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NEGS News - Term 4 Week 8

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Summary of Week 8 highlights

• Celebration of Junior School Learning followed by Year 6 Dinner
• Sports Awards Assembly
• Year 10 Service Week

 

Tamworth TAFE

On Tuesday, I attended an Agribusiness Event at Tamworth TAFE College, enabling discussions with TAFE staff that opens the door to some exciting future opportunities for students at NEGS.

The TAFE sector has a range of offerings that will be relevant to some of our girls, and their staff are very enthusiastic about supporting the school in building a productive relationship with TAFE. It is fortunate that Justine Kavanagh, the School Relationship Coordinator for the region, is based in Armidale.

 

In 2023, we will introduce tours of both the main TAFE campus in Beardy Street and the Rural Skills Centre in Taylor Street, to familiarise students with the range of offerings and pathways available through this sector. TAFE offers nationally accredited training courses, some with Government funding available, in a range of fields relevant to the career pathways of many NEGS girls.

In 2023, trade ‘taster’ workshops will be offered in Armidale in the following industries:

• Animal Care;
• Automotive;
• Construction;
• Early Childhood and Care;
• Health Care; 
• Horticulture; and
• Hospitality.

 

Each nominated industry will provide face-to-face workshops over a two-day period. During the workshops, industry-trained teachers will enhance the participant’s skills and provide them with the opportunity to explore industries, to which they may not normally have the opportunity to be exposed.

I look forward to establishing closer links with this sector and making the most of the opportunities available to our students to develop workplace-relevant skills in Armidale, and even in their home towns during school holidays.

 

Engineers Without Borders

On Thursday, NEGS was privileged to welcome staff from the University of Sydney to lead workshops that exposed students to some of the exciting areas that contemporary engineering explores.

 

• Years 5 and 6

Floating Houses: Civil Engineering activity where students use concepts of buoyancy to create a structure that floats and holds weight using minimal material.

Renewable Energy: Mechanical Engineering activity where students learned about renewable wind energy in regional Australis and worked to create the most efficient wind turbine shape to produce the maximum current.

 

• Year 7 – 9

Prosthetic Leg: Biomedical Engineering activity where students made a prosthetic leg out of simple everyday materials.

 

Boarding Leaders for 2023

Congratulations to Jessica Beirne and Emily Edmunds for being selected as the NEGS Boarding Leaders for next year.

 

Junior School Captains and Primary Leader for 2023

Congratulations to Maysoon Alkhathami and Ava O'Hara for becoming the Junior School Captains, and to Abbie Kelly for becoming the Junior School Primary Leader. 

 

Liz van Genderen 

Prinicpal

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Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for this week’s academic assembly. This event presented an opportunity to celebrate the learning of all our Junior School, PreK to Year 6, with students receiving recognition for their achievements in the 2022 academic year. 

 

We also announced our 2023 Primary Leadership Team. I would like to extend my congratulations to Maysoon Alkhathami and Ava O’Hara, who will take up the roles of Junior School Captains and Abbie Kelly, our 2023 Primary Leader. 

 

It is also important to acknowledge our current student leadership team and Year Six cohort for 2022. Eloise Willaims and Philippe Ruhnke have embraced each and every opportunity presented this year as our outgoing Primary Captains with the support of Eilish Morgan, Primary Leader.

In their words; 

 

As we come to the end of Year Six, our thoughts turn more and more to the future - to our high school years and new friends, new teachers and new opportunities; to the teenage years with new challenges and experiences; and to new adventures that are yet to be revealed..!

 

But this is also a time for us to reflect on the past - the wonderful memories, the experiences that helped shape who we are today, and of course the people who have been a part of our journeys so far.

 

I would like begin by thanking the school for such an amazing year, and helping us all along the way. I have made many new friends this year, and learnt so much more. Sometimes school can be hard but learning to push through prepares us for the future.

 

All of these opportunities allowed us to grow, to try our best without a fear of failure, to learn to enjoy making mistakes. One of the biggest things I will take with me is respect and the importance of respect in everything we do. I know that when we act respectfully towards each other, no matter what the goal we can achieve.

 

But most importantly, at this milestone in our lives we reflect on and remember the special people. On behalf of all the Junior School students, we’d like to thank all of the people who have influenced and impacted our lives  Firstly our outstanding teachers - all of them.  We thank you for creating our lessons and learning activities, for organising the extra-curricular and sporting events, and always being there for the good, the challenging and the crazy times.

Thanks also to the support staff at school - you know, the ones who are often helping behind the scenes and sometimes without the recognition, but we know and we appreciate you - the Akaroa staff, health nurses, maintenance and cleaning crews, dining hall team and parent volunteers.

