NEWTOWN HIGH SCHOOL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS

Excellence, Creativity and Equity

LAND OF THE GADIGAL PEOPLE OF THE EORA NATION

BULLETIN 8 - Term 2 - Friday 7 June 2024

Message From Deputy Principal, Student Wellbeing: Karl Pico

SEMESTER ONE SHOWCASE SEASON

Students and staff are now busy with Semester 1 showcase season. Our showcase season begins on 29 May. We extend invitations for you and your family to attend as many concerts as possible. Tickets can be booked online via the links within this publication or via links on the school's website. Tickets may be purchased on the night subject to availability. We look forward to seeing you there.

The showcase season is made possible through the professional and ongoing support of staff and the dedication and enthusiasm of our students. We would like to recognise the commitment and professionalism of our performing arts staff who continue to work so tirelessly at this time of year to ensure our students have such performance opportunities. We would also like to recognise and thank our P&C who offer continued support during the showcase season and would like to acknowledge the work of the TAS faculty and the Year 9 Showcase Hospitality class who cater for some of the performance evenings during showcase.

The technical crew under the leadership of Benjamin Turner also deserves to be recognised for their work behind the scenes during rehearsals and performances, always maintaining the highest technical (audio, lighting etc.) support in the most very professional manner.

Dance Classwork showcase will be on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 June. The Dance showcase will be on Saturday 22 June at the Seymour Centre (tickets for this event may be purchased directly from the Seymour Centre.

Drama showcase will be on Wednesday 26 June and Thursday 27 June. We look forward to seeing many families at our showcase events which celebrate the outstanding excellence and creativity of NHSPA students.

DIMITRIS BASIS CONCERT

The Dimitris Basis ‘Music from the Heart' Concert was held on Tuesday 4 June. This celebration in partnership with the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and the Greek Festival of Sydney provides a fantastic opportunity for music students to extend their talents.

A huge congratulations to all the

students and staff involved

RECONCILIATION WEEK

As part of Reconciliation week, Newtown High School of the Performing Arts came together to mark National Sorry Day - a poignant reminder of the injustices faced by First Nations Australians and a call for unity and healing. In the spirit of reconciliation, the Aboriginal Education Team designed a series of short lessons which were delivered at the beginning of period one, each day last week. A whole school assembly was held on Thursday 30th June to mark Sorry Day and focus on this year's theme 'Now More Than Ever'.

REPORT INTERVIEWS

Year 12 were issued with their half yearly reports in individual meetings with curriculum advisers on Wednesday 5th June. These meetings are important opportunities for students to reflect on their achievements, set new learning goals and devise a study plan for the upcoming assessments, including the Trial HSC.

Over the next few weeks, students in Year 9-11 will also meet with curriculum advisers to discuss progress towards their goals, their academic strengths and devise a plan for further improvement. These one-on-one coaching conversations are designed to support a growth mindset and enable students to actively engage with their learning.

DRAFT STUDENT BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT POLICY

In line with the Department of Education's new Student Behaviour Policy, we have updated ours. We have consulted widely with staff, the Year 12 Prefects and the S.E.E.D Team. We welcome Parent/Carer feedback.

DRAFT Student Behaviour Management & Support Policy

Parent/Carer feedback form

MULTICULTURAL DAY

Multicultural Day was held on Friday 24 May. This was another example of student led initiatives organised by the Student Leadership Team including Prefects, SEED team, First Nations group, and student volunteers. The day celebrated the cultural diversity evident at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. Students were able to showcase and share their culture through music, dance, wearing traditional dress, food and sports. Students also participated in various hands-on workshops. Students in Year 7 participated in a West African drumming workshop. Year 8 students learned about Lion Dancing. Year 9 students immersed themselves with traditional and contemporary dance, body percussion and Indonesian music. Year 10 students, led by Ms Christina Argyri, discovered the complex and energetic style of Flamenco dancing and Spanish music.

Underpinning the celebrations is a focus on celebrating diversity, learning more about different cultures and committing to action in fostering a safe and respectful school community. One initiative led by the SEED team is to raise money for the Asylum Seekers Centre. The Asylum Seekers Centre provides practical help for people seeking asylum in Greater Sydney and advocates for fair and humane policies for refugees and people seeking asylum. We are grateful for all the donations and have been able to donate $500 to the Asylum Seekers Centre.

BUILDING AND MAINTAINING STRONGER CONNECTIONS

Year 7 students participated in a workshop on Stronger Connections on Friday 31 May. The workshop underpins NHSPA's commitment to safe learning environments, providing students with the tools and skills to engage positively with their peers and their learning.

