Term 3, Week 4 – 2026

A term of achievement and opportunity

Executive Principal's Message

As we move through another busy and rewarding term, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the many achievements of our students and staff.

Recognising Achievement at Education Week

Firstly, congratulations to all of the students and staff who were recognised at our Week 3 Education Week Assembly. It was wonderful to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of our school community across teaching excellence, academic success, cultural engagement, sport, leadership and service. These awards acknowledge the dedication, hard work and commitment shown by both our staff and students throughout the year.

Recognising Our Staff

To our staff, thank you for the passion, care and professionalism you bring to Gunnedah High School each day. Your unwavering commitment to supporting, encouraging and inspiring our students creates the positive learning environment that allows every young person to thrive. These celebrations are a reflection of the incredible talent, dedication and resilience that exists across our entire school community.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

A special congratulations must also go to our Aboriginal Education Team for the outstanding work they put into making this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations such a success. Celebrating NAIDOC Week 50 Years Deadly, was a wonderful opportunity to bring together students, staff, families and our wider community. It was truly inspiring to see everyone come together to celebrate culture, strengthen connections and honour the rich history and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the week such a memorable occasion.

Supporting Our Year 12 students

To our Year 12 students, congratulations on completing your HSC Trial examinations!

These exams have been an important milestone in your HSC journey, providing an opportunity to reflect on your progress, demonstrate your knowledge and identify areas for continued growth.

We are incredibly proud of the effort, focus and commitment you have shown throughout this important period. As you continue your HSC journey, remember to make the most of the support available from your teachers and keep working towards your goals.

Well done, Year 12. You’re one step closer to the finish line!

Allyson Hoban

Alicia Thompson

Welcoming New Staff

I would also like to extend a warm Gunnedah High School welcome to two new members of our staff. We are delighted to welcome Allyson Hoban, who joins us as our new Head Teacher Learning and Support, and Alicia Thompson, who joins our English/HSIE Faculty. We are excited to have both Allyson and Alicia as part of our team and look forward to the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm they will bring to our students and school community.

Thank you to our staff, students, parents and community for your continued support of Gunnedah High School. Together, we continue to build a school where every student is known, valued and cared for, while creating opportunities for all students to achieve success.

– Mr Darren Monte

NEWS

Scholarship applications now open

Gunnedah High School is proud to offer a range of scholarships for students entering Year 7, 2027. These scholarships are designed to recognise and support students who demonstrate exceptional talent, commitment and dedication across a range of areas.

Scholarship timeline

Applications open: Monday 10 August 2026
Applications close: Monday 21 September 2026
Successful applicants notified: Wednesday 7 October 2026

Completed applications can be emailed to:

Jacqui McInerney: jacqui.mcinerney2@det.nsw.edu.au

Simone Carlyon: simone.buchanan@det.nsw.edu.au

Applications must be received by Monday 21 September 2026.

Please encourage any eligible Year 6 students to consider applying for a scholarship.

If you have any questions regarding the scholarships or the application process, please contact Gunnedah High on 6742 0155.

Download the Scholarship Application Form

A Sense of Place

Introducing "A Sense of Place" - Gunnedah High School's School Building Naming Initiative!

We're inviting our community to help name our school buildings in ways that celebrate the unique identity of our local area, honour Indigenous culture and language, and reflect the values of our school community. Names will be chosen using criteria like local significance, cultural respect, educational value and longevity.

Have a name in mind? We'd love to hear it - submit your suggestion here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSd23sUsAHF7ON.../viewform and be part of shaping Gunnedah High School's future!

Sport and group photos now available

Ordering is now open for the following sports and/or co-curricular group photos taken recently by advancedlife.

School Captains and Vice Captains
House Captains
SRC
Clontarf
Stars Foundation
Engineering Club

Cost: $16 per print (save a min. of 20%). Order online before 31/10/2026 to secure discounted price. After this date, the price reverts to the standard $20/$25 per print.

How to order: Create an advancedlife account to view groups, download digital portraits, and track orders. Visit the advancedlife website to order.

School code: ZH4 6C6 W3F
SIC code: Located on your portrait package or the back of your photobook.

