World Teacher's Day

Today, we join schools around the globe in celebrating World Teacher's Day, a time to reflect on the incredible impact teachers have on the lives of their students.

This morning, students in the senior school presented staff with cake and a tablecloth covered with students’ handprints. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and creativity. It is you who also inspire us!

You may have heard a whisper? Rehearsals for the Staff Christmas Choir have commenced! I am not certain whether we be will serenading you with traditional carols or adding a contemporary twist to this festive season. For now, we say, "Watch this space!" and stay tuned for what promises to be a wonderful performance. Thank you, Ms Wright, for your patience and understanding!

I am delighted to share that our first Year 12 student this year has completed her HSC. With the bell tolling six times, it was a fitting acknowledgment of her six years at NEGS. Becky, we are incredibly proud of your achievement, and we wish you all the best as you move forward into the next exciting chapter of your life.

Ms Liz van Genderen

Principal

The Importance of Individual Commitment to Teamwork

In our ever-evolving educational landscape, the significance of teamwork cannot be overstated. As students engage in group projects, sports, and various extracurricular activities, the true essence of teamwork shines through, it is not just about working together but about individual commitment to the collective goal. This commitment is essential for fostering an environment where collaboration thrives, and students can achieve their fullest potential.

When students prioritise their individual responsibilities within a team, they help establish a strong foundation for success. This commitment includes being punctual, being prepared and positively engaged. When every team member holds themselves accountable, the likelihood of achieving common goals increases exponentially. 

Moreover, individual commitment fosters trust and respect among team members. When students see that their peers are dedicated, it creates an atmosphere of reliability. Trust is vital in any team dynamic; it allows members to share ideas freely, take risks, and support each other without fear of judgment. This mutual respect can transform a group of individuals into a cohesive unit, ready to tackle challenges together.

Additionally, individual commitment enhances personal growth. When students engage fully in teamwork, they not only contribute to the group, but also develop essential life skills. These include communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, all of which are invaluable in both academic and personal settings. Embracing the responsibilities of teamwork helps students cultivate a sense of accountability and encourages them to reflect on their contributions to the group.

Encouraging students to set personal goals within team contexts and fostering an understanding of the importance of their contributions can enhance their engagement. Celebrating team successes, while recognising individual efforts, can further motivate students to commit wholeheartedly.

Individual commitment is the cornerstone of effective teamwork. As students learn to prioritise their roles within a group, they not only contribute to collective achievements, but also embark on a journey of personal growth. By fostering this commitment, we prepare our students not just for academic success, but for successfully navigating a complex and changing world. 

Mr Jamie Moore

Deputy Principal

As Director of Teaching and Learning at NEGS, I am sometimes asked, What makes the greatest difference to a student’s success? Of course, I talk about our Learning & Teaching Framework, study skills informed by the Learning Sciences, innovative teaching strategies as part of our Quality Teaching program, and of course, work-ethic and motivation. From time to time, however, I do find myself reflecting on one essential notion: the most significant learning is often shaped by forces far beyond the walls of the classroom or the gates of the school.

In our journey to help students thrive, the unseen yet profound influence of family support, encouragement, and expectations cannot be overstated. Families are the first educators. Even before a child steps foot into school, they learn to observe, explore, question, and dream within the space of family relationships. These foundations continue to shape students' attitudes toward learning throughout their schooling. Encouragement is the emotional heartbeat of learning. We all know the feeling of frustration when a concept refuses to click or a task feels overwhelming. In these moments, a reassuring voice saying, “You’ve got this,” can be transformative. This isn’t about shielding our young people from challenges; it’s about giving them the confidence to persist through them.

Studies show that when students feel emotionally supported at home, they are more likely to develop resilience – a key ingredient in long-term academic success. They come to view setbacks not as failures, but as steps in the learning process. Whether it’s a parent sitting beside their child at the kitchen table during homework time, or simply offering a quick text of support before an exam, these gestures leave an indelible mark. There is, however, a delicate balance to be struck between encouraging children and holding high expectations. It’s not about pushing them toward perfection, but setting clear and achievable goals that reflect their potential. Research consistently shows that students with parents who set high but reasonable expectations perform better academically and develop a stronger sense of personal responsibility.