Year 8 students will be participating in a workshop on Wednesday 12 June focusing on Creating and Maintaining Stronger Relationships. This is timely in ensuring that students focus on positive relationships and reinforces PERMAH as the underlying principle of our Wellbeing policy.

Attendance Matters

The evidence is clear that consistent attendance is the essential first step for your child to have a positive experience at school. Every day matters for your child’s learning. In recent years we’ve seen too many students miss a day of school here and there. Missing school for students means missing assignments, time with friends, an important Maths lesson or getting picked for a sports team. With days missed, years are lost.

Students are required to attend school every day, whether it’s the first or last day of the term, Mondays, Fridays or days dedicated to sports carnivals, school excursions and incursions. Help us make sure your child is achieving their best and stays ahead in their learning with regular school attendance. The more time your child attends school, the greater their opportunity to learn, make new friends and improve their wellbeing. Together, let’s build positive attendance habits for a lifetime.

If your child is absent from school, please let us know why as soon as possible, even if it is just a few minutes at the start or end of the school day. Of course, there will be times when your child is unable to be at school (like when they are unwell). Medical appointments should take place outside school hours where possible and family holidays should be taken in term breaks.

If your child is feeling anxious about coming to school and you need support, please reach out to your child’s Deputy Principal, Year Adviser or myself directly. Our staff are here to work with you and your child to help them attend school each and every day. There are also helpful resources for parents and carers on the Every Day Matters website.

Thank you again for working with our teachers and support staff to make sure your child is at school, on time, every day. We all want to see our students learn, grow and belong in our equitable and outstanding education system.

Newtown High School of the Performing Arts

Behaviour Code for Students

behaviourcodestudents (1) (1).pdf

To enlarge, click Right Top Corner

News From Our Prefects

MULTICULTURAL DAY

Last week, Newtown successfully held their annual Multicultural Day, a grand celebration of nationality, language, food and cultural diversity. In celebration of Greece, Year 12 Prefects and cohort planned and prepared to sell their delicious fresh Souvlaki. With the generous help of Ms George and Ms Milos, students worked across a production line of meat cooking, bread toasting, sauce drizzling and Souvlaki assembling to construct the perfect Greek Treat to share with the school. We were especially privileged to take part in the Zorba, led by the one and only Ms George.

These coming weeks our school is deep in creative mode, hosting a plethora of music, dance and drama concerts. Make sure to buy tickets quickly to see our students in their true element and to celebrate Year 12's last mid-year performance season.

Four of our prefects were lucky to be invited to Fort Street High School's annual "Future Leaders Conference". We thoroughly enjoyed inspiring speeches from some highly accomplished speakers such as Justice Kirby, David Anderson, and A/Prof Brindha Shivalingam. We also engaged in meaningful conversations with school leaders across Sydney about strategies and initiatives that have and have not worked in our respective schools. We will look to implement and share our new knowledge.

Next to come, is our School's first Year 12 study camp, a 3-day event where students will partake in multiple subject seminars targeted at preparing our cohort for the upcoming trials and HSC. In terms of events for the wider school, the prefects are planning to hold a colour run. Additionally, thanks to two Year 12 students, we are looking at having an "anything but a bag day," raising money for homeless youth in the inner west.

The Prefects wish the rest of the cohort good luck for the rest of their last in-class exam season and hope that during this time students prioritise their mental health!

If you have any suggestions/ ideas or feedback for the Prefects, please come and speak to us or fill out this form:

Prefect Suggestion Box Link

Year 12s serving a very long line at the Souvlaki stand!

From the NHSPA Archives - Samantha Rowe (Teacher Librarian)

Staff Photo - 1981

Sadly, there are no names attributed to these staff in this photo. Even our longest serving staff member, to the best of my knowledge, began at NHSPA long after this photo was taken. A staff member pictured here, would have had to stay at the school for another 18 years to even meet them. After 42 years, a teacher who was only a first year in this photo would be ready to retire now. It's interesting the carpet in this photo has outlasted them all, still laid on the floor of the library!

Things to note:

The only fully dressed man is presumably the Principal, in the centre front, with suit jacket on.