Important information

Online only: These photos must be ordered online; please do not return payments to your school.
Delivery: Photos will be delivered to the school for distribution.
Guarantee: We offer a 21-day refund policy and a 100% money-back guarantee.

If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to advancedlife

Free one-on-one support for parents and carers

Parenting a teenager can be challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone. ReachOut Parents offers free, confidential one-on-one coaching for parents and carers of young people aged 12–18 years. Delivered online by qualified professionals, these sessions provide practical strategies and personalised support to help you manage parenting challenges, strengthen your relationship with your teen, and support their mental health and wellbeing.

Learn more and book a session through the ReachOut Parents website: https://parents.au.reachout.com/one-on-one-support

Free online safety webinars

Supporting children to navigate the online world can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone.

The eSafety Commissioner offers a range of free, evidence-based webinars designed specifically for parents and carers.

These interactive sessions provide practical advice on topics including:

Helping children stay safe online
Managing screen time and healthy digital habits
Cyberbullying and online conflict
Gaming, social media and popular apps
Supporting young people to develop positive online relationships
Talking to children about online safety with confidence

These webinars offer valuable strategies to help families create safe, respectful and balanced digital lives.

To view upcoming webinar dates and register, visit the eSafety Commissioner website on the following link: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

We encourage all parents and carers to take advantage of these free sessions to stay informed and support their child's online wellbeing.

How to report absences

Following an absence from school, please remember to provide an explanation for your child’s absence within seven days.

There are several easy ways to let us know why your child has been away:

Reply to the text message sent by the school.
Phone the school office on 6742 0155.
Submit an absence through the Sentral for Parents app, where you can also upload any supporting documentation, including medical certificates.

If you need any assistance with attendance matters or accessing the Sentral for Parents app, please don’t hesitate to contact the school. We are always happy to help.

Meet our practicum teachers

This term, Gunnedah High School is proud to welcome three practicum teachers into our PDHPE, HSIE and Dhiiyaan teams.

Practicum placements are a vital part of every teacher's journey, giving future educators valuable classroom experience while working alongside our students and staff. Hosting practicum teachers is also a great opportunity for us - they bring fresh ideas, new perspectives and current research from their university studies, encouraging our whole staff to reflect, learn and keep growing as educators.

Get to know Miss Eve Farmer, Mr Will Ryan and Miss Mackenzie Leader, and join us in welcoming them to Gunnedah High!

EDUCATION WEEK

'Inspiring Excellence' at Gunnedah High

On Monday, August 3, our school community came together for a special assembly to recognise the outstanding achievements of our students and staff, celebrating this year’s Public Education Week theme, ‘Inspiring Excellence’.

Our guest speaker, former Gunnedah High student Gabby O’Gorman, shared an inspiring story about her journey from student and elite tennis player to becoming a qualified dietitian. Gabby spoke honestly about initially struggling academically, explaining how finding a passion for something she loved changed her approach to learning.

“I had a passion, and with passion came enjoyment, and enjoyment came excellence – both athletically and academically.”

Her message to students, particularly those preparing for their HSC, was simple and powerful:

“Find what you love. Enjoy it. And then you will excel in it.”

Gabby’s story was a wonderful reminder that excellence does not always follow a straight path, and that finding your passion can unlock potential you never knew you had.

Students were recognised across three award categories – Academic Effort, Growth & Resilience, and Community & Character. We also recognised three Support Heroes and presented three Impactful Teacher Awards, celebrating the people who make a positive difference across our school community.

Guest speaker, Gabby O'Gorman.

Academic Effort Awards

The Academic Effort Awards recognise students who demonstrate consistent effort and achievement across all subject areas

Year 7 Edge Gan • Kenzie Stonham

Year 8 Amelia Anscombe • Amber King

Year 9 Isaac Vallada • Cordelia Esther

Year 10 Patricia Parry • Aiden Flannery

Year 11 Tyler Hobden • Eve Greatrix

Year 12 Tanatswa Chiduku • Isabelle Bieman

Growth & Resilience Awards

The Growth & Resilience Awards recognise students who demonstrate perseverance and embrace learning opportunities.

