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| 3 Jun 2026 | |
| Written by Tianna Kelly | |
| General News |
As Term 2 concludes, we welcome our first frost of the season and celebrate the achievements of our students. The recent socials provided a great opportunity for students and families to connect with friends and embrace the spirit of our school community.
The extended mid-year break provides time to pause, reset, and reflect on the question: Why NEGS? For some, it is the breadth of opportunities available. For others, it is our academic focus, sporting pathways, equestrian program, nurturing environment, or boarding experience. Many families are drawn to the strong sense of connection within our community and our belief in a co-educational Junior School and girls-only Senior School model.
These are all valid, rich, and discerning reasons for choosing our school, and together they contribute to the distinctiveness of the NEGS community.
The excerpt below revisits the age-old debate about how our senior girls learn best. While educational trends continue to evolve, our focus remains steadfast: providing an environment in which every student can thrive.
Insights from Dr Mark Williams at the Educating Girls Symposium Melbourne, 20 April 2026
Key Insights
For girls’ schools, this reinforces the importance of relational learning environments. Connection is not only a pastoral consideration; it is central to academic engagement and retention.
Dr Mark Williams observed that many girls are deeply uncomfortable with getting things wrong, and that fear of failure can actively inhibit learning. His message was clear: students learn through error, reflection and trying again.
Teachers who model vulnerability, curiosity and learning through mistakes help create environments where girls feel able to take intellectual risks.
For girls’ schools, this is not just an academic issue — it is closely connected to leadership, confidence and resilience.
Ms Liz van Genderen
Principal
As we cross the finish line of what has been a productive and exciting term, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible energy and dedication that defined our school community over the past weeks. It has been a term bursting with opportunities, from the classroom and the sporting fields to debating and community service. A highlight was our most recent community effort, our incredibly successful fundraiser for the World’s Greatest Shave, which saw our students and staff come together with immense generosity and spirit for a fantastic cause. Seeing our students dive into these challenges and community initiatives with enthusiasm has been rewarding.
As we pause to catch our breath, our focus naturally shifts to the horizon. Next term brings fresh academic challenges and new opportunities, but maximising them requires the right balance. How we "lock in" and approach our work when we return will set the tone for the rest of the year.
To ensure every student succeeds, we are reinforcing core pillars: Attendance is Vital: Every single day in the classroom counts. Consistency is at the root of academic progress and social connection. Academic Rigour is Essential: Students need to challenge themselves, embrace hard work, take pride in and responsibility for their academic growth.
Achieving academically requires consistency, which brings us to an important aspect of how we value our time together. A significant part of our success relies on when we are in class. Lately, we have noticed an increase in requests for early departures for weekend leave and extended end-of-term departures. Please be reminded that early departures for weekend leave or ending the term early are not approved absences.
When students leave early, it does not just disrupt their own learning; it impacts the overall culture of the school. It signals that final lessons or Friday afternoon commitments are optional, which undermines the collective effort of our teachers and students who are focused and engaged in their work until the final bell. We ask for your partnership in scheduling travel and family leave strictly within official school holiday periods.
Finally, success next term will depend heavily on how students manage their responsibilities while off-campus or during independent study periods. Being disciplined means maintaining high standards of work even when a teacher is not standing directly over your shoulder. We encourage families to speak with their children about setting up productive routines during the break so they can hit the ground running upon our return.
Thank you all for your continued support, your energy, and your commitment to making our school a place of excellence. Have a safe, restful, and wonderful break, and we look forward to seeing everyone back in class, on time, and ready to work next term.
Mrs Heidi Dent
Deputy Principal
Celebrating school success
A highlight of the term was our 2026 Athletics Carnival. Students embraced our school motto, “Whatsoever you do, do it heartily,” demonstrating enthusiasm, perseverance and encouragement throughout the day. The carnival provided opportunities for every student to participate and experience success in their own way. A special thank you to our Pre-K - Stage 1 staff, who created age-appropriate activities that captured the spirit of the event for our younger students. We are also grateful to the many parents who attended and supported the day.
Year 6 students recently completed their first round of the Tri-School Debating Competition, defeating TAS while arguing the negative case for the topic Online friendships are just as valuable as face-to-face friendships. Congratulations to the team: Mim, Matilda, Audrey and Belle, for their excellent teamwork, clear rebuttals, and convincing delivery which impressed the adjudicator and audience alike. Thank you also to Mrs Packer for her support and guidance.
A small group of students from Years 3 - 6 also represented NEGS at the Regional Schools Chess Competition. This provided a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded students from across the region while demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and representing the school with pride. Well done to all involved.