17 out of 49 are women who are pictured entirely to the outside edges of the group.
Of the 32 men pictured, 18 are wearing a tie with all 32 in a collared shirt.
Although diversity awareness has taught us that looks can be deceiving, there seems to be limited multicultural diversity.
Other than stripes, there are no prints on the shirts and tops of the staff.
3 out of 13 leadership staff (front row) are women

Staff Photo - 2024

In comparison, the above staff photo was taken earlier this year. Interestingly, over a third of the staff are wearing blue. Anyone under the age of 42, would not have been born yet when the 1981 staff photo was taken. The photo being taken outdoors may be perceived as an appreciation of outdoor spaces that may not have been as significant in the 80s. By extension, this would make sense given the rise in climate awareness and connection to nature that we have enjoyed in recent years.

Things to note:

The Principal, still seated in the centre front, is a woman.
Of the 74 staff pictured, 48 are women and are blended throughout the image.
Of the 26 men pictured, only 3 are wearing ties.
Culturally diverse backgrounds are evident as well as diversity in fashion and fabric.
13 out of 18 leadership staff (front row) are women

Vox Pop

Why do you like playing handball?

"It's fun and easy and a good

friendship bonding game"

Year 11 students sharing lunch, on break from Basis Rehearsals

Multicultural Day Highlights- Friday 24 May 2024

Flamenco Workshops for Year 10

NHSPA Uniform

As it gets colder, students will need to wear correct school jumpers or long pants to keep warm.

If a student has extenuating circumstances that prevents them from wearing the correct uniform, a note should be provided to the SWIPE ROOM from a parent/carer BEFORE SCHOOL to receive a uniform pass.
If a student is out of uniform, the class teacher will note this on the roll EACH LESSON. Students will then need to come to the office at RECESS or LUNCH to exchange their out of uniform item for the correct uniform item for the day.
SPORT UNIFORM Tuesdays - Students must wear appropriate shorts or leggings along with PE tops. Bike pants are not acceptable.
Students who are repeatedly out of uniform will receive a note sent to their parents and will incur a detention.

NHSPA 2024 Uniform Policy 4.pdf

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NHSPA 2024 Uniform Policy Page 5.pdf

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NHSPA 2024 Uniform Policy Shoes.pdf

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VISUAL ARTS - Workshop with Scott Owen

A group of students from Years 10 -12 spent a day with contemporary still-life painter Scott Owen in week 5. Over the day, they were able to choose an image provided by the artist and then develop it from underpainting to a detailed and painterly resolution. We thank Owen for generously sharing his technique and for upskilling this group in the oil painting process, colour mixing and colour theory. The results from the day were outstanding!

Music Highlights - 2024 Semester 1 Music Concerts

Music Performances at St Georges Hall, King Street, Newtown

HIGHLIGHTS FROM

BIG NIGHT OUT CONCERT AND VIVO CONCERT

IMG_7053 (6).MOV

Photography by

Mitchell Rudman Year 11

Year 9 Hospitality provided refreshments during intervals on both nights. They were amazing!

'Thank you Year 9 Hospitality students, Ms Smith, Mr Darmon and Ms Saravanos'

Dance - 2024 Semester 1 Dance Classwork Showcase

2024 Semester 1

Dance Classwork Showcase

Dance classwork performances at St George's Hall, King Street, Newtown.

Tickets may be purchased by clicking on this link or via the link on the school's website:

2024 NHSPA Dance Classwork Showcase Tickets, St George's Hall, Sydney | TryBooking Australia

GENERAL SEATING FOR ALL PERFORMANCES

Join the Dance Department in a celebration of classwork from Semester 1, 2024. This performance is a showcase of all the classwork our Dance students have been working on this semester, including Dance, Dance Extension and Classical Ballet students.

Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 June 2024

7.00pm St George's Hall

Tuesday 11 June

7DA0, Year 8 Classical Ballet, Year 9 Dance, Year 9 Dance Extension, Year 9 Classical Ballet, Year 10 Classical Ballet, Year 10 Dance Extension, Year 11 Dance, Year 12 Dance

Wednesday 12 June

Year 8 Dance, Year 8 Classical Ballet, Year 9 Classical Ballet, Year 9 Dance Extension, Year 10 Classical Ballet, Year 10 Dance, Year 10 Dance Extension, Year 12 Dance

NOTE: Year 12 parents should check with their child to confirm which night they will be performing as these classes will be splitting across the two nights.

Drama - 2024 Semester 1 Drama Showcase

Drama Showcase at Studio Theatre, Newtown

Tickets may be purchased by clicking on this link or via the link on the school's website:

2024 Semester 1 NHSPA Drama Showcase Tickets, NHSPA Studio Theatre, Newtown | TryBooking Australia

GENERAL SEATING FOR ALL PERFORMANCES

The Drama co-curricular programs showcase performance for Semester 1 will include 11 performances from Drama companies ranging from Year 7 to seniors as well as performances by the Auditioned Drama class 7H and Year 10 Drama extension.

