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| 18 Feb 2026 | |
| Written by Tianna Kelly | |
| General News |
At Monday’s assembly, I congratulated our students on the positive start they have made to the term. We have so much to celebrate - a new school, new friendships, established routines and exciting opportunities. Inevitably there have also been challenges, and it is how we respond to these that matters most.
As you are aware, Australia has become the first country in the world to introduce a national delay on social media use for children under 16, with legislation taking effect in December 2025. The law requires platforms to:
The policy aims to reduce young people’s exposure to harmful content, online harassment and addictive platform features.
We recognise that families and students are continuing to adjust to these Social Media Minimum Age changes. Implementing fair and accurate age-check processes will take time. Initial monitoring by the eSafety Commissioner shows that major platforms restricted or removed access to approximately 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16 in the first half of December.
If your child under 16 still has access to social media accounts, you do not need to wait for platforms to act. You can:
If your child is feeling confused, overwhelmed or unsure about how to cope with the change, there is support available on Kids Helpline, Headspace and 13YARN.
In addition, free eSafety webinars are available for parents and carers, offering practical strategies to support safer, more positive online experiences.
Upcoming sessions include:
For further information and resources, please visit the eSafety Commissioner website.
Ms Liz van Genderen
Principal
Effort equals reward, is a traditional phrase that helps express my belief that hard work and dedication lead to success. At NEGS, this is about more than academic achievement, it is about how we hold ourselves. Our value of Excellence, being the best version of yourself, was recently on display at our Swimming Carnival, where teamwork and personal effort proved that success can come simply from supporting one another.
It is our commitment to growth that makes the NEGS journey unique; a theme celebrated at our recent Year 7 Dinner. This special occasion is a significant milestone for our Year 7 students, marking the first time they wear the school kilt. During the evening, Senior Leaders Dominique and Isobel shared reflections that captured the essence of the NEGS self-discovery. Dominique, who once promised herself she would ‘never play hockey,’ found that embracing the unexpected opened doors she never imagined. Her advice was simple:
If there is an opportunity made available to you at this school, you owe it to yourself... to just give it a go. It is ok for you to change and branch out.
Isobel echoed this, noting that our early years are not about being a ‘finished product,’ but about the beginning:
The times I felt lost taught me resilience. When I felt unsure, it taught me courage. And the times I stepped outside my comfort zone taught me who I could truly become.
These experiences are the training grounds for adulthood. By encouraging students to branch out and contribute to something bigger, we build the skills they need to be effective in and for society.
To benefit from this environment, consistent school attendance is vital. Being present is the first step toward being ready to grow. Every day at school is an opportunity to practise these skills in real-time. Excellence starts with showing up, and we appreciate your support in ensuring our students are here to make the most of every opportunity. As we look ahead, we encourage everyone to follow Dominique and Isobel’s lead: be open to the version of yourself you haven’t met yet.
Mrs Heidi Dent
Deputy Principal
We’ve recently had an opportunity to celebrate academic awards for Semester 2, 2025. A copy of the speech I gave is below, along with our award winners. Congratulations to these students!
What is the common thread in this image? It will become apparent as I go on.
Greatness doesn’t only come from capital cities or bright lights. Often, it begins in places where the roads are long, the communities are close-knit, and hard work is simply part of everyday life.
Regional Australia has always produced people who succeed at the highest level - not despite where they come from, but because of it. In regional communities, effort matters. Persistence matters. And success is earned, step by step.
At the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy, Australia has won 3 Olympic gold medals, a silver, and a bronze. It’s been our most successful Winter Olympics – ever. Let’s take a look at Josie Baff, from Cooma, NSW, winning the women’s snowboard cross.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/albRzh6ZCLI
What a win!
Or we could look at Cooper Woods, a gold medallist in the men’s moguls, proudly hailing from Merimbula on the NSW South Coast. From a town better known for beaches than snowfields, his achievement is a powerful reminder that talent alone is never enough. For him, as for Josie Baff and Akara Anthony (our other gold medallists) it is the hours of training, the discipline, and the willingness to keep going when progress is slow that lead to extraordinary outcomes.
