New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations for ourselves, for each other and for the way in which we learn together. This week, we had an external panel here to complete our annual return school review. While their final report won’t be provided to us until early next term, the panel were able to share with our leadership team some very heartening affirmations and helpfully clarifying opportunities for our work going forward.

Members of the panel spoke to several small groups of students, including the Student Voice group established this term. They also visited classrooms, made phone calls to parents and spoke to almost a third of our teachers and other school staff.

The key word from the panel’s feedback was ‘optimism’, both in terms of the achievements we were able to demonstrate and in the school’s capacity to take the next steps in our school improvement journey. This mirrored the consistently positive feedback they received from students, staff and parents. All three groups spoke about the substantial improvements they have seen, with many saying it is not even the same place it was just 12 months ago.

As you will have seen, our focus value this term has been Growth: aspiring to learn, and improving, even when it is tough. It was wonderful last week at our assembly last week to be able to recognise our Values Champions who have consistently lived up to our high expectations around that value across the whole term.

Through the school review process, it has been wonderful to see that commitment demonstrated across the whole school and to have a chance to celebrate some of the Growth we have seen. As I say to students & staff all the time though, there is always a next step. It is exciting to be able to look forward to continuing this journey with the whole school community.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a wonderful break, whatever you have planned. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school for start of Term 4 on Monday the 14^th of October.

Stuart Lord, Principal

Term Dates

Term 3: Monday 22^nd July – Friday 27^th September

Term 4: Monday 14^th October – Thursday 19^th December

Year 11/12 last Day: 15^th November

We continue our commitment to the DECYP, and our school values of Connection, Respect, Growth, Courage, and Responsibility.

You may have noticed that some Values signage has recently been put up around our school. This signage was purchased as a result of a successful grant application, through the “Embracing our DECYP values small grants program”.

Our focus value for term three has been Growth.

Our last fortnightly focus has been on asking for feedback.

Students have been learning that feedback is not about criticism—it’s about growth, and that feedback is a powerful tool for personal and academic development. It highlights our strengths and identifies areas where we can improve.

Asking for feedback prompts us to think about our actions and decisions. It encourages self-awareness and helps us understand how others perceive us. Receiving feedback can sometimes be tough, especially if it’s not what we expected. However, learning to handle and act on feedback builds resilience.

Feedback is most useful when students put it into action, taking suggestions and applying them, reflecting on how they can make changes and improvements.

Students are working on making a culture of feedback part of the New Norfolk Way, our respectful learning community with high expectations for ourselves, for others and the way in which we learn together.

Our next fortnightly focus will be on building positive relationships.

The term four focus value is Responsibility.

AP Support and Wellbeing

Jodie Strohfeld

This term a group of grade 7 boys have been very fortunate to participate in the Get Active Program, run by local youth organisation Kids in the Valley. Every Thursday they have been attending Kollab Team Training in High St New Norfolk. Here they have participated in activities such as wall sits, dead hangs, deadlifts, bench press, skipping and using cardio machines. They have also received instruction in gym safety, technique, healthy eating and teamwork. After a reticent start, the boys have gained confidence, new skills and have come together to support and encourage each other each week. Huge thanks to Sarah and Madi from Kids in the Valley and Josh from Kollab Team Training.

This year, nine of our Year 12 students at New Norfolk High School are on the path to completing their Year 12 certificate. Last week, these students embarked on a 3-night camp to Fortescue Bay, earning 13 credit points towards their TCE as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Office Australia for the generous grant that helped support our camp and a big thank you to Nicole and Linda for joining us. Highlights of the trip included visits to the UnZoo and Port Arthur, as well as two scenic but challenging hikes—Canoe Bay (2 hours) and Cape Huay (4 hours). Our students also enjoyed a swim at Fortescue Bay, dinner at the Fox and Hound, and a thrilling Ghost Tour at Port Arthur.

This adventurous journey allowed our Year 11/12 students to showcase the New Norfolk Way, with their teamwork and support for one another shining throughout the experience. As they wrap up their journey for 2024, we’re already excited to begin planning for 2025!

Jess Cep (11/12 AST)

Engaging students in meaningful pathways is a very important part of the New Norfolk Way.

95% of our Y10 have already completed their transition plans & NNHS are excited to be able to offer our Year 11/12 students the following TCE, VET courses & certificates for 2025:

• Tourism
• Hospitality
• Road Safety
• Working with Children
• Outdoor Education (including a Duke of Edinburgh Camp)
• Work Readiness
• Essential Skills – Computers and the Internet
• History
• Community Service Learning (with a work placement)
• First Aid Certificate
• Responsible Service of Alcohol
• Responsible Conduct of Gambling
• Registration to Work with Vulnerable People

Please reach out to our Year 11/12 AST, Jess Cep, if you would like more information about your young person joining us for Year 11 or 12 in 2025.

Over the last fortnight, we’ve been very busy in the HPE department.
We started the week with the final round of our AFL 9s Round Robin. Both teams have been very successful throughout the series, with our girls' team finishing the roster season in second place and our boys remaining undefeated and finishing in first. On finals day, our girls began with a loss, but by winning their next game, they progressed to the final, which they unfortunately lost to a very strong Bayview side. Our boys played their first game against Bayview, which they won, progressing straight to the grand final. In a rematch with Bayview, the boys were down by only 2 points at half time, but unfortunately, Bayview proved too strong and secured the win. Well done to both teams for how they conducted themselves over the entire four-week roster. As a school, we are very proud not only of your on-field achievements but also of the respect and good sportsmanship you demonstrated off the field.

Later in the week, on Friday, we held our Interhigh Swimming Carnival at the Aquatic Centre. Once again, this was a day where all our students embodied the New Norfolk Way, showing high levels of maturity and respect throughout the day. We understand that swimming carnivals can be a very challenging event, and we are incredibly proud of all our students who participated.

The HPE team would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday, and we look forward to seeing you all next term.

Over the last couple weeks, staff and students have been participating in a range of HASS-related activities in celebration of History Week. This has been a marvelous opportunity to explore Australia's rich past, and to increase our awareness of different cultures around the world.

 During History Week, New Norfolk High School hosted a range of HASS-themed events. Students participated in colouring and poster competitions, history excursions, and a cultural morning tea. These provided opportunities for students to experience different cultures which expands beyond their own lives.