Wednesday 26 June and Thursday 27 June

6pm start for both nights

Following Companies and Ensembles Performing:

Year 7 - Kavanagh Company

Year 7 - Merlino Company

Year 7 - Hardingham Company

Year 7H Drama

Year 8 - Van Munster Company

Year 8 - Ord Company

Year 9 - Hoddinott Company

Year 10 - Kendall Company

Year 10 - Hartley Company

Year 10 Drama Extension

Senior Drama - Gonda Company

*Images from Semester 2 Showcase 2023

Drama Companies in Rehearsal for Showcsae in week 9

Some moments from Year 7 (Kavanagh Company) and 8 (Van Munster Company) students getting their work ready for the showcase during rehearsals this week.

PDHPE Year 12 Excursion

On Tuesday 28 May Year 12 PDHPE students had the opportunity to experience the elite facilities at Blacktown Exercise, Sports & Technology Hub.

Students experienced first-hand physiological tests typically used by professional athletes to measure and improve performance. These included Vo2 max, hydraulic strength tests, Wingate anaerobic test, hydrotherapy and isometric force plate tests.

The students had a great day transferring their hard work from the classroom into practical environments.

NEW Health & Movement Science 11-12 Syllabus

The PDHPE faculty is currently planning for the new Stage 6 course, Health and Movement Science for implementation in 2025.

The course allows students to explore and apply scientific concepts to engage students in learning about the factors influencing health and movement. A focus on practical application allows students to develop deep knowledge and understanding and provides opportunities to develop students’ skills in problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, research and analytical skills. Students are encouraged to explore areas of interest, to contribute positively to their own and others' health and wellbeing. The concepts studied in Health and Movement Science make clear links to relevant post-school pathways relating to Australia's health, movement physiology and anatomy.

We are seeking any parents or members of the Newtown High School of the Performing Arts community who have expertise and are willing to share or support the implementation of this course that would maximise students' authentic engagement in this course. This could include areas that are not limited to fitness, health or medical fields for excursions/presentations or other resources eg. Physiotherapy, sport scientist/coach, health promotion, university sector.

If you are interested in sharing more information, please complete the Google Form. Any information or support is appreciated.

https://forms.gle/sKMRNY2hLxMUvJzdA

Highlights from NHSPA and Sydney Greek Festival 'Music from the Heart'

2024 Music from The Heart

This year on 4 June, NHSPA presented MUSIC FROM THE HEART. The concert’s repertoire, chosen by Dimitris Basis, highlights some of the most profound work created by poets, composers and musicians throughout Greece’s musical history. The concert embodies lyrics and music that evoke a range of human emotions: PATHOS (Passion), PONOS (Pain), AGAPI (Love), APOLIA (Loss), HARRA (Joy), AGONAS (Struggle), ELPIDA (Hope).

Congratulations to featured vocal soloists Farrah Delrue (Omorfo Poli) and Jay Stocker (Spasmeno Karavi); a stellar performance!

Thanks to a dedicated team who produced and staged this world class event: Emlyn Lewis-Jones, Ynping Mak, Amber Johnson, Giuseppe Zangari, Ben Turner, Zoe Van Munster, Christina Argyri, Ula George, Effie Milos.

Congratulations to the dedicated students of the NHSPA Symphony Orchestra, Senior Choir, Intermediate Choir and Zangari Guitar Ensemble, Yr9 Hospitality Students.

R E H E A R S A L S

Photography by Mitchell Rudman Year 11

Comments from Audience following the concert:

''What an experience, an amazing experience!''

''Thank you, these songs have brought back so many memories.'

"Are you sure these are all students?"

"What an amazing school to merge such important songs in Greek history and students playing this music and singing in Greek, I had no clue this was possible.

"I have been given 10 more years added to my life hearing my history", (elderly woman in her late 80s)

One of the many emails received:

'I would like to extend my absolute and warmest congratulations to the amazing and multitalented orchestra and choir who performed last night with Dimitri Basis - in the beautiful St George's Hall.

Being of Greek heritage (first generation) it was heartwarming and emotional to listen to the words and music, sung and played with such passion. I loved the way Dimitri kept looking at the choir and orchestra with such adulation and respect. The students in turn seemed to be in awe of his talent and vocal range.

