Over the past week, I have witnessed two significant events in NEGS’ history.

On Friday, 23 May, we held a tribute to Anna Abbott, who served as Principal of NEGS from 1990 to 2000. Her former receptionist, Diana Drew, was in attendance and spoke with deep admiration for both Anna and NEGS. It was heartwarming to have Anna’s daughter, Stephanie, and her family attend the service.

Memorial Service - Image Gallery

On Saturday, 24 May, we welcomed close to 100 guests to celebrate the 130th anniversary of NEGS’ founding. I left feeling incredibly proud and grateful to be the Principal of a school deeply steeped in history and tradition.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the preparation and success of the ball - especially our P&F. To those who were able to join us, thank you!

130 Year Ball - Image Gallery

As the debate continues over whether single-sex schools are outdated, celebrations like this reaffirm how NEGS cultivates senior girls who are intelligent, confident, and courageous. At NEGS, girls are empowered to grow, lead, and serve across all facets of school life.

Girls - own it, rise, and become your true selves.

Ms Liz van Genderen

Principal

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Supporting our Children in the Digital Era

It may seem like I’m late joining the conversation about the Netflix series, Adolescence, but in truth, I’ve taken time to process its themes - especially as I navigate parenting a teenage son. The series powerfully illustrates how social media subtly shapes young minds, often without them even realising it.

Research by the eSafety Commission explains that algorithms - systems that decide what content appears in a user’s feed - are designed to maximise engagement. While this can help young people discover new interests, it can also push them towards harmful content, reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards, toxic masculinity, or divisive narratives.

Helping Our Students Stay Grounded

As parents and educators, we want our students to develop confidence, resilience, and critical thinking - both in the real world and online. While digital spaces offer opportunities for learning and connection, they also present challenges that require thoughtful navigation.

Some ways we can support our students include:

• Encouraging open conversations - creating a safe space for discussions about online experiences.
• Setting boundaries - helping students balance screen time with offline activities.
• Promoting real-world connections - reinforcing the importance of face-to-face interactions.
• Teaching digital literacy - helping students recognise misinformation and harmful content.

The Importance of Disconnecting

Time away from screens is essential for wellbeing. Constant connectivity can lead to anxiety, decreased attention span, and difficulty forming in-person relationships.

During school hours, we reinforce this principle through our mobile phone policies. By reducing distractions, students can focus on learning, engage meaningfully with peers, and develop essential interpersonal skills. Research consistently shows that limiting phone usage fosters deeper engagement in academic and extracurricular activities while improving overall wellbeing.

A Shared Commitment

As a school community, we are committed to supporting students in developing healthy digital habits. Through structured boundaries, open conversations, and a focus on real-world connections, we can empower them to navigate the digital world mindfully and responsibly.

“Digital awareness isn’t just about limiting screen time - it’s about giving our students the tools to think critically, disconnect when needed, and engage responsibly in an online world that constantly shapes their perspectives."

Mrs Heidi Dent

Deputy Principal

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Celebrating a Vibrant Term at NEGS 

As we reach the halfway point of Term 2, our Junior School is alive with energy, growth, and community spirit. It's been a joy to welcome new families to NEGS, and our playground continues to shine as a space where kindness and inclusivity are not only encouraged, but lived out daily.

Kindness Curriculum – The Power of Inclusiveness

From this week, our school-wide Kindness Curriculum will be centered on inclusiveness - the simple but powerful act of including others, inviting them in, and making them feel they truly belong.

Our students are learning that being kind means treating others how we’d like to be treated, recognising what makes each of us special, and celebrating our differences. By exploring how we can all participate, be fair, and show empathy, our students are developing social “superpowers” that will last a lifetime.

Thank You to Our Wonderful P&F

Our heartfelt thanks go to our P&F for their ongoing support. If you’ve noticed the uplifting music during morning play, you’ve experienced our brand-new playground speaker in action - generously funded by the P&F!

Thanks to your contributions, we’ve also been able to purchase vital Maths and Literacy resources across K-6. It’s this kind of whole-school support that enhances our students' learning experiences, and we are sincerely grateful.

