Our vision for New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations for ourselves, for others and for the way in which we learn together. The things we need to do to live our School Values and meet these high expectations are called The New Norfolk Way.

One example of the impact this work is having is the improvement we have seen in suspension data. This term, we are on track to see a reduction of around 40% for suspensions compared to last year. This is a very significant reduction, brought about by spending time with staff and students to establish a consistent response to behaviour, both positive and otherwise.

Our new points system for positive behaviour support has been part of that. At our final assembly of the term this week, there will be a special draw and acknowledgement for those students who have been leading the waying in demonstrating The New Norfolk Way by showing our Values of Connection, Courage, Growth, Respect and Responsibility.  

We wish you all a happy and safe time over the holiday and look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday the 29^th of April.

Stuart Lord

Coming Events

Thursday 11th April 

• End of term assembly

Friday 12th April

• ANZAC Assembly 10am
• Staff Vs Student Cricket
• Last Day Term 1

Term 2

Monday 29th April

• First Day Term 2

Friday 3rd May

• RACT Road Safety Session with 11/12

Term Dates

As we wrap up a busy Term 1, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the highlights and achievements we've experienced together as a school community. It has been a productive and enriching start to the academic year, filled with growth, learning, and shared accomplishments.

Throughout Term 1 we've witnessed significant academic progress across all year levels, with many students demonstrating our school values of respect, responsibility, courage, growth and connection in their learning journeys. Whether it's mastering new concepts in mathematics, delving into engaging literature, or exploring scientific principles, our students have embraced the challenges of the curriculum with enthusiasm and resilience.

Behind the scenes, our dedicated team of educators has been actively engaged in professional development and collaboration. In 2024 teachers from New Norfolk High School and Glenora District High School have continued to join forces in Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) where they have shared best practices, analyzed student data, and refined instructional strategies. This ongoing commitment to professional growth directly contributes to improved teaching practices and, ultimately, better outcomes for our students.

As we prepare for Term 2, there is much to anticipate and look forward to. Our focus will remain on providing high-quality education, fostering a supportive learning environment, and continuing to nurture each student's unique talents and strengths. We will also be introducing exciting new initiatives and opportunities aimed at enriching the educational experience for all.

As we conclude Term 1 and prepare for a well-deserved break, I encourage you to take time to celebrate your child's achievements and reflect on their growth. Let's return for Term 2 with renewed enthusiasm and determination to make it another successful and fulfilling period of learning and discovery.

Thank you to all of our families for your continued support. Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable break.

Ali Walker

AP Teaching and Learning

Grade 10 students have made a good start to the year, with students beginning to make plans for 2025 through Transition Planning.

English

In English this term the Grade 10s have been exploring Poetry and how authors use language to describe emotions and images. Students analysed the poetry identified how the author was trying to meant the reader feel and what strategies were used in the poem.

“Life is a highway, a journey that you should get the most out of. A positive feeling, wonder, a feeling of being free that you can’t forget” – Max Doyle

Math

In Maths students are using their learnt maths skills in real life application of budgeting! Students have been learning how to budget by considering different expenses like rent or mortgage, food and most importantly, phone, compared to different income amounts. There has been several exclamations of shock when the students were looking up how much it is to rent.

Transition Planning

Young people in Tasmania need to stay in education or training until they finish Year 12, receive a Certificate III, or reach the age of 18, and we support this in school with Transition Planning in Grade 10. Students have been visited during homegroup or MERR by the Grade 11/12 Coordinator to find out what they need to consider for their pathway options.

Work Experience

During Grade 10 students are encouraged to do Work Experience to experience the career paths they have shown interest in. Several students have taken this opportunity and have completed work experience in industries such as construction and hospitality. To help students access this there have been White Card training completed this term which is required by anyone entering a construction site. If your student did not have a chance to complete this and would like to, there will be additional training run later in the year.

Transition Plans

Under the Education Act, students are required to remain in education and training until they reach 18 years of age or fulfill a leaving requirement. These leaving requirements include:

• Completing Year 11 and 12, which may involve participation in an Australian school-based apprenticeship.
• Undertaking a full-time VET program at TasTAFE or another Registered Training Organisation.
• Engaging in an apprenticeship or traineeship with an employer.
• Pursuing a combination of these options.

Throughout the year, Year 10 teachers and Miss Cep (Year 11/12 AST) will support Year 10 students in developing and implementing their Transition Plans. These plans will encompass information such as students' interests, previous work experiences, and aspirations for the future. During designated MERR time, students will utilise resources such as 'My Future' and 'Careerify' to gain a deeper understanding of their current skills and interests. We eagerly anticipate assisting our students in planning their next steps.

Miss Cep

New Norfolk High School is proud to offer a range of courses for Year 11 and 12 students.

Year 11/12 Mascot

Meet Frank, the beloved 15-year-old Miniature Schnauzer of Miss Cep, who has eagerly joined the Year 11-12 cohort to offer his support this year. Frank's favourite activities include receiving chin scratches, attentively watching over students as they work, and politely sitting beside anyone enjoying their recess or lunch break. If you happen to see Miss Cep and Frank during break times, feel free to stop by, say hello, and learn more about how Frank is lending a paw in helping students navigate Year 11 and 12.

Career and Life Planning/Personal Care  

The TASC courses of Career and Life Planning and Personal Care aim to help students enhance self-awareness, explore future prospects, and develop decision-making skills to align their learning with their future goals. To foster their learning and involvement in community support networks, students were tasked with selecting a wellbeing-related area of interest and crafting inquiry questions.