Year 7 Callie Berryman • Bryden Talbott

Year 8 Lexie Woodhouse • Lucas Gallacher

Year 9 Addison Morris • Jye Dundas

Year 10 Bryce Shaw • Quinn Davis

Year 11 Chelsea Budden • Riley Lancaster

Year 12 Daniel Prabu • Maddelin Mulherin

Community & Character Awards

The Academic Effort Awards recognise students who demonstrate consistent effort and achievement across all subject areas

Year 7 Edmund Saragih • Charlee Towns

Year 8 Scarlett Berryman • Carter McKenzie

Year 9 Alice Hoskinson • Sandra Parry

Year 10 Dustin Lees • Fayra Petriaton

Year 11 Yarraki Budden-Talbott • Jayla Suey

Year 12 Keaton Walters • Kailee Gallagher

Support Hero Awards

The Support Hero awards recognises the outstanding contribution of non-teaching staff who play a vital role in supporting teaching, learning and the educational success of our students

Robyn Close, pictured above with Executive Principal, Mr Monte
Christine Pease
Natalie Louis

Impactful Teacher Awards

The Support Hero awards recognises the outstanding contribution of non-teaching staff who play a vital role in supporting teaching, learning and the educational success of our students

Mr Moore, with Mr Monte

Mrs Barnes, with Mr Monte

Miss Coon, with Mr Monte

Students from 7ENG.1 presented the Acknowledgement of Country.

Year 12 student, Viliana Mikaele performed River by Leon Bridges.

Rewarded for consistent effort and application

As part of our Education Week celebrations, a group of Gunnedah High School students enjoyed a special Rewards Lunch at The Verdict Cafe in recognition of their consistent effort and application throughout Semester 1.

Students were selected by Deputy Principals Mrs Carlyon and Mrs Barnes based on the positive comments in their Semester 1 reports, recognising those who have consistently applied themselves across all of their subjects. The lunch was designed to celebrate students who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to doing their best each day.

Students walked from the high school to The Verdict Cafe, where they enjoyed a delicious beef or chicken burger and a refreshing cool drink of their choice. The group represented our school with pride, displaying excellent behaviour and enjoying the opportunity to share a meal, conversation and plenty of laughs together.

A sincere thank you to The Verdict Cafe for catering for this wonderful opportunity and helping us celebrate the achievements of our students. Your generosity and support of our school community is greatly appreciated.

We hope to see even more students join us at our next Rewards Lunch. Remember, recognition isn't about achieving the highest grades, it's about consistently putting in your best effort, showing a positive attitude towards learning and striving to improve. Every student has the opportunity to be recognised for doing their best.

NAIDOC WEEK

Our school celebrated NAIDOC Week in the last week of Term 2 with cultural learning, creativity and connection, giving students the opportunity to engage with Aboriginal culture through a range of hands-on activities.

Students participated in rotational activities including weaving, story stones, Indigenous artwork, traditional games, didgeridoo sessions, Aboriginal dance and message stick making. These experiences encouraged students to build their understanding of Aboriginal culture, traditions and stories while celebrating the knowledge and creativity.

A highlight of the celebrations was the NAIDOC Assembly, where special guest Kobi Dee. Kobi shared his personal journey with students, speaking openly about overcoming adversity, the importance of culture and identity, and the value of believing in yourself. His message connected strongly with our students and encouraged them to embrace who they are and pursue their goals.

Throughout the day, Kobi also led energetic dance workshops and took the time to connect with students through conversations, photos and autographs. Students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet Kobi and hear his story firsthand.

Students and staff then came together to enjoy a barbecue lunch before heading to the oval for an exciting staff vs student football challenge. We were pleased to welcome community members, Bobby Price and Wade Ryan, who joined the staff team for the afternoon. The matches were played in great spirit, with students showing excellent teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

The staff team secured a win against Year 12 before narrowly defeating Year 9 by just one point in a thrilling and closely contested match.

Congratulations to Jai Wilson and Breanna Kemp, who were named Players of the Match for their outstanding performances. Both students were recognised with official Newcastle Knights jerseys and playing shorts, generously donated by the NRL.

We extend our sincere thanks to Kobi Dee, Bobby Price, Wade Ryan and everyone who contributed to making our NAIDOC Week celebrations such a memorable success. The day was a wonderful opportunity for our students to celebrate culture, build connections and learn from inspiring Aboriginal role models.