Community Connections – Rich and Memorable Experiences

This term has offered our students a variety of exciting opportunities to connect with the broader community:

ReadySetNEGS! Morning

We were delighted to welcome many new families exploring NEGS as their children begin their formal education journey. The turnout is a true reflection of the warmth and reputation of our community.

Mother's Day Chapel

Our special Mother’s Day Chapel service was a heartfelt occasion to honour the incredible women in our students' lives. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this beautiful moment of gratitude and reflection.

Year 6 GRIP Leadership Conference

Our Year 6 students attended the GRIP Leadership Conference, where they reflected on their roles as leaders within our school. Their thoughtful insights and enthusiasm highlights just how capable and inspiring our future leaders truly are.

Armidale Eisteddfod – A Showcase of Talent

Every student from Kindergarten to Year 6 took part in this year’s Armidale Eisteddfod! From Speech and Drama to Choir and Strings, our students demonstrated courage, teamwork, and a love of performance. Congratulations to the following groups:

• K–2 Speech & Drama and Choirs
• Years 3–6 Choirs
• Stage 2 Strings
• Songbirds
• Saumarez Strings

These shared artistic experiences are a powerful reminder of how collaboration can lead to achievement and joy.

Uniform Pride

Wearing our NEGS uniform with pride is one way we demonstrate our school values each day. Please support your child by ensuring:

• All uniform items are clearly labelled with the correct name.
• Uniforms are worn neatly and correctly to and from school.

When students take responsibility for their appearance, they are more prepared for learning and are confident in themselves. Our Junior School Handbook provides clear guidelines for NEGS uniform. 

Drop-off & Pick-up – Winter Safety Reminder

As the cooler, wetter months set in, please take note of the following procedures to ensure the safety and smooth movement of all:

Walking into the playground? 

• Please park in the gravel car park.
• No student may exit the gates unless accompanied by an adult.
• Please use the single gate closest to the car park to assist staff who are supervising children and vehicles

Using the turning circle? 

• Please stay in your car; staff will bring your child to you.
• This is a continuous flow zone - if your child is not yet ready, please loop around.

Pick-up ends at 3.30pm - students still waiting will attend the Homework Centre, and fees will apply.

As always, we thank our families for being an essential part of what makes the NEGS Junior School so special. The support, kindness, and involvement of our community allows our students to flourish - academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mrs Deanna Ford

Junior School Coordinator/Year 6 Teacher

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A Focus on Quality Teaching at NEGS: Enhancing Learning for Every Student

At NEGS, we are committed to ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education. Our teachers are dedicated professionals who continually strive to enhance their pedagogical skills, ensuring that every lesson is engaging, meaningful, and challenging for our students. To support this commitment, our teachers engage with the Quality Teaching Model, a powerful tool for understanding and improving teaching practice.

Understanding the Quality Teaching Model

Developed from decades of research, including studies on 'authentic pedagogy' and 'productive pedagogy', the Quality Teaching Model (QTM) is a comprehensive framework that provides teachers with clear concepts and language to build a shared understanding of what constitutes quality teaching. The Model is designed to improve outcomes for both teachers and students. It doesn't prescribe a single teaching style but instead, focuses on three interconnected dimensions of good teaching: Intellectual Quality, Quality Learning Environment, and Significance. Each dimension comprises six elements, making a total of 18 elements that teachers consider when planning and reflecting on their lessons.

Let's take a brief look at each of these dimensions and their elements:

Dimension 1: Intellectual Quality

This dimension focuses on pedagogy that promotes a deep understanding of important concepts and ideas, treating knowledge as something students actively construct through higher-order thinking and communication.

• Deep Knowledge: Lessons focus on central, crucial ideas of a topic, rather than fragmented information, helping students grasp the importance and complexity of concepts.
• Deep Understanding: Students demonstrate a profound grasp of ideas by exploring relationships, solving problems, explaining concepts, and drawing conclusions in sophisticated ways, moving beyond superficial understanding.
• Problematic Knowledge: Knowledge is presented not just as fact, but as socially constructed and open to question, encouraging students to explore multiple perspectives and assumptions.
• Higher-Order Thinking: Students are regularly challenged to manipulate information and ideas to synthesise, analyse, evaluate, and create, going beyond simple recall or routine procedures.
• Metalanguage: Teachers and students explicitly talk about language and how texts (words, symbols, images) work to create meaning, enhancing understanding of how communication functions.
• Substantive Communication: There is sustained and reciprocal interaction focused on the substance of the lesson, with students engaging in thoughtful discussions and building shared understanding.

