Welcome back, everyone. I am really looking forward to the 2024 school year. I wish to extend a particular warm welcome to our new families.

This year sees the continuation of the implementation of the school’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. Our purpose, to develop empathetic, fulfilled young people with drive and purpose, who know themselves, take ownership and embrace possibilities to contribute and thrive in a complex and changing world is at the forefront of what we do. 

Our immediate priorities leading into 2024 include:

Ensuring every student can be their best by fostering an environment where they have the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Students will be encouraged to make the most of every aspect of their educational experience commencing with their academic achievement. 

A focus on attendance and active participation. Developing a strong work ethic (both inside and outside the classroom), engaging fully, seeking support, and taking charge of learning will provide the greatest reward. Attendance will be overseen by our Deputy Principal, Mr Moore. As parents, I ask you to work with us in following school leave processes.

Embedding Deep Learning into our Learning and Teaching Framework. This will be led by the Director of Teaching and Learning, Mr Caldwell. NEGS teachers will continue to design learning that is relevant and meaningful. This will incorporate the Quality Teaching Model, goal setting and individualised learning, as the academic progress of every student is our focus. 

Clear delineation between Pastoral Care and Wellbeing – knowing our learners, embracing diversity and equipping students with skills for life. 

To our families, you are an integral component of our school. Be sure to keep in touch as we work together to make the most of the opportunities that NEGS provides.

Students develop a love for learning and loyalty to NEGS. We are a school like no other. Apply consistency and determination in the face of challenge, and demonstrate initiative and independent thought. You will find that your education here will equip you with the confidence and tools to succeed in whatever path you choose.

I look forward to catching up with you at our Welcome Back BBQ on Monday, January 29, from 4.30 pm.

It has been a pleasure to welcome new staff this week, and I will be delighted to introduce them to you next week.

Let this school year be one of growth, discovery, and accomplishment. Let's make this academic year one to remember!

Ms Liz van Genderen

Principal

Welcome back to what will be an exciting year for the NEGS students, staff and community.

Students will return to a significant refresh of not only our boarding spaces, but our academic environment as well. Faculty staff rooms have been moved and created, whilst teaching spaces have been reallocated for English, Maths, and PDHPE. These spaces will continue to be developed throughout Term 1.

The school will continue to focus on our Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Responsibility, and Teamwork, and encourage all to consider these as we make decisions and personal choices.

There will be a strong focus on attendance and the way the school tracks each student with the expectation of achieving a higher, overall attendance rate. It is the nature of our school, and well supported that our students are encouraged to pursue their passions, but we are mindful that if not monitored closely, a student can quickly be in a position where an unacceptable number of days are missed. Unfortunately, this can have adverse effects on their ability to learn and on our teacher’s ability to deliver a sound academic program. By doing this, we hope to support our students and staff in achieving the best possible experience. We all have a part to play in following the school's leave processes, maintaining open communication, and valuing each element of the school.

Uniform will continue to be an aspect of our school that sets us apart and makes us easily identifiable in our community. If students are lacking in any area of uniform, they are encouraged to visit the clothing pool to rectify this before the beginning of term or immediately upon their return. Often, the little things let the uniform down, so let’s commit to that. Jewellery, socks, shoes, hats, and remember, sports uniforms are only for sport-sanctioned events. 

As always, we will encourage our students to maintain positive and respectful relationships. Choosing kindness is a non-negotiable and as an entire community, we will not walk past a standard that we don’t accept.

As was communicated at the end of 2023, NEGS will have a “no phone policy” in place during the school day, with Boarders having their devices securely stowed in the boarding houses and Day Students being required to store their devices in a lockable pouch. These pouches can be collected from Mrs Smith, and the cost of these will be charged to your school account.  

I look forward to welcoming all back for the start of Term 1.

Mr Jamie Moore

Deputy Principal

Dear NEGS Families,

As we embark on a new academic year, it is with great pleasure that we extend a warm welcome to both new and returning families. This year promises to be one filled with growth, learning, and exciting opportunities for all our students.

At NEGS, we believe in fostering a supportive and empowering environment where academic excellence is not just a goal but a shared journey. As parents, educators, and students, we are all integral parts of this collective pursuit of knowledge and personal
development.

Effort, too, plays a pivotal role in the academic journey. NEGS is committed to instilling a strong work ethic in our students, emphasising that sustained effort and perseverance are essential ingredients for success. Our dedicated faculty and staff are here to guide and inspire, but the true measure of achievement lies in the commitment each student brings to their studies.

 
In the spirit of collaboration, we invite parents to actively engage with our school community. Attend school events, participate in parent-teacher conferences, and stay connected with our communication channels. Your involvement is a crucial element in creating a thriving learning environment for your child.

Wishing everyone a fantastic school year filled with growth, discovery, and academic accomplishments.

Mr Ryan Caldwell

Director of Teaching and Learning

On behalf of the NEGS Junior School staff, I am happy to welcome you back for our 2024 school year! 

