As we reflect on recent events at NEGS, it is clear that our school community embodies the school values of Excellence, Integrity, Responsibility and Teamwork.

It was great to see students from all year levels participating with enthusiasm and sportsmanship at the swimming carnival. Regardless of skill level, everyone gave it their best, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. The support and encouragement shown by students towards their peers was truly inspiring. This inclusive team spirit not only makes events like these enjoyable, but also nurtures a positive school culture where everyone feels valued.

I would like to extend thanks to the parents, friends, and families who joined us on the day and to the P & F who ran the stall. Your presence and willingness to volunteer is invaluable to us, and we are grateful for your ongoing support.

Our Year 7 and 8 students recently embarked on their camp experience. Despite the inevitable tiredness upon their return, it was evident that they had a great time. Camps like these not only provide opportunities for adventure and fun, but also facilitate the formation of new friendships and the development of important life skills.

Last but not least, NEGS had the honour of hosting the Year 12 Leadership BBQ, which was attended by representatives from several local schools including TAS, PLC, O'Connor, Uralla Central, and Calrossy. This gathering provided a platform for students to engage in discussions about leadership and exchange ideas with their like minded peers. These connections are crucial in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

I would like to share with you a snapshot of recent research provided by ICGS for our senior girls.

Topic: Supporting healthy connections for girls

• Many young people, and especially girls, are feeling disconnected from peers, sleep, nature, caring relationships and their own bodies
• Relationships with parents, caregivers and other adults such as teachers, coaches, mentors and tutors are extremely important
• These relationships see girls at different stages of their development, know and understand their uniqueness, and support them to feel seen as their own selves.
• It is important for girls to feel that they can be fully and authentically themselves
• ’Knowing that she can be confident, but that she can also be vulnerable, she can be uncertain, and she can know that she can bring that to the relationship without fear of judgement or reproach and she is accepted for who she truly is’

How can we do this?

• focus on the natural moments that occur where girls feel safe and accepted: ‘places that are maybe a little bit more neutral or welcoming for them’
• ensure girls have downtime of their own - time that is unclaimed
• help girls learn how to navigate disappointment while building resilience and coping skills
• experience some uncertainty, opportunities to search for identity and time to wonder ‘if you fit in, how you fit in, and who your people are’.

These relationships require ongoing work, nurturing, at times repair, and positive role modelling. However, this process is one that will empower girls to be the best version of themselves in a globally changing world, ready to face the challenges they meet each day as individual, unique young women.

Supporting healthy connections for girls Issue 1/2024 February 21

Ms Liz van Genderen

Principal

It was great to experience our first whole school event with the swimming carnival being held last Friday. Another great opportunity to showcase our students actively participating and building positive school spirit. For me, there were a couple of stand out moments that really reflect the positive environment that we are fostering here at NEGS.

The first was the high level of participation of students, especially those who would consider themselves as “not very good swimmers” or “swimming is not really my thing” people. This was fantastic and each student was amicably supported by the rest of the cohort. 

The second thing I witnessed was attributed to our senior students. With numbers down in a couple of houses due to absences, they took it upon themselves to join forces. Dumolo and Green, Lyon and Murray. This ensured that each group had a critical mass that could create an adequate volume for cheering and supporting. A memorable 10 minute cheering battle was something to behold and I thank those students for putting their individual success second to the overall experience of the entire school.

Other highlights always include the care shown by older students towards our younger ones and the support and assistance they provide to ensure the safe completion of races. Along with great parent and staff support, and the efforts of our P&F, it was a fantastic showcase of where our school currently sits.

I was also lucky enough to spend a day with our Stage 4 students whilst they enjoyed the adventures and challenges of the Great Aussie Bush Camp. They got to paddle kayaks on Nelson's Bay and construct rafts to save their friends before heading back to camp to participate in initiative games and the giant swing. 