Dimension 2: Quality Learning Environment

This dimension is about creating classrooms where teachers and students work productively, with a clear focus on learning. It emphasises setting high expectations and fostering positive relationships.

• Explicit Quality Criteria: Students are provided with clear, detailed statements and examples of the quality of work expected, and these criteria are used to guide and assess their learning.
• Engagement: Students show sustained interest and focus, actively participating in class work and taking it seriously.
• High Expectations: Teachers communicate the belief that all students can learn challenging material and encourage and recognize students for taking intellectual risks.
• Social Support: The classroom is a climate of mutual respect where students are encouraged to try hard, participate, and express their views without fear of negative comments or 'put-downs'.
• Students' Self-Regulation: Students demonstrate autonomy and initiative in managing their own behaviour, allowing the lesson to proceed smoothly with minimal need for external discipline.
• Student Direction: Students have opportunities to exercise some control over aspects of their learning, such as choosing activities, pacing their work, or contributing to assessment criteria, fostering ownership of their learning.

Dimension 3: Significance

This dimension focuses on making learning meaningful and relevant to students by connecting it to their prior knowledge, identities, and the world outside the classroom.

• Background Knowledge: Lessons explicitly build upon students' existing knowledge and experiences, including prior school learning, personal life, and popular culture, making new information more accessible and relevant.
• Cultural Knowledge: The traditions, beliefs, skills, and perspectives of diverse social groups are recognized, valued, and incorporated into lessons in an authentic and meaningful way.
• Knowledge Integration: Meaningful connections are made between different topics and subjects, helping students see how knowledge is interconnected and applicable in various contexts.
• Inclusivity: All students, regardless of their social or cultural background, are actively included in the public work of the class, and their contributions are valued.
• Connectedness: Learning is linked to real-life contexts, problems, or audiences outside the classroom and school, demonstrating the practical value and significance of what is being learned.
• Narrative: Stories, whether told, read, written, or viewed, are used to illustrate concepts and bring the substance of the lesson to life, making learning more engaging and memorable.

The Importance of Developing Pedagogical Skills

By focusing on these 18 elements, NEGS teachers are not just delivering content; they are designing powerful learning experiences that engage students deeply and help them make meaningful connections. The commitment to developing pedagogical skills is crucial because research shows that high-quality teaching, informed by the Quality Teaching Model, is directly linked to improved student outcomes. It helps address challenges like persistent achievement gaps and supports all students in achieving their potential. Our teachers' ongoing professional learning, involving collaborative analysis of lessons using the QTM (a process known as Quality Teaching Rounds), demonstrates their dedication to continuous improvement and their belief in the capacity of every student to succeed. This focus on refining our teaching practice ensures that we are providing the best possible learning environment for your children.

Mr Ryan Caldwell

Director of Teaching & Learning/ English Teacher

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Term 2 can often feel like the hardest of the year - the days grow shorter, and the chill in the air sets in. Despite this, I continue to be incredibly impressed by our boarders' resilience and enthusiasm. They have thrown themselves into weekend sport, excursions, and preparations for upcoming competitions with great spirit and commitment.

As I seem to say every term, it’s already been a busy one! The Year 7, 8, and 9 camps at the start of term set a wonderful tone, and I’m pleased to share that the feedback from these camps has been overwhelmingly positive. Congratulations to all the students who stepped outside their comfort zones - your courage and growth are commendable.

We also send our very best wishes to all the girls who have departed for Coona. Good luck — we’re cheering you on from afar!

