 10: Environmental Change and Management
Keep on the lookout for some exciting excursions and incursions coming your way!
Congratulations to Year 12 students for completing their HSC Trials. We still have content to cover in all your HSIE subjects so keep up your focus and dedication for the homeward stretch.
TAS
Year 12 Textiles and Design
Year 12 Textiles and Design
Our Year 12 Textiles & Design students have been working hard all year on their HSC Major Works, and now it’s time to share them with you.
Join us for a free fashion show on Wednesday 20 August, 6–7pm in the Studio Theatre to see their creativity and effort come to life on the runway.
Year 8 Master Designer and Construction
Recently, the Year 8 Master Designer and Construction class completed their Dragster Car Unit. This year, a new Formula 1 racing focus saw students constructing battery‑driven race cars using various materials and designing each car’s livery.
Through this project, students developed valuable practical skills and deepened their understanding of how electrical circuits work. They explored engineering concepts such as drive gears and motor torque, then put this knowledge into practice.
After researching the importance of a race car’s livery, each student created a unique design for their own car - with fantastic results, as shown in the accompanying photos.
Well done, and congratulations to all these creative students!
Year 8 Master Chef- Food Trends
Year 8 Master Chef- Food Trends
This term students in Master Chef are looking at the topic of Food Trends. During this practical they created a tiered smoothie, using fresh and frozen fruit.
Rex and team produced some fine results.
Year 9 Design and Technology
Year 9 Design and Technology
Our Year 9 Design & Technology students have spent the term researching a famous architect and creating their own architectural models inspired by their work. Their creativity, problem-solving and attention to detail have been outstanding.
ENGLISH – DEBATING
DEBATING
DEBATING
Our Year 9 Debating Team have won their last debate against St George Girls in Round 3 of the Premier's Debating Challenge.
The topic was "We should fine parents when their children break the law by doing things like vaping, shoplifting and vandalism."
Newtown B was the affirmative team.
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK 9-17 AUGUST
SCIENCE
Year 8 students have been presenting their Cell Model Assessment Tasks this week.
Students had to choose their 'favourite' specialised cell and build a 3D model showing how it works and what organelles the cell contains that help it be that type of cell.
AUSTRALIAN GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Maya Germain, Year 11, recently competed at the Australian Gymnastics Championships and came 4th in her individual division and got 1st place for her trio. She also got selected to compete at the 2025 Plovdiv World Cup (in Bulgaria) and the 2025 Korea Open. The photos below are from her individual routine.
CONGRATULATIONS MAYA !
PDHPE & SPORT
Year 11 - Blacktown Exercise, Sports Technology Hub (BEST)
On Friday 8 August, 40 adventurous Health and Movement Science (HMS) students set off to Rooty Hill train station. After an early morning 8am departure, students eagerly began the train and short walk journey to BEST (which includes plenty of time for platform dance rehearsals for some).
Upon arrival, students were met by two university researchers and biomedical health science lecturers from the Australian Catholic University (ACU). After a quick tour of the new multi-million-dollar facility, students immersed themselves in some practical activities in relation to the HMS syllabus. These included: Lactate threshold test, reaction time test and wingate test, as well as using the force plates for some biomechanical studies of human movement. Then students experienced the altitude room - exposing themselves to 2 degree temperatures - and gained knowledge of how oxygen saturation levels can be artificially changed. After a quick and enjoyable lunchbreak (the playground is always a highlight), students immersed themselves in the contrast baths, 7 degree and 37 degree water! Most even achieved the 10 minute cold challenge!
U15's Basketball
U15's Basketball
Monday August 11th was the 1st round of the U15s Sydney East Basketball Knockout Tournament.
Both our girls and boys team competed at Sydney Comets' Stadium in Alexandria.
The girls team played an incredible match and were victorious (58 - 18)
🎉🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏👏
Like any team sport, victory is achieved when all players are contributing 100% effort, combining defence and offense to turn scoring opportunities in to points.
The girls did that incredibly well today.
Key standout performances
Ada Eimonye (Year 9) scored an incredible 42 points!
Zoe Gaspar (Year 10) scored 14 points
Gaia Droppa (Year 10) showed incredible athleticism and tenacity in defence
The boys team were not victorious going down to a strong Sydney Secondary College (Leichhardt and Balmain combined) team. Although the boys didn't get the win, they showed maturity, passion and commitment at every training session and how they carried themselves on the court.
Key standout performances:
Every player on the team played with spirit and courage
Felix Pasvolsky (Year 7) top scored with 12 points, very impressive from a Year 7 student, when playing against Year 9s!