I am grateful for the opportunity our students get to build positive relationships and develop leadership skills through the activities and experiences we provide. There was much laughter, a few tears but a mountain of smiles that greeted the activities I witnessed, and I thank the staff, Ms Morey and Ms Oates, for giving up their time to facilitate the experience.

I would like to remind students and our community of the expectations communicated in our last newsletter and ask that they consider these when making decisions:

Expectations:

• Each student has the responsibility to contribute to their learning environment by being Punctual, Prepared and Positively engaged.
• We should all speak to each other respectfully and with kindness.
• There are policies and procedures in place to aid in the efficient running of the school and ensure the safety of all. Be across the ones such as Dress Code, Anti-Bullying and Code of Behaviour. All of which are in the front of their diary.
• Be proud of yourself and your school, let your actions, your appearance and your decisions reflect this.
• Choose kindness.

We will be looking to send out expressions of Interest for our Winter (Terms 2 & 3) sports offering in the next week or so. These are largely involving Hockey, Netball and Rugby. There will also be several students still heavily involved in the Equestrian space and activities outside the main 3. We will consider their overall commitment on a case by case basis.

We have also been looking closely at our co-curricular excursion/adventure program with Stage 4 just completing their Great Aussie Bush Camp experience. Our Year 9’s will again this year, be heading off to the Outward Bound Program in week 2 of Term 2, and more information will be sent out next week. We are in the planning stages of a Year 10 Urban adventure that will include a service element, and this will be later in the year. The plan for Year 11 is to pursue a Malaysian Adventure, initially set down for the middle of the year, we have moved that back to happen in the first week of the term 3/4 holidays. This will give a greater lead in time for organisation and preparation. There will be a zoom session run by “World Challenge”, the company providing the tour, next Thursday evening (29th) for parents and students. Details of this will be sent out when links are provided. 

Finally, a reminder to all of the process around applying for leave for your son/daughter.

When requesting leave for your child that includes missing a school day, please follow the process through engage with an accompanying email to:

Me at jamie.moore@negs.nsw.edu.au and Helen Smith at attendance@negs.nsw.edu.au 

Please note that for boarders, putting leave in through Orah does not cover leave from the day school.

If leave includes travel in a motor vehicle that is not your own then permission from both parties is required.

Mr Jamie Moore

Deputy Principal

This coming Monday at 1.50pm, we will hold our Academic Awards Assembly for Semester 2, 2023. We cordially invite parents and friends of students receiving a prize to attend.

I thought I would take this opportunity to clarify the awards on offer. In the Senior years (10 – 12), students can earn Academic Colours for significant achievement across a number of subjects. Year 11s and 12s are also recognised for subject firsts. Other prizes across all year levels include Academic Excellence, Academic Proficiency and my personal favourite – Work Ethic. Not every student can achieve an A in every course, but every student can achieve a Consistent Work Ethic prize. All they have to do is try.

It isn’t always easy though. Whilst our minds are fundamentally programmed to learn, as the sophistication of content and complexity of skills increases through the year levels, it can become more challenging, daunting even. Perseverance is the answer. There is excellent research in the educational literature on the importance of productive failure, of ‘failing forward’ or essentially just maintaining a growth mindset and ‘can do’ attitude to keep trying. I have witnessed such perseverance first-hand this week in one of my own classes, as students strive to meet the high expectations of effort and achievement that a school like NEGS espouses. Kudos 10A English.

So, come Monday, it is the Consistent Work Ethic Awards that I most look forward to presenting in recognition that as wonderful as excellent results are, effort is the real driver of academic success, and an important element to success in any field of endeavour.

With this notion of effort in mind, I would like to draw your attention to organisation, as per my article from earlier this year. To assist parents, staff and students to set goals and manage time, the school publishes an Assessment Calendar for each year level. Students and staff can access these in Engage, as per the image below. In both the parent and student portals, there is a tab left of screen entitled Websites. Clicking here will reveal the list of URL links to the assessment calendars. 

