Congratulations to our Deputy Head Prefect, Jorja Curry, who represented NEGS at the Armidale Dumaresq Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Competition on Wednesday night. Jorja’s prepared speech on the challenges of elite sports performance in regional areas was insightful and, in my view, one of the highlights of the evening. Her impromptu responses, including a thoughtful take on social media and a light-hearted choice of giraffe as her animal counterpart, further showcased her confidence and quick thinking.

Jorja’s speech connects to broader societal debates, including the government’s recent proposal to ban social media for children under 16. This ban aims to address increasing concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. While some experts applaud the measure, others question its feasibility and effectiveness.

Whatever the measure, there is a need to protect young Australians from cyberbullying, harmful content, and predatory practices.

Families are encouraged to stay proactive, particularly as the holidays approach. Safe on Social’s cheat sheets offer valuable guidance for supervising platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Minecraft. Active involvement and conversations about online safety remain essential.

Finally, thank you to all involved in the recent ODE event. The campus looked incredible, and the event’s success reflects our community’s dedication and teamwork.

As I write, I hear our Junior School students preparing for their matinee performance of Under the Sea. It is moments like these that remind us of the community spirit that defines NEGS.

Boarding arrangements for the end of Term 4

To make your arrangements easier, I have outlined below the end-of-term schedule:

• Please note there is no SSTS travel available for boarders at the end of Term 4.
• The Boarding Houses will close at 9am on Thursday, 5 December, prior to Speech Day.
• As it is the end of the year, all belongings must be taken home. Over the holidays, community groups will use the boarding houses.
• Girls are welcome to leave their belongings outside the House for collection. Boarders will need to be collected after Speech Day.

Ms Liz van Genderen

Principal

P AND F CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

Fabulous prizes are available, worth over $2500. Join us for our final fundraiser for the year and buy your tickets today. The funds raised will benefit your child.

The raffle will be drawn following the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

https://www.rafflelink.com.au/negchristmasraffle24

All parents are warmly invited to the year's final P and F Meeting on Wednesday, 27 November, at 6 pm in the W. H. Lee Room.  Please join us in celebrating the year.

As we continue through the final weeks of the school year, it is essential to keep the momentum going and ensure that we make the most of the time we have left together, in class and as a community. 

A key event on our calendar is the upcoming Speech Day, a momentous occasion dedicated to reflecting on and celebrating our school community's achievements and milestones over the past year. It is a time for students, staff, and families to come together, recognise hard work and dedication, and honour those who have made significant contributions. Student attendance and participation in this special celebration is expected, and we look forward to sharing this moment with our entire community.

In the meantime, we eagerly anticipate our annual Activity and Service Week. This week provides a fantastic opportunity to embrace the spirit of service, engage in meaningful projects, and experience the joy of giving back to our community. It is a chance for all of us to participate actively in various activities that promote teamwork, compassion, and a sense of shared purpose. We encourage everyone to approach each event with energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine service attitude. 

Whether exploring new skills, participating in community outreach, or helping run school events, remember that your positive involvement makes a difference. Let’s support one another and make the end of this year memorable for all the right reasons.

Together, let’s keep striving to finish the year strong, stay engaged, and make these final weeks some of the best yet!

Mr Jamie Moore

Deputy Principal and CAFS/PDHPE Teacher

Celebrating NEGS Excellence in Public Speaking and Debating

We are thrilled to share some outstanding achievements from our students in public speaking and debating this term.

Jorja Curry Shines at Lions Youth of the Year Competition
Congratulations to Jorja Curry for her exceptional performance at the Lions Youth of the Year evening. Representing NEGS with confidence and poise, Jorja captivated the audience with her compelling, prepared speech on the challenges of competing at an elite level in a sport in a regional setting. Her eloquence and heartfelt connection to her topic highlighted her deep understanding of the pressures and triumphs experienced by regional athletes.

Jorja also impressed the judges with her responses to two impromptu topics: the pros and cons of the proposed ban on social media for under 16s and which animal she would be if she could - Jorja used the giraffe as a metaphor for having confidence to be yourself in the community. Her thoughtful and persuasive arguments on both subjects demonstrated her ability to think critically and articulate her ideas under pressure. Well done, Jorja—we are incredibly proud of your achievement!