As the summer break draws to a close, we eagerly anticipate the return of our students and extend a warm greeting to all the new faces joining our school community. This school year promises to be filled with inspiration, growth, and countless opportunities for our students to shine. Our dedicated team of teachers have been hard at work designing learning experiences to ignite the minds of all our students.

This year we welcome Ms Naomi D’Arcy to our Junior School staff.

Naomi is an educational professional with over 30 years of experience in teaching across K-6 and curriculum development. She has worked as a classroom teacher on Stage Three for many years, giving her valuable experience in developing effective teaching and assessment strategies to ensure the best possible outcomes for her students.

Naomi holds a Masters of Education and is a dynamic, dedicated professional who is committed to consistently seek and embrace learning opportunities for herself and her students.  As a school, we are committed to each individual's personal growth and success. Naomi brings to our team a new perspective with her recent professional development and an understanding of current pedagogical practices aligned with NEGS strategic direction. Naomi is well known in the Armidale community having lived and worked here for an extended period of time in both the independent and catholic sectors.

With the start of classes scheduled for Tuesday 30 January, below you will find any relevant information for returning to school.

Pre-K-Kindergarten students must be accompanied and signed in by parents with the Early Years Staff.

Primary students should arrive at school by 8:45 am

Staff will be on duty in the playground from 8.20 am

If you have time, please stop and enjoy a 'cuppa' before heading off for your day. 

Monday 5 February

Parent Information Evenings

Join us on Monday, February 5th, as we invite you to gather at our Junior School for an introduction to the upcoming school year. This event allows each family to connect with their respective teachers, providing valuable insights into classroom structures and routines. This occasion serves as a vital opportunity to exchange information, benefiting everyone involved. Your active participation is crucial, so please stay in touch with your teachers and keep us informed about how the year is unfolding for you.

Reception and Attendance

Changes to arrangements for students can be communicated through our Receptionist, Mrs Fiona Purkiss. Absence information will still be reported to our Attendance Officer, Mrs Helen Smith. 

Reception

Mrs Fiona Purkiss

E: reception@negs.nsw.edu.au

Ph: 6774 8700

Attendance Officer

Mrs Helen Smith

E: attendance@negs.nsw.edu.au

Ph: 6774 8751

General Inquiries

For any general class-related questions, please direct your inquiries to your child's classroom teacher.

Below, you will find the relevant email addresses for each classroom teacher.

Contact Details

Pre-K: Ms Rebecca Moore

E: rebecca.moore@negs.nsw.edu.au

Early Stage One/Kindergarten: Mrs Catherine McCann 

E: catherine.maccann@negs.nsw.edu.au

Stage One: Ms Lisa Furner

E: lisa.furner@negs.nsw.edu.au

Stage Two: Mrs Deanna Ford

E: deanna.ford@negs.nsw.edu.au

Stage Three: 

Year 5: Ms Naomi D’Arcy

E: naomi.darcy@negs.nsw.edu.au

Year 6: Mrs Heidi Dent

E: heidi.dent@negs.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Victoria Packer (Tuesday)

E: victoria.packer@negs.nsw.edu.au  

For further information, stationery and uniform requirements, refer to the Junior School Handbook, located on parent section of the school website.

Mrs Heidi Dent

Junior School Coordinator/Year 6 Teacher

Just a quick introduction this week to what we hope to achieve in Boarding this year.

White House has re-opened and is looking fabulous in its revamped state. Kirkwood House is in the beginning stages of refurbishment and it is our hope that term breaks will provide time to continue the improvements throughout the year. Major works will happen in the next Christmas break.

A priority this term will be a Student and Parent Survey focused on Weekend Activities. This has been flagged as an area in Boarding which needs some attention so please keep your eye out for the Survey and contribute your ideas, it is the best way to create change in that space.

We are also focusing on Staff Development and Training to make sure we offer your daughters’ continuity and consistency in the Boarding environment. This will include investigating a more effective handover between weekday and weekend staff, and structured staff training and professional development opportunities.

The Boarding Houses will open at 3pm on Monday 29 January for all returning students and the Welcome Back BBQ will begin at 4.30pm. This will be dinner for Boarders returning on Monday night. If you think you will arrive later in the afternoon or evening, please consider stopping for dinner along the way.

As a staff, we look forward to a positive and enjoyable 2024.

Mrs Kassy Cassidy

Head of Boarding

BOARDERS CLOSED WEEK-END

An invitation is extended to all day girls from Year 7 to 12 to join the Boarders for a trip to Tree Tops Adventure Park, Coffs Harbour as part of the Closed Weekend.

On Saturday, 3 February, we will leave school at approximately 7.30am to drive down to the Treetops Adventure Park in Coffs Harbour. We anticipate returning to school at approximately 6.30pm the same day. The school has kindly subsidised the trip keeping the cost to a minimum, the cost for the day will be $45 per student. Lunch will be provided by the School, however there is a canteen available if girls wish to take some money for drinks and snacks. Please look on treetopsadventure.com.au for more information.

Boarders, please complete the permission form by Tuesday, 30 January.

For Day girls who would like to join us, please complete the same permission form, the cost of the trip will be added to your account.

TREE TOPS ADVENTURE PARK - PERMISSION FORM