As we approach the end of Term 1, I am reminded once again that one of the great joys of my role is witnessing the strength of our NEGS community. A deep sense of belonging continues to flourish - fostered by our shared values, mutual support, and commitment to excellence.

Our school’s purpose remains clear: to develop empathetic, fulfilled young people with drive and purpose - individuals who know themselves, take ownership of their learning, and embrace the opportunities before them in an ever-changing world. This term, that purpose has come to life in countless ways.

Now in our second year of implementing Deep Learning, we are seeing students engage more meaningfully with rich, immersive experiences. A standout moment was the Night of Notables, where our Year 6 students stepped into the shoes of influential figures such as Albert Einstein, Michelle Payne, and Ariana Grande. Thank you to the Junior School team for bringing this inspiring event to life.

Connection has also been a strong theme throughout the term. Whole-school events like the Cross Country Carnival, Easter Chapel, the Autumn Festival, and the St Patrick’s Day visit to Masonic Village Aged Care, have celebrated unity, service, and shared joy. These moments remind us of the power of community and the value of being part of something greater than ourselves.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fathers’ Dinner - especially our Armidale community, who contributed so generously to the raffle. Your support makes a real difference.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we’re excited to share two special events:

• A Tribute to Anna Abbott (Principal of NEGS from 1990 to 2000), on Friday 23 May. We are honoured to welcome Anna’s daughter, Stephanie, back to NEGS as part of this commemoration.
• The NEGS 130-Year Ball on Saturday 24 May - a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this milestone together.

Of course, there has been no shortage of energy and achievement in sport. Congratulations to all students who have represented NEGS in rowing, touch football, equestrian, hockey and at the Royal Easter Show with the livestock team - you continue to make us proud.

And finally, a simple yet vital reminder: regular attendance matters. It is through consistent engagement that our students truly benefit from all NEGS has to offer.

As we head into the break, I wish each of you a joyful, safe, and restful Easter.

Ms Liz van Genderen

Principal

As Term One concludes, I am grateful for the warm welcome and strengthened partnerships. Our school has seen numerous opportunities for growth, such as the Father Dance, Night of Notables, and Cross Country. We celebrate academic achievements, resilience, and personal milestones while reflecting on areas for growth and improvement.

This week, I encouraged students to make positive contributions through small actions like showing gratitude, acknowledging effort and supporting others. Drawing on expert insights, they emphasise vulnerability, courage, and trust as key elements for growth and connection. Accountability replaces blame, enabling learning and constructive problem-solving.

Blame, avoids discomfort but impedes growth by diverting focus from solutions. Accountability begins with self-reflection and collaboration, fostering ownership. To support students:

• Create blame-free zones to encourage open discussions. Entering with curiosity and collaboration.
• Shift focus from fault to actionable solutions.
• Celebrate efforts and ownership to reinforce positive habits.

Fostering accountability nurtures trust, resilience, and collaboration. This approach develops students into empowered, adaptable learners who face challenges with determination. By embracing discomfort, empathy, and reflection, we prepare students for academic success and life beyond school. 

Mrs Heidi Dent

Deputy Principal

The Power of Caring at NEGS Junior School

The NEGS Junior School continues our Kindness Curriculum, with our new focus on caring - building on our earlier theme of respect. Students are learning to care for themselves, others, and their environment through empathy, compassion, and helpfulness. From showing gratitude to offering support, they’re developing the emotional intelligence that underpins strong relationships and positive learning.

As the holidays approach, we encourage families to nurture these values at home. Simple acts - like walking together, cooking, or helping with chores - can model empathy and connection.

It's also a great time to revisit online safety. The eSafety Commissioner offers helpful advice on parental controls, managing screen time, and supporting children in the digital world. Supervision, open conversations, and playing alongside your child can make all the difference - especially in online gaming spaces. Let’s keep kindness, connection, and care at the heart of our children's experiences, both on and offline

Learning Highlights from Term 1

Term 1 has been a vibrant and inspiring start to 2025, with students across all year levels engaged in rich, hands-on learning and cocurricular experiences.