There have been a few changes in staffing this term. Grace Bailey, our Weekend House Mother in Kirkwood, has transitioned back to working as Duty Staff due to other work commitments. We thank Grace for her support and ongoing contribution. Mrs Jenn Woodley-Smith has moved into a weekend role to better align with her family commitments, and we are pleased to welcome Annie van der Heul as our new Weekday House Mother in Kirkwood. Annie already knows many of the girls from her work in the Equestrian Centre.

As we enter the peak of cold and flu season, we remind all parents that if your daughter is unwell, she is best cared for at home. While we understand the challenges of balancing work, travel, and family life, students recover much more quickly in the comfort and quiet of home. Keeping unwell students at home also helps limit the spread of illness within our communal boarding environment. Where necessary, we will of course support students who cannot be collected, but we do ask that - where possible - parents respond promptly if contacted by the School Nurse or Head of Boarding.

As we approach the mid-point of the term, the King’s Birthday long weekend will be a well-deserved break for all our boarders. I hope families enjoy having their daughters home for the extra two days of rest. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, 9 June after 3pm.

Mrs Kassy Cassidy

Head of Boarding

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IGSA Cross Country

We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the following students who proudly represented NEGS at the recent IGSA Cross Country event. Their dedication, determination, and sportsmanship were truly outstanding.

• Indianna-Belle Dunne – Year 7
• Alexa Garcia – Year 7
• Margaret Skerrett – Year 7
• Annabelle McCrohon – Year 7
• Polly Kane – Year 8
• Charli Kennedy – Year 9
• Sasha Scott-Hamilton – Year 9
• Rain Pritchard – Year 11
• Ivy Pritchard – Year 12

A special congratulations to Ivy Pritchard, who has been selected for the IGSA Cross Country team — a fantastic achievement that reflects her hard work and exceptional performance on the day.

We are incredibly proud of all our runners and thank them for representing NEGS with such enthusiasm and integrity.

 

 

Representative Rugby

This term has been a highly successful one for rugby at NEGS, with several students achieving impressive representative honours.

We are proud to announce that Regan Simpson, Bonnii Porter and Lorraine Townsend have been selected to represent CIS in the Rugby League Team at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League National Championships, to be held in July.

In addition to this achievement, Regan was also selected for the IGSA Rugby 7s Team. Following her outstanding performance at the tournament, she was chosen to join the CIS Rugby 7s Team, which will compete at the NSW Schoolgirls Rugby 7s Championships in June.

Congratulations to all our players on these significant accomplishments. We wish you the very best of luck as you represent NEGS on the state and national stage.

Representative Hockey

Hockey has enjoyed a strong start this term, with numerous representative events showcasing the talent and dedication of our students.

We are proud to announce that Chilali Baggins-Cupitt and Molly Collett were selected for the U18 IGSA Hockey Team. Additionally, Ella Tanna was named in a Barbarians team at the CIS Carnival, where she went on to earn selection for the CIS team competing at the NSW All Schools event in Newcastle this June.

Tabitha Havas also achieved outstanding success, being named in the IGSA U15 Team and subsequently selected for the CIS Team to compete at the same NSW All Schools event.

Austin Kelly represented NEGS with distinction, being selected for the CIS Hockey Team and competing at the NSWPSSA All Schools Championships in May.

In May, a strong group of U14 representatives travelled to Grafton to compete at the State Championships. Congratulations to Rhali Williams, Ashlyn Jackson, Anna Clancy, Prue Chapman, Maggie Clancy, and Abi Smith, who all represented Hunter New England (HNE) with pride. A special commendation goes to Ashlyn, Anna, and Prue, who returned as Division 2 Champions, taking home the gold medal. From the State Championship a NSW Performance Squad was announced, naming Prudence Chapman and Ashlyn Jackson in the squad. These girls will go on to trial for the NSW U14 teams who will be heading to Brisbane in October 2025. Good luck in the trials girls, what a great achievement.

Well done to all our athletes for their exceptional achievements and continued commitment to hockey at NEGS.

  

 

Representative Netball

In our previous newsletter, we shared that many of our students had competed in the Netball NSW Regional Weekend held in Tamworth. We are now delighted to announce that the North West Regional State Cup Team has been selected, and Isabel Schweitzer and Chelsea Curry have earned a place on the team.