And finally, a school is not a school without the students, without our friends. Each and everyone of you hold a special place in our school. It has been amazing being here with you, making our year what it has been. A year to remember.

Eloise Williams and Philippe Ruhnke

Heidi Dent

Junior School Coordinator

Celebration of Learning

  

  

  

 

Junior School Pool Party

  

  

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On Wednesday 30 November, we held our special Sports Award Assembly to acknowledge and celebrate all the sporting accomplishments of our NEGS students. 

 

General Sporting Awards:

Connor Shield - Alyvia Wilson

Junior Sports Achiever - Sofia Havas

Most Outstanding Individual Sporting Achievement - Miranda O'Brien

Services to Sport - Ella Russell

Sportswoman of the Year - Alyvia Wilson

Student Coach of the Year - Gracie Boughton

Team of the Year - NEGS Dressage

Young Sports Achiever - Tabitha Havas

Spirit of Sport at UNE - Jorja Curry

 

  

  

 

Equestrian Awards:

Eventing - Vanessa Baker

Dressage - Eden Lochhead

Campdrafting - Imogen Cadzow

Showjumping - Alexandra Machlin

Polocrosse - Emily Wamsley and Sienna Robinson

Most Outstanding Equestrian Achievement - Emily Wamsley 

The Bullard Family Trophy - Bridget McKemey

 

 

Livestock Team:

Lyall Cameron Award - Georgia Scanlon

Robertson Family Shield - Ella Currie

Clonan Family Trophy - Trinity Ninness

Legacy Award - Eliza Watts

 

 

Hockey:

Junior Most Improved - Dominique Baker

Junior Best and Fairest - Molly Collett

Senior Most Improved - Caitlin Croft

Senior Best and Fairest - Lucinda Saunders

Carolyn Foot Award Player of the Year - Alyvia Wilson

 

 

Netball: 

Junior Most Improved - Amelia Fiechtner

Junior Best and Fairest - Regan Simpson

Senior Most Improved - Emily O'Rourke

Senior Best and Fairest - Ella Russell

Player of the Year - Regan Simpson

 

 

Rugby:

Junior Most Improved - Lily Kennelly

Junior Best and Fairest - Regan Simpson

Senior Most Improved - Rebecca Reid

Senior Best and Fairest - Pollyanna McCarthy

Player of the Year - Paige Anderson

 

 

Houses:

Why Not? Dumolo - Regan Simpson

Why Not? Green - Gracie Boughton

Why Not? Lyon - Jessica Beirne

Why Not? Murray - Megan Gerigk

 

 

Talented Athlete Program:

Talented Athlete Program Athlete of the Year - Alyvia Wilson

Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year - Zahlie Cabot

 

 

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We are excited to showcase the Equestrian Discipline Leaders for 2023!

 

I have been playing polocrosse since I was nine years old. 

I had the chance to attend NEGS in year 7. 

Being a member of the NEGS team has been one of my favourite experiences since starting at NEGS. It has been great to work with a group of girls that not only share my goals, but also value putting in a lot of effort and working as a team to achieve those goals. Being a part of this group and the larger NEGS community, has given me countless possibilities and life-changing experiences. I couldn't be more thrilled to lead such a fantastic group of girls in 2023!

Emily Wamsley, Polocrosse Leader

 

Hey everyone, I’m Eden, and I have been privileged enough to attend NEGS for 2 years now.

I am very excited to commence 2023 with a lovely bunch of dedicated EC girls, coaches, and leadership team. I aspire to continue 2023 in the show ring with my two beautiful show horses, learning lots and progressing throughout the year. NEGS has offered me a multitude of incredible opportunities and I cannot wait to continue my last year alongside the awesome NEGS team.

Eden Lochhead, Show Riding Leader

 

Hi, I’m Ruby! I’ve been riding for about 11 years, but only came to NEGS in 2020. 

Mainly doing Eventing and Showjumping, my thoroughbred, Tommy, and I are gradually moving up the heights, even doing our first 95cm ODE and 110cm SJ as a team in the coming weeks!

Coming to NEGS was probably one of the best decisions I have made towards furthering my equestrian career. The sense of community and help from the coaches has helped me immensely. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity that I have been rewarded and I plan to make the most of it by giving back to the people that have given me so much. I can’t wait for the next year to come and all the opportunities it will bring for me and the other girls; I can’t wait to work with you. Bring on 2023!

Ruby Agnew, Show Jumping Leader

 

My name is Jessica Beirne, and I have been involved in horses for the majority of my life.

I was lucky enough to have come to NEGS this year in term 2! I have met some amazing people and learnt so much already. I have a strong passion for Eventing, which I do with my OTT Chester, who is very fun to ride. I am really looking forward to working with a lovely group of girls in 2023, as well as the EC staff.