• Pre-K students have embraced school routines, are learning to take care of their belongings, classmates, and shared spaces — laying strong foundations for school readiness.
• Kindergarten has completed their first term of formal learning, delighting in their growing knowledge of phonics, heart words, and writing.
• Stage 1 explored the world of toys, investigating how they’ve changed over time and what makes them mechanically engaging. They applied skills for design and making to produce an engaging toy for their Kindergarten friends.
• Stage 2 embarked on a journey through the Age of Exploration, uncovering the lives and discoveries of notable explorers, expanding their research and composition skills.
• Year 5 ventured into outer space, learning about our universe and bringing their knowledge to life through an incredible class art installation.
• Year 6 hosted our inaugural Night of Notables, where students embodied significant historical figures in a powerful, live biography showcase for families and peers.

Beyond the classroom, students have thrived through a broad range of opportunities:

• Our Cross-Country Carnival saw outstanding participation and sportsmanship.
• Students showcased their creativity and community involvement at the Armidale Show and proudly represented NEGS in the Armidale Autumn Festival parade
• Stage 3 students attended the Science and Engineering Day, and selected students represented NEGS at the Da Vinci Decathlon, achieving first place in Mathematics - a testament to their teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

Welcome Mrs Jones!

Term 1 has been a wonderful start to 2025. We have welcomed a number of new families into the NEGS community and have enjoyed the renewed energy and friendships that this growth has brought.

Word is certainly spreading throughout Armidale! We are welcoming Mrs Felicity Jones to the Junior School as of Term 2. With 23 years of experience across all stages and grades, Mrs Jones brings a passion for literacy, enjoying seeing young people grow in confidence through their learning. Mrs Jones will work alongside Miss Moule in Stage 2, in a part-time capacity. We are looking forward to having Mrs Jones join our team. 

A Shared Responsibility, A Shared Joy

Reflecting on this term, we are reminded of the incredible responsibility and privilege we share as parents and educators. When we provide our young people with opportunities to take risks, embrace new experiences, and grow from them, we are not just teaching knowledge - we are helping them become the kind, capable, and confident people they are meant to be.

At NEGS Junior School, our students are not just learning what to know, but how to live with empathy, resilience, and purpose. And that, ultimately, is the greatest gift we can give them.

Mrs Deanna Ford

Junior School CoOrdinator/Year 6 Teacher

As Term 1 draws to a close, I’d like to share some news on our study skills program. Our students have been embracing several essential study skills that not only enhance their academic performance, but also foster lifelong learning habits. This is particularly notable in our Year 12 cohort, as they make use of their dedicated study space upstairs in the library. I would like to highlight four key study skills that our girls have demonstrated with enthusiasm: active recall, Cornell Notes, study schedules, and spacing practice over time.

Active recall is a learning strategy where students actively stimulate their memory during the study process. Instead of passively re-reading texts or reviewing notes, our students engage with the material by asking themselves questions and trying to retrieve information from memory. This process strengthens neural connections and enhances long-term memory by continuously challenging the brain to shift data from working memory to more strongly encode in long term memory. Additionally, when students identify areas where their recall is weak, they gain clear insights into the topics that need more focused revision. In doing so, they develop confidence and independence in their learning process, which is central to building effective study habits.

Our Year 12 cohort in particular, have embraced the notion of active recall, and are using their dedicated study space to great effect. I often see the students developing and utilising flash cards, for example. A student recently remarked that she loved using flash cards in boarding, as it really helped to work together with others and set a collective tone of achievement and effortful study. In another instance, I queried a student earlier this week as she made her way from the Year 12 study room to recess and she reported with glee how she had been practising active recall by being ‘grilled’ by another student (as in the other student was asking her rapid-fire questions to test her understanding) and she loved how it ‘made the information stay in her brain.’ A little colloquial perhaps, but great to see the enthusiasm with which she engaged with active recall.

