In a world full of constant updates - social media feeds, AI tools, packed schedules - it is easy to lose sight of what is important. We worry, we rush, and sometimes we forget the simple value of being kind, being human, and just being a good person.

Recent events - unexpected snow, changes in travel plans, losing electricity and internet - have reminded us how quickly plans can shift. But they have also reminded us of what stays strong: Community.

At NEGS, we've seen this in action. From rallying around our Year 10 exchange student from Japan - warmly welcoming her into our daily lives - to supporting one another through injuries, HSC trials, major work submissions, and embracing the Urban Challenge, we remain grounded in our purpose.

NEGS believes in developing empathetic, fulfilled young people with drive and purpose who know themselves, take ownership and embrace possibilities to contribute and thrive in a complex and changing world.

Let’s not also forget: the power of kindness and simply being present in the moment.

Ms Liz van Genderen

Principal

This week, as our community gathered to celebrate Grandparents Day, I reflect on the rich heritage that continues to shape NEGS. For over 130 years, our school has been a place of tradition and connection. The presence of grandparents on campus reminds us of the intergenerational wisdom that strengthens our community and deepens our sense of belonging.

Our uniform display offered a visual reminder that heritage is not about staying the same, it is about evolving with purpose. Change is a normal part of life. It’s how we grow, how we respond to the world around us, and how we prepare our students for a future that is forever unfolding.

At NEGS, we honour tradition while embracing transformation. We are proud of our legacy and use it as a foundation to build forward, ensuring our students are equipped not only with knowledge, but with adaptability, empathy, and courage.

In line with our school motto, “Whatsoever you do, do it heartily,” students are asked to contribute with purpose, act with integrity, and engage with wholehearted commitment.
 

Mrs Heidi Dent

Deputy Principal

The lights will be bright on the 2nd of September, the room hushed, and the tension unmistakable. It will be the Grand Final of the IGSA Archdale Invitational Debating Competition - a night many months in the making. For NEGS’ Senior Debating Team, this won’t just be another debate. This is the rematch. The only team we lost to all season, Pymble Ladies’ College, will stand at the opposite table. Our team fought their way through an impressive season, winning every debate except that single match. With the championship on the line, they are ready to prove themselves. 

Across the season, the girls had taken on challenging topics with intellectual rigour such as: 

• That we should allow employers to offer reduced wages for employees who choose to work from home;
• That western countries should refuse to negotiate with the United States to avoid the imposition of tariffs;
• That we should have minimum quotas for 50% women on boards of major companies; and 
• That we should ban all internships that are unpaid or paid below minimum wage.

The Grand Final will be no different - demanding quick thinking, deep analysis, and calm under pressure. At NEGS, debating is more than a co-curricular activity - it is a key part of our academic program. Debating trains students to research like historians, question like scientists, write like authors, and speak like leaders. It nurtures higher-order thinking skills, sharpens critical analysis, and builds the capacity to examine an issue from multiple perspectives. These abilities flow directly into senior studies across English, History, Legal Studies, and the Sciences, while also enhancing the confidence and clarity needed for oral assessments, leadership opportunities, and life beyond school.

We are equally proud of the next generation of NEGS debaters. Our Year 6, 7, and 8 teams have been competing in the Tri Schools Cup against PLC and TAS, honing their skills and developing the poise that will one day carry them to senior competitions. With their next debate on the horizon, we wish them every success.

Whether in a Grand Final showdown or a second-round Tri Schools match, NEGS debaters embody determination, intellect, and the courage to stand and speak. Congratulations to our Senior Team for their exceptional season, and for making the Grand Final.

Mr Ryan Caldwell

Director of Teaching and Learning/English Teacher

Celebrating Term 3

Term 3 has already been filled with wonderful moments of celebration!

Our Book Week Parade was a joyful reminder of the magic of stories and the endless possibilities they open up when we read. Thank you to the mums, dads, grandparents and special friends who continue to share books with our young people, nurturing a love of literature and passing on this lifelong gift. Despite the chilly weather, our families turned out to support the Book Fair, create imaginative costumes, and make the morning truly memorable. A special thank you goes to Mrs Packer, whose creativity and dedication bring Book Week to life each year.

