It has been a terrific first term and I take this opportunity to thank the teachers and staff of NHSPA for their dedication and commitment to our students and our culture of high expectations. 

Year 12s commence their Half Yearly Examinations next week – it is hard to believe they are halfway through their final year of schooling. We wish them the very best of luck in these important assessments. I continue to be impressed every day with the passion of our teachers and with our students – our students’ respect, emerging confidence, their intellectual curiosity, and joy in learning. 

Year 12 Parent Teacher Night was held last night. Thank you to Deputy Principal Nilaufer Rajwar for her leadership of these important meetings. Parent Teacher Nights are opportunities for parents and carers to engage closely with their child’s learning. Parent/carer teacher dialogue strengthens understanding about a student’s approach to their learning, how they regulate their time and study, and develop academic buoyancy.  

Last Thursday we had our second whole school assembly. At this assembly we recognised and awarded badges to our new student leaders: the S.E.E.D leaders as well as our Sport House Captains. I again congratulate these students as they step up to leadership positions. These new student leaders will learn about the importance of communication, collaboration, role modelling and relationships. At NHSPA we support our students to develop their socio-emotional talents through leadership and to make positive change. I thank the parents who attended the assembly and the positive feedback they gave. 

It was a delight to see so many teachers, students and parents at the Stage 4 Visual Arts Exhibition last week. The Gallery, within St George’s Hall on King Street, is a perfect space to exhibit our students’ artistic creativity. Thank you to Head Teacher, Rhianna Blake, and the Visual Arts Faculty.  

Thank you to Deputy Principal Karl Pico for his organisation of Paul Dillon’s Drug and Alcohol seminars delivered to all Year 10, 11 and 12 students last week, and the evening seminar attended by over 40 parents and carers. The data, research, and examples Paul shared with our students and community around the risks and effects of drug and alcohol abuse, support us all to make informed and better choices. 

The Cross Country Carnival held at Sydney Park on Wednesday was lots of fun. Thank you to Abbey Campbell and the PDHPE Faculty for their excellent organisation. I walked the course with the Year 7s – and ran some of it! Thank you to all the teachers (and student helpers) who helped make this day a success. 

The Dance Faculty organised for Paul Knobloch (former soloist with the Australian Ballet) to deliver an intensive three-day choreography workshop which culminated in a most beautiful, original ballet. I watched some early classes and could see the way our students were being challenged and extended through such a professional collaboration. Thank you to Relieving Head Teacher Dance, Alison McKellar, and the Dance Faculty. 

Year 7 Camp was a stunning success. All Year 7s and 60 Year 10 Peer Support Leaders attended the camp at Stanwell Park. A massive thank you to Amanda Di Camillo for her superb leadership, and all the teachers who gave up their own time to support our students over the three days. Camps are integral to the curriculum, supporting students’ social, emotional and physical development and wellbeing. The Year 7 camp fosters positive relationships both within and across year groups and strengthens students’ openness to new and challenging learning experiences. Camps set down memories for life.   

The Talent Quest led by the Prefects over three lunchtimes this week has been a lot of fun. The performances were a happy display of talent and friendly competition. Thank you to all the teachers involved, to Zoe Van Munster and Ben Turner leading the VET students working on tech, and to the MCs: Marianne, Freddie, Bas, Jaide, Lara, and Bailey, and the Front of House helpers: Tobias, Freya, Jacob, Marianne, Josie, and Talahn. Excellent collaborative leadership.  

I remind our community about high expectations for our School Uniform Policy which can be found on the school website:  

https://newtown-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/rules-and-policies.html

As the weather starts to become cooler, I ask parents and carers to support us with maintaining an excellent standard of uniform. Please ensure your child has the correct school jacket or jumper. Hoodies are not school uniform. School uniform shows pride in the school, fostering both safety and inclusion. Leather shoes are a Health and Safety requirement. NHSPA uniforms can be purchased from Pickles in Marrickville and second-hand uniforms from the P&C.

Pickles: www.picklesschoolwear.com/school/newtown-high-school-of-the-performing-arts 

Please contact the school if you are experiencing financial difficulty.

We hope you are enjoying the educational moments captured in our fortnightly Bulletins. We want to communicate the dynamic culture of NHSPA, to tell our story as it happens, highlighting the myriad learning experiences happening every day. At the end of each semester we will publish an edition called The Voice which provides a close look at curriculum excellence within each faculty.

My very best wishes for the final week of term and safe, 

happy holidays.