Excellence in Reconciliation Leadership
Sandra Parry • Alexander Budden • Keaton Walters (absent)

Distinguished Commitment to Community
Kallie Walters • Kayliah Hunt (a) • Yarraki Budden Talbott (a)

Outstanding Artistic Contribution to Reconciliation
Isabella Pryor • Harlow Suey • Neveah Te Awa

Excellence in Academic Commitment
Paige Stonham • Braidyn Campbell • Kenzie Stonham

NAIDOC Staff Awards
Michelle Hobden • Chloe Abraham • Keedon Peachey (a)

Walking Together, Working Together Scholarship
Jacobi Morris

2026 Clontarf Award
Riley Lancaster

50 Years of Deadly Creative Arts Competition
1st: Kenzie Stonham

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

It was a chilly start after the rain, but that didn’t stop our students from getting out there and enjoying a fantastic Athletics Carnival. There was plenty of energy, friendly competition and House spirit throughout the day.

House Placings
🥇 Nandewar – 428 points
🥈 Moonbi – 356 points
🥉 Illawarra – 202 points
4️⃣ Kaputar – 142 points

Congratulations to Nandewar on taking out the 2026 Athletics Carnival. A huge thank you to all our students and staff for making it such a great day.

2026 Female Age Champions

12 Years Champion: Kenzie Stonham
Runner-up: Zavannah Lodge
13 Years Champion: Addison Lumby
Runner-up: Nicola Sawyer
14 Years Champion: Marlee Murphy
Runner-up: Kallie Walters
15 Years Champion: Kayla White
Runner-up: Addison Morris
16 Years Champion: Marnee Walters
Runner-up – Nevaeh Te Awa
17 Years Champion: Shaniqua Briggs
Runner-up: Aleisha Doolan
18 Years Champion: Isabelle Bieman
Runner-up: Dakoda Rumbel

2026 Male Age Champions

12 Years Champion: Nate Partridge
Runner-up – Oscar Blomfield
13 Years Champion: Brodie Rodway
Runner-up: Blair Hampton
14 Years Champion: Jaquan Bartman
Runner-up: Oakley Kitchingman
15 Years Champion: Benji Marshall
Runner-up: Chase Fermor
16 Years Champion: Royce McAlpine-Roberts
Runner-up: Jacobi Morris
17 Years Champion: Keaton Walters
Runner-up: Lachlan Percy
18 Years Champion: Angus Eather
Runner-up: Daniel Prabu

POSITIVE REWARDS

Term 2 Golden Ticket winners

From left, Sophia Oakes, Erin Mitchell, Ollie Wilmen, Charlette Keeler and Breanna Kemp. Absent, Isabella Pryor.

Our Term 2 Golden Ticket prizes have arrived and were excitedly distributed to our lucky winners, with students choosing some fantastic prizes including Nintendo consoles, Xboxes and MacBooks! Students earn a Golden Ticket for every five positive entries they receive, with tickets going into the draw at the end of each term – so keep demonstrating our school values for your chance to win!

Rewards excursions for Y7-10 students

Eligible students in Years 7–10 enjoyed an excursion to Tamworth, recognising their outstanding attendance, positive behaviour and valuable contributions to our school community throughout Term 2.

Each year group enjoyed ten-pin bowling, arcade games and time at the park, giving students the opportunity to relax, have fun and spend time together outside the classroom.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented Gunnedah High. They were respectful, responsible and positive ambassadors for our school, demonstrating the values we encourage every day.

Congratulations to all the students who earned this reward. We hope you had a fantastic day!

Weekly Rewards Winners

Year 7 Kenzie Stonham • Edge Gan
Year 8 Harper Costello • Jess Evans
Year 9 Jaquan Bartman • Stella Syphers
Year 10 Allayah Higgins
Year 11 Nevaeh Te Awa
Year 12 Charlette Keeler

EXCURSIONS

Year 11 Biology takes learning into the field

Year 11 Biology students recently travelled to Warrumbungle National Park to complete fieldwork for their Woodland Restoration Depth Study.

Working with the National Park Education Centre, students investigated a range of biotic and abiotic factors within the woodland ecosystem and collected firsthand data to support their study of ecosystem health and restoration.