This is where New England Girls’ School plays a vital role. At NEGS, students are challenged to aim high, to work consistently, and to take pride in their academic growth. Success here is not defined by a single result, but by the habits students develop — persistence, curiosity, resilience, and the confidence to keep striving.
Today, as we celebrate academic achievement, we also celebrate the effort behind it. The early mornings, the revision, the questions asked in class, the willingness to improve and to persevere.
The stories of Cooper Woods and Josie Baff remind us that where you begin does not limit how far you can go. And the work done by students at NEGS every day reminds us of something just as important: sustained effort, supported by a strong learning community, is what turns potential into success. And as I say at these assemblies each Semester, every student here could be receiving a consistent effort award. All you have to do is try. And if you do, who knows? A gold medal might await!
Year 7
Maggie Clancy - Consistent Effort
Indianna-Belle Dunne - Consistent Effort
Helena Toomey - Consistent Effort
Jaylee Burns - Academic Proficiency
Charlotte Kentwell - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Annabelle McCrohon - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Margaret Skerrett - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Lucy Veech - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Charlotte Perry - Academic Excellence & Consistent Effort
Gemma Poe - Academic Excellence & Consistent Effort
Year 8
Paige Floyd - Consistent Effort
Polly Kane - Consistent Effort
Georgina Maniscalco - Consistent Effort
Ava O’Hara - Consistent Effort
Trinity King - Academic Proficiency
Rahli Williams - Academic Proficiency
Anna Clancy - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Maeve Curry - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Clancy-Rose Bates - Academic Excellence & Consistent Effort
Samantha Fiechtner - Academic Excellence & Consistent Effort
Ashlyn Jackson - Academic Excellence & Consistent Effort
Siennah Pettet - Academic Excellence & Consistent Effort
Bridget Weaver - Academic Excellence & Consistent Effort
Year 9
Lucy Baker - Consistent Effort
Azaria Forrester - Consistent Effort
Prabjot Kaur - Consistent Effort
Callie Jarrett - Academic Proficiency
Mackenzie Ellem - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Evie Green - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Abby Petrovic - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Isla Stuart - Academic Excellence
Year 10
Annabelle Dunlop - Consistent Effort
Sophie Schweitzer - Consistent Effort
Hallie Thomson - Consistent Effort
Katherine Moffitt - Academic Proficiency
Isabelle Cartmill - Half Colours Academics
Jessica Emmery - Half Colours Academics
Philippa Hunt - Half Colours Academics
Anna Benson - Half Colours Academics & Consistent Effort
Khuslen Clark - Half Colours Academics & Consistent Effort
Chelsea Kentwell - Half Colours Academics & Consistent Effort
Matilda Meyn - Half Colours Academics & Consistent Effort
Year 11
Isobel Boot - Consistent Effort
Chelsea Curry - Consistent Effort
Harsimran Kaur - Consistent Effort
Fia Wallace - Consistent Effort
Amanda Knight - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Millie Packham - Academic Proficiency & Consistent Effort
Chilali Baggins-Cupitt - Half Colours Academics & Consistent Effort
Dominique Baker - Half Colours Academics & Consistent Effort
Robin Henry - Half Colours Academics & Consistent Effort
Maja Lind - Half Colours Academics & Consistent Effort
Hannah McIntyre - Half Colours Academics & Consistent Effort
Matilda Geue - Full Colours Academics & Consistent Effort
Mr Ryan Caldwell
Director of Teaching and Learning/English Teacher
It has been a fabulous start to the year in the Junior School, with students settling into routines, building relationships and embracing new opportunities with enthusiasm. It is wonderful to see our community reconnect and our students living the values that make NEGS such a special place to learn and grow.
