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New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations for all. As the school year ends, we have been putting this into practice by been celebrating success, looking forward to future pathways and paving the way for a positive return in the New Year.
We have been able to celebrate some very positive feedback in our External School Review. When the panel chair spoke, they said the key word for their feedback was ‘hope’ and that the consistent message they received from students, parents & staff was that this isn’t the same school it was even just 12 months ago when they were last here.
This was reaffirmed by progress in achieving a number of our School Improvement Plan targets. Suspension rates are down 10% year-on-year &, for term 4, the reduction is 20%. We also saw a 10% improvement in students reporting medium or high wellbeing for School Climate in the Student Wellbeing & Engagement Survey.
In addition, building on some significant, including the addition of VET, we saw significant improvement in Year 11 & 12 attainment. For example, the number Year 11 students gaining 60 TCE points was up 37.5% and those achieving at least one standard up 75%. Furthermore, the number of Year 12 students achieving their TCE was up 40%.. To top it all off, this week we learnt that one of our students will be recognised by TASC with an Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Education & Training (VET) Award!
Lifting Literacy is a significant focus across the whole Department. Before this initiative began, we were one of the first schools to introduce the MacqLit program & we now have staff from other schools coming to learn from us. It has been very encouraging to see the impact of our work on Lifting Literacy born out in significant reading growth for our Year 7 & Year students. Building further on this work will be an important continuing focus next year.
An important feature of this time of year is celebrating the achievements of our Y10s. With the final assembly and Celebration Dinner, in addition to all the award recipients recognised at our Presentation Evening, it has been very encouraging to see increased engagement with the transition process. Whether remaining here, heading to college or engaging at TAFE through an apprenticeship or traineeship, our congratulations to all year 10s for all they have done and best wishes for all that is to come.
Though they finished earlier in the term, it was also heartening to be able to celebrate increased attainment in our Y11/12 cohort including the news, confirmed only this week, that one of our students is going to be recognised by TASC with an Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Education & Training (VET) Award!
In a week full of celebratory events, including Grade Days, Beach Day & Esplanade Day, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our school community, particularly parents & carers, for your engagement with us and commitment to your children’s education and future. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff for their commitment, flexibility and adaptability throughout the year.
We wish you all the best for the summer break and look forward to continuing our work with all who are returning next year.
Stuart Lord, Principal
As we wrap up the year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on one of the highlights of our school calendar – Rainbow Day, held last week for the second year running. Rainbow Day is more than just a fun event; it’s a meaningful day where we come together to remember and honour some very special members of our school community.
This year, Rainbow Day was held in memory of Lisa and Chris, two much-loved staff members we lost to brain cancer last year, as well as Ella Munnings, a kind and vibrant Year 10 student who passed away earlier this year. Their presence and spirit remain very much a part of our school, and this day is a reminder of the importance of supporting each other and celebrating life together.
The day was packed with activities and energy! Students (and staff!) took on the challenge of our 8-hour walkathon and participated in a range of fun activities throughout the day, including craft, cooking, and sports. To top it off, the bake sale at Recess was a massive hit – not only because of the delicious treats on offer, but also because it was for such a worthy cause.
I’m incredibly proud to share that we raised over $1000! This will be donated to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation and the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital. It’s fantastic to see the generosity and spirit of our school community in action, especially for causes so close to our hearts.
Rainbow Day truly showcased what makes New Norfolk High such a special place – a positive, caring, and united community that always shows up for one another.
Thank you to everyone who organised, participated, baked, or donated. Your contributions made the day a huge success and ensured we honoured Lisa, Chris, and Ella in the best way possible.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday break!
On a personal note, I wanted to share that next year I will be taking a year’s maternity leave. I want to thank the entire school community for your ongoing support and partnership throughout my time as Assistant Principal. I look forward to hearing all about the fantastic things happening at New Norfolk High in 2025 and can’t wait to rejoin the team at the start of the 2026 school year.
Ali Walker
Assistant Principal (Engagement & Attendance)
Term 1: Thursday 6th February – Friday 11th April
Term 2: 28th April – 4th July
Term 3: 21st July – 26th September
Term 4: 13th October – 18th December
What a year it has been! In the music space we have cleaned up and cleared out a lot of the old to bring in a new culture and attitude. Lunch times find the music room buzzing with guitarists, drummers and keyboard players practicing their riffs, learning tunes and jamming together. The Swan café live music stage has provided a space for performances from both students and staff. Music classes benefitted part way through the year from a new class set of keyboards and year 7 students began to develop performance and music theory skills through their use. This year has definitely seen a new community of muso’s spring to life, and we look forward to seeing where 2025 will take us!