Our Early Years students also marked their first 100 Days of School - a milestone that celebrates the beginning of their learning journey. It was a joyful reminder of the gift of education and the exciting pathways that open through curiosity and discovery.

Science Week added another layer of celebration, inviting our Junior School to think critically, creatively and environmentally. This year’s theme, “Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature's hidden language” inspired students to explore the fundamental languages of nature and our deep connection to the world around us.

These celebrations not only bring joy but also strengthen the ties between school, home and community. They provide opportunities to practise collaboration, build respectful relationships, and remind us of the many reasons NEGS is such a special place to learn and grow.

Mrs Deanna Ford

Junior School Coordinator/Year 6 Teacher

As part of our commitment to improved communication, I have been sending fortnightly updates to families and also a weekly Orah broadcast directly to boarding students. While this broadcast is primarily designed to help students prepare for the week ahead, it also includes a Kindness Challenge. In line with my recent articles to families on Negativity Bias and Finding Joy in Small Things, these challenges encourage our boarders to notice and share moments of positivity each week.

This practice has two important purposes. Firstly, when we shift our focus beyond ourselves, we begin to develop vital human qualities such as empathy, compassion and gratitude. Secondly, when we take the time to reflect on a simple prompt such as “tell me one good thing that happened today”, we become more present in the world around us. This allows students to look up from their devices, notice their environment, and make meaningful connections - with themselves, with others, and with the wider world.

The Friendship Project, presented by Dr Mary Kasper, aligns beautifully with our Term Three theme of Kindness and Connection. Over the past three weeks, students have explored:

The importance of being a friend to ourselves first, as the foundation for building strong relationships with others.

What it means to be a good (not perfect) friend, and how our language can uplift or harm.

How “meanness” can manifest in friendships, and the concerning reality that repeated negative interactions can alter brain chemistry and affect long-term wellbeing.

These sessions have prompted reflection on self-awareness and how our behaviours influence those around us. While these are complex concepts, they are essential life lessons. As the adults in our students’ lives, it will be important that we continue to reinforce and model these values throughout their time at school.

Orah Leave Applications

I would like to take this opportunity to remind families of the importance of accurate and detailed Orah Leave applications. Whether submitted by students or parents, please ensure you use the note section to provide detailed explanations. This greatly assists staff in the approval process.

A few key reminders:

Overnight Weekday Leave (leave requested for Monday through to Thursday night), is a rare privilege and should only be taken with family members, it is not for overnight stays with friends.

Any boarding student leaving during the school day must be collected from Akaroa (reception building). Students are expected to attend all normal classes prior to collection, and be dressed in school uniform at the time of departure. Once the host has been sighted by staff, the Orah leave will be activated.

These processes are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every boarder, in line with our Boarding Policies and Procedures. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support. If you would like a copy of the Boarding Leave Policy, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Mrs Kassy Cassidy

Head of Boarding

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Year 9/10 Food Technology has been exploring the fascinating history of the Silk Road and its profound influence on food culture around the world.

Through a cross-curricular approach, students have connected Science (spices, preservation, and cooking methods), Geography (trade routes and cultural exchange), and History (civilisations and their cuisines). We examined how ingredients, techniques, and traditions travelled between continents, shaping modern dishes. In the kitchen, students brought history to life by creating their own flatbreads, fresh tabbouleh, and flavourful adana kebabs, experiencing first-hand the flavours and techniques that have been shared and adapted across cultures for centuries.

Mr Andrew Duggan-Smith

Design and Technology Teacher

WARATAH

Term 3 started with our NAIDOC celebrations on July 22nd and we were fortunate enough to have Mitch Tambo and Voice of Lele join us for the day. The day began with a performance by Mitch for our K-12 cohort. Mitch, a proud Gamilaraay man, grew up in Tamworth and has experienced great success on the world music stage. He blends traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats and production. The multi-talented recording artist first stunned the nation when he performed a spine tingling First Nations version of the iconic John Farnham anthem, You're The Voice, on the 2019 finale of Australia’s Got Talent. His last 6 songs have have all gone #1 on the iTunes World Music Charts and his album Guurama-Li reached #1 in Australia, #1 in Denmark, #1 in Malta, #2 in the UK and #34 in the US. The album received rave reviews when it featured on Triple J Unearthed. 

