New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations for all. As I mentioned in the last newsletter, our External School Return Review was held at the end of last term. While we are still waiting on the report to be officially endorsed, we have already begun acting on the feedback we received.

The opening sentence of this article is one example, being the revised version of our vision statement which we collaboratively clarified to make more direct and easier to remember. Of course, we work daily to ensure that these are not just words but that this vision animates all the work we do to progress our school improvement journey, because that is The New Norfolk Way.

One great example of this being put into action recently has been our prefect elections. We have a a wonderful group of candidates who are not only demonstrating an understanding of our values but are demonstrating them in action. The prefect speeches at last week’s assembly were outstanding both in content and in presentation and all who took part can be immensely proud of their efforts. We look forward to finalising this process and announcing our prefects for 2025 next week.  

This is just one example of the many celebrations that take part in term 4. Attendance remains just as important as in any other term. At the moment, we are undertaking PAT testing for reading & maths which provides vital information to measure student progress and identify areas for improvement. While we work hard to provide catch up sessions for those who are not here on the day the testing takes place, there is a limited testing window in which they can be completed.

Attendance is also obviously important for all those working to earn their place at our Year 10 Celebration Dinner. This is a real highlight of the school year, with the arrival of students being very well attended by families and clearly demonstrating the hours if not days of preparation involved. We look forward to seeing all our students at school this term, demonstrating The New Norfolk and joining in all of this term’s celebrations. 

Stuart Lord, Principal

Coming Events

• Thu 24^th October, Show Day Public Holiday
• Fri 25^th October, PL Day #3
• Thu 31^st October, Athletics Carnival Day 1
• Fri 1^st November, Athletics Carnival Day 2
• Tue 5^th November, Y6 Scavenger Hunt & Y7 2025 Parent Information Evening
• Thu 7^th November, PAT Testing ends
• Mon 11^th November, Remembrance Day Service
• Fri 15^th November, Y11/12 Last day & Celebration Dinner
• Mon 18^th November, Tassie Devils Special Assembly
• Wed 27^th November, Orientation Day & Y7 Excursion
• Fri 29^th November, Y9 Claremont Taster Day
• Tue 3^rd December, Presentation Evening
• Fri 6^th December, Rainbow Day
• Thu 12^th December, Final Assembly
• Mon 16^th December, Y10 Celebration Dinner
• Tue 17^th December, Grade Day
• Wed 18^th December, Beach Day
• Thu 19^th December, Esplanade Day & Last Day for Students
• Fri 20^th December, Last Day for Staff

Term Dates

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

PAT testing

PAT (Progressive Achievement Tests) have begun this week in the Reading and Maths domains. Teachers have made many observations about students actively engaging in the assessments to show their understanding of concepts. This data will be used to inform student need, resource allocation and priorities for both individual students and cohorts. 

These PAT assessments will be taking place over the next two weeks and there will be many opportunities to catch up if your child has been unable to complete an assessment.

Reports

End of year reports will be provided towards the end of the school year. Australian Curriculum ratings will be provided for the following subjects;

English, Maths, Science, HASS/History and Health & Physical Education.

A 9-point scale and worded descriptor will appear on your child’s report. The 9-point scale shows where your child’s learning achievement is against the expected standard for their year level. An example of the 9-point scale for subjects is below.

Students with a current Learning Plan will be assessed against their learning plan goals in the Literacy, Numeracy and Personal and Social Capability domains. These ratings will be presented on a 9-point scale like the example below.

Students will also be rated on a 5-point scale for their electives subjects.

If you wish to discuss your child’s upcoming PAT testing, PAT results or progress against the Australian Curriculum or Learning Goals please contact the school.

Mr Shelton

Grade 9s are continuing their hard work and preparing for their final year of school. Many of our students now juggle part time work with school studies as well as sporting, musical and volunteering commitments.

This term students are focusing on topics including Reproduction (Science), Trigonometry (Maths), Narrative (English), World War 1 (History), Nutrition (Health) and Athletics (PE).

Last term the Packages of Learning Architecture and Construction Class visited TasTAFE

As part of a broader musical appreciation students visiting The Swan café recently were treated to some retro elements! Record players and vinyl are certainly making a come back but pulling out a classic old Beatles album definitely added to the experience.

Mrs McKittrick stood on watch near by as students moved around the café and stage, advising them to not bump the stage or even stomp too heavily on the floor near the record player – knowing that students would not be familiar with the hazards of bumps and vibrations to a record as it was playing!  Of course, some of our older readers will well recall the angst and distress we endured as young people when our favourite record suffered a scratch!

Children of Ptunarra and New Norfolk Primary participated in a Bug Hunt organised and hosted by our Prefects today. This event was to celebrate Mental Health Week, with the theme ‘Appreciating the little things’ we see in our gardens. Thank you to the Derwent Valley Council for organising the grant that funded this event.