New Norfolk High is a respectful learning community with high expectations that we know as The New Norfolk Way. One of the ways in which we build this is by focussing on improving academic outcomes for our students. The recent NAPLAN results demonstrated very encouraging improvement.

Relative growth measures the amount students improved from Year 7 to Year 9 when compared against the improvement of all other students around the country. This year, we saw an improvement of 13% in the number of students achieving medium or high growth in Reading, a 32% improvement for the same measures in Writing. These are some very significant improvements and come on top of the improvements I’ve already shared in disciplinary sanctions (down 40% on 2021) and attendance, which has improved over both of the last two years.

Last week was TA appreciation week. Another opportunity to demonstrate respect and gratitude for all the efforts of our Tas, both in and out of the classroom. We had a breakfast at school for our TAs on Monday and a staff morning tea to say thank you on Thursday. Our TAs are engaged in significant work together to provide even greater support for our students, including by completing the same Qualiteach modules required for teachers as part of the DECYP Lifting Literacy initiative.

Lastly, I would like to thank all parents who have completed the School Satisfaction Survey. The responses help us identify areas for future improvement, as well as track progress in those we are already working on. If you haven’t already completed the survey, the survey is open until the 19^th of September (the link was emailed to all primary contacts, but please get in touch with our office if you need it sent again or require other support to complete).

Stuart Lord

• Thursday 11^thSeptember Newsletter published
• Friday 12^thSeptember 2026 Prefect applications open
• Friday 12^th September 11/12 Quality Assurance Excursion
• Monday 15^thSeptember Student Showcase
• Thursday 18^thSeptember Assembly
• Friday 19^thSeptember Footy Colours Day
• Friday 19^th September Bingo Night
• Friday 19^th September Inter High Swimming
• Tuesday 23 September grade 10 RYDA Day
• Wednesday 24^th September VIP Day
• Thursday 25^thSeptember Athletics Carnival Day 1
• Thursday 25^th September Newsletter published
• Friday 26^thSeptember Athletics Carnival Day 2
• Friday 26^thSeptember Prefect applications close

NAPLAN

During Term 1 our Grade 7 and 9 students completed their NAPLAN assessments. Our focus as a school has been to make improvements in growth in the NAPLAN domains of Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation and Numeracy. It was great to see improvements in the medium and high growth of students in the 4 of the 5 domains. This is great reward for students and staff in our quest for continuous improvement.

During August NAPLAN reports were sent home to individuals. These reports showed achievement in the 4 bands – Needs additional support, Developing, Strong and Exceeding.

PAT Testing

During early Term 4, Progressive Achievement Testing (PAT) will take place for all students in the domains of Reading and Maths. This is an important part of the assessment process for New Norfolk High. These assessments allow the school to understand the growth and achievement of all students and how we may adapt our support and resources in the future.

If you wish to discuss any of aspect of your student’s achievement in NAPLAN, PAT or their progress, please contact the school.

Over two action-packed days, students explored career pathways in Hydro through tours, hands-on activities, and inspiring discussions with industry professionals.

Day 1 began at the Clarence TAFE “Wet Centre” with a formal presentation about the many courses available in Hydro. Students then moved on to valuable practical activities, including working with voltage and lights and wiring electricity in the home.

A highlight was hearing from six qualified young women employed across different Hydro fields, who shared their journeys, challenges, and successes, while encouraging students to ask questions.

The group then returned to the Hydro office for a seminar on Artificial Intelligence, where students demonstrated its uses on laptops. This was followed by a talk on Spot Trading, before wrapping up the day with fast-paced career conversations and personal stories from seven women, all promoting opportunities for young people in Hydro. Live Eats provided a delicious lunch across both days.

Day 2 took students further afield to Repulse Power Station near Ouse. After donning safety gear and completing a briefing, participants enjoyed an in-depth tour and small group walkthrough of the station to see firsthand how hydroelectricity is produced – a loud but unforgettable experience!

Following lunch at Tynwald Park, students returned to Hobart where each participant was presented with a certificate of completion.

A huge thank you goes to Gina and the many guest speakers who made this such an informative and memorable two days, and for their encouragement of young women to pursue careers in Hydro.

Mrs Cep would also like to thank Sharni, Meghan, and Ruby for their enthusiasm, participation, and respectful engagement throughout the program – it truly was a fantastic two days!

Jessica Cep
AST Years 11/12

This year, four grade 10 students participated in CoLab run by Beaker Street Festival and TMAG. Our students worked with both plant and Antarctic scientists to create artworks that respond to their current research. We are incredibly proud of our students and can finally share some photos of their journey and final artworks!

New Norfolk High Senior students have been taking advantage of work exposure and opportunities in many fields and pathways.

Students have been actively involved in pursuing work experience placements which have included: health care, education and numerous trades.

This week ten students attended an orientation to a 6 week work experience program in alliance with SWN ( Southcentral Workforce Network) and The Derwent Valley Railway.

Students were required to submit an expression of interest and attend an interview.

Congratulations to all who applied and to the successful applicants.

Year 10 students have also been making plans for 2026 in consultation with Claremont College, New Norfolk High, Elizabeth College and applying for apprenticeships.

We wish students all the very best as they reach this important milestone.

Our Year 11 and 12 students have achieved a great deal this term. Many have completed their RSA and White Card training, earning valuable additional TCE points. Students also engaged in a wide variety of work placements at Corumbene, NEXUS, ptunarra, Fairview Primary School, Claremont Tyre and Auto, and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition, two Year 11 students secured places in the DV Railway Program to further develop their construction skills.

Students took part in a number of career-focused opportunities, including the Tailgate Expo on 31 July, Beacon’s Polish Program on 13 August, and the Fearless Festival on 14–15 August.

Progress continues towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with students nearing completion of Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels—each worth an additional 12 TCE points.

Year 12 students are also beginning preparations for their Celebration Day activities and Final Dinner, planned for early November.

Reports
To achieve their TCE, students must earn 120 TCE points, along with their Literacy, Numeracy, and ICT requirements. Teachers are making contact with families to ensure students remain on track as they approach the final weeks of the year.

Jess Cep (11/12 AST)

At our school, we’re committed to making sure every child and young person receives the literacy support they need—when they need it. That’s why we use a consistent, evidence-based approach across all Department schools called the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

Here’s how MTSS works:

· Tier 1 – For all students: Every child is taught to read using proven, evidence-based teaching strategies.

· Tier 2 – For some students: Those who need extra time and practice with specific literacy skills work in smaller groups. Once they’ve mastered the skill, they return to Tier 1.

· Tier 3 – For a few students: These learners receive one-on-one support to help them learn specific literacy skills, alongside the learning in Tiers 1.

This system ensures that every student gets the right amount of help at the right time. Whether it’s extra practice or individual support, MTSS is our way of making sure no student is left behind in their literacy journey.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how your child’s learning is supported, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.