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| 2 Nov 2023 | |
| Written by Tianna Kelly | |
| General News |
Our Leadership Induction Ceremony on Tuesday October 10, 2023, was a proud moment for our school community. It is a moment of transition, where we welcome new leaders who will play a pivotal role in shaping our school’s future.
I am delighted to announce the following leaders for 2024:
· Head Prefect: Alyvia Wilson
· Deputy Head Prefect: Katherine Edwards
· Prefect and Boarding Captain: Kelsey Mason
· Prefect and Boarding Captain: Charlotte Overton
· Equestrian Centre Captain: Olivia King
· Equestrian Centre Captain and Dumolo House Captain: Sienna Robinson
· Green House Captain: Allie Palmer
· Lyon House Captain: Pollyanna McCarthy
· Murray House Captain: Bridget McKemey
These young leaders embody the school’s values of excellence, integrity, responsibility, and teamwork. They will build effective working relationships, make crucial decisions, and leave a lasting impact as they serve their school. Their growth, both individually and as a team, will drive our school student body.
Our recent Girls’ Night In event was a fantastic opportunity for new students to immerse themselves in both day and boarding life, make new friendships, and truly become part of the NEGS family. This immersive experience culminated in the exciting Colour Run and a family BBQ.
Next Friday I look to welcome prospective families to NEGS at our Term 4 Open Morning. It is a privilege to meet these families and start the conversation as they consider NEGS for their child. As parents you are our most powerful advocates, I thank you for advocacy. Please see further details in this newsletter and invite any family or friends considering NEGS to join us for the morning. I look forward to meeting them.
NEGS students continue to thrive
Congratulations to our Equestrian Centre students for their achievements in the 2023 ISHE (Inter- Schools Horse Extravaganza). To relive the magic, be sure to check out our Facebook page. With 31 riders representing NEGS, it was a stunning display of talent, dedication, and growth in the equestrian field.
In an exciting development, Magic Millions is coming to NEGS. Magic Millions have taken on the naming rights for NEGS Horse Trials which is being held on our campus on 18/19 November. This is a testament to the growth and prestige of our Equestrian Centre, and we look forward to the ‘magic’ that will unfold.
Last weekend, a team of students and teachers participated in the 19 for 19 Challenge in memory of Anya, Anya’s legacy continues to inspire us. Her wish, “19 for 19 Challenge”; is a testament to her strength and bravery. Even in her absence, Anya is driving research into new treatments for children and young adults with osteosarcoma. We, as a community, are proud to contribute to this cause and to see growth in research that can make a difference. We hold both Anya and Liv in our hearts.
Today, Mr. Ryan Caldwell and Ms. Bella Oates are accompanying our students to participate in the IGSA Festival of Speech. We wish them the best and eagerly await news of their performances.
Connected community
The Sydney NEGS Old Girls Alumni, much like our Brisbane and Canberra sisters, is a strong community. We appreciate their ongoing advocacy, philanthropic support, and scholarships.
At their recent AGM’s, I shared with them our strategic plan for growth.
Our school is not only celebrating the achievements and milestones of our students, but also focusing on growth—growth in leadership, growth in community, and growth in making a difference. It is a testament to the strength and promise of NEGS.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the NEGS community. Together, we will continue to nurture growth and excellence in our students and our school.
Ms Liz van Genderen
Principal
The run home has begun, but the ball is well and truly still in play. As we move through a term that quickly passes, it is imperative to keep a steely focus so as not to miss out on vital information or attend important events.
There are plenty of opportunities for our community to come together, from the Magic Millions Horse trials to the Twilight Markets, from the Sports Dinner to Speech Day, all of which embody our value of Teamwork. So, if you can assist at events, especially the Horse trials or Twilight markets, please contact the school.
It was an absolute pleasure to be involved with the NEGS team who participated in the Armidale Community event, 19 for 19 walk last Sunday. This wonderful fundraiser is supported by the local organisation, Tour de Rocks, and raises money to advance research into curing childhood cancer. This is a cause that is close to the hearts of many and for NEGS to be part of the 600 strong contingent, was a testament to our commitment in offering opportunities for our students to make a difference. A hearty congratulations to those girls who walked both the 9km and 19km and to the staff that accompanied them, thank you for being fantastic role models.
Students have embraced the warmer weather and should be commended on the way they have worn the uniform. However, just a reminder to ensure hats are worn when out in the sun and hemlines need to be below the knee.
Can I also commend our new Yr 12 students for the way they have transitioned into leading our school. I have witnessed an upbeat and positive mindset and look forward to working with them as they develop into strong leaders.
House Keeping:
Mr Jamie Moore
Deputy Principal
The Exciting Term Ahead
As we step into the new term, I am thrilled to share a number of exciting events and activities that await us in the coming weeks. Get ready to embark on a journey of learning, laughter, and togetherness! This term promises to be filled with memorable moments.