Our winter sports program continues to strengthen teamwork, resilience and healthy lifestyles. Thank you to the families who brave the chilly Saturday mornings, support their children’s participation and model positive sportsmanship. Your commitment helps foster a strong sense of school spirit and community connection.
Term 2 also brings a musical focus through the Armidale Eisteddfod. We were delighted to see our K-2 and 3-6 Choirs, Songbirds, Year 3 and Year 4 Strings, and Saumarez Strings perform with confidence and pride. Participation in choirs and ensembles not only develops musical skills but also nurtures collaboration, discipline and a sense of belonging. Thank you to our dedicated music staff for their ongoing commitment to the Junior School music program.
The Junior School Disco was a wonderful way to conclude a busy term. Thank you to our Liaison Parents for providing nibbles for the adults while students danced the night away in the hall. It was a fabulous evening, made possible by the support of our staff and families. Opportunities like these strengthen the sense of connection that makes NEGS Junior School such a special community.
Car Park Reminder – Keeping Traffic Moving Safely
We appreciate the patience of families during afternoon collection. To ensure the safety of our students and to prevent traffic from backing up onto St John's Avenue, we ask all families to follow the procedures below.
If using the turning circle:
If walking in to collect your child:
Important Reminder
Vehicles must not wait at the entrance to the car park or stop in a way that prevents other vehicles from entering. When the turning circle is full, please continue driving and return once space becomes available, or park and walk in to collect your child.
These procedures help keep traffic moving, reduce congestion on St John's Avenue and, most importantly, ensure the safety of all students, families and staff.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Mrs Dee Ford
Junior School Coordinator
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce that NEGS Junior School is participating in Jump Rope for Heart – a fantastic fundraising and physical activity program by the Heart Foundation.
By participating in Jump Rope for Heart, we’re expecting to get our students moving. We’ll have new skipping ropes available on the school grounds and are encouraging everyone to help raise funds for lifesaving research and support programs.
The students will learn new skills, increase their physical activity, and learn about heart health. And the program will end with our school ‘Jump Off Day’ on, Friday 24th July where your child gets to show off their new skipping skills to their friends.
When you register your child online, you’ll get access to additional skipping resources to help give your child a great reason to get away from the screens and get outdoors. Register and create your own secure webpage at www.jumprope.org.au/parents.
By signing up online, you and your child/ren can:
Your child should have taken a ‘Parent and Guardian Guide’ flyer home, which includes further information on the program. If you didn’t receive this, visit www.jumprope.org.au/parents for all the information that you need.
Thank you for getting involved in Jump Rope for Heart!
Yours sincerely,
Ms Naomi D’Arcy
Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator/Year 4 Teacher
At NEGS, we strive to equip our students with the tools they need to navigate, challenge, and shape the world around them. Among our Deep Learning competencies, few are as dynamically integrated into school life as Communication for Impact and Critical Thinking, two powerhouse skills that find their ultimate testing ground in the art of debating. Debating is far more than just arguing a point; it is the structured synthesis of logic, empathy, fast-paced analysis, and persuasion. This term, our young orators put these skills into practice on both local and national stages, proving that the future of articulate leadership at NEGS is in exceptionally safe hands.
The intellectual fire of our middle-school cohorts was on full display recently during the Tri Schools Shield debating competition. Facing off against our local peers at PLC and TAS, our Year 6, 7, and 8 students stepped up with remarkable poise and sharp minds. The Tri Schools Shield offers a fantastic platform for these year groups to transition from classroom discussions to formal, high-stakes competitive arenas. Our students didn't just participate; they showcased a spectacular depth of critical thinking. Faced with complex, multi-layered motions, they were required to deconstruct opposing arguments on the fly, build robust, evidence-based cases under tight preparation timeframes, and collaborate fluidly as cohesive units, supporting each speaker through their rebuttal. Watching our Year 6, 7, and 8 students anchor their points with such maturity and academic rigor was a testament to their growing intellectual independence. They represented NEGS with immense pride and clarity.
Beyond our local region, NEGS has also been participating on the national stage in the Australian National Virtual Debating Competition (ANVDC). This highly competitive forum brings together schools from across the country via zoom, testing students with impromptu-style topics, minimal research windows, and professional adjudication. NEGS proudly fielded two Junior Division teams and one Intermediate Division team. Virtual debating introduces a unique challenge: speakers must master the digital space, ensuring their communication for impact translates clearly through a screen without losing an ounce of passion, eye contact, or presence. Our girls rose to the occasion beautifully. Their ability to quickly synthesise data, formulate clear models for a better future, and deliver sharp, unscripted rebuttals demonstrated the exact resilience and agility that a NEGS education fosters.