It was a stirring night made more special by the fact that my cousin's granddaughter Kiri was in the choir, having the time of her life.

Well done to everyone involved in putting this incredible night together. I will remember it for a long time.

Wishing your students every success in their bright futures - as Dimitri said - keep believing and follow your dreams.'

P E R F O R M A N C E

H I G H L I G H T S

Photography by Mitchell Rudman Year 11

Year 7 Vaccinations

If your child is in Year 7 this year, you can now provide online consent for their routine school vaccinations.

In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Vaccinations for Year 7 will be conducted at school on

Wednesday 28 August 2024.

Vaccinations will only be provided at school IF CONSENT has been received.

HOW TO PROVIDE CONSENT:

1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage

2. 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 ServiceNSW to create one.

3. Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required.

4. 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 available in 27 languages

d) Provide consent

If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from your child’s school.

THE BENEFITS OF PROVIDING CONSENT ONLINE:

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

TAS - Textiles and Design

Year 11 Textiles and Design Students

Displaying their handmade corsets

Zone Cross Country Carnival

On Monday 28 May, NHSPA hosted the Bligh Zone Cross Country Carnival at Sydney Park. The running talent that our school has to offer was on great display, with numerous students qualifying for the next round. NHSPA finished 2nd overall as a team on the day in the Bligh Zone, an excellent effort. Special mention goes to our Female 12-15 year old runners, as Newtown was the winner of this age group!

Thank you also to the student helpers who worked diligently the entire day to ensure that races ran smoothly.

Congratulations to the following 22 NHSPA students who finished Top 10

in their age group and will be progressing to Sydney East

12 Girls

Olive Neely
Siena Duong
Lucy Glister

13 Girls

Ellena Delic
Clara Horst

14 Girls

Charlie Herb
Gaia Droppa
Ruby Naylor-Macnish

15 Girls

Maeve Luckett
Ava Cummings-Donelly
Sibylla van der Kraan

16 Girls

Harper Taylor

18 Girls

Riley Cullen
Kaisey McClelland
Eshana Singh
Annabelle Szewcow

12 Boys

Leo Ross

13 Boys

Ashton Estela

14 Boys

Kick McKinnon

15 Boys

Alonso Manalac
Leroy Dhanji

17 Boys

Oscar Bartik

Finally, a special congratulations to Olive Neely (Year 7) who was the Age Champion for the 12 Girls.

Well done Olive!

(Pictured below, finishing 1st in her race)

HSIE

Year 8 had a fantastic time with their interactive presentation on Medieval History.

The experience brought to life many of the things they learnt about this year.

The Year 11 Legal Studies gained some valuable real-life experience of the NSW legal system with their visit to the Downing Centre and Parliament House. The students had the great fortune to meet with Deputy Chief Justice Tsavearidid who quizzed them on their Legal Studies knowledge, talked about his own experience and discussed the range of career options available to them in the legal system.

The HSIE Faculty Trivia stand at the Multicultural Day festival was a huge success, giving students the opportunity to use their knowledge of places and cultures around the world to compete against each other for prizes. Students are advised to start studying now in preparation for next year's event!

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.

We are pausing ALL VOICE APPLICATIONS into the VITP program until Term 3 2024 due to capacity.

New applications will not be examined until then.

You can sign up for the program and access lessons using this link:

Vocal/Instrumental Tuition Program Application Form

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.

Drama - ATYP

Find Out More Find Out More

Find Out More

Staff Book Recommendations -

This new segment asks NHSPA staff to share their recommendations for a good read. Each week will offer a mix of genres, non-fiction and fiction, and styles. All books bought from Better Read Than Dead in Newtown by a member of the NHSPA community (student, parent or teacher) will contribute to NHSPA credit with the bookstore.

For adults

The Resilience Project by Hugh Van Cuylenburg

*Available through Wheelers eplatform

THE POWER OF EXPERIENCE

Hugh van Cuylenburg was a primary school teacher volunteering in northern India when he had a life-changing realisation- despite the underprivileged community the children were from, they were remarkably positive.

By contrast, back in Australia Hugh knew that all too many people found it hard to be happy, or suffered from mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

A PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

How was it that young people he knew at home, who had food, shelter, friends and a loving family, struggled with their mental health, while these kids seemed so contented and resilient?

He set about finding the answer and in time identified three pivotal traits - gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness - which seemed to underpin the children's resilience.

> Learn the secrets of resilience through powerful and touching stories from people Hugh has met and helped during his years on the road.

> Explore the neuroscience of resilience and discover how we can address and cultivate it in our daily lives.