Leadership
Our Year 6 students have embraced their leadership roles with maturity and pride, contributing through assemblies, Chapel and peer leadership opportunities. They have shared thoughtful reflections on our school values and Florence Green’s legacy, exploring what this means for them as learners and leaders within our Junior School.
Excellence and perseverance were also evident at our recent swimming carnival, where students achieved personal bests, embraced challenges with courage and determination, and supported one another.
Routines and Daily Organisation
Now that we are halfway through the term, daily routines are becoming more established, helping students feel secure and confident in their learning environment. Research consistently shows that predictable routines support children’s wellbeing, reduce cognitive load, and enable students to focus more effectively on learning and social engagement throughout the day.
To support smooth transitions at the end of each day, please ensure your child understands their pick-up arrangements:
If routines vary across the week, please provide a clear timetable to your child’s teacher, particularly for younger students, so we can ensure they are in the correct location. When late changes are unavoidable, please notify the Akaroa front office prior to 2:00pm. Students not collected by 3:30pm will be sent to the Homework Centre, with the associated cost charged to your account.
Upcoming Events
Armidale Show - 6th and 7th March
Students are currently working collaboratively on artworks that reflect this year’s theme, Looking Forward, Looking Back. The creative process has provided rich opportunities to develop collaboration skills, and we are proud to be participating in this long-standing and important community event.
Years 3 - 6 Camp - 18th - 20th March
Preparations are well underway for our upcoming camp - an important milestone in the Junior School journey. For our Year 3 students, this will be their first overnight camp, offering a valuable opportunity to demonstrate courage, build independence, and experience the benefits of stepping into the learning zone within a supportive environment.
Pre K - 2 Movie Night - 19th March
While our older students are away, our Pre K - 2 learners will be rolling out the red carpet for a special night of their own! Stay tuned for details about our Pre K - 2 Movie Night; an exciting evening of big-screen fun, cosy vibes and plenty of smiles.
Annual Bike Afternoon - 31st March
Students are eagerly anticipating our annual Bike Afternoon. Please note that this begins at the conclusion of the school day (3:30pm). All students using the NEGS bike track must wear their own helmets at all times. This event falls on the same evening as the Father’s Dinner. Students in Stage 3 (Years 5–6) are warmly invited to this event, details and RSVP can be found in our weekly ‘What’s Happening’ email.
Mrs Deanna Ford
Junior School CoOrdinator/Year 6 Teacher
Welcome (back) to Music at NEGS!
It has been a great start to the year and our music block, Forster, is buzzing with joyful sounds. At NEGS, music is a very important part of your child’s journey. This is because music plays an integral role in shaping your children’s future by building transferable skills and is fundamental to their wellbeing as they are growing up. Music brings people together whether they just jam for fun or are working towards an AMEB exam.
I’m excited that I can offer two lunchtime ensembles this year.
Tuesday lunchtime, we have the Bell Choir. You may remember the Carol Service at the end of last year where we first performed a piece for handbells in a very long time. Handbells were part of NEGS’ music practice for a long time and I’m proud that we are resurrecting this tradition. They sound beautiful and are accessible for all who want to have a go.
Bell Choir is open to all students from Year 6 onwards who can commit on a regular basis.
The Elastic Band rehearses Thursday at lunchtime and is a band for anybody who plays an instrument and wants to play in an ensemble. We will explore popular repertoire and work on arrangements collaboratively. Elastic Band is open to all secondary students who can commit to a regular basis.
If there is any sort of ensemble or music activity your child would like to be involved in, they are very welcome to talk to me about it. I will see what I make happen.
We also have a number of amazing instrumental teachers visiting NEGS. We work closely with the New England Conservatory of Music and some independent teachers who come to teach on campus.
We are able to offer lessons on the following instruments:
If you want to sign up your child for instrumental lessons, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will provide the necessary information.
I’m very excited to work with your children in 2026.