They will go on to represent the region at the Regional State Cup in Sydney this October, under the leadership of our Head of Netball, Charli Wright.

Congratulations to Isabel and Chelsea on this outstanding achievement.

(Pictured, front row - Chelsea - middle and Isabel - right) alongside the Division 1 Gold Netball Team competing in the ADNA Competition, who are having a great season so far. 

Ms Ella Kenny

Head of Sport

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Please read the Career's Newsletter HERE.

Mr Mark Ambrose

Careers Advisor/Business Studies Teacher

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NEGS EC students have been full steam ahead over the past five weeks. The equestrian centre is nearly at capacity with squads and lessons packed. Students from all disciplines have been working hard to prepare themselves for the North West Equestrian Expo (Coona), which is coming up next weekend. NEGS will be sending a team of 33 riders to Coona, which is always one of the favourite shows of the annual calendar.

Over the past few weeks students have been competing at events all over the state with some amazing results outlined below.

Australian Stock Horse Nationals

Well done to NEGS Campdraft Coach April Langridge, and students Isabelle Homfray and Sybella Miller who competed at the Australian Stock Horse Nationals.

• Isabelle competed in the National Maturity 4 year old challenge coming 4th in the led class.
• April competed in the 5 year old challenge, winning the Cattle section finishing 9th overall.
• Sybella competed in the Abbey Open challenge riding really well in a class of over 60 horses!

Grand Nationals, Toowoomba and Sydney Royal Show Riding

NEGS Show Riding students have had some wonderful results recently at Grand Nationals, Toowoomba and Sydney Royal Easter Show which were all only a few weeks apart.

Toowoomba Royal was wet and wild at the end of March, however, three riders, Beatrix Morton, Emily Ulrick and Harriet Ulrick produced some beautiful workouts for outstanding results.

Beatrix placed:

• 3rd Novice hack 15.2-16
• 5th Open Hack 15.2-16
• 4th Child’s Hack

Emily placed:

• 1st Novice Child’s Small Galloway
• 4th Open Small Lightweight Galloway
• 3rd Child’s Galloway

Harriet placed:

• 4th Novice Large Pony
• 1st Novice Child’s Large Pony
• 2nd Open Large Pony
• 2nd Child’s Large Pony

A quick turn around into Grand Nationals saw Dominique Baker work well in her Child’s Showhunter Hack. No bows this time around, however, she looked amazing and worked beautifully in what was a thrilling reward to be able to ride there.

The students then drove straight into Olympic Park for Sydney Royal where all five riders represented NEGS beautifully demonstrating wonderful workouts, awesome results and plenty of smiles.

Dominique Baker placed 

• 6th Child’s Hunter Hack

Emily Ulrick placed:

• 4th child’s Galloway
• 8th Open Small Lightweight Galloway

Harriet Ulrick placed:

• 6th Open Large Pony
• Call in first round Child’s Pony Hack

Mackenzie Ellem was beautifully presented and Blondie worked so well in all her classes.

Finally, Sybella Miller had an incredible Sydney Royal in the Working Stock Horse classes coming home with a whopping:

• 1st ASHLA Youth
• 1st Station Horse Youth
• 1st Time Trial Youth
• 4th Hack Youth
• 4th Hack Working

Sybella then went on to win the RM WIlliams most versatile Stockhorse ridden by a Youth under 18 years!

WOW!!!

Well done to all our riders for their massive efforts in these very prestigious events.

State Pony Club Championships

Our NEGS Students have also been super successful in Show Jumping, Eventing and Combined Training events recently.

• Robin Henry on Lola, placed 2nd in the A grade showjumping at the Sydney Royal Easter Show before becoming 2x Pony Club State Champions just a few weeks later in Quirindi.
• Robin and Rio were State Champion A grade Combined Training (CT) and 2nd A grade ODE.
• Robin and Lola were State Champion 115 cm CT and Champion B grade ODE.
• Annabelle Dunlop on Roxy, finished 7th in the C grade at State PC ODE and 8th in the B grade CT.
• Charlotte Johnston on Prophet, finished 9th in the B grade CT.
• Jessica Emery was 4th in the A grade ODE.
• Rain Pritchard was 16th in the C grade ODE.