> Embrace the power of gratitude in transforming mental health and enhancing overall wellbeing.

> Overcome personal barriers and obstacles that hinder personal growth and mental health.

> Understand the crucial role of parents in helping raise happier children, and learn practical strategies to do so effectively.

'Hilarious, inspiring and heartbreakingly vulnerable, this book has the potential to be life-changing' MISSY HIGGINS

For students

Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

*Available in the school library

Popularised by a 2022 film, this novel affirms the outsider and underdog tropes while celebrating the beauty of marshland and the loss of innocence. Kyra, an abandoned child, learns to survive alone into adulthood in an environment seen by many as a wasteland. Owens' portrayal of the marsh, and subsequently the protagonist, gently establishes empathy with the reader and challenges our preconceptions of society's outcasts and our own prejudices. The film, the first production of Reece Witherspoon's company Hello Sunshine, is also a beautiful film that celebrates the marsh through the creative use of lighting and sound editing.

After School Study Centre

After School Study Centre 2024 Final.pdf

To enlarge, click Right Top Corner

St George's Hall Trust Fund Donation

We invite you to contribute towards our St George’s Hall Trust Fund.

St George’s Hall and The Studio Theatre are used by all students for year meetings, presentation assemblies, performances and various incursion workshops.

Through the St George’s Hall Trust Fund, the school is able to enhance the Performing and Visual Arts within the school by improving the physical spaces to create 'state of the art' venues, provide scholarships to students, technical equipment, musical instruments, and workshops with industry professionals.

The school is currently looking to install air-conditioning in St George’s Hall and replacing the seating in the Studio Theatre.

We suggest a donation of $200 per year per family. Any amount donated to the St George’s Hall Trust fund is tax deductible.

Donations can be made online through your School Bytes Parent Portal.

School Bytes Parent Portal Link

Young Australians' Cancer Initiative: Masterclasses

The Young Australians' Cancer Initiative program is designed for Year 10 students, but all interested Year 8 – 12 students are welcome. The program consolidates and extends beyond the usual Year 10 Science curriculum to help students develop a foundational understanding of cancer, and will be a great opportunity for students interested in studying Science after school, to network with academics, and for understanding about cancer covered in the Year 12 Biology course.

The 2024 Masterclasses are fortnightly on Thursday lunch times B weeks. The first session is Thursday 9 May in the common room.

The 8 components of the 2024 Masterclasses program are:

Masterclass 1 – Basics of cell biology and cell cycle
Masterclass 2 – The Immune System
Masterclass 3 – Genetic Basis of Cancer
Masterclass 4 – Causes of Cancer
Masterclass 5 – Cancer Screening and Prevention Part 1
Masterclass 6 – Cancer Screening and Prevention Part 2
Masterclass 7 – Cancer Treatments
Masterclass 8 – Cancer Treatments – Case Studies

NHSPA Events Calendar Term 2 2024

Calender Term 1 and 2 2024.pdf

To enlarge, click Right Top Corner

2024 Co-Curricular Update: Showcase Term 2 2024

Newtown High School of the Performing Arts offers the opportunity for all students to be involved

in the extensive Co-Curricular Program.

Performing Arts Calender.pdf

To enlarge, click Right Top Corner

Safer 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

School Bytes - Parent Portal

Introduction to School Bytes - Letter to New Parents.pdf

To enlarge, click Right Top Corner

NHSPA Digital Devices (Mobile Phone) Policy

NHSPA Digital Devices Policy

Newtown High School of the Performing Arts (NHSPA) aims to develop skilled and creative learners who value the performing and creative arts as well as academic excellence. The school creates an environment where all students are encouraged to set high expectations and are supported to achieve their full potential.

RATIONALE AND PURPOSE

This procedure guides student use of digital devices at our school including requirements and expectations regarding the safe and appropriate use of mobile phones by students.

Our school acknowledges the educational value of digital devices in supporting and enhancing educational outcomes and student wellbeing. We also recognise they may cause harm if used inappropriately and that we need to support our students to use them in safe, responsible, and respectful ways.

OUR SCHOOL’S APPROACH

Digital devices, such as but not limited to, mobile phones, laptops, headphones, earphones/air pods, smart watches and other personal music or communication devices, should not negatively impact teaching and learning.

At school, all digital devices are turned off and out of sight between 8:55am – 3:10pm.

Please click the following link for NHSPA Digital Devices Policy:

NHSPA Digital Devices Policy

Fit For Life

Excellence, Creativity and Equity

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