At NEGS, we see this impact daily. When students know their efforts are valued by those closest to them, they develop a sense of accountability. They begin to ask not just, What can I achieve today? but What do I expect of myself? This internal compass, nurtured by family expectations, becomes a powerful motivator—long after the homework diaries are closed for the night. We often say education is a partnership, and that partnership shines brightest when home and school work in harmony. Families play a role that teachers can’t replicate—offering insight into the child’s unique personality, passions, and struggles. At the same time, schools provide the structure and expertise to help students reach their goals. When parents and teachers are aligned, it sends a powerful message to children: We are all invested in your learning.

This is why we value open communication between home and school so deeply. When families and teachers collaborate, whether in a formal parent-teacher interview, a friendly chat at the school gate, or a quick email or phone call, it reinforces that learning is a shared journey. Family support is not about grand gestures or endless hours of tutoring. It’s about showing interest—asking how the day went, celebrating small victories, and being present when things get tough. These moments of connection build a sense of belonging and security that makes students feel ready to take on the world.

At NEGS, we know that education is about more than results. It’s about nurturing confident, curious learners who feel empowered to explore and contribute to the world around them. Family support is the invisible thread that weaves through every aspect of this growth, helping students develop not only their minds but also their hearts.

So, as we move forward together this term, and as our seniors undertake their HSC exams, let us remember: every word of encouragement, every expectation shared with kindness, and every moment of connection matters. Families are not just spectators in the learning process—they are co-creators of each child’s success story. And for that, we at NEGS are deeply grateful.

Mr Ryan Caldwell

Director of Teaching and Learning/English Teacher

Happy World Teachers' Day! Today, October 25th, we take a moment to honour the incredible dedication and hard work of our teachers. This special day reminds us of the profound impact educators have on our children’s lives and the community as a whole.

Why Celebrate Teachers?

Teachers are more than just teachers; they are mentors, role models, and advocates for our children’s potential. They inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and instill values that shape our future leaders. This year’s theme, "Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining the Future," highlights their resilience and adaptability, especially in changing times.

As part of our commitment to supporting student development, our school is introducing new routines this term. These routines are essential for young children, as they help develop executive functions - key cognitive processes that enable them to manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions effectively.

Executive functions include:

• Working Memory: The ability to process, use, and remember information.
• Cognitive Flexibility: Adapting to new or unexpected situations.
• Inhibition: Controlling attention, behaviour, thoughts, and emotions.

By establishing structured routines, our teachers foster these vital skills, allowing children to navigate daily tasks with confidence. This alignment of teaching practices and routine-building underscores the importance of our educators in shaping well-rounded individuals.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all families for your support during the recent changes to our pick-up and drop-off routines. Your cooperation has made the transition smoother and more efficient for everyone involved.

As a reminder, please complete and return the permission notes for the upcoming gymnastics and swimming programs. Your timely response ensures that all students can participate in these exciting opportunities.

Thank you for your continued support in recognising and appreciating our teachers’ unwavering commitment to education and the routines that help our children thrive.

Mrs Heidi Dent

Junior School Coordinator/Year 6 Teacher

An Art Exhibition by a NEGS Old Girl

The countdown has begun, and the buzz is REAL! Our incredible Twilight Fair is shaping up to be THE event everyone will be talking about, but we need YOUR help to make it absolutely unforgettable!

Don't miss out on these fun experiences:

• Pony rides
• DIY hobby horse 
• Special appearance by Dumaresq Rural Fire Brigade
• Local talent showcasing unique performances
• Fairy Floss, Home-made Lemonade, Lolly Stall
• Plant Stall, Second-hand books, Refashioned Clothing, Cake Stall
• Games, Craft and colouring in for the little peeps
• Local external stalls selling a range of jewellery, candles, crafts and other treasures
• Food stalls, BBQ and a Bar

Your donations are the key to unlocking even more magical moments! We're still accepting:

• Pre-loved clothes (transform them into someone's treasure!)
• Plants (garden enthusiasts, this is YOUR moment!)
• Baked goods (stay tuned - your signature treats could be the talk of the town!)
• A bottle of wine from each family for our wheelbarrow of wine.