Mitch has appeared alongside some of the country's greatest performers and made numerous television appearances. Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Mitch is a dedicated advocate for social causes. There were some amazing dance moves on display, with some serious dance battles taking place, both within and between year groups! Mitch’s performance concluded with all students enjoying a beautiful NAIDOC themed cake for morning tea.

After recess, students from years 7-12 were treated to a performance from Voice of Lele and were both captivated and moved by her story. Lele is a refugee, proud West Papuan Woman, mother and wife, and is an advocate for refugee women in Australia and the freedom of West Papua.

Many West Papuan people crossed borders and fled the country to escape violence and persecution by militias and Indonesian military, which has been ongoing since Indonesia annexed the region in 1962. Lele and her family were granted refugee status in Australia in 1988, after fleeing West Papua. 

Here’s what some students had to say about the performances.

“I enjoyed ‘You’re the Voice’”

“I liked learning about Lele’s background”

“Lele’s story was incredibly powerful”

“It was a really engaging experience”

“I loved how inclusive both Mitch and Lele were, they got everyone involved!”

At the conclusion of the performances, our First Nation students from Years 4-12 attended a yarning circle around the fire pit with Mitch, where the students were offered mentorship. The conversation was honest and open and the students were extremely grateful to be afforded the opportunity. We look forward to having Mitch and Lele back to NEGS in 2026.

During Week 3 of the term, the maintenance team set up another lovely fire for the students to utilise the yarning circle firepit again, which was a great opportunity for them to have a chat and support each other in all aspects of culture and school life. They made smores, which was a first for some students!

MITCH TAMBO & VOICE OF LELE PHOTOS.

Ms Stone

Biology/Chemistry/Science Teacher

NEGS Horse Trial – Event Cancellation Notice

We’re disappointed to let you know that the upcoming NEGS Horse Trial for October has been cancelled.

With the wet weather and snow we’ve had recently, the grounds are unfortunately too soft and waterlogged for us to safely run the event. We’ve made the call now to avoid last-minute disruptions and to ensure the safety of all horses and riders. 

We know how much time and effort goes into preparing for events like this, and we don’t make this decision lightly. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to NEGS when conditions are better. 

If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to get in touch with me.

Mrs Emma McAlpine

Equestrian Centre Manager

A Sweet Partnership for a Creative Cause at the NEGS Twilight Fair

Visitors to this year’s NEGS Twilight Fair are in for a real treat – quite literally! Our very own NEGS Design & Technology teacher, Mr Tom Degens, is teaming up with his talented daughter, owner of Sugar Plum Cakes, to sell a delicious range of cookies and cupcakes on the night.

Adding a unique NEGS touch, the Year 11 Design & Technology students have personally designed and created the custom cookie cutters that will be used to shape these tasty creations. It’s a perfect blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and culinary flair.

The best part? Every dollar raised from the sale of these sweet treats will go towards purchasing a 3D printer for the school, giving our students even greater opportunities to bring their design ideas to life.

So make sure you stop by their stall at the Twilight Fair – indulge in something delicious, admire the students’ innovative designs, and support an initiative that will help shape the future of learning at NEGS.

Mrs Belinda Keogh

P & F Committee

Hockey 

NIAS Academy Awards
Congratulations to the following NEGS students who were recognised at the recent NIAS Academy Awards. We are incredibly proud of these girls for their dedication, hard work, and ongoing development this season:

• Chilali Baggins-Cupitt – Most Dedicated U18 Player
• Dominique Baker – Most Improved U18 Player
• Tabitha Havas – Most Dedicated U16 Player

Well done to all three on this outstanding achievement!

HNE Hockey – Upcoming Finals
We are excited to report that NEGS teams are in strong contention for finals across multiple divisions: U12, U14, U16, and Division 1. While final positions are yet to be confirmed, all teams are currently sitting in the top part of the table — a reflection of the effort and skill shown throughout the season.

