Remember to put your child's name on their uniform items!! This way they can be returned if lost...

CORRECT UNIFORM is a basic expectation for all students at NHSPA. 

The school has successfully negotiated with Pickles a 10% reduction in price across most uniform items. We are pleased to be able to pass this saving directly on to our families.  The updated prices are now active on the Pickles website. We hope this reduction assists our families and supports our ongoing expectation that all students attend school each day in full school uniform.

We remind you that we have secondhand uniforms that can be purchased through the P&C with a second-hand sale happening very soon for students. If there are any financial difficulties in purchasing uniforms please contact the school.

With the Year 12 students in their HSC trial periods, which started on Tuesday 21 July and will finish on Friday 7 August, the Prefects would like to take the time to give the younger years (Especially the Year 11s, who have just one more term before going into Year 12!) some advice on studying.

Now, to make it clear, studying isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. It’s a combination of tricks, patterns and habits that allow you to remember and consume the content you’ve learned in class. So, to study, here are some tips and tricks made into a list by the current Year 12 class!

Some study tricks/tips include, but not limited to: 

• Changing your study area if you’re not studying well in your room

  • • Places include cafes and libraries.

• Taking a break! 

  • • This is VERY important, because breaks allow you to rest your brain and not overload your head with too much information. You'll have a much more productive session with breaks than studying for 8 hours straight.

    • A recommended technique is the Pomodoro technique, where you set a time to study.

• Study with friends

  • • You can get feedback from your peers when you’re either writing or performing for one another.

• Set goals for each session

  • • For people who struggle to get things done, smaller goals can be built up. So make sure you make them count!

• Noise cancelling headphones (For public places or noisy environments)

• Make use of past papers 

  • • For Year 11 students: Past papers have similar content to what you are learning in your subjects (Though it can differ based on what subject you’re taking and if the syllabus changed for that year). It also helps because you can simulate a real exam by setting yourself a time limit. 

    • THSC is a good website for past HSC papers, but teachers will supply you with some either in class or if you ask.

• Remember to support your wellbeing

  • • Our school counselors and Dean (SSO) will be willing to help you out! Also ask your teachers for help. 

• Leave your study space during breaks

  • • As mentioned previously, doing this will help your brain relax and take in the information you studied.

• Food is fuel!

  • • Make sure you eat your three meals so you have energy to study and go through with the day! Snacks and drinks will also be useful (just make sure they’re healthy!)

• Schedule your holidays like a school day

• Flashcards

• Study the subjects you’ve been avoiding first

• Sleep well

  • • ESPECIALLY the day before the test. It’s important to rest well so your brain will be as bright as a light bulb for the test.

• Use voice recordings for revision

• Visual representations (mind maps, diagrams)

• Drink WATER

  • • PLEASE stay hydrated!!

• No screens before bed

• Make lists

  • • Keeping track of what must be reviewed or learned is a good way to set yourself up to studying effectively.

• Ask for feedback

  • • THIS is very important to every subject, especially for subjects like English, Music, Drama and Dance where feedback allows you to improve and fix the weak spots in your learning.

This is not a comprehensive list, so if there is any study technique or habit you have and it works for you, then use it! Share it with your classmates, ask for help anywhere you can and make sure you’re reviewing constantly to make sure you’re not forgetting anything.

And to the current Year 11s, make sure you use the remaining time of your school journey wisely, as the HSC period (both Trials and the actual HSC) will not spare you if unprepared. So we hope that this list of study tips allow you to study well and prepare yourselves for any assessment tasks and eventually, the HSC.

Once again, to the Year 12s, good luck! Peace out!!

From your Prefects,

Brian Lim and Skye Tribel

In addition to our NAIDOC Assembly and lessons, we hosted cultural workshops in partnership with local First Nations organisations Nyumbar and Warranggal.

Year 7 students took part in workshops facilitated by Isaac Bamblett, a proud Bundjalung and Wiradjuri man, exploring Aboriginal cultural artefacts, applying ochre, and learning about traditional tools and weapons. Students also worked together to create a community artwork telling the story of the land on which our school stands.

Year 8 Textiles students participated in a traditional weaving workshop led by La Toya Pinner, founder of Warranggal and a proud Gomeroi and Yinaar woman, learning how weaving has been used by Aboriginal peoples for generations as both a practical skill and an evolving contemporary art form.

Members of the school's First Nations Student Group supported both sessions, helping welcome participants and create a culturally engaging experience for all.

Sincere thanks to Isaac Bamblett and La Toya Pinner for generously sharing their knowledge and culture — a meaningful part of our school's commitment to fostering respect and connection with First Nations peoples.