If you own a small business and are interested in an external stall, please get in touch. The last few premium stall spaces are available! Don't wait—once they're gone, they're gone!

Be part of the exciting Twilight Fair! Invite your family, friends and neighbours. Can you find some time to pop some flyers around town or a letterbox drop in your street? Let us know, and we will send the flyers home with your child, or you can pop into Akaroa and collect them. Share this event with your network, your workplace and social media accounts, keep an eye out for volunteer sign-ups next week, and get ready for an evening that will have everyone asking, "Were you there?". 

Don't let your family be the ones hearing about it after the fact! This is your chance to be part of something extraordinary!

Want to know more? Questions? email community@negs.nsw.edu.au or pandf.executive@negs.nsw.edu

Please read this week's Careers Newsletter HERE.

Mr Mark Ambrose

Business Studies Teacher/Careers Advisor

The NEGS ODE is coming up on the weekend of 16/17 November. This is an action-packed weekend and well worth watching. Many of our students and riders from all over NSW and QLD will be competing.

If there are any families who would be interested in volunteering over the weekend, we are always needing someone to help with scoring, penciling, helping in the canteen, and judging cross-country jumps. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be experienced to be a cross-country jump judge. You will get lots of help.

We are also holding two working bees to prepare the jumps in the lead-up to the event. The first will be this Sunday, 27 October, from 9am to 3pm, to paint and repair cross-country fences. We will then have another working bee on the afternoon of Monday, 28 October, at 4pm, to start painting show-jumping rails.

Any donations of paint or brushes that you may have lying in your garage would be very much appreciated.

Mrs Annyka Overton

Equestrian Centre Coordinator

Hello and Welcome to Term 4.

Shyla and I are really excited to be your captains for 2025! Before jumping into anything, here’s a bit about us and our plans for the year…

Ruby

I’m from Sydney and started riding at a really young age. I got started in Showjumping and Eventing, and ever since learning there was a school where you could live with your horse, I said to my parents, “I need a horse, and I need to go to NEGS.” I started here in 2022, coming into Year 9 and was lucky enough to bring my horse, Finn, with me, and we’ve been out Showjumping regularly ever since. Over my years here, I have seen many great riders passing through, as well as many great leaders and role models. Liv and Sienna among those, our newly departing captains, who I know, among many others, I will miss. It’ll be hard to follow in the footsteps, but I hope that Shyla and I can live up to the job. As for the rest of the year, I look forward to seeing our riders and horses at the EC growing and learning as well as having fun out competing. 

Shyla

I first came to NEGS in year 5, 2018, where I spent a year here, then left as we moved to the coast. I then came back as a boarder in year 9 - Term 2, 2022. I’ve been riding since I was five, when I first started out doing barrels, and have gone through a range of different disciplines to now be doing primarily dressage and showjumping on my horse, Firefly. I remember being in Year 5 and first starting in Year 9 and looking up to Year 12 at the time, hoping that I would be able to be that towards the younger girls. Particularly with following Liv and Sienna who have left big shoes for both Ruby and I to fill. I am super excited to be leading the NEGS Equestrian team alongside Ruby to help and guide the girls so that they can have fun while out competing and at the EC. I am also hoping to bring back smaller showjumping and dressage comps at NEGS, which can help the girls gain more confidence and experience when they go out and compete. 

ISHE

Recently, our Equestrian team travelled to Tamworth for ISHE. This is one of our main Interschool events for the year and also an incredibly fun event. The event ran over last weekend, starting Thursday and finishing on Monday. We took a massive team of riders, with at least one in every event. Some of our girls had an especially amazing weekend, coming home with personal bests and wins!

A special mention to Lucy Baker, who has been helping a young girl who will be joining us at NEGS next year prepare her horse and get her to events. She did this while being busy with her own horse and classes over the weekend, and we would like to acknowledge her effort to support other riders and her selflessness.

