From the Principal
As we approach the end of Term 3, it is wonderful to reflect on what has been an especially memorable few weeks at Northcote High School. In our Centenary year, we have had many opportunities to celebrate our students, our history and the strong sense of community that continues to define our school.
A particular highlight was our Centenary Concert at the Clocktower Centre. It was an extraordinary evening that brought 100 years of Northcote High School history to life through music, performance and storytelling. Congratulations and thank you to the many students and staff who contributed countless hours to rehearsals and preparation, and to everyone who joined us for such a special celebration.
It was particularly fitting that our friends from Huaibei No. 1 High School were able to join us for the concert as part of their visit to Northcote. Our sister-school relationship now extends across 27 years, with generations of students and staff sharing cultural exchanges, friendship concerts and visits between Australia and China. It was wonderful to welcome our visitors into classes and school activities, and to see Huaibei students perform as part of our Centenary Concert. Their visit was a wonderful reminder of the enduring friendships and global connections that form part of our school’s history.
Those global connections will continue over the upcoming holiday period, with students preparing for a number of exciting international learning experiences. Our Italian exchange students will travel to Rome, our Music and Science students will visit China, including Huaibei, and senior students will take part in the Ancient Worlds Tour through Italy and Greece. These experiences are an important part of our Global Education program, providing students with opportunities to experience different cultures, deepen their learning and build connections beyond the classroom. We are particularly grateful to the staff who give their time to accompany our students and make these extraordinary opportunities possible.
Last Friday, our community came together again for the Friends of Northcote Comedy Night. It was a highly entertaining evening and another great example of the contribution our parent community makes to the life of the school. A very big thank you to the Friends of Northcote team for the considerable work involved in organising the event, and to everyone who attended and supported the evening.
Over the past fortnight, we have also held our Parent–Student–Teacher-Conferences. Thank you to the many families who participated and to our staff for the thoughtful conversations and feedback provided. These conversations are an important opportunity for students to reflect on their progress and establish goals as we move towards the final part of the year.
Yesterday, we also celebrated the creativity and achievements of our senior students at the Senior Art and Design Show. It was wonderful to see families, staff and friends come together to view the impressive range and quality of work on display. The exhibition provided a fitting opportunity to recognise the creativity, skill and commitment of our senior students and the support of the staff who have guided their work.
As our Year 12 students approach the final weeks of their secondary schooling, Term 4 will bring further opportunities to celebrate their learning and achievements before attention turns to final assessments and examinations.
As we head towards the holiday break, I thank our students, staff and families for their contribution to another successful term. I particularly wish our students and staff travelling overseas a safe and rewarding journey, and everyone in our community a restful and enjoyable break.
Chris Jones
Principal, Northcote High School