Year 8 Debaters Reach Semi-finals
Congratulations are also in order for the NEGS Year 8 debating team, who have reached the semi-finals of the Australian National Virtual Debating Competition Junior Division. This talented group has worked tirelessly to refine their arguments and collaborate effectively, showcasing remarkable teamwork and strategic thinking throughout the competition. Their success is a testament to their dedication and passion for debating, and we are excited to see their continued growth as skilled and confident communicators. Congratulations to Callie Jarrett, Mackenzie Ellem, Zara Fairbank, Evie Green and Sasha-Lily Scott-Hamilton.

The Academic Benefits of Debating and Public Speaking
Participation in debating and public speaking goes far beyond the stage or competition room—it supports academic achievement in profound ways. These activities enhance critical thinking, logical reasoning, and persuasive communication skills, which are invaluable across all areas of study. By analysing complex topics, forming evidence-based arguments, and defending their ideas under pressure, students develop the ability to think deeply and communicate clearly.

In addition, the confidence gained through public speaking translates into stronger performance in oral assessments, presentations, and class discussions. Debating also fosters research skills, teamwork, and resilience, all of which are essential for academic and personal success. At NEGS, we are proud to see our students embracing these opportunities to grow as articulate, confident, and informed individuals.

Please join us in celebrating these accomplishments and the skills they represent, which will benefit our students for years to come.

Mr Ryan Caldwell

Director of Teaching and Learning/English Teacher

ENROLMENTS

Our enrolments continue to grow, and we are receiving increased enquiries. Thank you to our students and families for your advocacy and recommendation of NEGS. We still have limited places available in 2025 and would love to fill them.

If you know a family considering changing schools, please encourage them to contact Katlyn. We know that families reconsider at the end of the year. Pass on our enrolment number 0407 07 NEGS.

Tamworth Bus

We are currently running a weekly Tamworth bus based on demand. The bus leaves NEGS Friday afternoon and will return students Sunday afternoon. Please share with families and friends in Tamworth, as this now makes weekly boarding at NEGS more accessible. We are hearing from prospective Tamworth Families that a girls' only environment, having everything on the one campus from learning to sport, boarding to the EC, plus the wide co-curricular offering, is appealing.  Please encourage them to come and have a look at NEGS.

Parent Referral System

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most emotional decisions. We understand and appreciate that and work closely with our prospective families. We equally recognise that 'word of mouth' or talking with other parents is a crucial step when deciding. We value and appreciate the advocacy you give to NEGS as current parents. Often, it is through discussions with you that a prospective family member will take the step and start the conversation with us. Thank you!

We have a parent referral system in place, and we offer a rebate on your fees for every successful enrolment. Please get in touch if you have families you would like to refer or would like to know more.

We are looking forward to welcoming our new families in 2025.

Lyn O'Neill

Director of Enrolments and Marketing

Please read this week's Career's Newsletter HERE.

Mr Mark Ambrose

Business Studies Teacher/Careers Advisor

Last weekend, Year 11 had the opportunity to spend the weekend together at a Leadership Camp in Coffs Harbour. The weekend allowed us to come together as a year group in a different environment to discuss our aims as the senior cohort of 2025. Together, we completed a ‘Solitary Islands Walk’, discussing potential themes and mottos for our year ahead. That afternoon, we tried our hand at surfing, and despite some injuries and sunburn, we succeeded in getting up! 

On Sunday, we spent the day at the Big Banana, where we completed an escape room to build our teamwork skills, played Lazer tag, went down the waterslides and tried tobogganing. On Sunday night, we came together to brainstorm our ambitions for the upcoming year further. 

We concluded our trip on Monday with a trip to the shopping centre. Here, the house captains and respective house members were challenged to create a mascot for each house. We cannot wait for the girls to meet the mascots and discover the elements of house spirit that they stand for!

On behalf of Year 11, we would like to thank Ms Willis for organising and accompanying us on the trip and Mr Moore for driving the bus and for the guidance you provided us with for our leadership journey.

Zahlie and Jorja 

SCIENCE

The following students achieved awards in the 2024 Big Science competition. This global competition, open to students in Years 7-10, tests science knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

Year 7

Vivienne Cooke Credit

Rhali Williams High Distinction

Year 8

Mackenzie Ellem Credit

Abby Petrovic Credit

Year 9

Annabelle Dunlop Credit

Katherine Moffitt Credit

Harriet Penton Credit

Phoebe Sherrard Credit

Congratulations to all of the students who took on this challenge.

Ms Stone

Science Teacher

TEXTILES AND DESIGN

On November 16th, I attended Fleece to Fashion, held at the Armidale showgrounds, where I entered a garment. 