Merino challenge success for Gunnedah High

Year 10 Agriculture students participated in a range of educational workshops and activities during the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge in Dubbo this week, gaining valuable insights into the sheep and wool industries.

Students took part in workshops covering shearing, intramuscular fat (IMF) scanning, marketing and meat processing, as well as fleece and micron testing. They also had the opportunity to network with students from other schools, industry experts and agricultural organisations, while exploring trade displays focused on animal welfare, emerging technologies, tertiary education and agribusiness.

The experience was further enhanced through the opportunity to observe stud operations and livestock showing, providing students with a broader understanding of the Merino industry and the range of career pathways available within agriculture.

Students have been caring for and monitoring the health and development of their Merino wethers for the past six months, and their hard work was rewarded when the Gunnedah High School A Team secured 3rd place in the Overall Carcass Value for our zone.

This achievement is a fantastic reflection of the students’ commitment, practical skills and understanding of sheep production, and highlights the value of hands-on agricultural education.

More photos on Facebook >>

Prime Lambs, Prime Results

Year 10 Agriculture students travelled to Orange to compete in the inaugural Dohne Prime Lamb Schools Competition where Gunnedah High School achieved outstanding results in our section, placing 2nd in the Fleece competition and 2nd in the Carcass competition.

Since the Dohne wethers arrived at the school in February, students have been responsible for their ongoing management and preparation. The sheep have been containment fed on a specially formulated pellet ration supplemented with lucerne hay, resulting in an impressive average liveweight of 61 kg. Throughout the program, students have monitored the sheep's growth and health through regular weighing, drenching and the administration of preventative animal health treatments.

At the competition students confidently presented their sheep for judging and had the opportunity to broaden their industry knowledge by participating in a shearing demonstration, visiting trade and industry exhibits, and watching working sheepdog trials.

Students also gained valuable practical experience in parasite management by observing worm egg count testing. They were able to see firsthand how faecal samples are processed and how the results are analysed to inform livestock management decisions.

The competition provided an excellent opportunity for students to apply the practical skills and knowledge developed throughout the year while showcasing the high standard of agricultural education at Gunnedah High.

Congratulations to all students involved on their dedication and excellent achievements.

LIBRARY NEWS

Good luck to ICAS students

Over the next three weeks, 49 students from Years 7, 8, 10 and 11 will be taking part in the ICAS online assessments in English, Science and Mathematics.

These assessments provide students with an opportunity to challenge themselves and demonstrate their skills and knowledge.

We wish all our students the very best of luck! Give it your best shot and be proud of your efforts!

Results will be released approximately 8–10 days after the testing period closes.

Explore our online library resources

Students are reminded that they have access to a range of online learning resources through Sora and ClickView.

You can also search for library resources, including books and other materials, through My School Library on your Student Portal.

Take advantage of these resources to support your learning, research and reading!

LEARNING IN ACTION

Learning about animal welfare

Year 10 Stars had the opportunity to visit the Gunnedah Shire Pound, where they learned about the important work involved in caring for lost and stray animals. Students gained an insight into the processes of rehoming animals and the steps taken to identify and contact owners whenever possible.

The visit provided a valuable learning experience about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and the vital role the pound plays in supporting the local community.

Homework effort rewarded with a lunch treat

To celebrate the end of Term 2, students in 7.1 English who completed all of their assigned homework tasks throughout the term were invited to a special reward lunch, where they enjoyed a serving of hot chips together. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the consistent effort, responsibility and commitment these students demonstrated towards their learning.

While homework is not mandatory, regularly completing homework offers many valuable benefits. It provides students with the opportunity to revise and reinforce what has been taught in class, develop independent learning habits, strengthen organisation and time-management skills, and build resilience by taking responsibility for completing tasks outside the classroom. These habits establish strong foundations for future success as students move into the senior years of high school, where independent study becomes increasingly important.

Congratulations to all students who earned this reward through their consistent effort. Your commitment to your learning has not gone unnoticed, and I look forward to seeing even more students take up the challenge next term.

From left, Harry Tudgey, Alex Budden, Kenzie Stonham, Edge Gan, Ace Villamin, Alex Villamin. Absent: Nicola Sawyer.

Tash supporting students during a Science learning activity.

Making a difference every day

We would like to take a moment to recognise the valuable work Tash Talbott does with our Year 7–4 class.