Fundraiser Trivia Night

Saturday 7 November 2026

We're seeking parent/carer volunteers to help coordinate this fun and fabulous fundraiser, including: 

• General coordination - eg. researching suppliers or phoning/emailing to gather quotes, etcetera 

• Admin support  

• Promotion and marketing 

We’re also specifically seeking:   

• Businesses who may be interested in supporting the event as a sponsor or donating prizes for the auctions 

• Local bars, breweries, etcetera, who might be able to work with us to supply drinks  

• Anyone with contacts for equipment hire (tables and chairs) 

If you think you might be able to help with any of the above, please signup here: https://forms.gle/jHZj6hf5dSsT1vub7  

If you’ve got questions, or you’d like to help but you’re not sure how, please get it touch via the form or drop us an email at  nhspapandc@gmail.com … we’d love to answer any questions you may have. 

Multicultural Day - Term 2 Thursday 25 June

Although the weather meant our multicultural assembly and lunchtime event could not go ahead as planned, it was still a wonderful celebration, with  students getting involved and embracing the spirit of multiculturalism through their cultural dress, the food stalls and activities.

A special thank you to Deputy Principal Sarelle Young for overseeing the SEED Team in the organisation, preparation and running of the food stalls: a mammoth task. Thank you also to David Gaynor for adapting the plans and providing music over the PA system.

The prefects delivered a thoughtful speech on multiculturalism and the SEED team did a good job in organising this celebration of diversity at our school.

Thank you all for your flexibility and support in making the day a success.

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.

Please speak to the relevant Performing Arts Head Teacher if you have any questions.

Congratulations to Rory Byrne (Year 11) and Mr Hans Mayerhofer, Rel. Head Teacher HSIE, who were selected to participate in the 2026 Premier's ANZAC Memorial Scholarship Tour to Greece.

The Premier's ANZAC Memorial Scholarship is a prestigious NSW Government initiative that provides outstanding History students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Australia's military history through an immersive overseas study tour. This year, only 18 students from more than 200 applicants representing 148 schools across New South Wales were selected to participate. Mr Mayerhofer was also chosen as one of only three accompanying teachers.

During the September/October holidays, the group will travel throughout Greece, commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Greek and Crete campaigns of 1941. Their itinerary will focus on Australia's involvement in these significant Second World War campaigns through visits to battlefields, memorials and war cemeteries, while also exploring some of Greece's most important ancient sites, including the Acropolis in Athens and the Palace of Knossos in Crete.

During the recent school holidays, the scholarship recipients, accompanying teachers and tour organisers met at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park for an orientation day. The program provided an opportunity for participants to get to know one another, undertake logistical planning and begin their historical learning through the analysis of primary artefacts. They also met with respected historian Joy Hughes, whose research into the Battle of Crete provided valuable insights into the campaign they will investigate during the tour.

Bringing the Bay of Naples to the Classroom 

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Dr Estelle Lazer's Visit 

On Tuesday 23 June, our Year 12 Ancient History cohort had the rare privilege of hearing from Dr Estelle Lazer, one of the world's leading researchers on Pompeii and Herculaneum. Dr Lazer generously gave her time to speak with our students about the conservation and site management challenges facing the cities of Vesuvius.

Drawing on decades of fieldwork, Dr Lazer took students beyond the textbook and into the realities of working on a site that has been excavated, studied, damaged and restored for more than two centuries. She spoke about the pressures of mass tourism, the slow deterioration of exposed structures, the competing demands on limited funding and the ethical questions that surround the study and display of human remains; questions our students grapple with directly in their HSC study.

The presentation spoke to the heart of the core topic, Cities of Vesuvius: Pompeii and Herculaneum, and gave students something no set of notes can provide: the perspective of a researcher who has spent a career asking these questions in the field. Our Year 12 students engaged thoughtfully throughout and their questions reflected genuine curiosity and a growing sophistication in their thinking about the past.

LYDIA SAWIRES (class of 2016)

Alumni Lydia Sawires of the HSC class and Concertmaster NHSPA Symphony Orchestra 2016, is forging ahead into an elite orchestral career, with her recent selection into the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship program 2026. The year-long program provides intensive training, including masterclasses with world-renowned artists, dedicated mentorship from Sydney Symphony musicians and performance opportunities across a diverse range of musical styles. 

Simultaneously Lydia is undertaking an Australian Chamber Orchestra Emerging Artist placement and mentorship with ASO violinist Liisa Pallandi.

What a stellar role model for NHSPA orchestral students!

Congratulations !

Georgia Munro-Cook at the 

Commonwealth Games

3 x 3 Wheelchair Basketball

Congratulations !

Aurielle Smith at the 

Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive in New York City

2026 NSW Young Woman of the Year Nominee

To support learners in developing effective study habits the school runs 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