The Cornell Note-taking System has also become a transformative tool for many students. In this method, each page is divided into three distinct sections: a cue column for jotting down key terms or questions, a larger note-taking column where students capture detailed information during lessons, and a summary section at the bottom of the page for condensing the learned material into their own words as an evening prep consolidation exercise. This after class summarising is an important part of spaced practice, which I’ll discuss further below. The structured format of note taking enables the girls to organize information logically, ensuring that their review sessions are both productive and thorough. By regularly summarizing their notes, they reinforce the main concepts and improve both retention and comprehension, which supports their overall academic success.

Our Academic Prefect spoke on assembly recently, modelling the way she uses Cornell Notes in her exam study and revision process – lovely to have the students take ownership and leadership on promoting study skills with the school community. Some Year 9 students also volunteered to speak at assembly this week, showing examples of how they used Cornell Notes and the benefits they felt they gained from this system. One of these Year 9s commented to me recently that she ‘actually felt prepared for her Science test’ for the first time, as a result of using Cornell Notes through the unit, and allocating dedicated time in the evenings to complete the summary sections, along with scheduled weekly revision sessions. It’s all well and good to have teachers talk about study skills, but to hear it coming from the students, authentically, is great to see and indicative of the progress we have made in this academic space.

In addition to mastering specific note-taking techniques, our students have shown enthusiasm for creating study schedules. We all know how busy our students are, so taking control of their schedules has been a game changer for many students. Developing and following a structured study plan helps them prioritise subjects and topics based on their assessment schedule. With a study schedule in place, they are better equipped to manage their academic workload alongside extracurricular activities, alleviating the stress associated with last-minute cramming. This habit not only boosts their productivity, but also fosters a sense of discipline and proactive planning—a skill that will undoubtedly benefit them well beyond their school years.

Another critical study skill the girls have adopted is spacing practice over time, commonly referred to as spaced practice. Instead of engaging in massed practice or cramming for exams, the students deliberately distribute their study sessions across the term. This approach allows them to consolidate information more effectively, transferring knowledge from working memory into long-term memory. It also prevents mental fatigue and reduces stress, leading to a more balanced and sustainable study routine. As they continually revisit previously learned material, their understanding deepens, making it less likely that important concepts will be forgotten. The research advises to revise every 5 days for an end of term exam or test, or every 5 weeks in an academic year, such as Year 12, with HSC exams at the end, to combat ‘the forgetting curve,’ pictured below, and to assist in the strength of encoding into long-term memory. Keep those flashcards going!

I am incredibly proud of our students for their dedication to developing these study skills. Their commitment to active recall, structured note-taking through the Cornell system, creating thoughtful study schedules, and embracing spaced practice over time has set a strong foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. I encourage all parents to continue supporting these practices at home, as our combined efforts will help our girls remain confident, resilient, and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Mr Ryan Caldwell

Director of Teaching and Learning/English Teacher

Please read the Boarding Newsletter HERE.

Mrs Kassy Cassidy

Head of Boarding

Please read the Music Newsletter HERE.

Ms Hester Wright & Mrs Susanne Hughes

Music Teachers

Spread the Word, Reap the Rewards!

We’re excited to announce a special Family Referral Offer for our current school community! If you know a family who would be a great fit for our school, we invite you to refer them to us. For every successful referral, you will receive a $1,000 reward as a thank you for helping us grow our school community!

It’s simple:

1. Refer a new family to our school; and
2. If they enrol, we will credit your account with $1,000 after their first full year of enrolment as a token of our appreciation.

We believe that the best way to find amazing families is through the recommendation of those who already know and love our school. Your referral will help us continue to create an exceptional environment for all our students.

Thank you for being a valued part of our school family! We look forward to welcoming even more wonderful families through your referrals.

For more details or to make a referral, please contact the enrolments department.