Yours musically,
Mrs Susanne Hughes
Music Teacher Yr 6 - 12
New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) Choirs - Minisingers
MINISINGERS is the perfect introduction to music, singing and performance for children in Years K – 2 and is ideal for young children wishing to learn an instrument in the future. Singing in a fun and friendly environment with others helps every young person develop their confidence, self-esteem, communication and social skills. Students learn fun action songs and musical games, which develop skills in pitch, rhythm, co-ordination and memory.
Rehearsals take place at the New England Conservatorium of Music each Wednesday of the school term from 4:00 – 4:45pm. Fees per term are $67.00.
Choral program members join for a whole year of activity including 9 weekly rehearsals during school terms, and concerts and performances throughout the year. Each choir is led by experienced music educators and accompanists. Active and Creative Kids vouchers are accepted. To enrol, New Student – New England Conservatorium of Music (necom.org.au)
New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) Choirs - Cantilena
CANTILENA is a choir for students in Years 3 – 6, performing more complex unison melodies, 2 and 3 part songs and providing additional performance opportunities as the choristers gain in confidence. Cantilena rehearsals take place at the New England Conservatorium of Music each Wednesday of the school term, from 4:00pm – 5:00pm. Fees per term are $90.00.
Choral program members join for a whole year of activity including 9 weekly rehearsals during school terms, and concerts and performances throughout the year. Each choir is led by experienced music educators and accompanists. Active and Creative Kids vouchers are accepted. To enrol, New Student – New England Conservatorium of Music (necom.org.au)
New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) Choirs - New England Singers
NEW ENGLAND SINGERS provides singers in Years 7-12 with opportunities to sing more advanced repertoire, develop their choral skills to a high level, and perform regularly. New England Singers is the featured choir at events such as New England Sings, Carols in the Park, and Australia Day, and many of our choristers often participate in elite choral programs such as Gondwana National Choral School. Year 12 students in their final year of NE Singers can also apply to be mentored in choral conducting by choir specialists.
NE Singers rehearse on Mondays during school terms at the New England Conservatorium of Music from 4.00pm - 5.15pm. Fees per term are $112.
Choral program members join for a whole year of activity including 9 weekly rehearsals during school terms, and concerts and performances throughout the year. Each choir is led by experienced music educators and accompanists. Active and Creative Kids vouchers are accepted. To enrol, New Student – New England Conservatorium of Music (necom.org.au)
Ms Hester Wright
Music/Choir Teacher
Excursion to Dorrigo Rainforest Centre
Recently the Design & Technology Classes in Stages 5 & 6 visited the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre to participate in a presentation by the Dorrigo National Parks on the process of designing the new viewing platform and centre at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.
To get a fully immersed experience of the rainforest, we walked down to Crystal Falls and when we returned, we had a highly valued talk on the design of the new centre from an Architects perspective, where we were able to appreciate the process of design in terms of the challenges faced to achieve sound engineering structures.
We also viewed a very informative visual presentation outlining how the cultural and world heritage aspects of the overall design have been accounted for enabling the final concept to be endorsed for ministerial approval.
Mr Thomas Degens
Art/TAS Teacher
Livestock
Our Livestock Team had a highly successful weekend at the Glen Innes Show, attending as part of the Sydney Royal qualifiers for Junior Judging and Paraders.
A huge congratulations to Amelia Fichtner, who placed 1st in Wool, Meat Sheep, Merino and 2nd in Vegetable Judging, qualifying for Sydney Royal in all four events. Heidi Zwiers also achieved an excellent result, qualifying for Paraders, while Issy Cartmill qualified for Beef Judging at Sydney Royal.
In addition, the team achieved great results in the local beef and sheep judging and local paraders, making it a fantastic weekend of learning, competition and success for all involved.
Ms Jordyn Snape
Agriculture Teacher
NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM
Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.
In 2026 the following vaccines will be offered:
Year 7
Year 10
At the bottom of this message is the URL and a QR code for all Year 7 and Year 10 parents to provide access to an online consent form.