Tash consistently demonstrates patience, compassion and a genuine commitment to our students. She supports them to develop respectful and responsible behaviours while creating a calm, predictable and supportive environment where students feel safe and valued.

Affectionately known as “Aunty Tash” by the students, the trust and respect they have developed with her is a wonderful reflection of the positive relationships she builds each day.

Tash is a valued member of our classroom team, and her willingness to collaborate, share ideas and engage in open conversations about culture and Aboriginal perspectives strengthens the learning and support we provide to our students.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Tash working with our class. She makes a meaningful difference to the wellbeing, learning and success of our students every day. Thank you, Tash, for everything you do.

SPORT

Upcoming Sporting Opportunities

North West Cricket Trials in Tamworth
AFL Gala Day (Females and Males)
Open Girls & Boys Cricket GHS Team

Students are encouraged to put their names down at the PDHPE staffroom.

Kenzie's heading to State

On July 31, Gunnedah High School was proudly represented by a number of students who travelled to Tamworth to compete at the Regional Athletics Carnival. Students competed across a range of track and field events, displaying determination, resilience and excellent sportsmanship throughout the day.

A special congratulations to Kenzie Stonham, who has progressed to the State Championships in the 800m event. This is an outstanding achievement for a student in her first year of high school. We wish Kenzie all the very best as she takes on the next stage of her athletics journey.

We are also incredibly proud of the way all our students represented Gunnedah High School and congratulate them on their achievements, commitment and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Kenzie Stonham, heading to State.

Narrowly defeated in GF

Open Girls' Tennis – Floris Conway Cup

Congratulations to our girls’ tennis team, who competed against Narrabri High School in the grand final of the Floris Conway Cup in Narrabri.

Our girls put in a fantastic performance, finishing level on sets at 4–4 after a highly competitive day of tennis. Unfortunately, the final result came down to games, with our team narrowly defeated 38–26.

The team demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, determination and resilience throughout the competition and should be incredibly proud of their efforts in reaching the grand final.

We look forward to seeing the team continue to develop and come back even stronger next year!

New court, new opportunities

Our newly upgraded basketball court is already proving to be a fantastic addition to our school. The improved space gives students the opportunity to enjoy a range of activities, including basketball, netball and soccer, making break times even more active and engaging. It has quickly become a popular hub where students can connect, stay active and enjoy some friendly competition. Pictured are some of our Year 7 students making the most of the new facilities.

Our ZV Fitness sport class is lucky to be able to leave the school site each Tuesday morning and enjoy a session at the gym with a trained instructor. It’s a great opportunity for students to stay active, build their fitness and develop healthy habits in a supportive environment.

WELLBEING

Developing resilience with The Resilience Project

Karla Lane, our Student Support Officer, and Mrs Hobden, our Wellbeing Head Teacher, recently attended The Resilience Project’s Teacher Conference, learning more about how to support students in developing resilience, gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.

The conference featured a range of inspiring sessions, including a special video message from Hugh van Cuylenburg, who thanked our staff for their dedication and commitment to delivering The Resilience Project program to students.

It was a fantastic opportunity for Karla and Hobbo to gain new ideas and strategies to bring back to Gunnedah High School and continue supporting the wellbeing and resilience of our students.

Gunnedah High gets moving for mental health

Gunnedah High School took part in The Push-Up Challenge to support mental health, with the Wellbeing, Stars and Clontarf groups joining forces during contact time to compete against different year groups.

Students challenged each other to complete as many push-ups, burpees, star jumps, sit-ups, squats and planks as possible, promoting teamwork, participation and friendly competition.

Altogether the school recorded more than 10,000 exercises, highlighting a fantastic collective effort to raise awareness of mental health and promote overall wellbeing.

Year 10 Stars get moving

This term, our Year 10 Stars have been focusing on improving their physical health and wellbeing. Making the most of the winter sunshine, students enjoyed a bike ride through the Showground and along Wandobah Road. It was a great opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, spend time together and stay active.

Over the coming weeks, the Year 10 Stars will continue building on this focus with bushwalks around local cultural sites, another cycling adventure and a site visit to a Whitehaven mine.