Colour Run: A Splash of Fun!
This event was a spectrum of colours and a true testament to the spirit of our student body. Everyone laced up their running shoes and embraced the rainbow. As participants ran, walked, or danced their way through the course, they were doused with vibrant powders, turning the track into an array of hues. The joy and laughter was infectious, as colour covered everyone from head to toe.
The Colour Run was not just about physical activity but also a celebration of unity and togetherness. It was heartwarming to see our students and their families share this experience.
Whatsoever You Do, Do It HEARTily
Our 'Whatsoever You Do, Do It HEARTily’ afternoon this week focused upon ‘living the school motto.’ It was all about wholehearted engagement and collaboration. Students participated in a number of rotations, creating collaborative artworks, engaging in physical activities, and fostering teamwork within their house groups.
The afternoon’s activities left a positive mark on everyone involved. Whether they were releasing their creativity, participating in team-building exercises, or enjoying heart rate challenges, our students showed incredible enthusiasm and support for each other.
Inspired Readers Festival
This term, our students will participate in the Inspired Readers Festival. Students in K-2 will celebrate the joy of reading right here on campus, while our 3-6 students will explore the world of books at the Dymocks Children's Charity Readers Festival, who are bringing 4 leading children’s authors to the festival to meet students and take them on a storytelling journey with exciting interactive presentations and book signings. It's an event aimed at fostering a love for reading in every young heart.
Their mission is simple - to ignite a passion for reading and improve literacy outcomes for children. We share the belief that all children should have access to good books and opportunities to celebrate storytelling with some of the best in the field.
World Kindness Day in the Library
November 13th is World Kindness Day, and our library will be a hub of warmth and positivity. Lessons will focus on spreading kindness, sharing stories, and creating a caring community.
Celebration of Learning Assembly, End of Year Nativity and Picnic Lunch
Join us on Monday 27th November as we recognise all of our students, Pre-K to Year Six, for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. This will be followed by a heartwarming nativity tableau and picnic lunch. A beautiful way to cherish the season of giving.
Speech Day
We will conclude with our Whole School Speech Day, an important occasion on our NEGS calendar, where our students are recognised for their hard work, achievements, and contributions to our school. It's a time of reflection and inspiration.
The term ahead is brimming with opportunities for our students to connect and celebrate their growth. Let's embrace the opportunities ahead with open hearts and open minds, as we create wonderful memories. Information will be shared through upcoming newsletters and our parent portal on the school website.
Mrs Heidi Dent
Junior School CoOrdinator/Year 6 Teacher
Please read this weeks' Careers Newsletter HERE.
Ms Jessica Walker
Careers Advisor/Business Studies, Commerce and Geography Teacher
It is great to see our summer sports up and running and our students trying new things. It can be hard at times to give things a go but I am proud of our students for having the courage to do so. In particular, it was such a pleasure to watch our students at basketball this week with most of them never having played before. The final score didn’t go their way, but each and every player walked off the court with a smile, a laugh and an enthusiasm to return next week to have another go.
A few housekeeping rules for this terms sports:
NEGS PE uniform is to be worn, unless a shirt is provided.
No non NEGS clothing items are to be worn, including to and from games.
Remember the commitment made to your team/coach - ensure you are at each game/session unless you have approved leave.
Registrations need to be completed by next Monday if not already done so.
We also wish our Festival of Speech competitors the very best of luck in Sydney this Saturday, 21 October. These students are competing in a variety of public speaking events and we look forward to hearing about their excursion in the next newsletter.
Competitors - Hannah Murray, Mackenzie Ellem, Vivienne McGinty, Callie Jarrett, Sasha-Lily Scott-Hamilton, Mirabelle McGinty, Pippa Robinson, Dominique Baker, Grace Rogers, Ruby Holgate.
Upcoming Events:
Celebration of Sport Dinner - 1 November
IPSHA Gymnastics - 2 November
Mrs Liane Nixon
Sport CoOrdinator and Junior School PE Teacher
As we come into Term 4 as the new EC captains for 2024, we are so excited to be starting this journey alongside the rest of the girls as well as Annyka, Justine, Rachelle and the other EC staff. We both believe we can make a huge contribution to the Equestrian community at NEGS with ranging knowledge and experience across multiple disciplines.