To improve vaccination completion, students whose parents/guardians have provided consent while in Year 7 or Year 10 and who miss vaccine doses at any clinic, will be opportunistically offered these vaccines at each clinic visit throughout 2026 (Year 7 or 10) and2027 (Year 8 or 11).
Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by amending their student’s online consent.
The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/withdraw_consent.aspx
A Record of Vaccination will be provided to parents by SMS once a student has been vaccinated. Parents/guardians should not assume that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this SMS notification.
To provide consent for routine school vaccinations online Scan the QR code to give your consent
OR visit:
https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage
Mrs Kassy Cassidy
Head of Boarding
Country Women’s Association 100-year Centenary Celebration
A wonderful group of NEGS girls recently represented our school at the Armidale branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) 100-year Centenary Celebration held at the historic Saumarez Homestead on Saturday, 21 February. The free community event marked a century of service, advocacy and connection by CWA Armidale and featured plenty of activities, history displays and lively entertainment for all ages.
Throughout the day, our students exemplified NEGS’ core values of Responsibility, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence (R.I.T.E.), serving with warmth and grace as they poured tea and delivered freshly baked scones topped with generous cream and jam to the bustling crowds. Their cheerful service helped ensure that visitors could relax, indulge and explore the homestead’s exhibits and gardens in great spirits.
NEGS values its longstanding connection with the CWA, a relationship that has been strengthened over many years through community engagement and service, including the legacy of the late Miss White whose contributions to the region and to Saumarez Homestead are fondly remembered.
Well done to all our girls for their contribution to such a wonderful community celebration!
Mr Andrew Duggan-Smith
Art/Design & Technology Teacher
WINTER UNIFORMS
Any student who does not have a winter uniform, please make an appointment with the Uniform Shop as soon as possible so that these can be purchased or ordered if we do not have your size in stock.
Mrs Dee Ritch
Uniform Shop
Ms Evie Scott
Library Assistant
There is a lot that happens at school between the bells.
Lessons are taught. Friendships are formed. Challenges are faced. Confidence grows. Questions surface. Character is shaped.
“Faith Between the Bells” is a space to pause and reflect on the deeper things shaping life at NEGS - faith, resilience, hope, forgiveness, courage, and the faithful presence of God in the ordinary rhythms of school life.
In the busyness of a school term, my hope is that this section of the Newsletter offers a moment to look beyond assessment tasks, events and assemblies to the formation of our faith. It is a place to celebrate what God is doing in our school community, to gently explore life’s big questions, and to encourage our students (and ourselves) to be anchored to the hope we have in Jesus.
Here are a couple of stories that have already encouraged me in these first few weeks of the year.
Firstly, the enthusiasm Junior School has in Christian Studies has been a joy to see. From year 5 and 6, showing initiative and writing the answers to the Bible puzzles on the board to help their friends, to year 4 being eager to read the Bible and pray out loud in front of their class. This was completely initiated by them. How can I say ‘no’ to “Rev, can I read some of my new Bible to the class?”, and, “Rev, can I pray one of the prayers in the back of our workbooks out loud?” They make teaching a joy!
The secondary school has also been shining ‘between the bells’. I’d like to highlight year 12. Their enthusiasm as they participate in all aspects of the Chapel service (particularly the singing and actions) is a great example to our new students of how things are done at NEGS. I’ve also been able to witness year 12 leading their Houses in cheers for the Swimming Carnival. The leaders in Lyon House taught in a way which was full of joy, enthusiasm and positivity. The students responded extremely well to their leadership. Year 12 even took time out to ensure the Junior School students were able to understand their role in the cheers too. Maybe a few School Teachers in the making!!
As a Chaplain, seeing students showing enthusiasm and an openness to learn new things in Christian Studies and Chapel fills me with joy. Seeing our Year 12’s teach and lead with love and care makes me thankful for what we have here at NEGS.
Reverend Louise Davies
NEGS Chaplain
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 on (02) 6774 8700
Mrs Helen Smith
Academic Administrative Assistant
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