From the Principal's Desk

We have just concluded Week 4 and moved into Week 5.  As always Nossal has been a busy place to work and learn in. 

Emergency Evacuation Drill

We have successfully completed our first Emergency evacuation drill for 2025 on Monday 25 February. We are getting better at these procedures and protocols.  

Year 9 Meet and Greet

We were delighted to welcome our Year 9 families at the Meet and Greet on Thursday 13 February.

At Nossal High School we are committed to building and strengthening our partnerships with families and ensuring that all students are fully supported as they make their way through the next four years. The evening is an annual highlight and provides an informal opportunity for staff to interact with families and students. It also allows parents to meet with their students' Heads of House and Tutorial teachers. 

We are very grateful to Mr LaBrooy, Director of Years 9 and 10, and his team, Ms. Young and Mr. Tomasini, for their excellent organisation and oversight of this event. We ask parents to continue to communicate with us if there is anything we can do to support their students.

2025 Swimming Carnival

The House Swimming Carnival was a fantastic event with outstanding performances in the pool and on the sidelines (by staff and students). Despite the extreme weather, the students were determined to make this memorable.  The day was filled with house colours, chants and outstanding competition in the pool. As always, the carnival did provide many opportunities for our students to shine with many impressive and individual and team performances. 

Several Nossal clubs and societies participated by selling baked goods, drinks, water, and Nossal merchandise. Students all got into the spirit of the day and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We commend everyone for their House Spirit and enthusiasm and congratulate Phoenix on their win. Thank you to Mr Christiansen, the PE team, and the Heads of House for organising and managing the day. 

Camps and Pathways Week: Future Ready

Nossal High School supports all students in learning and developing as young adults toward their own professional pathway, allowing them to be Future-Ready by the time they leave high school. Throughout their four-year experience at Nossal High School, students shape their identity within the learning community. They continue to develop a culture where progress is valued and in which they consolidate their skills.

During Camps and Pathways week (Term One: Week 8), students were asked to select from various career options and spend the day discovering the careers in those spaces. 

These options are designed to give students exposure to and immersion into careers in these areas. Students are encouraged to select areas that allow them to discover careers/vocations that they are unfamiliar with. 

The list below highlights the various options available to the Year 10 cohort. Each activity has a cost, so we gently ask parents to complete the consent forms on Compass. 

During the week, Year 10 and Year 11 students were asked to select from several Vocational Education Training (VET) or volunteering programs. A gentle reminder that the VET programs allow students to complete a program that is an industry and nationally accredited qualification will be helpful beyond the school gate. Successful completion of VET provides students with nationally recognised qualifications that deliver the skills and knowledge required for specific industries and occupations. 

We encourage parents to support this vital program by completing the Compass approvals and paying for the events.

Nossal's SRC

Our Student Representative Council, led by Tashi Mallawa, Illana Alam, and Ramika Loku Gamage, our School Captains, Sejal Chadha, Wilbur Machado and Vice Captains Anhad Arora, Kylinda Zhang, have been extremely busy this year, meeting every Thursday. 

Their meetings this year have been focused on developing an “authentic student voice.” They understand that they represent the student community and must listen to the suggestions and ideas from the school community. These suggestions are discussed and debated at their meetings, and a proposal in writing can then be sent to the principal team. 

The communications and philanthropic executive teams have also been busy ensuring that our community knows who represents them and how they might be approached. We thank them for their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our community to come together.

This year, rather than celebrating Valentine’s Day in the traditional way, the School Captain team and SRC placed positive affirmations on each student’s locker. This was well received by staff and students alike. 

This week, they have been actively organising Harmony Week, the theme of “Everyone belongs.” Harmony Week is a celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.​ The team has organised several events, including a multicultural dress-up day on Friday 28 February, which includes a parade and cultural celebrations with music. 

We greatly appreciate the support of parents who have helped their students with their market stalls and also our teachers who have helped supervise and organise the various events.   

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing is about to commence. Nossal students will be required to complete the Practice tests on Wednesday 26 March. This will allow students to work out any issues they may have with the technology before the test. Mr. LaBrooy, Director of Years 9 and 10, will oversee the logistics of the test. Students were provided with information about the test at a meeting last week. 

If parents and students have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. LaBrooy or Ms Bowles for more information.  

More information will be provided to students in the coming weeks. 

Proactive Programs: Year 11 Sleep lecture.

This week, the Year 11s students will attend a lecture about sleep. The focus of the lecture is the role of sleep to maximise performance at school. Sleep is essential for teenagers because it plays an important role in their physical and mental development. Most adolescents should get between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, research indicates that many teens get far less sleep than they need.

Teens face numerous challenges to getting consistent, restorative sleep. Recognising those challenges helps teens and their caregivers make a plan so that teens get the sleep they need. More information will be provided in newsletter.