Students conducted interviews with members of our support staff to gain deeper insights into the various support roles available to young students. Students were then tasked with writing a reflection to identify what they had learnt and any barriers that remain. We extend our sincere gratitude to Hannah Bailey (our School Nurse), Amanda Mianowski (our Social Worker), and Sophia Whitmore (our School Psychologist) for their invaluable participation in this enlightening initiative.

English

This term, Year 11 and 12 students have been studying English Inquiry Level 1, with a particular emphasis on Australian Identity. As part of this, students have engaged with the Tassie Tourism Ambassador Program, completing four modules to gain insights into the tourism industry. This participation has earned them a valuable credential to enhance their resumes.

As we wrap up this unit, our focus has shifted towards exploring the rich 35,000-year history of Tasmania's Aboriginal peoples, both before and after colonisation. We extend our gratitude to the Aboriginal Education Library for providing resources such as 'Gumnuts to Buttons' for our study.

To culminate their learning, students will apply their inquiry skills to craft an extended essay response to the question, “Should the history of Tasmanian Aboriginal people be included when we think about ‘Australian Identity’? Why or why not?”

Year 11 and 12

New Norfolk is committed to equipping our Year 11 and 12 students with the skills they need for a successful future beyond their TCE. In order to obtain their TCE certificate, students must earn 120 TCE points and their Literacy, Numeracy, and ICT tick.

This year, our course offerings are designed to provide a comprehensive preparation. They include English, Mathematics, Career and Life Planning, Personal Care, Essential Skills such as Computers, Food, Cooking, and Nutrition. Additionally, we offer VET Courses covering Road Safety, Certificate II in Hospitality, and the Virtual Learning Course Certificate II in Community Services.

Moreover, students will have various opportunities to earn additional certifications. These include obtaining their White Card, First Aid Certificate, and undergoing training for Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Conduct of Gambling. Duke of Edinburgh students will also take part in a ‘team adventure’ towards the end of the year.

Miss Cep

Student voice:

1. What achievements are you most proud of so far this year? (with a year 11/12 focus) – could be getting your paperwork organised, your progress in a class,

Aislin C: “I'm most proud of my achievements in cooking, food, and nutrition, as they are helping me in my daily life, such as work and home routines. Additionally, obtaining a Certificate II in Community Services is preparing me for the transition to adulthood, as it involves handling a lot of paperwork.”

Emma N: “I am proud that I have returned for Year 11 after homeschooling.”

Felicity B: “I am proud that I have been increasing my independence again as a mother.”

Emma VS: “I am proud that I have been working on and building my self-worth.”

2. What aspects of being in Year 11/12 are you finding enjoyable?

Aislin C: “Aspects of Year 11/12 I am finding enjoyable include the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and experiment – and having fun with Linda.”

Jade C: “I like having Frank (Miss Cep’s dog) around because he is good company.”

Hailey L: “I am enjoying that I get more say in choosing my learning activities, such as helping Lisa in the library.”

Jazmyn C: “I really enjoy having a flexible timetable.”

Emma VS: “I am really enjoying my teachers in the 11/12 space.”

Term 1 is off to a great start with the new ‘Health and Beauty’ elective for senior students. With input from students in designing this course, the unit combines both theory and practical elements throughout the term. To encourage independence, students work through assessments at their own pace, alongside practical instruction. In our theory sessions we have focused on positive and negative beauty trends in Australia and the implications these have on young people. In our practical classes we have had fun practising eyelash application, nail painting and designing new hair styles.

Mrs. Heron

This year, several Year 11-12 students are striving to earn their Bronze and Silver International Awards for the Duke of Edinburgh program. To attain each award, students dedicate hours of their time to developing a skill, enhancing their physical fitness, engaging in community service, and participating in a team adventure in an unfamiliar setting. Additionally, achieving each level of the award earns students 8-13 points towards their TCE, aiding them in reaching their Year 12 objectives.

Students are actively organising their volunteer commitments, with some helping with the setup for Youth Week on April 11th, others scheduled to assist at the Ptunarra Child & Family Learning Centre in Term 2, and another student collaborating with our Librarian, Lisa, and Teacher Assistant, Meg to encourage reading development among younger students. The Duke of Edinburgh program welcomes students from Year 8-12, so if you're interested in joining, please reach out to Nicole or Miss Cep for more information.

Miss Cep

What is your favourite class at NNHS?

My favourite class at the moment is Outdoor Education because I like the last couple the physical games that we have having being playing for the last couple of weeks and it has gave a lot of exercise.

• Koen

At New Norfolk High School I like sport because we have fun every lesson and we play sports as a class.

• Anonymous

My favourite subjects are: Music, PE Extension, Maths, POL with Mr. Matheson.

• Noah

I’m going to be real; I find something to enjoy in every subject other than Maths.  Sound Design is my favourite subject with Film being up there too, the rest are just okay.

• Max

English and HASS are my favourite classes at the moment because they are very interesting and I learn a lot from those classes.

• Payton

We're excited to share some great news from our school's rowing program! Several of our year 8 students were recently invited to attend introductory rowing sessions at the New Norfolk Rowing Club.

This achievement is particularly special as it’s been several years since New Norfolk High School have had students’ row at the club. Despite feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, the girls showed determination, teamwork, and 'oar'some power during the sessions.

After a tour of the club, the students were quickly put to the test on the Ergo rowing machines. Guided by coaches and supported by members of the Hobart City High rowing group, they embraced the challenges with enthusiasm - completing 500m time trials and strength tests, returning competitive results!

Peter and Richard from the New Norfolk Rowing Club were impressed by their performance and can't wait to welcome them back for the next season.

Congratulations students.

Nicole Reeve and Adam Gordon