Hi Everyone, 

CURRICULUM

Student Curriculum is well underway for 2026 with any changes to patterns of study now closed.  It is fantastic to see so many of our students thriving through their performing arts enriched curriculum choices.  

Students make elective choices during Term 3 each year.  It is important parents and students make informed decisions at this time as class numbers and elective offerings are designed around elective choice submissions and this then informs our school timetable for the following year.

Year 8 elective subjects run for one year, whilst elective courses chosen for Year 9 run for two years with the majority accredited by NESA on your child's Record of School Achievement (RoSA) at the completion of Year 10.

ASSESSMENT BOOKLETS

Assessment Booklets and links to the assessment calendars can be found on the school website under 'Learning and Support' - 'Assessment & reporting' tabs.  The calendar links are always the most up to date way to stay informed and students will receive assessment notifications at least 2 weeks prior to any assessment task in each course.  The assessment booklets have our school's assessment policy and procedures at the front.  Parents and students should familiarise themselves with what to do should your child be absent on the day a task is due.  NHSPA Website: Assessment & Reporting 

CO-CURRICULAR COMPANIES AND ENSEMBLES

Congratulations to all student who took part in the 2026 Co-curricular program auditions.  Details of company and ensemble rehearsal days and times are being distributed and rehearsals will be commencing this week and next. Student commitment to these programs fosters inclusivity and excellence in the arts. If your child is unable to attend a rehearsal please let your child's tutor know in advance.  As always, keep a look out for dates for your diary to ensure you are fully aware of rehearsal and performance dates.  

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our talented and passionate Performing Arts teachers for the time they take in forming the groups, employing industry professionals and tutors, and collaborating to make exceptional work that provide our students with first class performance and learning opportunities in the arts.

SENIOR SCHOOL PRIVILEGES 

Year 11:

Each year during Year 11, parents receive a letter asking for permission to allow their child to leave the school grounds at lunchtime should they wish to.  This permission is a privilege the Year Advisors and Deputy Principal of the year group grant after certain expectations from the year group have been met. These privileges carry over into Year 12.  

All other year groups are expected to remain in the school grounds at all times. This is to ensure duty of care of our students within school hours.  Please remind your children of these expectations over this week at home.

Exemplary behaviour is expected at all times in the community when these privileges are awarded, aligned with the standard of behaviour expected traveling to and from school for all students each day.

Year 12: 

Year 12 continue to hold their privileges for the following:

• Period 1 Study Period - swipe in at the front office by 10am and then swipe in at the Library

• Period 2 & 3 Study periods - swipe in at the library.  Study in quiet spaces including the Library, E1, C12, C13 as well as outdoor study spaces

• LUNCH - Year 12 students are permitted to leave school grounds at lunchtime

• Period 4 Study Period - Year 12 students are permitted to swipe out at lunchtime to go home

YEAR 12 EXAMS

Year 12 exams will be held in Week 9 - Monday 23 march - Friday 27 March.  During this time Year 12 students only come to school for their scheduled exams.  The draft examination schedule has been provided to Year 12 this week.  Students with any considerable concerns should see Miss Scanlan asap.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2026 

Yesterday students attended our whole school assembly in honour of International Women's Day where our students had the privilege of hearing NHSPA Alumni Cecily Hardy (class of 1997) speak to them. We have included images of our assembly, as well as a transcript of Cecily's speech, in this edition of The Bulletin.

This morning our prefects hosted NHSPA's annual Women's Day breakfast where staff, students and guests could come together to globally recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while accelerating the ongoing, necessary fight for gender equality.  This was followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with our Year 12 cohort and we'd like to thank our guest panel members Rachel Perkins (NHSPA parent and Indigenous Australian Television & Film Director/Producer), Jenny Leong (Member for Newtown), Dr Kellie Charles (Sydney University Faculty of Medicine & Health), Nona Walne (Class of 2021 Alumni - STEM), and Donna Logue for their time in sharing their important thoughts and messages with our future leaders.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOLLOW UP

Following the publication of NHSPA's Artificial Intelligence Policy in the last Bulletin, students were spoken to by their Year Advisors and Deputy Principals in year meetings to reinforce understanding of the policy.  All students and parent/carers should familiarise themselves with the new processes, such as the inclusion of an AI student declaration with all assessment task submissions.  Students should follow their classroom teacher's instructions when it comes to when and how AI may or may not be used in all work. NHSPA Artificial Intelligence Policy

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. NHSPA Attendance Policy - Feb 26  

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 NHSPA hoodie, along with all other uniform items, is available for purchase online through Pickles Schoolwear. 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 

It’s best to start by acknowledging Gadigal, to recognise First Nations women of this country, whose place we are on. Who have held creation, and knowledge, who’ve lead thought, resistance, leadership, and learning through years and years and years and years and years. Holding on. Pushing back.

