It is with enormous pleasure that we present our Semester 1 2024 edition of The Voice. 

The purpose and format of The Voice is ever evolving. The Voice is a celebration of the vibrancy of learning at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts through the lens of each Faculty or key learning area.  

The Voice provides a small glimpse into learning across our broad curriculum. It is also a prime space for NHSPA to recognise and congratulate individual student achievements. 

I take this opportunity to thank the hardworking and caring staff of NHSPA. The expertise of our teachers and office staff, their dedication and their motivation to collaborate to ensure educational excellence, is the reason for our school’s success.  

There is a palpable positive energy of high expectations at Newtown. We want our wonderful students to be intellectually curious, to be self-motivated to achieve their personal best, and to understand that creativity is essential for learning. Creative thinking applies to all subjects because it is about the imagination, about looking at ideas from novel perspectives, about problem solving, and originality.  

I strongly encourage all students to take advantage of the wide range of extra-curricular activities available to further challenge themselves, perhaps step outside of their comfort zones, and extend their talents.  

This term, creative and performing arts highlights include:  

• Three superb Music performances involving hundreds of our students, and our third collaboration with the Sydney Greek Festival and Dimitris Basis.  

• The week-long Lighthouse Dance Workshops with academics across the country collaborating with our students, followed by the Spotlight Dance Festival at the Seymour Centre running over seven days involving primary and high school Dance students form South and Southwest Sydney.  

• The Drama Faculty’s two bumper evenings of outstanding Drama performances.  

• The Visual Arts Faculty’s stunning exhibitions in St George’s Gallery as well as beautiful and striking installations around the school.  

• The formal ‘opening’ of the History Timeline created by a team of History and Art students snaking along the walls of F-block. 

Thank you to all the teachers who have worked long hours to make these events happen and to our motivated, talented students. 

In week 10, Year 12 students attended a study camp held in the Blue Mountains and led by Deputy Principal Nilaufer Rajwar. Thank you to the Year 12 teachers who attended and helped motivate our students in their last week of school before the Trial HSC examinations. I wish Year 12 the very best as they head into the break and encourage them to use this time to study productively in the lead up to their Trial Examinations. This time of year is always intense for Year 12. It is important that students stay realistic and balanced in their outlook, and that they set personal best learning goals. 

I hope you enjoy The Voice and I wish everyone a safe and happy winter holiday.  

Best wishes
Dr Susan Green