Why do we place such an emphasis on these fast-paced, intellectually demanding competitions? Because the skills honed on the debating floor are exactly what the future demands of our young women. In a world increasingly shaped by rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence, algorithmic echo chambers, and a deeply complex media landscape, the ability to think critically is no longer just an academic asset, it is a vital shield and a superpower. As generative AI shifts how information is produced and consumed, and as media streams become harder to verify, the next generation cannot afford to be passive consumers of text or video. They must be active, sceptical, and discerning analytical thinkers. Debating teaches our students to question underlying assumptions, verify structures of logic, and spot misinformation or bias from a mile away.
By mastering critical thinking and communication for impact, our NEGS debaters are learning how to cut through the digital noise with clarity, truth, and conviction. Congratulations to all our debaters this term, you are not just winning arguments; you are building the intellectual armour needed to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Mr Ryan Caldwell
Director of Teaching and Learning/English Teacher
Developing Grit
We often hear about the importance of young people developing ‘grit’ but what does that actually look like in a boarding environment? At its heart, grit is the ability to persevere through challenges, discomfort and setbacks. Boarding provides opportunities for students to develop this characteristic as they learn to live, learn and grow alongside others.
There are a couple of key aspects of grit that I feel are particularly important:
Delayed Gratification
Learning that worthwhile outcomes take time. Whether it is building friendships, achieving academic and sporting goals or earning greater independence, success is often the result of consistent effort rather than immediate reward. There have been many successes this term, both individually and as teams, these students would recognise this aspect of developing grit as they look at their success through the lens of their commitment and training.
Managing Emotions
Challenges, disappointments and conflicts are a normal part of life. Grit develops when young people learn to independently work through emotions constructively rather than avoid them or pass them to someone else. The opportunity to practise this aspect of grit often presents at the end of term when boarders are tired, or they are sick with a cold or under pressure to complete assessments and tests. This is often when we see an increase in naming and blaming other things rather than acknowledging what is really driving their emotions.
As parents and educators, one of the most important ways we can help develop grit is by allowing children the opportunity to try to manage themselves before we step in to rescue them. While our instinct is often to solve problems quickly, growth is most likely to occur when young people are encouraged to think through their challenges, seek appropriate support and discover their own solutions. Of course, there are times when adult intervention is needed. However, many of the everyday challenges our children face provide valuable opportunities to build resilience, to problem solve, to gain independence and self-belief.
At NEGS Boarding, we see examples of grit every day. It is built not through one spectacular action, but through small, consistent moments of perseverance that prepare our young people for life beyond school. It is a gift when parents give their children the space and opportunity to find their own solutions to challenges or problems, and to know that by encouraging them to do so they are developing a lifelong attribute of success - grit.
Mrs Kassy Cassidy
Head of Boarding
Year 7 Visual Arts
This term, Year 7 Visual Arts students have been exploring the theme of Dreams, investigating both the dreams they experience while sleeping and the hopes and aspirations they hold for their future. Students examined how artists use colour, symbolism and imagery to communicate ideas, emotions and personal stories. Drawing on their own experiences, students created paintings that visually represented their dreams and developed written reflections explaining the meaning behind the symbols and images they included. It has been wonderful to see students express their creativity while exploring their identities, ambitions and imaginations through both visual and written forms.
Year 8 Visual Arts
This term, Year 8 Visual Arts students have been exploring surf and skate culture as a source of inspiration for their own skateboard designs. Students investigated the history, imagery and visual language of surf and skate brands, including iconic Australian companies such as Mambo, examining how artists and designers use logos, symbols, colour and humour to create memorable identities. Drawing on their own interests, experiences and personal stories, students developed a range of original design concepts in preparation for creating their own skateboard artworks. It has been exciting to see students experiment with creative ideas while developing their skills in design, drawing and visual communication.
Year 9/10 Visual Arts
This term, Year 9/10 Visual Arts students have been exploring the themes of home, place and landscape through a range of practical and conceptual artworks. Students have investigated how artists represent personal connections to places, memories and environments, while developing their own visual responses to landscapes that are meaningful to them. Through drawing, painting and mixed media processes, students have experimented with colour, composition and symbolism to communicate ideas about belonging, identity and the significance of place. It has been wonderful to see students develop increasingly personal and thoughtful artworks that reflect their individual experiences and perspectives.