I would encourage parents to review the calendar from time to time, as a means of understanding your daughter’s work load and her academic commitments, and assisting her to plan and manage her time such that she can achieve optimally in her assessments. Most importantly, please assist your daughter to be purposeful in her efforts and to work hard to achieve the best academic results that she can.

Mr Ryan Caldwell

Director of Teaching and Learning

Our recent swimming carnival was more than a competition; it was a vibrant showcase of our students supporting and celebrating each other. Cohorts from different grades joined forces to acknowledge achievements, underscoring the significance of recognising effort alongside outcomes. This collective spirit aligns with a topic I explored last year: actively contributing to setting our children up for success at school. 

Beyond the morning routine, success preparation involves creating an environment promoting learning, growth, and wellbeing. From establishing morning habits to fostering a supportive atmosphere at home, we all play a crucial role in laying the foundation for a productive school day—academically and emotionally.

Establishing a consistent morning routine is a key element. This structured approach, including waking up at a consistent time, having a nutritious breakfast, and organising school materials, instils purpose, responsibility, and independence in your child. A calm and stress-free morning routine sets a positive tone for the day.

Ensuring your child presents themselves correctly in their uniform is a simple yet powerful way to instil life skills and promote a positive school experience. Adhering to uniform requirements not only demonstrates respect for the school but also fosters responsibility and accountability. Consistency in uniform compliance allows teachers and students to focus on the educational environment, creating a space where your child can thrive.

Embracing positivity within school-based conversations is crucial. A positive focus at home influences your child's mindset and emotional wellbeing. Encouraging open communication, active listening, and expressing feelings boosts self-confidence. Modelling a positive attitude in the face of challenges teaches valuable life skills, emphasising a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Celebrating your child's achievements, big or small, is key. Recognising their efforts fosters drive and self-belief, encouraging them to strive for excellence. Simple gestures, like heartfelt conversations, go a long way in building self-confidence and instilling responsibility and a commitment to do their best.

Practising kindness and empathy within the family dynamic is essential. Encouraging your child to demonstrate kindness and empathy cultivates strong interpersonal skills crucial for a harmonious school environment. Understanding and sharing the feelings of others equips children to navigate social situations and build positive relationships, showcasing integrity in and ownership of their interpersonal interactions.

Every school day is an opportunity for growth and discovery. By infusing positivity, responsibility, and enthusiasm into your child's routine, you help them approach their day with a joyful outlook, setting them on the path to success and happiness.

Thank you for your continued support in nurturing a positive and successful school experience for our students. 

Mrs Heidi Dent

Junior School CoOrdinator/Year 6 Teacher

OPEN MORNING

Our first 2024 Open Morning is coming up and will be held on 29 February. It provides the perfect opportunity for prospective families to visit the campus grounds and experience NEGS. Please share with family and friends who might be interested, or again, give our enrolment team a call.

Sibling Enrolments

There is already strong interest in 2025. Please get in touch with Katlyn if you have a sibling starting next year so we can process your application and confirm the enrolment ASAP. We have begun our interview process for 2025.

Thank you for your continuing support and, most importantly, your advocacy of NEGS.

Mrs Lyn O'Neill

Director of Marketing and Enrolments

lyn.oneill@negs.nsw.edu.au 

Click HERE for this week's Careers Newsletter

Ms Erika Sorby

Visual Arts Teacher/Careers Advisor

We have had a fantastic start to the 2024 show season with the NEGS Equestrian team. All the girls have been training hard and we have seen some amazing results over the last couple of weeks, some highlights include: 

Glen Innes Show:

• Lali Alt - Champion rider
• Arabella Blanchard - Supreme Hunter of the show 
• Harriet Ulrick - Champion Pony
• Robin Henry - 1st place 90 - 1m Showjumping
• Liv King - Reserve champion Adult Rider 

Guyra Show:

• Ruby Holgate - 3rd place 1.10 Grand Prix
• Sienna Robinson - Champion Rider  
• Dom Baker - Champion Hunter (thank you to Lee Burton from Burton's saddlery for sponsoring this class)
• Lali Alt - Supreme horse of the show 
• Caitlin Emerton - 1st place working ASH 

It was great to see all 4 competitors in for supreme to be NEGS girls, congratulations to Dom Baker, Lali Alt, Sienna Robinson and Abbey Kelly.