Sienna started at NEGS in year 7 and has been lucky enough to see many of the changes at the EC over the past few years. She is looking forward to creating more fun events in the equestrian space and continuing to see the team succeed. Liv started at NEGS in 2022 in year 10, where she came from Albury NSW with an eventing background. She is excited to see the EC thrive and watch as the girls improve more and more on their skills. We are looking forward to a great year ahead and it has already been a busy start to the final term of 2023 kicking off with the Interschools Horse Extravaganza (ISHE) in Tamworth. This year ISHE was bigger than ever with just over 750 horse entries. Many riders from around Australia came to compete in tough competitions of varying disciplines from eventing to campdrafting, show horse and many more. NEGS was lucky enough to have 33 girls compete across all disciplines. We had some awesome results and all the girls showed great sportsmanship throughout the event, not only between NEGS girls, but also with other schools.
We are both so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see what 2024 looks like for the NEGS Equestrian Centre!
Thank you,
Liv and Sienna
Mrs Annyka Overton
Equestrian Centre CoOrdinator
Welcome back to our final term!
Term 4 marks the end of my first full year teaching music at NEGS, and I want to thank all the beautiful students for their amazing hard work throughout the year. We have had some great achievements through our various choral and instrumental performances over the year, so a huge thank you to our families as well for always being ready to come along and support your children in their musical activities.
Of course, we are not done yet, and Term 4 is going to be a huge term for music at NEGS! We have started rehearsals already for both our Christmas Nativity Play in the Junior School, and for the 9 Lessons and Carols service, which will incorporate both Junior and Senior School.
Please keep checking in for notices about these events towards the end of the term. This week we had a few little auditions for solo parts in the Carols service, and it was great to see so many students coming forward eager for a go. I hope we can keep the enthusiasm going!
Keep singing,
Mrs Sarah Sadgrove
Music Teacher
Open Morning @ NEGS
Our next Open Morning is on Friday 27 October, from 9.30am and will include lunch. If you know of a family that may be interest in NEGS, please let them know they can register here - https://community.negs.nsw.edu.au/event/opening-morning
Twilight Market @ NEGS
NEGS would love to invite you and your family to join us at the NEGS Twilight Market.
When: Friday 10th of November from 4pm to 8pm.
Where: NEGS Grounds
Stroll around a fantastic array of stalls including handcrafted treasures, stunning artwork, clothes, plants, books and more.
There will be loads of games, raffles, food and entertainment including a musical ride at the Equestrian Centre.
Come along and enjoy the NEGS Twilight Market, open to the public for the whole community to enjoy.
NEGS Horse Trials Brings Magic Millions to Armidale!
NEGS is proud to announce that Magic Millions Sales, Australia’s leading source of Group 1 and Stakes winners, has taken on the naming rights of the 2023 NEGS Horse Trials.
The partnership's connection sits squarely in the care and transition of thoroughbreds from the track as many NEGS equestrian students ride ‘off the track’ thoroughbreds in their equestrian pursuits, showcasing the versatility of these thoroughbreds once they have finished their racing career.
NEGS extends heartfelt appreciation to Katie Page and Magic Millions for their support of this pivotal event.
When: 18 and 19 November
Where: NEGS Equestrian Centre
Find out more at - https://negs.nsw.edu.au/equestrian/ https://community.negs.nsw.edu.au/event/magic-millions-negs-horse-trials
Year 10 Social
The Year 10 Social promisies to be another fun family event for the NEGS Community.
When: Saturday 18 November from 5.30pm to 10.30pm
Where: UNE Booloominbah Historic House
Dress Code: Cocktail Dress
Tickets are $100 per person - buy tickets here - https://community.negs.nsw.edu.au/event/year-10-social
We look forward to receiving your RSVP by Friday 3 November.
Mrs Lyn O'Neill
Director of Marketing and Enrolments
We hope this message finds you well and refreshed from a well-deserved break.
The start of Term 4 marks a fresh beginning, a time to set new goals, and an opportunity to build on the successes of the previous terms.
It has been an exciting and eventful weeks 1 and 2 in boarding. The Girl's Night In was essentially a big sleepover complete with games, movies, and treats. This event provided a warm welcome to the Year 6 students transitioning into Year 7.
Our EC boarders embarked on their first weekend away at the ISHE event returning tired with big smiles.
Co-curricular sports recommenced, offering a way for students to engage in structured and supervised activities during their non-academic hours, fostering a sense of community and balance in boarding life. Takeaway meals are collected by Head Of House and students eat on returning.
During Prep, White House students had the opportunity to attend a recorded Zoom session with Rebecca Sparrow. This term's focus is on personal boundaries. The students discussed with Mrs. Laverty and Mrs Cassidy, personal boundaries and what this looked like for them. White House's boarding program emphasizes the importance of friendships, personal growth, and striving to be the best version of oneself.
The end of term will feature our closed weekend for all boarders, ( 2nd-3rd December). This year the boarders have chosen The Big Banana. This is an exciting and enjoyable way to end the term.
Kind Regards, The Boarding Team
Mrs Meagan Laverty
Head of Boarding