Please save the following dates in case your team qualifies for the finals:

Seniors – Division 1

• Major & Minor Semi Finals: Saturday, 6th September
• Finals: Saturday, 13th September
• Grand Final: Sunday, 21st September

Juniors – U12 Red Team, U14 & U16 Teams

• Major & Minor Semi Finals: Saturday, 30th August (U14 & U16 teams will have to play this round prior to IGSA)
• Finals: Saturday, 6th September
• Grand Final: Saturday, 13th September

We’ll share confirmation as soon as final standings are released. Best of luck to all teams as we head into the final rounds!

IGSA Hockey Competition Update

After a very eventful journey to Sydney, our NEGS girls were eager to hit the turf and showcase their skills.

The Senior team opened their IGSA campaign with a challenging match against a strong Pymble side, followed by games against SCEGGS and Wenona. The girls came away with two impressive wins and one loss — a fantastic start to their season.

The Junior Firsts faced a tough Ascham team in their opening game, which resulted in a draw. They then delivered three dominant performances, securing wins over a second Ascham team, Ravenswood, and Abbotsleigh — finishing the round undefeated and sitting at the top of the table after four games.

To support their recovery, the teams visited the Centre of Excellence Recovery Centre at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday evening, where they experienced hot and cold plunge pools to aid muscle recovery and maintain peak performance.

Well done to all players for their outstanding efforts, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Netball

Emerging Talent Coach

We are delighted to share that our Head of Netball, Charli, has been appointed Assistant Coach of the Regional Emerging Talent Team. This squad will undertake four intensive training weekends in Sydney, combining on-court development with off-court education, before competing against the Metro and First Nations Teams in September.

Junior State Titles 

Although it feels like a lifetime ago that we attended the Netball NSW State Titles in Sydney, we are thrilled to announce that Maeve Curry was identified by the Performance Coaches as an athlete of interest for future development programs. Congratulations to Maeve on this outstanding recognition.

ADNA

With two rounds remaining in the ADNA competition, three of our teams are well positioned for finals contention.

• Team Gold – currently sitting 1st in Division 1
• Team Blue – currently sitting 2nd in Division 3
• Primary Team – currently sitting 2nd in Primary 2

Team White have endured a challenging season in Division 4, with one final match before finishing with a bye.

IGSA 

Our Senior and Junior IGSA Netball teams recently enjoyed a successful weekend in Sydney, despite a few unexpected hurdles.

• Senior Team – played four games against Ascham, SCEGGS, Wenona and Roseville, securing three wins. Their opening match against Ascham was tightly contested, with only one goal separating the teams at half-time. Although Ascham extended their lead in the third quarter, our team fought back to draw the final quarter, finishing with a narrow five-goal loss.
• Junior Team – competed in three matches against Queenwood, Tara and Roseville. They claimed impressive victories over Queenwood and Tara before narrowly going down 15–17 to Roseville in the dying minutes of the match.

Following the Sydney round, both our Senior and Junior Teams are sitting in 3rd place on the ladder, and we look forward to the next stage of the competition.

Rowing

The rowing season has just kicked off with training commencing in week 4. This season, the returning rowers are looking forward to attending regattas at Berry Park, Manning River, SIRC & Iron Cove. For the 2025/26 season, we are excited to see some new faces expressing interest in the sport and look forward to following their rowing journey throughout the summer. 

This season the rowing program will be running a fundraiser through selling Jolley Soles socks. This money will be used to purchase much needed essential equipment for the developing program to facilitate our athletes. Please donate a box on the NEGS website under the rowing tab or purchase a pair of socks for $10 (this can be done through the front office or directly from the rowing athletes). 

Shooting 

The NEGS Rifle Club has returned to inter-school competition, with two members competing in the Fiona Reynolds Memorial All Schools Match at ANZAC Range Malabar. The Match is named in memory of Fiona, a NEGS Old Girl, former Senior Prefect and Club member, who died only two years after finishing Year 12.

While the Club had faded during the COVID pandemic, subsequent strong student support has seen a rebuilding phase, shooting Smallbore as training for 18 months, followed by a return to Fullbore this year.