Ashford show:

• Dom Baker - Supreme hunter hack of the show

We are so proud of all the girls and their efforts over the last couple of weeks, showing true NEGS spirit and representing the school in such a great way. We are looking forward to many more exciting weekends coming up.

Miss Olivia King

Equestrian Leader - Year 12

A new course has been offered at NEGS in 2024 – Food Technology. I am delighted to welcome 17 girls into this enriching course. The study of Food Technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of food properties, processing, preparation and their interrelationships, nutritional considerations and consumption patterns. It addresses the importance of hygiene and safe work practices and legislation in food production. It also provides students with a context to explore the richness, pleasure and variety food adds to life.

This knowledge and understanding is fundamental to developing food-specific skills, which can be applied in various contexts, enabling students to produce quality food products. Students explore food-related issues through a range of practical experiences, allowing them to make informed and appropriate choices. They are provided with opportunities to develop practical skills in preparing and presenting food, to enable them to select and use appropriate ingredients, methods and equipment.

Through a study of food and its applications in domestic, commercial, industrial and global settings, the syllabus caters for all students’ needs and interests. It contributes to both vocational and general life experiences. Integral to this syllabus is the ability to design, produce and evaluate solutions to food situations. These skills are transferable to other study, work and life contexts that students may encounter.

The four units students will study this year are :- Food Selection and Health, Food in Australia, Food Trends and Food for Special Occasions.

Last week our girls completed their first practical experience in the Food Laboratory. As part of the Food Selection and Health unit, girls learn about health and nutrition requirements required at particular stages of the life cycle. The first recipe focussed on Chicken Rainbow Rice Paper rolls for teenagers. Girls worked in pairs, finding the task challenging with the juggling of food preparation, cooking and cleaning. Getting the size of the roll just right and the rice paper not to stick proved harder than previously thought. For their final assessment task, girls will design and create their own recipe for a 12–15-year-old.

Watch out for our next Master Chefs.

Ms Julie Hodges

HoF of CAPAD Department and Food Technology Teacher

SCHOOL DRIVE SUBSIDY – NSW FAMILIES

What

The School Drive Subsidy is available for eligible school students (day and boarding), who are residents of NSW, where there is no public transport for all or part of the journey. The School Drive Subsidy is paid based on the distance between their home and the nearest transport pick up point or school. The School Drive Subsidy may also be available on medical grounds.

NB The student/s must be in the car for any trips claimed.

When

Payments are made after the end of each Semester i.e. after Terms 2 and 4.

How

For further information and the online application form please go to: transport.nsw.gov.au/schooldrive

If there are any difficulties completing the application, please phone 131 500

FARRER MEMORIAL AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL

Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School will hold an Open Day on Wednesday, 6th March 2024 for boys currently in Year 5.

Visitors will enjoy a day at Farrer to participate in scheduled information sessions, school and farm tours and an optional boarding tour.

Register at www.farrer.nsw.edu.au, as numbers are limited.

WELLIO PARENT WEBINARS - WELLBEING

Wellio will be running a number of Webinar's for parents throughout the year, as detailed below.

We encourage our families to take part in as many of these Webinars as possible

Thursday 14th March 6:30pm - Wellio Parent Webinar: Managing Stress & Anxiety

Tuesday 14th May 6:30pm - Wellio Parent Webinar: Phones & Social Media

Thursday 29th August 6:30pm - Wellio Parent Webinar: Building Healthy Relationships

Thursday 31st October 6:30pm - Wellio Parent Webinar: Resilience & Setbacks

If you would like to attend any of the above webinars, please register HERE.

Ms Kristin Willis

PDHPE and CAFS Teacher