New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations for all. One way in which we demonstrate that is by continuing to build on our provision for extra support in reading and in generating opportunities for our students to learn from other leaders in our community.

We had a special assembly recently when we were visited by Scott Roth, the Head Coach of the JackJumpers. It was great to get his insights as he spoke about the journey his club had been on to develop a culture of high expectations as well as their work to cultivate diversity and inclusion. He also delivered some key messages about the importance of discipline, even in small matters like making your bed or having breakfast in the morning, in paving the way for future success.

Scott responded to a number of questions from students as well as staying behind afterwards for signing & photos with some very keen JackJumper fans. As with last year’s visit from Jack Riewoldt, it is very inspiring to be able to expose students to successful leaders in our community & examples of just what we are capable of achieving.

While NAPLAN is about to start, we have already been running testing across the whole school using DIBELS to identify how we can best support student achievement in reading. We were one of the first schools in the start to trial this testing program and have now expanded it across the school. Based on the results, we will shortly begin our MacqLit intervention program for Year 7 and 8 students. This year, we are also providing extra support from 7-10 with reading fluency. Fluency is the ability to read a text with a natural sounding voice and it is the focus of work we are doing throughout the year with all our teachers and students.

Some of this work will be done with all students in the classroom. Some of it will be by way of additional support as I’ve referred to above. Building on the work we did with vocab last year, you can expect to hear more about this as we play our part in the task of Lifting Literacy across the state because meeting student need, and improving students outcomes, is the New Norfolk Way.

Stuart Lord, Principal

• NAPLAN 12^th – 24^th March
• Year 11/12 Camp 18th March – 21st March
• Assembly 20^th March
• 9/10 graphics excursion to library  27th March 10.30-1.00
• Assembly 3^rd April
• ANZAC Day assembly 11^th April
• Last day of term 11^th April

Term Dates

Term 1: Thursday 6^th February – Friday 11^th April

Term 2: 28^th April – 4^th July

Term 3: 21^st July – 26^th September

Term 4: 13^th October – 18^th December

Making Waves: Meet New Norfolk High’s Number 1 and only Rower!

At New Norfolk High, we love celebrating students who take on unique challenges outside of school. One of our Year 8 students, Ethan M, is making a splash—quite literally—as the only student at our school to attend the local New Norfolk rowing club! We caught up with Ethan to learn more about his passion for rowing.

Q: How did you get into rowing?
A: I was annoyed by Mrs Reeve! Just kidding, but she did come and ask me if I was interested.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the sport?
A:  Getting out on the water. I like gliding through the water, it’s relaxing, when it’s not choppy.

Q: Rowing looks tough! Is it as hard as it seems? And have you ever fallen in?
A: I think rowing is a tough sport, you have to really train to get the strength to go fast and compete. I did fall in once, when I was practising in a single skull. They can be wobbly and you have to control the balance with your oars.

Q: You recently competed at the Lake Barrington Schools competition with 900 students from around the state! What was that like?
A:  It was hectic but fun. There was a lot of boats and riggers and heaps of tents! It was great spending time with my club and getting to know the other kids better. It was really hot the first day and we all went swimming after the days races ended.

Q: Now the season is over – will you go back next year?
A: DEFINITELY! The next season starts in September or October. It depends on the weather and when its starts to warm up.

Q: What advice would you give to other NNH students wishing to join rowing?
A: It’s something you have to commit to. You have to go to all the training sessions. If you love meeting new people and enjoy a tough sport then you should go. The first regatta is scary but get over it and you have to get over the weather.

Rowing is an incredible sport that builds strength, endurance, and teamwork. Who knows? Maybe Ethan will inspire more students to give it a try!

Congratulations again to Ethan for competing in this incredibly strenuous sport. …hope you had a great 1^st season… and many more.

If you're interested in rowing, check out New Norfolk Rowing Clubs Facebook page or contact Nicole Reeve to learn more.

Nicole Reeve

Assistant Principal Engagement

In Year 9 History this semester, we are studying ‘Making and Transforming Australia’, as we dig deeper in our understanding of our country’s modern past. Students have been exploring the perspectives and experiences of First Nations Peoples, settlers, convicts, and migrants throughout this study. Pictured are class 93 on classroom their gallery-walk of Port Arthur convicts, as they examine the stories of Tasmania’s complex past.

Michelle Manenti and Emily Thomson

Students in Food Technology have been exploring how different cultures and religions celebrate with food. From Indian festival sweets to dishes enjoyed during Lunar New Year, students have been preparing and tasting foods from around the world. Through this, they have gained an understanding of the significance of food in celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Diwali, and Hanukkah. We are incredibly proud of our students for stepping out of their comfort zones to try new foods and ingredients while learning about different cultures and traditions.

Building on this, students are now preparing for their next challenge—designing and making a birthday cake for a child’s party. As part of this task, they will consider themes, dietary needs, and decoration techniques to create a cake that is both delicious and visually exciting. This project will allow them to apply their baking and design skills while learning about the importance of planning for special occasions. We can’t wait to see the creative and colourful cakes they produce!

Art Spotlight: Senior Sculpture

The senior sculpture class has made a great start to the year. They have hand-built dip & snack bowls that are getting ready to be glazed and will be shared with you all soon. During this drying time, students have been exploring whether art can be functional or purely aesthetic. Their project was the design and creation of a set of magnets. Can you tell what the most common theme was?