CULTURAL

Celebrating 50 Years of NAIDOC

The annual local NAIDOC Art Exhibition was held at the Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery, and Gunnedah High School was proudly represented by a number of student artworks.

We’re especially proud of this incredible collaborative piece, pictured with our Visual Arts teacher Mrs Hill, created by our Year 7 and Year 8 art students, together with members of Dhiiyaan. Made up of 49 individual canvases, the artwork reflects the NAIDOC themes from the past 50 years.

Art with heart for Gunnedah Hospital

Our Year 9 Stars students have been spending their lunch and recess breaks creating a special artwork for the newly renovated Emergency department at Gunnedah Hospital.

The artwork represents family, connection, love and support, reflecting the importance of community and the care people receive during challenging times.

The finished artwork will be displayed in the Emergency department waiting room, where we hope it brings a sense of warmth and comfort to patients, families and visitors.

Congratulations to the students on creating such a thoughtful and lasting contribution to the Gunnedah community.

Weaving creativity and connection

Our Year 8 Stars students enjoyed their contact time under the trees at Gunnedah High, where they participated in a weaving activity and created dream catchers.

The activity provided a calming environment and fostered a sense of peacefulness, connection, and belonging within the group. Students engaged positively with one another while developing their creativity and fine motor skills.

Throughout the session, students shared conversations about who they planned to gift their dream catchers to, reflected on their holiday adventures, and spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming Stars excursions planned for the term.

Yarraki and Jayla selected for leadership camp

Yarraki and Jayla were selected to attend the inaugural Goanna Academy Leadership Camp, the first of what will become an annual camp for Year 11 students.

The program recognises and fosters leadership skills, improved attendance and strong academic performance, while providing a valuable opportunity for young Indigenous students to build confidence, develop their leadership skills and grow as future leaders.

Congratulations to Yarraki and Jayla on being selected for this exciting opportunity.

CAREERS

Careers and Pathways News

Pre-Apprentice Landscape Course
Six students attended the Pre-Apprentice Landscape course in Tamworth last week, gaining valuable hands-on experience and an insight into the landscaping industry.

Upcoming Opportunities

Start Your Future – Early Childhood Education
Start Your Future – Health Care

White Card Course August 24-25, 2026. This course is currently full. Please let Mrs Hohnke know if you would like to enrol in a future course.

Introduction to Small Engines
August 27, 28, 31 & September 1, 2026. This course is currently full. Please let Mrs Hohnke know if you would like to enrol in a future course.

TVET – Your Pathway to a Career

Are you about to start your final years of schooling but already know what career you’d like to pursue? Or perhaps you have an idea of what life after school could look like but want to try it out first?

A TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) course or School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) can give you a head start while you’re still at school.

From Animal Care and Community Services to Music Industry courses, there are opportunities to suit a wide range of interests and career pathways.

⁠Explore TAFE NSW TVET courses

There are more opportunities coming up, so students should make sure they are enrolled in the Careers@GHS Google Classroom to stay up to date.

Work Experience

Students must be 14 years or older to participate in work experience and can only participate during normal school hours.

Students aged 15 and over have more flexibility with their hours, although work experience cannot take place on weekends.

⁠NSW Department of Education – Work Experience

See Mrs Hohnke for more information.

Girls Can Too!

We are running another trade taster course for girls aged 15 and over. Interested students should see Mrs Hohnke ASAP to register their interest or email jacinta.hohnke1@det.nsw.edu.au

Allied Health School Based Trainee roles – open now!

Hunter New England Local Health is recruiting across the district and is keen to reach students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander from all regions within Hunter New England.

School-based Trainees (SBAT) in Allied Health/Pharmacy will:

Complete a two-year traineeship while studying for their HSC
Work one day per week in a Hunter New England Health facility
Gain hands-on experience with Allied Health professionals
Complete a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance or Health Services Pharmacy Support
Receive dedicated cultural support through the Barranggirra - Skilling for Employment Initiative

Who can apply?

Students who are:

Completing Year 10 in 2026 and entering Year 11 in 2027
Interested in a future career in Allied Health or healthcare
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
Motivated and eager to learn

Applications close 1 November 2026, however students may be contacted throughout the advertising period, so we encourage interested students to apply as early as possible.

More information and to apply, visit School Based Trainee - Allied Health

COMMUNITY

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