Mrs Katlyn Wilkinson

Enrolments Officer

Dear Families,

Don’t forget that Term 2 brings back the requirement of Winter Uniforms for both the Junior and Senior School. If you are unsure what the Winter Uniform looks like, please click HERE for the Junior School Handbook, where you can find a detailed uniform list on page 18. For the Senior School Handbook, please click HERE. You will find detailed Uniform information from page 33.

From Term 2, the Senior School will be transitioning from plaid shirts to white shirts.

Years 7-10 will wear a white shirt and tartan tie, where Years 11-12 will wear white shirts with Senior ties. All senior students are welcome to start wearing white shirts from day 1 of term 2. 

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop will be closed for the Term Break, with the exception of Tuesday 22 April and Thursday 24 April, by appointment only. To make an appointment, please phone reception on 6774 8700.

Mrs Dee Ritch

Uniform Shop

Please read the current Careers Newsleter HERE.

Mr Mark Ambrose

Careers Advisor/Business Studies Teacher

Tamworth Bus Information

The NEGS bus to Tamworth departs NEGS on Friday afternoons at 3.30pm and arrives at the Old Visitors Information Centre near Hungry Jacks in Tamworth at 5pm.

To return to NEGS, the bus departs the Old Visitors Information Centre near Hungry Jacks in Tamworth on Sunday afternoon at 4.00pm, and arrives back at NEGS at 5.30pm. Please arrive at the Old Visitors Information Centre by 3.50pm as the bus needs to leave at 4pm.

The cost for this bus service is a $30 flat rate per weekend, which is Pupil Recovered to your NEGS account, payable monthly.

Please note that Full School Uniform is required to be worn for travel in both directions.

To book travel, please email reception@negs.nsw.edu.au by 2pm Thursdays.

All requests are subject to availability

Mrs Joan Kelly

NEGS Receptionist

As NEGS continues its journey into Deep Learning, our AIS consultant Chris Morris had the pleasure of meeting with our Year 12 leaders. Our leaders are at the forefront of many of our community and school events and Chris talked with the girls about ways we could deepen the impact of such initiatives. Chris enjoyed this opportunity to work with our prefects and was impressed with their energy and enthusiasm. His reflection is as follows:

“On Monday 3 February, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Head Prefects about the community building events at NEGS and the link to the concept of Deep Learning. Essentially, Deep Learning is about fostering and evidencing the six global competencies (character, citizenship, communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking) in all aspects of learning, co-curricular, and extra-curricular.

The Head Prefect team conveyed the importance of community days like Heartily Day and the charitable support of Ruby May.

I asked the students to think about their strengths, specifically related to the global competencies, and how they might support other students to develop these attributes that help us to be “good at learning and good at life”.  I look forward to working with the Head Prefects to further unpack the global competencies”

As we continue to put learning at the forefront of our school’s educational approach, Deep Learning allows us to equip our students with the skills and competencies for a complex and changing world.

DEEP LEARNING IN ACTION: Building Character through the Year 6 Night of Notables

Focusing on the Deep Learning competency of Character, Year 6 students explored the vital traits of resilience, perseverance, grit, tenacity, and self-directed learning during their Term 1 English unit. These aren’t just buzzwords - they are the cornerstones of future-ready learners. And our students lived them out.

Their journey began with rich biographical texts, exploring lives marked by determination and purpose. As patterns of character emerged from the pages, students began to reflect: What does it take to do something notable? And how can I apply these same traits to my own learning?

Armed with curiosity and guided by purposeful learning tasks, students built their skills across writing, presenting, digital storytelling, and visual art. Then came the challenge: choose someone who inspires you - and become them.

Thus began our journey to the “Night of Notables.” This immersive experience asked students not only to research and reflect, but to truly embody the lives of those who made a mark on the world. Through iteration, feedback, and personal grit, students developed living biographies that were as creative as they were informative.

On the night, our school came alive with character - literally. Parents and families moved through interactive exhibits where students, fully in character, responded to questions, presented their learning through multimedia projects, and showcased handmade masks, videos, and artwork.