I am hoping to bring a positive atmosphere to the NEGS Equestrian Centre, and get as many girls involved in Eventing as possible. I enjoy encouraging the young equestrian girls at NEGS to give everything a go! 2023 here we come!

Jessica Beirne, Eventing Leader

 

My name is Bianca Turner and I have been riding since I was four years old. When I first saw the NEGS riders competing at a Quirindi ODE (One Day Event), I knew when I was six that I wanted to come to NEGS. Towards the end of last year, I asked mum if we could look more into it and mum’s quote then was 'Say yes and work the details out later'. That is a quote that has stuck by me. The interviews were nerve racking but I made it through to starting my first year of NEGS this year in term 1, starting Year 11. 

I started off not knowing anyone, being away from home but surprisingly settled in quite well. To this day, I haven't been homesick yet. Starting off in a new school, within the first hour I met some amazing people that have helped me start off my NEGS journey. The EC has been a safe space with amazing support from coaches, other students and staff and I hope to continue to create this environment for all the girls who are part of this community, and any future students. I have competed in dressage all the way through my riding life, being coached by many different and amazing coaches. One thing I would like to bring to the dressage and equestrian community, is not only the physical support, but the mental aspect. I would like to help support the girls in embracing their emotions to help them through the nerves in the competition atmosphere.

Bianca Turner, Dressage Leader

 

Hello, I'm Prudence Tumeth. I am so excited to be named captain of the Campdrafting squad. 

I am about to start my last year of 13 years of school at NEGS. I got into campdrafting from meeting an amazing family. When I came to NEGS, my dad said ‘no matter what you do, do it with your whole heart’, which I am hoping to put towards the girls.

I think describing my personality and who I am would have to be my passion towards the sport campdrafting, knowing my goals and how to achieve them. I also think about my desire to overcome every rock in the road that comes my way. I would have to say that my personality is kind, loving, caring, confident, cheeky, and bubbly. I am hoping to show the girls that they are willing to have a go and show me that their drive is as strong and mine is, then I will be more than willing to go above and beyond for the girls.

 I would like to have a team and a coach that is committed to making these girls superstars. I want the girls to feel accepted and not judged for doing what they love to do. I’m here as a role model, a leader, and a friend for the girls when they need my help with anything. I'm very excited to make the campdraft team fun and enjoyable, and I want the girls to be down there and not want to leave and to make fantastic memories with their team. When forming a team that is willing to have a go, and show that they are more than interested and ask me if they can go to a draft, then I will say to Annyka and their parents ‘ok, let’s load them up’.

I am willing to give the girls all the opportunities that I am able to provide for them. I am also hoping to have more clinics with people like Dan Steers, Neil Faint, Drew and Sally Stevenson and more. I am willing to show the girls that they can have dreams and achieve them while having an amazing time doing the thing they love. 

Prudence Tumeth, Campdraft Leader

 

I have been an equestrian student at NEGS for the past 3 years, and have enjoyed every moment of it. It is a place I feel supported and hope to continue doing that for years to come.

The friends I have made will stay with me forever, and the lessons learned through mentorship. 

For the year ahead, I could not be more excited to work with such a beautiful team of dedicated people. I thank the coaches for allowing all of us this opportunity to build upon not only our horse knowledge, but also our leadership skill

Megan Gerigk, Equestrian Captain

 

 

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Speech Day

We are excited to hold the 127th Speech Day on Friday 9 December. 

All students are expected to attend, in full uniform, with their blazer.

 

Morning Tea will follow the Speech Day Assembly. We ask that you RSVP using the form below, for catering purposes. 

 

 

NEGS Festival of Carols 

The NEGS Festival of Carols will be held on Thursday, 8 December, at 5pm in the Chapel. 

We invite all families and guests to attend, with a BBQ Dinner to follow. Please RSVP using the form below for catering purposes. 

 

 

Junior School Musical 

NEGS Junior School are excited to showcase their talent in the yearly musical. The 2022 musical is 'Pirates of the Curry Bean', and there will be two shows.

Please find the links to purchase tickets below. 

Monday Matinee Show:

Tuesday Night Show:

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A Message from the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation

We have been asked by the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation to deliver this message to parents and guardians:

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) through the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) and state and territory police, are seeing a concerning global trend of teenagers (predominantly male) being targeted online to send explicit images of themselves and then blackmailed, known as sexual extortion or sextortion.

 

Victims can suffer serious psychological impacts and unfortunately there have been instances of suicide and self-harm directly linked to victims of this crime.

 

We are urging parents, carers and educators to have important safety conversations to help prevent young people from harm.