Fleece to Fashion is a community-based, not-for-profit company, passionate about bringing together the farming and fashion communities to celebrate the compelling story of Australian Merino wool qualities, production and its esteemed place within global fashion and textiles industries. You can enter three sections: open-established designers, tertiary students - emerging designers and finally, secondary school-developing designers. I entered my outfit ‘Poppies in the Wind’ in the secondary school - developing designers’ section, which I up-cycled with the theme of Remembrance Day. 

I first purchased a military-style jacket made of 80% wool from an online Salvation Army store. I then attached woollen felt poppies that I had created, hand-dying them in red, blue, and purple. These colours symbolise the theme of Remembrance Day which is a day of grief and sadness. This is represented in the coloured poppies; purple acknowledges the animals lost in the war, blue symbolises the destruction caused, and red symbolises remembrance of those who died or suffered in wars through conflicts and peacekeeping operations. I structured the poppies on the right side of the jacket in a rhythmic pattern to create visual stimulation. I then found an old 50% wool blend coat, which I sourced from home, which I altered to create a cross-over, pleated, A-line skirt, to which I then made and attached self-covered buttons for decoration. I have also attached poppies on the left side of the skirt, in a similar, repeated rhythmic pattern. Finally, I upcycled a blank fascinator from a local op shop, to which I attached four of the poppies. The fascinator is completely aesthetic to complement the outfit, and elongate the silhouette. Overall, the outfit uses repetition of the poppies to create visual stimulation and unite the garment, giving the garment a complementary and harmonious look. The outfit uses colour to symbolise Remembrance Day. 

This outfit is both functional and aesthetic, functionality being that the skirt has press studs for ease of use for opening and closure as well as allowing the model to move at ease comfortably. The aesthetics of the garment are the repeated coloured poppies, which create visual stimulation, as well as the harmonious colour scheme. The garment is a sustainable option because wool is a renewable fibre source, durable, requires minimal laundering, and is 100% biodegradable. To upcycle a garment is a great way to reduce textile waste. 

I was lucky enough to be one of the fifty garments chosen to make the runway after many were not selected to walk the catwalk. I thank fellow NEGS girl Chelsea Curry for modelling my garment. Overall, it was a great experience to see so many different and unique designs and has given me inspiration and ideas for my HSC Major Textile work.

Caitlin Piddington 

Year 12 Textiles and Design student

Our annual NEGS Horse Trials were held over the weekend, and judging by the many positive comments, they were a huge success. We were incredibly lucky to have had glorious weather all weekend after a wet and stormy week leading up to it, which caused some stress as to whether we were going to be able to go ahead. Thankfully, we were able to get enough drying time that the course was perfect to ride on.

The grounds looked amazing, thanks to the maintenance and EC team, who spent several days slashing, mowing, and whipper snipping to ensure everything was just right.

A big thanks to the girls and families who spent hours painting show jump rails and cross-country fences in the weeks leading up to the ODE. A big thanks to Sam Ulrick for spending time in his bobcat repairing the footing of the water jump.

Thanks also to Paul Baker, the Technical Delegate for the event, and Shelley Johnson for coordinating the volunteers. A big thanks to Peter Moffitt for all his time and effort in the week leading up to the event, working with Hugh Wain from He Who Digs to ensure the footing in the arenas was up to competition standard.

Our event would not have been able to run without the support of our sponsors. Many of those were NEGS families. A huge thanks to Kate and Michael Fleming from BHIMA, Shelley and Mitch Johnson from Johnson Concrete and Quarries, Bec and Steven Cadzow from Mt Riddock Station and Katie Moffitt from KSM Photography for sponsoring several of the classes. We also want to thank Godolphin Lifetime Care, Grazag, Horseland and Forsyth’s for their support.

Thanks to Rob Kelly, Dr. Fiona McArthur, Jo and Mike Watson, and the volunteers who helped man the stall, all the spectators were well fed.

With 118 entries, competition was fierce. Our NEGS students rode incredibly well, leading to many winning or finishing in the top 8. A special mention to Robin Henry, who took out the 1* class, which was the major class of the event, Halina Saunders, who won the EvA95 class, Imogen Cadzow, who won the EvA65 Jr, and Ella Currie, who won the Eva 50 Jr.

Overall, the NEGS EC Team was very proud to have been able to host this event, which showcased our wonderful facilities and the quality of riders at the school.

You can find the full set of results HERE.

Here are the links to the photos from the event:

KSM Photography

Geo snapshot

Photos above courtesy of KSM Equine Shots

Mrs Annyka Overton

Equestrian Centre Coordinator