Sports Stars

Robin Henry and Sybella Miller’s achievements were recognised recently when they were awarded the 2AD sports star of the week. Both Robin and Sybella are now in the running for Sports Star of the year in 2025.

An exciting experience competing in Mexico

Lexi Garcia is currently away in Mexico on a 11 day amateur riders tour, which was created to offer amateur riders the opportunity to experience all the excitement, adrenaline and professionalism of training and competing internationally, without the need to take their own horse. Lexi will be competing in the children's 1.10m class on her borrowed horse. The tour includes sightseeing of local treasures and world heritage areas. We look forward to hearing about all the wonderful experiences she has while on tour and wish her good luck in her events. 

NEGS Old Girls

A couple of our NEGS Old Girls are still doing great things after leaving school.

• Tilly McCarroll is making waves in the racing industry with a whopping 8 wins, 20 places and a massive 19.5% win strike rate in her first year of becoming a jockey. 
• Emily Wamsley has been selected as a member of the Australian Intermediate Team to compete against South Africa in Ngwenya this coming weekend. 
• Sienna Robinson has had a great season show riding with a major success at Grand Nationals coming Reserve Champion rider 18-21 years.
• Jessica Rae has been having a fabulous season Eventing in the 4* classes stepping up to 5* at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. Jess had a fabulous dressage test but unfortunately had to retire in the cross country phase. Still such an amazing achievement to make it to 5*

 

Mrs Annyka Overton

Equestrian Centre Coordinator

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Livestock Team Success at Sydney Royal and Wingham Beef Week

Our Livestock Team has once again done our school proud with outstanding achievements at both the Sydney Royal Easter Show and Wingham Beef Week.

At the Sydney Royal RAS Youth Show, all five of our participating students placed in the Paraders’ competition, which included over 150 competitors. A special congratulations to Amelia Miller, who was awarded Grand Champion Junior Judge, and Heidi Zwiers, who placed 2nd in her age group for junior judging — an incredible accomplishment at a state level.

Our school’s steer, Venom, placed 2nd in his class on the hook and went on to be awarded Reserve Champion School Carcase of the Show — a prestigious title among strong competition. Velocity, our heavyweight steer, was Highly Commended on the hoof and took out 1st place in his class on the hook. The Hereford steer, generously donated by the Miller family, also performed well, placing 5th on the hook.

At Wingham Beef Week, the success continued. A steer donated by the Strachan family was awarded Champion Heavyweight Steer and went on to be named Reserve Champion Overall Steer. In the junior judging, Heidi Zwiers and Anna Benson both placed 1st in their respective age groups, and we also celebrated placements in the Paraders’ competition.

All students involved should be highly commended for their incredible work ethic, sportsmanship, and the way they represented our school with pride and professionalism. Their dedication to the preparation and presentation of livestock is a credit to both themselves and our agricultural program.

Well done to the entire team!

 

Ms Jordyn Snape

Agriculture Teacher/Livestock Team Coordinator

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Stage 4 Camp - Sydney.

This term we have welcomed 3 new students to Stage 4. Week one was a little crazy as we worked to ensure that Sita, Stella and Sienna were included as part of our student group heading off to camp. On Tuesday, May 6th, 38 students embarked on our annual Stage 4 camp to Sydney. Blessed with fantastic weather, the girls experienced a range of activities that were both fun and challenging.  

From taking a ferry across the iconic Sydney Harbour, to spending a unique overnight stay at Taronga Zoo (Snooz at the Zoo!), strolling down the Corso at Manly beach & raft building. The girls explored the Australian Maritime Museum and the Australian Museum, deepening their understanding of history and science. In addition, they embraced the challenge of surfing and snorkelling, making the most of Sydney’s beautiful coastline. The weather wasn’t great for the snorkeling, but everyone embraced the opportunity to have a go, with the bonus being the ‘jetty jump’!

Their enthusiasm and engagement in every activity was fantastic, and after a jam-packed itinerary, they were happily exhausted by the time they returned to Armidale.  