We're looking forward to our round 2 match for the Girls team against Moorefield Girls High School.
Year 10 - bStreetsmart
Year 10 - bStreetsmart
On Wednesday 6 August, 180 Year 10 students boarded buses to attend the annual bstreetsmart event at Qudos Bank Arena. Aligned with the Term 2 unit and assessment task "Personal Safety", students experience a variety of education events and talks to educate, empower and prevent young people being involved in road accidents.
It is an initiative by Westmead Hospital’s Trauma Department, designed to reduce crashes among young drivers. With road accidents being a leading cause of death and serious injury among young people, we aim to educate and empower them to make safer choices.
Bstreetsmart uses interactive experiences, real-life crash survivor stories, and engaging content to deliver a powerful learning experience—building a safer future for everyone. Read more here: https://bstreetsmart.org/
Watch NHPSA's finalists here: https://bstreetsmart.org/bstreetsmart-channel/
Sydney East Athletics Carnival
On Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 August, 50 NHSPA athletes travelled to Sylvania Waters Athletics Track to compete against schools in the region at the Sydney East Athletics Carnival. Newtown had a wide range of competitors across both track and field events, with some busy athletes competing in numerous events. In particular, it was a great display of athleticism from our Year 7 students, competing in many events, including relays.
We are looking forward to seeing this strong athletic cohort continue representing NHSPA admirably in all sporting domains for the next 6 years.
12 Girls relay team
12 and 13 Boys relay teams (as well as Thomas Smith, not pictured)
13 Girls relay team
Congratulations to Evie Matthews (Year 7) who came 1st in High Jump (U12 Girls) and has now qualified to compete at the NSW CHS Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park from September 10-12.
Good luck to Evie at the state carnival.
Newtown is cheering for you!
Evie Matthews (12G High Jump)
Dates for your diary
Please check emails from SchoolBytes to ensure you provide your child with permission
Year 8 Gala Day (Wednesday Week 5) & Year 7 Gala Day (Thursday Week 9)
U15 Boys & Girls Soccer vs Alexandria Park - Week 8
LIBRARY - Dr Trish Kennedy
Freddie Chan - Club President
THE MODEL MAKING CLUB
The Model Making Club, the initiative of Freddie Chan (Year 9) has been running successfully for two months, bringing satisfaction to all concerned. Indeed, the quiet absorption of club members is a testament to the library’s capacity to bring the like-minded together in relaxing and productive pursuits.
Held in the library’s C12, the Model Making Club provides the opportunity for members to work on projects spanning the realms of fantasy and reality. While some students venture into Dungeons and Dragons and 40 K (Warhammer 40,000), others connect the bits that bring historic aircraft to life.
In the words of Freddie Chan: “Once you’ve really got into it, you forget about everything else.”
The Model Making Club supports wellbeing through the provision of a safe place where students can focus on projects in a spirit of individualism, as well as community. Club activities convert the library classroom into a Maker Space in which shared interests, shared knowledge and technology converge in a relaxed environment.
In a recent zine, the product of Year 9 English assessment, Tane Fairbairn adds texture to the appeal of model-making - along with a narrative of near-mishap.
“Today I had a recent setback in my Warhammer army…It was a favourite model of mine. It has a bunch of neat cosmetics such as spotlights and Autocannons as well as an Attilan Rough which is also a really cool model with a really neat Genghis Khan aesthetic which I really love as history is pretty cool.
I was having a good time painting my models, then finished up and went home. It was pouring outside so I propped it up on the porch and went inside. Later I got a text to show my model making set up on the group chat. This prompted me to grab my modelling set up. Then there was a desperate scramble across the house to find it.
After 15 minutes I realised I had left it on the porch and someone had yoinked it.
I was devastated!
Both models which I had worked on for ages I had just lost …
***
Amazing update on the box!
It turns out I hallucinated bringing it home. In actual fact, I had left it in the gym. A PDHPE teacher then picked it up and brought it into the PDHPE staffroom. Later a friend of mine spotted the box in the staffroom and told me, so I grabbed it.
***
Thanks so much for your glimpses of the excitement of model-making, Tane.
And we in the library always welcome a Happy Ending!
WEEK 6 WEAR IT PURPLE DAY - 29 August
The school will have an Assembly on Thursday 28 August highlighting Wear it Purple Initiatives.
S.E.E.D and the Pride Club are organising events such as a photobooth, Bake sale and lunchtime performances on Friday 29 August.
Tips from the Minus 18 team:
Encourage open, safe converation
It' okay to not know the answer!
Celebrate days of significance
Display posters and resources
Encourage pronoun communication
WELLBEING
National Bullying No Way Week 2025
This week NHSPA supported National Bullying No Way Week.