Year 9/10 Food Technology
This term, Year 9/10 Food Technology students have explored the rich diversity of food in Australia, investigating how different cultures have influenced the foods, flavours and cooking traditions that are now part of everyday Australian life. Students researched the origins of a variety of cuisines and examined how migration and cultural exchange have shaped Australia's food landscape.
Students also launched the New England Snacks Café, planning, preparing and serving a range of delicious and nutritious meals for the school community. Through this hands-on project, students developed practical food preparation skills while building confidence in teamwork, communication, event management and customer service. It has been wonderful to see students take pride in creating quality food experiences while working collaboratively to run a successful café.
Mr Andrew Duggan-Smith
Art/Design and Technology Teacher
Senior Social
The social this term will definitely be a highlight of this year. With my friends and I, all matching as minions, we spent the whole night dancing and screaming all of our favourite songs. It is such a great time to make new friends and reconnect with friends from Farrer and PLC that you probably don't get to see very often! The food beforehand was great, and all of the drinks and lights really set a great mood for the entire night. So thank you to the SRC and the teachers for all of the effort that they put into such an amazing night!
Maeve Curry, Year 9
"The social was a fun and enjoyable night that gave me the chance to meet more people from PLC and Farrer, allowing me to broaden my friendships as a new girl at NEGS. I had many conversations with new people and dance battles on the floor. I was able to be myself and dance without feeling judgment from anyone around me."
Matilda Seddon, Year 10
ACCESS PHOTO GALLERY HERE.
New England Girls’ School collaborated with The Armidale School and applied through Veterans NSW to attend the Commemoration of Indigenous Service in Sydney. After highlighting our First Nation community’s history within the Indigenous Defence Service, we were selected as one of only three schools across New South Wales to attend. We mentioned that Jaylee Burns received an Award for an ANZAC Art Prize during the year, and Lily Saunders, whose grandfather was Captain Reginald Saunders during World War Two.
During the event, we visited Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, where we learned about its connection to Indigenous activism and the Aboriginal Tent Embassy established there by Isabel Coe.
We then visited the Museum of Contemporary Art and explored an exhibition by Indigenous artist, Tony Albert, whose work focused on identity, history and resilience.
That evening, we attended the opening of the Australian Museum's new exhibition, Ngurruwarra. Dancers, singers and artists from the Wellesley Islands shared stories of their culture through music, dance and art. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and richness of Indigenous cultures across Australia.
On Thursday, we toured the NSW War Memorial. One of the most moving parts was seeing soil collected from towns across New South Wales whose men and women served and died for Australia, along with soil from overseas battlefields where Australians fought. It was a powerful symbol of remembrance and sacrifice.
Friday was the highlight of the trip, the “Commemoration of Indigenous Service.” We were honoured to attend alongside veterans, serving personnel, community leaders and special guests, including the Governor of New South Wales and Uncle Harry Allie. Uncle Harry served in the Royal Australian Air Force and founded the Commemoration of Indigenous Service more than 20 years ago. Through his dedication, Indigenous servicemen and women from conflicts including the Boer War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and more recent operations, have received greater recognition for their service.
The ceremony was both inspiring and humbling. It reminded us that Indigenous Australians have always served their country with courage and commitment, often despite facing significant challenges at home.
After the service, we attended a luncheon where we had the opportunity to meet veterans and hear some of their stories firsthand.
This trip taught us a great deal about service, leadership, history and remembrance. It was an experience that all of us will remember for a very long time.
Mr Thomas Degens
Waratah Coordinator/Design and Technology Teacher
First Twilight Concert in two years, Eisteddfod success and many personal bests
This semester has been amazingly busy and successful for the Music Department at NEGS.
The Stage 4 Choir won 1st Prize in their age group at the Armidale Eisteddfod, performing ‘Moko’ by Paul Jarman, beautifully prepared by our choral specialist Ms Hester Wright. This is the first win we have had in many years and is testament to the amazing work Ms Wright does - but also to the students who have such a positive attitude towards learning.
The Year 9/10 Music Elective Class performed at the Eisteddfod as well, but non-competitively due to the absence of some students. Nevertheless, the experience of performing in front of an audience and hearing other classroom ensembles was an important growth opportunity for them.
Stage 5 and 6 Music Elective Students went to see and hear the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at Lazenby Hall - they heard repertoire by Stravinsky, Kodály’ and the contemporary Australian composer, Holly Harrison.
Another highlight of the semester was the first Twilight Concert in two years, a performance opportunity for all students who take instrument lessons and/or play in ensembles. We heard timeless classics like ‘Old McDonald’ by Junior School students as well as sophisticated classical pieces and contemporary songs by Senior School students.