International Women’s Day really means nothing if it doesn’t acknowledge this truth – and a few others – at its centre. I should say I’m not an expert, in the academic sense. I’m here because I am a woman. And I went to this school. And I’m old enough to have forged enough of my path, creatively and culturally, that I can reflect on it, in the legitimate hope that it brings you something useful.  

It’s important to recognise that International Women’s Day isn’t about having been born a woman, it’s about the experience of living as a woman. As the highest percentage of humans in the world who are ‘othered’. We know, but often wash over, where this day began. In protest, from oppression. From women demanding safety, fair labour conditions, political voice, economic equality, body autonomy, refusing to remain victimised or treated as less than. It wasn’t about celebration. It was about refusal. It was a refusal to accept the structures that locked in around them. To agitate slowly, patiently out. Year after year after year after year. So, no. No matter how many iced cupcakes or balloons or themed luncheons there are, it will never ever be about the cupcakes.

The word “international” matters. A reminder to go beyond ourselves. Internationalism is not just about reaching to Iran, Gaza, Sudan, the US, Afghanistan, Haiti. Although it is most definitely all of these, and so many more, “international” also means looking closer. At women whose experience of oppression isn’t historical. The relationships around us, and our own. The way we treat each other. Allow people to be treated. The micro cultures we grow and sustain. Because the micro feeds the macro.

If you find yourself groaning at the prospect of assemblies like this, if International Women’s Day feels boring, or tokenistic or demonstrative, maybe it’s because it is. Maybe we’ve come far enough for that to be how this plays out now. But if you stop and look at that. It feels like a luxury. To have a lack of fear. To have a lack of urgency, or emergency. If there is a lack, among you, it speaks of safety, and of choice. Which isn’t luxury. It’s progress, right? Just not for all. Yet.

The nub of International Women’s Day is holding on to the thing or things that reminds you why. For me, that thing is my son. He’s 18. Loving, and good hearted. If I’m honest – I know he wouldn’t care for this day – and I don’t dare ask, for fear of hearing the words of polite dismissal or slight distain hang in the air. He is my micro reason why this isn’t redundant. He is my own source of having to finding courage and speak up. Even when its uncomfortable and complex and hard. Because if a young man raised by a loving well-adjusted solo mother he admires, doesn’t get it, then clearly there’s work that remains. The work should be for those who care to know the least and rely on us the most. But, it’s for all of us.

My experience of this place NHSPA wasn’t perfect – but it was one of the first places where being ‘not a boy’ didn’t automatically diminish us. Where being opinionated, expressive hugely creative, awkward, even contradictory, weren’t our greatest liabilities. Where we could be powerfully certain of who we were, or powerfully uncertain, and still be seen. Yes, it was thanks to some teachers, but really it was us. You. The cohort. Which has mattered so much more than I realised, throughout the last 29 years.

Because when I entered adult and professional life, working across theatre, festivals, cultural leadership, and more, I discovered that many spaces were most comfortable with women who were polished rather than powerful, subtlety rewarding compliance over courage, and conventional forms of womanhood. And here is the most radical (and most obvious) truth of all: progress is not permanent. We know – unfolding even as I speak – that rights shift. Narratives harden. Things move forward – and sometimes backwards. Equality wasn’t solved once, it is maintained. By you. In classrooms. In rehearsal rooms. Online. In the world. In the way you treat each other. Who you back.  Who you interrupt.  Who you protect. Who you encourage. These are not small things. They are blueprints.

The thing I’ve learned, almost 30 years after sitting exactly where you are sitting – The most powerful thing you carry out of this place isn’t your results. It’s your cohort. This incredible collection of individuals. You have already practised something rare here: a culture where difference does not automatically equal disadvantage. A solidarity that is not sentimental. It is structural. It is how cultures shift. Take responsibility for each other. See each other properly. Not just for who someone is now, but for who they are going to be in 5, 10, 30 years from now. And wherever you go next, you have these blueprints. 