This year's theme is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up !
It takes courage to spark change. Bullying is everyone’s responsibility. It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.
Students can be bold, kind and speak up to support others being bullied. Trusted adults are there to support children and young people as they learn how to be kind to each other and report bullying.
This Bullying No Way Week, we hav been asking students, schools, families and communities to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone, and be proud to speak up against bullying.
This week and every week, make sure that you
be bold, be kind and speak up !
Bullying No Way Week - Fact Sheet.pdf2 pages PDF - To enlarge, click right top corner
From our Counsellors
If you are interested in learning more about how to support your child through turbulent teenage years, you might find the following websites useful:
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/teens-screens/parents/
Webinar For Parents
Join our three-part online webinar for parents of teens
Adolescence can be a difficult time for both teens and their families. Anxiety is rising and many parents are unsure how best to support their teenager when emotions run high or everyday tasks feel overwhelming.
The Resilience in Our Teens parent webinar series offers practical, research-backed strategies to help your teen face life’s challenges with more confidence.
Developed by psychologist Michael Hawton and presented by psychologist Ruby Otero, this program is designed to give parents tools they can use right away.
Over three online sessions, you will learn how to:
Understand anxiety and its impact on teenage behaviour
Reduce unhelpful ‘accommodations’ that may be feeding the problem
Support your teen to face difficult emotions rather than avoid them
Strengthen your relationship through calm, consistent responses.
Webinar dates:
Wednesday 10 September
Wednesday 17 September
Wednesday 24 September
6.30pm to 8.45pm AEST
Delivered live via Zoom
Cost: $110pp inc. GST
This course includes an anxiety screening test pre-course commencement. You will be required to fill out two short surveys before commencing the course. You will be posted a parent workbook for use during the webinar and a FREE copy of Michael Hawton's book Engaging Adolescents.
Register now to reserve your spot and learn practical ways to support your teen’s wellbeing.
Luke Prendergast
Relationship and Communications Manager
Join over 110,000 people who have trained with us!
P: +61 2 6698 6166 | F: +61 2 6680 8900
PO Box 102 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia
Wellbeing Workshops
Kidman Centre Workshops 2025.pdf2 pages: to enlarge, click right top corner
E-bikes
E-bikes may be stored on school grounds if they meet the requirements of Transport for NSW (TfNSW). Parents, or carers are responsible for ensuring that the e-bike complies with Australian Standards and legal requirements.
Due to increased safety risks, charging of e-bike batteries is not permitted on school grounds.
To minimise fire risks, they must be stored away from structures or buildings. Students must store bikes outside the Administration Block. Students are encouraged to secure their bike using a locking device. The school takes no responsibility for theft or damage.
E-BIKES: Transport for NSW’s Requirements
45094960_Ebike_A4_flyer_Final_web (1).pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner (2 pages)
e-bike Newsletter Articles (2).pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner (2 pages)
e-bike Social Media.pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner (5 pages)
AFTER SCHOOL STUDY CENTRE
AFTER SCHOOL STUDY CENTRE
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
VACCINATIONS Year 7 - Wednesday 20 August 2025
VACCINATIONS Year 7 - Wednesday 20 August 2025
NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM
In 2025 the following vaccines will be offered:
In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough), (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10, you can give consent online for their routine school vaccinations.
How to Provide Consent:
1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit the School Vaccination Program online consent portal (https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage)
2. For detailed steps on how to provide consent, please refer to the NSW Health webpage How to Provide Consent (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/onlineconsent-school-vaccination.aspx).
3. Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/myservicensw-account/how-to-create-anaccount to create an account.
4. Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required.
5. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
a. Enter your child’s personal details
b. Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
c. Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement. Translations are available in 28 languages please refer to the NSW Health webpage
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx
d. Provide consent.
If you or your child do 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.
The benefits of providing consent online:
• SMS notification three days before the clinic to remind you of the vaccination day
• easily update your child’s details
• receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given
• faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination
If you require information in your language, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx
Please note the following dates for your child/ren's vaccinations.
Vaccinations for Year 7 Wednesday 20 August 2025
School vaccination information for students flyer.pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner
TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATIONS
Newtown High School of the Performing Arts has been very fortunate since its establishment in 1990 to enjoy the extra support of parents, carers, our alumni, and the wider community.
We are delighted to announce the establishment of the Newtown High School of the Performing Arts School Library Fund.
Together with the St George’s Hall Trust Fund, which was established in 1993, there is now a second tax deductible way our community can contribute to the school.