Performing in a concert is about much more than making music - it is an opportunity for students to grow in confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Preparing for a performance teaches dedication and perseverance, while stepping onto the stage encourages students to challenge themselves and celebrate their achievements.
For many students, including those performing in our recent Twilight Concert, the experience of sharing music with an audience is both exciting and rewarding. The sense of pride that comes from a successful performance can inspire students to continue developing their skills and pursuing their passions.
Concerts create lasting memories and help students discover what they are capable of achieving together.
If your child plays an instrument and you would like them to perform in future Twilight Concerts, please contact Mrs Hughes at susanne.hughes@negs.nsw.edu.au.
Mrs Susanne Hughes
Music Teacher
This term in Junior school, we started every second Wednesday holding a Round Square club hosted by Secondary students. This involves reading about one of the 12 Round Square Heroes of Discovery and then completing an activity around the story.
This has led to some wonderful sharing moments between our Secondary students and the Junior school students. This term we have explored three characters, Communication Cara, Compassionate Carlos and Courageous Collette! The activities are displayed in the library for everyone to enjoy!
In Secondary Round news this term, students are completing the 60 for 60 challenge, in which they move their bodies (running, swimming, walking, biking) for 60 kilometres to celebrate 60 years of Round Square.
They are also involved with international penpals, and are looking forward to setting up more next term with their first Round Square international collaboration.
In international news, the NEGS Round Square committee hosted its very first Postcard session, which is an online zoom forum for students in Round Square schools. From the Round Square newsletter:
NEGS, Australia - Theme: Exploring School Culture Together
The session focused on the topic “Exploring School Culture Together” which gave participants the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about how school environments evolve and differ across contexts.
During the plenary, Samaira from The British Co-Ed High School, India, shared that they discussed how school changed over the course of time and compared different activities and traditions across countries. Brooke from Iona College, New Zealand, expressed that she enjoyed hearing about schools' similarities and differences, highlighting the value of shared perspectives, while Geetisha from The Hyderabad Public School, India, reflected on how school culture shapes student relationships, while Kamran from Sunbeam School Lahartara, India, noted it was fun to analyze how school culture can evolve over the years.
Thank you to baraza leaders Sasha, Imogen, Abby, Mackenzie, Eilish, Paige, Azaira, Evie, Emily, Elena, and Abigail.
This is a first for NEGS and was a huge success - and lots of fun!
We also joined a Postcard from Steinmühle in Germany, which was loads of fun, and focused on school sustainability.
We are all looking forward to more Round Square adventures next term!
Ms Fiona Munzenrieder
Round Square Coordinator
On Thursday 18th June, we were fortunate enough to welcome Mitch Tambo back to perform as a part of our NAIDOC celebrations. He is one of Australia’s most unique and electrifying First Nations entertainers and has achieved 10 consecutive number ones on the iTunes Worldwide charts.
He has been nominated for two Golden Guitar Awards for his work on ‘Come Together’ alongside Lee Kernaghan and Isaiah Firebrace and was recently announced as one of the performers at the upcoming John Farnham tribute concert and cancer fundraiser at Rod Laver Arena alongside artists such as Celine Dion, Hugh Jackman, Keith Urban and Jimmy Barnes.
Students from K-12 showed off their moves in an epic dance battle and as the morning unfolded, students hokey pokeyed, line danced, formed conga chains and sang along to hits including The Best, Great Southern Land and of course, You’re The Voice. There may have even been a sneaky Nutbush in there! Following the performance, our First Nation students had the opportunity to meet Mitch one on one for a Yarning Circle, with Mitch providing advice on topics from connecting to culture to getting into music as a career. It was a fantastic morning and we are very thankful that Mitch was able to take the time out of his touring schedule to visit us.
ACCESS PHOTO GALLERY HERE.
Ms Stone
Please read the Careers Newsletter HERE.
Mr Mark Ambrose
Careers Advisor/Business Studies Teacher
Walcha late bus - managed by The Armidale School
My name is Gail Rogers, I am with the transport department at TAS, I am just writing to let you know that with Gavin Latham retiring as of the end of this week, we will be taking over the Walcha late bus service from the start of next term onwards.
Our department drivers are:
Simon Ball (head transport officer/bus driver): 0438 711 472
Gail Rogers (assistant transport officer/bus driver): 0421 526 233
Dale Northam (casual bus driver): 0409 045 813
*** Parents will need to text us directly what day their child needs to catch the bus.
Nothing else will change.
three.pees.creations@gmail.com
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/open-play-clay-day-tickets-1991884724832
Featuring our own Miss Evie Scott!
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