Eventing:

CCN1* Robin Henry and Rio De J - 6th

EVA65 A Imogen Cadzow and Ironbark Finness - 6th

EVA65 A Bonnie Hay and Rouge D Amour - 8th

EVA50 Imogen Cadzow and Boggabilla Bay - 1st

Combined Training:

CT50 B Jess Taylor and Achilles Perfect Storm - 5th

CT50 B Makaidi Mair and Sobonnie - 6th

CT65 B Makaidi Mair and Celebrity Girl - 1st

CT65 B Matilda Geue and Karnonaaron - 8th

CT80 Lacey Baggins and Time To Shine - 8th

CT95 Annabelle Dunlop and Eabs Moretti - 1st

CT95 Shyla Clark and Sweet Firefly - 5th

Showjumping:

Overall Senior Showjumping Reserve Champion - Robin Henry and Beverley’s Lola

Senior AM7 110cm - Robin Henry and Beverley’s Lola - 2nd

Senior Accumulator 110cm - Robin Henry and Beverley’s Lola - 6th

Senior Accumulator 110cm - Ruby Holgate and Findon - 9th

Senior Accumulator 100cm - Robin Henry and Rio De J - 5th

Senior AM7 100cm - Robin Henry and Rio De J - 4th

Intermediate Accumulator 100cm - Annabelle Dunlop and Eabs Moretti - 6th

Intermediate AM7 100cm - Annabelle Dunlop and Eabs Moretti - 2nd

Senior Accumulator 90cm - Reese Callow and Henry Hubert - 2nd

Intermediate Accumulator 90cm- Annabelle Dunlop and  WS Raising Roxy - 5th

Senior AM7 75cm - Bonnie Hay and Rouge D Amour - 5th

Senior Accumulator 75cm - Bonnie Hay and Rouge D Amour - 4th

Dressage:

Elementary 3.1 - Abbie Kelly and Kellys Blackhawk - 6th

Elementary 3.1 - Jessica Taylor and Achilles Perfect Storm - 9th

Elementary 3.2 - Abbie Kelly and Kellys Blackhawk - 5th

Elementary 3.2 - Jessica Taylor and Achilles Perfect Storm - 9th

Novice 2.2 - Robin Henry and Rio De J - 3rd

Novice 2.2 - Makadi Mair and Celebrity Girl - 6th

Novice 2.2 - Saskia Jeffery-bilich and Widgee top secret - 9th

Novice 2.3 - Saskia Jeffery-bilich and Widgee top secret - 3rd

Preliminary 1.2 Senior B - Makadi Mair and Sobonnie - 4th

Preliminary 1.2 Senior B - Jessica Taylor and Hannaford Stud Mabos Last - 8th

Prelim 1.3 Senior B - Makadi Mair and Sobonnie - 7th

Prelim 1.3 Senior B - Jessica Taylor and Hannaford Stud Mabos Last- 9th

Prelim 1.2 Intermediate B - Mackenzie Ellem and Coolidowns blondie - 8th

Prelim 1.3 Intermediate B - Mackenzie Ellem and Coolidowns blondie - 2nd

Show Horse:

Open Lightweight Galloway over 14.2h - Jess Taylor and Achilles Perfect Storm- 3rd

Open Lightweight Galloway over 14.2h - Matilda Meyn and Westend Vienna - 5th

Show Hunter Hack over 15h - Saskia Jeffery and Wiggee Top Secret - 3rd

Show Hunter Hack over 16h - Robin Henry and Rio De J - 2nd

Pairs 15 & 16 years - Saskia Jeffery and Wiggee Top Secret + Abbie Kelly and Kelly’s Blackhawk - 2nd

Open Heavyweight Hack over 16h - Annabelle Dunlop and Eabs Moretti - 2nd

Educated Hunter Galloway Hack over 14h - Catlin Emmerton - Silkwood Mercedes - 2nd

Rider 17 years and over - Makaidi Mair and Celebrity Girl- 4th

Rider 17 years and over - Jess Taylor and Achilles Perfect Storm- 5th

Pairs 17 years and over - Makaidi Mair and Celebrity Girl + Jess Taylor and Achilles Perfect Storm - 1st

What’s Next

This coming weekend, we have our EC Working Bee in preparation for our NEGS Hunter Trials on November 16th—17th. The working bee will run over the 26th and 27th of October, with showjumper painting after school on the 28th. We would love to see all our students there as well as anyone else who wishes to join us. 

We’re really excited to see our Cross Country course in its full glory, ready for competition!

Ruby and Shyla

Equestrian Captains, 2025