The two members, Claudia and Pippa, travelled to Sydney for the last weekend of the July holidays for a day’s practice followed by the Match. The girls joined a combined team with boys from Newington College, shooting against teams from TAS, Sydney High, Newington and Scots. It was heartening to be welcomed back by staff and students from these schools.

Despite the limited training, both girls achieved creditable scores - Pippa 48th from 60 shooters, and Claudia 44th, while their team ranked 10th from the 12 teams entered.

In the next twelve months, the Club will ramp up Fullbore training, including participation in Open Prize Meetings around the district, so that a full team of five will compete in 2026.   

IGSA Athletics 

We are proud to announce that a talented group of NEGS athletes headed to Sydney Olympic Park on the 21st and 22nd of August to compete in the IGSA Athletics Championships. This prestigious event brings together the best athletes from independent girls’ schools across the state, and our students have been training hard to perform at their very best.

Representing NEGS in a variety of track and field events, our athletes will compete with determination, skill, and sportsmanship, showcasing the spirit of our school.

Team Captains: Ivy Pritchard and Isobel Boot 

IGSA Athletics

• Gracie Belt
• Isobel Boot
• Caitlin Emerton
• Hannah Gale
• Polly Kane
• Annabelle McCrohon
• Charlotte Perry
• Ivy Pritchard
• Rain Pritchard
• Sasha Scott-Hamilton
• Emily Simpson
• Jessie Simpson

IPSHA Athletics

We are excited to announce that a team of 15 students will be representing NEGS at the IPSHA Athletics Championships, held at Sydney Olympic Park. This is a fantastic opportunity for our athletes to compete at a high level and showcase their skills.

Team Captains: Kenzie Watson and Austin Kelly

Congratulations and good luck to all competing on 27th August. 

IPSHA Athletics Team

• Odette Adeney
• Charlie Beuming
• Eddie Biemans
• Scout Bush
• Cleo Carter
• Jasmine Davis
• Hendrix Dent
• Maddie Ellem
• Riley Garside
• Austin Kelly
• Georgie Kennedy
• Austin Packer
• Ava Sutherland
• David Ugwumba
• Kenzie Watson

Swimming

The New England & North-West Short Course Area Championships were held on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th August 2025, at the brand new Inverell Aquatic Centre. To enter this carnival, swimmers were required to meet active qualifying standards. Both Charlotte Grace and Sasha Scott-Hamilton qualified and competed, representing the Armidale Alligators Swimming Club.

Sasha had an outstanding meet, swimming 10 races over two days and covering a total of 3.6 km — 144 laps, the most of any competitor, which is remarkable for a 15-year-old. She achieved eight personal bests (PBs) and recorded impressive results, including:

• 1st place in the 50 metres butterfly (15 years and over)
• 1st place in the 100 metres butterfly (15 years and over)
• 1st place in the 800 metres freestyle (Women’s Open)
• 2nd place in the Women’s 200 IM (15 years and over)
• 2nd place in the Women’s 1500 metres freestyle (Women’s Open)
• 2nd place in the Women’s 100 metres freestyle (15 years and over)
• 3rd place in the Women’s 400 metres freestyle (Women’s Open)
• 4th place in the 50 metres freestyle (15 years and over)
• 6th place in the 200 metres freestyle (Women’s Open)
• 7th place in the 20 metres breaststroke (Women’s Open)

Charlotte also had a great carnival, competing in several events including:

• 3rd place in the 100 metres breaststroke (15 years and over)
• Achieved a personal best in the 100 metres freestyle (15 years and over)
• 3rd place in the 50 metres freestyle (15 years and over)

In addition, at the New England & North-West Long Course Area Championships held in January, Sasha, at the age of 14, competed in her first-ever 1500 metre event and was awarded runner-up Women’s Open Area  Champion - a huge achievement at such a young age.

More recently, during the school holidays, Sasha competed at the NSW Country Championships held at Sydney’s SOPAC. She broke the 30-second barrier in the 50 metres freestyle short course with an impressive time of 29.79 seconds.

Ms Ella Kenny

Director of Sport