Tax deductible donations to these funds greatly contribute to the provision of the best educational opportunities and facilities for our students and community.
St George’s Hall Trust Fund
$70,000 has been contributed to air-conditioning in St George’s Hall and two classrooms within H Block.
This Trust Fund provides extra funding each year to the Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts faculties. This extra funding assists with student scholarships, awards and master class practitioners to enable extension opportunities and to develop the talent of creative and performing arts students. In 2024 the funding enabled the following:
Dance – Paul Knobloch, from the Australian Ballet, to teach and choreograph with Year 10, 11 & 12 Dancers.
Drama – A Series of Public Apologies collaboration with award winning director, Warwick Doddrell
Music – purchase of resources for ensembles and repairs to music equipment
Visual Arts – Scott Owen workshop, HSC Material Worlds – Contemporary Asian Art presentation, installing of a hanging system in the St George’s Gallery and the purchase of camera equipment.
Library Fund
The Library Fund is a new tax-deductible fund established this year. 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 School Library Fund or the St George’s Hall Trust Fund are fully tax-deductible as charitable contributions under the ATO provisions.
Tax deductible donations can be made using our online payment portal or by visiting the school office during school hours (8.30am – 3.00pm). For assistance making payments online, please visit: How to make a payment online – School Bytes
For further information on donating funds please contact, Mr Adam Oliver, Business Manager on 9519 1544 or email the school at newtown-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
ARCO Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO)
ARCO Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO)
The Role of the Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO)
in Our School
At Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, we are dedicated to ensuring an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment where every student feels safe and valued. A critical component of this commitment is the role of our Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO).
Who is the ARCO?
The ARCO at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts is Mr. Aflal Sahabdeen. The ARCO is a specially trained staff member who supports students, staff, and families in understanding, addressing, and preventing racism within our school community. Their work ensures our school remains a welcoming space for all, regardless of background.
What does the ARCO do?
Provides Support: Offers guidance to those experiencing or witnessing racism and ensures concerns are handled appropriately.
Promotes Education & Awareness: Leads initiatives, workshops, and discussions to foster respect, understanding, and inclusion.
Implements Policies: Enforces the NSW Department of Education’s anti-racism policies, ensuring all complaints are managed fairly and effectively.
Monitors & Reports: Tracks trends and collaborates with school leadership to develop strategies that prevent racism and promote inclusivity.
Engages with the Community: Works with parents, local groups, and external organisations to extend anti-racism efforts beyond the classroom.
Why Does This Role Matter?
Racism has no place in our school or society. The ARCO helps create a positive, supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. By promoting awareness, understanding, and respect, we strengthen our school’s values and commitment to equity.
How Can You Get Support?
If you experience or witness racism or would like to learn more about anti-racism initiatives, our ARCO, Mr. Aflal Sahabdeen, is here to help. You can reach out confidentially for support, guidance, and resources.
For further information about the ARCO role and anti-racism education, visit the NSW Department of Education website:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/multicultural-education/anti-racism-education
Together, let’s continue building a school community that celebrates diversity and stands against racism.
NSW Term Dates 2025
School Term Dates for Students
School Term Dates for Students
Term 1: Thursday 6 February to Friday 11 April
Term 2: Wednesday 30 April to Friday 4 July
Term 3: Tuesday 22 July to Friday 26 September
Term 4: Tuesday 14 October to Friday 19 December
NHSPA Calendars Terms 3 and 4 2025
NHSPA CALENDER TERM 3 2025.pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner
NHSPA CALENDER TERM 4 2025.pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner
SCHOOL BYTES PARENT PORTAL - Register now !
School Bytes Portal Registration 2025.pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner
For all NEW students and all other students that have not yet connected to our school's School Bytes account
School Bytes Flyer - New Students 2025.pdfTo enlarge, click right top corner
SAFE INTERNET
PARENT ADVICE for Cyber Bullying from the eSafetyCommissioner
Use parental controls: Parental controls are software tools that allow you to monitor and limit what your child sees and does online.
They can be set up to do things like:
Block your child from accessing specific websites, apps or functions (like using a device’s camera, or the ability to buy things).
Filter different kinds of content — such as ‘adult’ or sexual content, content that may promote self-harm, eating disorders, violence, drugs, gambling, racism and terrorism.
Allow you to monitor your child’s use of connected devices, with reports on the sites they visit and the apps they use, how often and for how long.
Set time limits, blocking access after a set time.
If a device or program is shared by multiple members of your family, you should be able change the tool settings to reflect each user’s age and skills.
For further parental support please see the below links.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/parental-controls
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/cyberbullying
NHSPA CANTEEN
NHSPA CANTEEN
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