The buzz in the room was electric. Guests weren’t just impressed - they were moved. Because this was deeper than content mastery. This was evidence of profound growth: students had taken ownership of their learning, embraced challenge, and shown what it means to learn with purpose.

The Year 6 Night of Notables was a celebration of knowledge - but even more so, a celebration of Character. These students aren’t just learning about the world - they’re preparing to shape it.

Mrs Deanna Ford

Junior School CoOrdinator/Year 6 Teacher

Please read the Sports Newsletter HERE.

Ms Ella Kenny

Head of Sport

Visual Arts students visited the New England Regional Art Museum recently. The girls admired the works from the Hinton Collection and selected a painting to include in their upcoming Impressionism Assessment Essay tasks. 

The girls also viewed “The Interior: Natalya Hughes, featuring sculptural seating, intricate soft furnishings, and curious object d’art,” and participated by reclining on the works after they took their shoes off as requested by the artist.

Mr Tom Degens

Vistual Art and Design Teacher

In our final week of Term 1, we all look forward to somewhat of a rest from what has been a very full schedule. The EC has been nearly at capacity since week 1 which is wonderful to see and all the girls are working tremendously together to make sure everyone is able to share everything the facility provides. We have a large number of beautiful equestrian families in 2025 alongside our team of girls, who over the past 11 weeks, have demonstrated great sportsmanship, leadership, expertise and gratitude which has been getting noticed by the wider community. This has come in the form of both conversations over the phone and emails sent directly to NEGS regarding the behavior of our girls. A common thread is this;

“I also must complement the NEGS girls, they are always so well mannered, willing to assist and are supportive of one another. “

We have also noticed how supportive everyone is of each other around the EC and I have to commend all the girls on their efforts to keep tack rooms, feed rooms and paddocks clean. There has been a marked improvement in all students' willingness to keep our EC neat and tidy and the girls have been working hard to ensure they are staying on top of their responsibilities. The EC as a whole is all the better for it so thank you girls. Job well done.

All disciplines have been busy this term, except for Polocrosse who’s first few carnivals of the season have been called off due to the rain. However, there has been some wonderful news coming from NSW polocrosse with Anna Benson and Abby Finlayson (OG ‘21) being selected to play for NSW at Barastoc Interstate Series and Shell Cup Carnival, running from the 3rd to 4th May. Anna Benson was selected as the Number 1 mixed junior team for the Albury Junior Classic.

Campdraft riders Lucy Baker, Isabelle Homfray, Bella Miller and Matilda Meyn all helped out at the Epic Campdraft and Horse sale last weekend, which again, the girls were complimented for their great attitude and work ethic. A big thanks to April Langridge for organising and taking them along.

Our show riders and show jumpers have had a massive few weeks competing in a show of some sort nearly every weekend of Term. Our jumping team is particularly strong this year. Students are riding brilliantly, with NEGS often taking home the first few places in the lineup of events. A big congratulations to Alexia Garcia who has been selected to ride in the Global Amateur Tour https://www.globalamateurtour.com/mexico2025 to be held in Mexico in June.

Good luck to Robin Henry who will be competing at Sydney Royal in the A grade Pony Club Jumping events and also to show riders Dom Baker, Kenzie Ellem, Emily Ulrick and Harriet Ulrick, who will also be competing in either this year’s Grand Nationals or Sydney Royal.

Our next big competition will be the North West Equestrian Expo or as it is affectionately known, Coona, which will be held from the 29th of May to the 3rd of June. Entries have opened so if you have not yet entered you have until the 24th of April to do so. A reminder that as soon as you have entered Coona, we then need all families to complete the Coona google form emailed out a few weeks ago. If you have lost the email with the link, let me know and I will resend you the link.

From all of us at the EC we hope you have a wonderful Easter break and we look forward to catching up with all the families at Coona.

Mrs Annyka Overton

Equestrian Centre CoOrdinator