I’m sorry that the world is as terrible as it is wonderful. I’m sorry avoidable damage is landing on your doorstep. But simultaneously, you stand on the shoulders of giants. Without you, each of you, we would be worse off. And realistically, you’re likely to make it better. So, you are going to have to take it on.

Congratulations to the women before you. Courage to the not men or boys among you. Grace to you, boys and men. And thank you to you all – for what you will do next. 

Cecily Hardy (NHSPA School Captain 1997)

Key Dates for Term 1 in DRAMA

Performance dates for Semester 1 Drama Showcase

Week 9 Term 2: Wednesday 17 and 

Thursday 18 of June

Last week, our Year 11 students studying VET Screen & Media and VET Entertainment had the exciting opportunity to attend a live recording of The Voice at the Carriage Works Sydney. The students spent the day on set observing the production process of one of Australia’s most popular television shows.

During our session, we watched several performances in which some of the coaches turned their chairs, discovering impressive new Australian vocal talent. Some of our students also entertained the audience with vocal talents of our own in the breaks between filming segments - getting their voice heard in front of the judges - Kate Miller-Heidke, Ronan Keating, Richard Marx, and Melanie C.

Ms Macedone and Ms Hoddinott were invited to sing in a break too... and both politely refused...

Students were able to see first-hand how a large-scale television production operates. 

They observed the filming process, including the use of advanced technology, lighting design, LED screens, boom arms fitted with impressive cameras, and the extensive equipment required to create a live television broadcast.

The excursion also gave students valuable insight into the collaborative nature of the industry. They observed the wide range of roles and responsibilities carried out by the many professionals working both on the studio floor and behind the scenes. It helped students understand how live television is carefully produced and, at times, more managed and structured than it may appear on screen.

Our students represented the school exceptionally well as part of the audience and gained a great deal from this real-world industry experience. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect their classroom learning with professional practice in the screen and entertainment industries. 

Mathematics Faculty Professional Learning – MANSW HSC Markers Feedback Day

On Saturday 21 February, five members of our Mathematics faculty attended the HSC Markers Feedback Day, hosted by the Mathematics Association of NSW.

This professional learning event brings together experienced HSC markers to provide detailed feedback on the 2025 HSC examinations across all Stage 6 courses — Mathematics Standard, Advanced, Extension 1 and Extension 2. The day offered valuable insight into common student misconceptions, marking trends, exemplar responses and areas where students across the state performed particularly well or faced challenges.

Attending this event allows our teachers to reflect on current practice, refine teaching strategies and ensure our students are being prepared with clarity and precision for the demands of the HSC examinations. It was an excellent opportunity to engage with the broader mathematics community and to bring back practical strategies to strengthen student outcomes across all courses.

We are proud of our team’s commitment to ongoing professional learning and to continually improving the learning experience and results of our HSC students.

NAPLAN Practice Resources Available

Students wishing to practise NAPLAN-style questions can access excellent online resources through Mathspace and SmarterMaths Online.

Both platforms provide targeted practice, worked solutions and immediate feedback to help students build confidence and improve their numeracy skills. We encourage students to make regular use of these tools in the lead-up to NAPLAN.

Cambridge Go Access for All Students

All students in Years 7-11 have now been enrolled in Cambridge Go and have received their log-in details.

Cambridge Go provides access to our digital textbooks, interactive activities and additional practice questions. We encourage students to make good use of this resource at home to consolidate learning, revise key concepts and stay up to date with classwork.

Working Like Mathematicians in C9

C9 is a room with whiteboards on every wall. Year 7 and Year 9 have been working on the whiteboards to demonstrate their thinking and learning.

Working on whiteboards in Mathematics encourages active thinking, collaboration, and visible learning. When students solve problems on whiteboards, their reasoning becomes clear — allowing teachers to quickly identify misconceptions, provide immediate feedback, and adjust instruction in real time. Whiteboards promote a low-stakes environment where students feel more confident taking risks, refining their thinking, and explaining their strategies. Students are continually modelling for other students as their solutions go up on the whiteboards. This approach supports deeper conceptual understanding, mathematical collaboration, and increased engagement across all ability levels. Nice work from 7MAO and 9MA2! 

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-an-account

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-school-vaccination.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.