A huge thank you to Ms Morey and Mr Jones for their dedicated supervision and support throughout the trip. Thanks to the parents and boarding staff for getting the students organised and ready for the big adventure. For some of our students, it was the first time into the city and on a ferry. There were new experiences for every student which was fabulous and what we set out to achieve.

We’ve included a couple of photos from our adventure, and the students will have access to a PowerPoint presentation capturing the highlights - to share with family and friends! 

 

 

Mrs Penny Lehman

Stage 4 Advisor

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School Drive Subsidy - NSW students

The School Drive Subsidy is available to NSW residents in areas where there is no public transport, to drive an eligible student all or part of the way to school. The subsidy is only intended to partly offset the cost of using a private vehicle to drive the eligible student and is not intended to cover all costs. Transport for NSW administers the School Drive Subsidy scheme.

The subsidy is for driving school students to school or to the nearest transport pick up point, by car, motorcycle or boat.

For more information and the application process please visit https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/schoolDriveSubsidy

At NEGS I require a travel diary to be completed at the end of each Semester, i.e. end Term 2 and end Term 4, and returned to me. These diaries are available from the NEGS Engage Parent Portal.

If you have any queries, please contact me at helen.smith@negs.nsw.edu.au or by phone (02) 6774 8700.

Helen Smith

Academic Administrative Assistant

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Term 2 has been another busy time for the NEGS P&F. I would like to extend my thanks to parents and staff for their ongoing support this term.

The main event keeping us busy this term was the 130 year NEGS Ball. The event was a great success, and a fun night was had by all. Many thanks to Tamar Escape (8500), Nutrien Dogpro Dog Food (2100), Tattersalls (700), Armidale Mower and Chainsaw Centre (1000), Concepts of Armidale (1000), Barbeques Galore (1000), Evergreen Hay (1300) for supporting the auction. We were thrilled to raise $15,600.00 which will go towards fulfilling our wish list items and projects for 2025.

Due to the wonderful rainfall across the region we had to postpone the Athletics Carnival. The new date is Friday, 13 June. We will once again be running a canteen on the day. If there are any bakers out there, we would love any donations. Please drop cooking off at Akaroa or bring it to the carnival on the day. We sell items for $2 each so please cut proportions and wrap individually. Please join us on the day for one of our famous Slow cooked smoked pork and Texan slaw rolls. Thanks to the Watsons for smoking all the pork for the carnival.

Lastly, the final event for Term 2 will be the Junior School Disco on Wednesday, 25 June. The P&F is organising a catch up for all JS parents at the yarning circle (fire pit outside the music block) while the disco is on. Please join us for a glass of mulled wine ot a mug of hot chocolate and a chocolate grazing board. Hope to see you all there.

Ms Fiona Macarthur

President - NEGS P & F

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Rainbow Club

Rainbow Club Australia is a non-profit organisation committed to providing swimming lessons and water safety education to young people with a disability. Established in 1975, our mission is rooted in inclusivity and the belief that every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to quality swimming education. A network of social swimming clubs is located throughout NSW, ACT, QLD and VIC. With NDIS Provider status and our unique Swim the Rainbow program, Rainbow Club offers a fun and safe community for children with a disability to swim, interact, and play. See

Locations

Rainbow Club is a vibrant, robust and centrally managed charity, with our Board providing governance, oversight and support to our Clubs. The Board and Staff are committed to expanding Rainbow Club's footprint and building capacity to provide personalised swim lessons and social participation for 2000+ young people with a disability. 

Our Mission

To provide a network of social swimming clubs for young with a disability, enabling them to learn, achieve and enjoy participating in aquatic activities. At Rainbow Club, we know that disability doesn't mean inability. We believe that every child has a right to learn how to swim and feel safe in the water. Our primary goal is to offer personalised swimming lessons designed to meet the unique needs of each child. With a team of qualified teachers specialising in adaptive teaching techniques, we create a supportive and nurturing environment where every child can learn and thrive. Alongside swimming education, we provide parents and caregivers with essential water safety skills and support services.

You can find out more about us at https://www.myrainbowclub.org.au/

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